David Akoubian

Acclaimed nature photographer David Akoubian’s images have appeared in North America’s most prestigious nature magazines and some of the world’s most recognized brand’s consumer publications.

With 30 years of experience, David is also a well-respected instructor, leading photo workshops in his home state of Georgia and neighboring states.

“Great photography comes not from just being in the right place at the right time, but being able to position yourself in the right place at the right time,” David says. “VANGUARD tripods, monopods and ball heads help me do this. With innovative features, they enable me to take unique angle shots, and, being light and compact, they have a tremendous impact on a shoot.”

David’s macro photography set up includes a VANGUARD Alta Pro 283CT tripod outfitted with an ABH 340K ball head. He also uses an Alta+ 255CT tripod, Elite CP-324 and Tracker AP-284 mopods and SBH 50 ball head.

For more on David and his exceptional work, visit his website and blog.

 Jason Hahn & Les Voorhis/Outdoor Photo Workshops

Acclaimed, professional nature photographers Jason Hahn and Les Voorhis bring expert instruction to awe-inspiring locations through their Outdoor Photo Workshops.

Jason, who is also a certified Florida Master Naturalist, has been widely published in books and national magazines, such as Outdoor Photographer, Popular Photography, and Florida Wildlife. He has also been involved in projects with organizations including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and South Carolina Waterfowl Association.

Les is one of South Dakota’s most prolific and published outdoor photographers, with credits in Bugle Magazine, Wolf Publishing, Harris Publications, Game and Fish Publications, Primedia Group, Pentax Corp., Smith-Southwestern, South Dakota Magazine, Bowhunter and more.

This year, Outdoor Photo Workshops made VANGUARD photo-video accessories and sporting optics part of its official gear. “We recommend VANGUARD sporting optics for their impressive color reproduction and quality view,” Hahn says. “Nature photographers also appreciate their lightweight, ergonomic designs and many waterproof and fogproof models.”

Jason and Les use Spirit Plus 8360 binoculars, High Plains 580 spotting scopes, Alta Pro 283CT and Alta+ 254CB tripods, ABH 340L and SBH 100 ball heads, Elite CP-324 monopods

For more on Outdoor Photo Workshops, visit their website or Facebook Fan Page.

Kyle & Kristy Baugh/Gallippo’s Photography

For the last 10-plus years, Kyle and Kristy Baugh have built a name for themselves and their photo studio, Gallippo’s Photography, in their home base of Northwest Ohio and beyond, by producing high-end portrait, wedding and commercial photography.

In 2010, Kyle & Kristy incorporated several VANGUARD photo accessories into their studio set-up, including an Alta Pro 283CT tripod.

“Right out of the box I noticed how light and compact the unit is, but don’t let that fool you; this is a rugged and sturdy base for your camera. I like the twist-lock legs, because they are quick to operate, silent and lock tight. The silent operation doesn’t sound like a big deal, but when you are adjusting your tripod in the middle of a wedding ceremony, it’s nice to not have clicking or snapping from your tripod.
The height range is also a huge asset; you can go flat on the floor or high above the crowd. Alta Pro makes it easy to get steady shots even from difficult angles.”

Kyle & Kristy also use VANGUARD’s ABH 230L and SBH 100 ball heads, UP-Rise 43 sling camera bag and VGP 33 and Supreme 53F hard cases.

For more on Gallippo’s Photography, visit their website and blog.

Jim Foster

Nature photographer and writer Jim Foster has been shooting and describing the outdoors since his days in the Boy Scouts. Jim’s images and prose on travel, adventure and the environment have appeared in national and regional magazines, newspapers and books in the United States and overseas.

Jim is a member of several outdoor writing organizations and sits on the board of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. He’s also a member of the American Society of Media Photographers and Southeast Outdoor Press Association.
Jim also runs a successful stock photography business, and he maintains a popular photo, nature and hunting blog at www.fosteroutdoors.blogspot.com.

Jim uses two VANGUARD tripods, including an Alta Pro 263AT for his macro images.

“I have fallen in love with the ease of their use,” he says.

Jim also uses an UP-Rise 48 backpack and Supreme 46F hard case to protect his cameras during his time on the water.

Jacob Blickenstaff

From iconic portraiture to stirring documentary photography, music photographer Jacob Blickenstaff pictures capture the dynamic spirit of his soulful subjects.

His clients include LincolnCenter, The Ponderosa Stomp Foundation and Daptone Records. His work has appeared in publications such as Rolling Stone, The Grammy Magazine, Oprah Magazine and the Fretboard Journal.

Jacob uses a VANGUARD Tracker Series tripod with PH-55 three-way pan head to support his medium format Hasselblad camera for portrait work.

“The quality is excellent, very solid build and it’s a ridiculously good value,” Jacob says. “I believe in buying gear right the first time and buying quality over the cheap solution. The Tracker series is affordable and pro quality, which is great for serious photographers in this economy.”

He also uses a Supreme 40 hard case with insert to store and ship his Hasselblad. “Nice construction, nice materials, good value. I trust it.”

For more on Jacob and his work, visit his blog.