The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Recent Episodes
Derrick Story
Where photography meets technology. Weekly podcasts, photo tips, equipment reviews, and more. Author and pro photographer Derrick Story shares his insights, experiences, and opinions.
This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,004, June 17, 2025. Today's theme is, "The New OM System OM-5 Mark II." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Today OM System is announcing the Mark II update to its enthusiast OM-5 mirrorless camera. Many of the new features are based on customer feedback from the previous version. On this week's TDS photography podcast, I'll explain those updates plus add a few thoughts of my own. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 1004
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The New OM System OM-5 Mark IIOM System is delivering a second generation of their compact, adventure-ready mirrorless camera, the OM-5 Mark II. Retaining much of its predecessor's build and imaging technology, including its 20.4MP Live MOS MFT Sensor and TruePic IX Image Processor, the Mark II sports an improved grip, USB-C power delivery and data connectivity, a dedicated Computational Photography button, new creative shooting modes, new video picture modes, and a simplified, user-friendly menu system. The rugged, IP53-weatherproof camera continues to be an ideal choice for high-quality imagery with a light footprint in outdoor, travel, and street applications.
Let's take a look at its highlights:
- Improved ergonomic grip.
- New USB-C port allows charging from a power bank--perfect for extended outdoor shoots.
- Computational Photography button on top plate.
- New shooting modes: Night Mode & Hand Held Assist.
- New OM-Cinema Video Profiles for impressive cinematic 4K movies.
- Now features the OM-1 series menu structure for intuitive control.
- Class-leading 5-axis image stabilization for consistently sharp images in any situation.
- Splash & dust proof (IP531) with freeze-proof protection to -10°C for confident shooting in challenging conditions.
- Available in two classic colors: Black and Silver, plus an all-new color, Sand Beige, inspired by natural tones and made for outdoor explorers.
Pricing & availability for OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II
- The OM-5 Mark II will be available early July, at a suggested retail price of $1,199.99 US / $1,699.99 CAD.
- A bundled in a kit with OM-5 Mark II and M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm F4.0 PRO lens will be offered at a suggested retail price of $1,599.99 US / $2,199.99 CAD.
- A bundled in a kit with OM-5 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II OM lens will be offered at a suggested retail price of $1,499.99 US / $2,099.99 CAD (Note: Sand Beige version is not available as a kit.)
Launch Offer
2 Year Extended Warranty with Purchase of OM-5 Mark II, June 17- July 31, 2025, all orders of OM-5 Mark II body or kit will receive a complementary 2 YearExtended Limited Warranty, which extends the limited warranty coverage to 3 years total from original purchase date.
Camera Industry News
Free App Creates the Perfect Custom Fujifilm Film Simulation for You - You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
46 ways to make money from photography - You can read the entire article on amateurphotographer.com.
A Guide to Light Painting Photography - You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsInner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,003, June 10, 2025. Today's theme is, "Interview with Nik Bhatt, The Brains Behind Nitro." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
I first learned abut Nik, and his software company Gentlemen Coders, when he released RAW Power, one of my favorite imaging apps. And now with his encore performance, Nitro, I knew we had to get together and talk shop. In this interview you'll learn about his early days at Apple, the genesis of RAW Power, and how it all came together for Nitro. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 1003
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Interview with Nik Bhatt, The Brains Behind NitroYou can learn more about Gentlemen Coders and Nitro here.
Virtual Camera Club NewsInner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,002, June 3, 2025. Today's theme is, "Photographers Talking About Podcasting and More." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
You wouldn't think that photography and podcasting would go together so well. But this week's guests confirm what I already knew: they are beautiful together. We'll hear from Randal Schwartz and Frederick Van, plus a few words from Arron Hockley. Add a dash of camera industry news, and I have a full-bodied episode baked and ready to enjoy. I hope you stick around.
Digital Photography Podcast 1002
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Photographers Talking About Podcasting and MoreWhen I was organizing the 1,000th TDS Episode, there was some great content that I set aside for a follow up show.
Randal Schwartz is a book author, podcaster, photographer and more. I met him during my days at O'Reilly Media, and our careers intersected off and on over two decades. The interview you're about to hear was recorded for the 1,000 Podcast Celebration. But I decided to bundle it with two other conversations for this show about photography and podcasting.
Photographers tend to be good at many things. And I think there's a synergy that emerges from that diversity. This interview with Randal shines a light on how all of these things can blend together.
Aaron Hockley has combined his passion for photography with creating YouTube videos talking about the very thing he loves. Back at the dawn of Micro Four Thirds, he attended one of my workshops, and shares a few words about that experience.
Derrick and Frederick recording during the pandemic.
Frederick Van needs no introduction. And the first part of our interview was on the 1,000th episode. But we had more to talk about, including the importance of podcasting for both of our careers. I share the second part of that conversation on today's show.
I so appreciate all three of these guys making time to talk about this craft we love so much.
Camera Industry News
Powerful Noise Reduction: What's New in Topaz Photo AI Version 4 - You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Nikon's cameras are about to get more expensive in the US because of tariffs - You can read the entire article on TheVerge.com.
First look at DXO Pure Raw 5: Is it worth it? - You can read the entire article on Photofocus.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsInner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,001, May 27, 2025. Today's theme is, "Half Digital, Half Analog - The Fujifilm X half Review." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
2025 is establishing itself as the year of the creative camera. We started with the Sigma BF, then Fujifilm GFX100RF, and now the Fujifilm X half. Nothing boring in this lot! And whether or not you decide to purchase the new X half, you're bound to appreciate the thought that went in to it. I'll share my highlights in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 1001
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Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Half Digital, Half Analog - The Fujifilm X half ReviewWhen I first saw the handsome Fujifilm X half compact camera, there was an instant attraction. The clean lines with a distinct Leica vibe, uncluttered by the lack of knobs, dials, and buttons. It's a camera that begs to be touched.
And it's also a device unlike anything I've previously reviewed. In essence, the X half poses as an analog camera with digital underpinnings. With 13 film simulation choices and 26 filters, photographers can create images that tap Fujifilm's long history of color science, then add grain, flare, and even the classic date stamp in the lower right corner.
The X half insists that you create in-camera. There's no RAW option for post-processing manipulation. You cast the spell with its settings, then wait for the magic to appear.
In classic half frame tradition, holding the camera normally means that you're composing a vertical shot. After capture, send the image to your smartphone for all of the usual sharing options.
But unlike your smartphone, beneath that beautiful exterior beats the heart of a 1" sensor, paired with an excellent Fujinon 32mm single focal length lens. The resulting picture quality is far beyond what a half frame film camera could ever produce.
Basic Specifications
There's a lot to unpack here. But first, let's take a look at the basic specs.
- Resolution: 17.74 million pixels
- Exposure comp: -3.0EV~+3.0EV 1/3EV step (Movie '-2.0EV~+2.0EV 1/3EV step)
- Sensor size: 13.3mm x 8.8mm (1 inch) with primary color filter
- LCD monitor: 2.4 inch Touch Screen Color LCD Monitor, Approx. 0.92 million dots
- Image size: 3648 × 4864 in single frame mode, 7296 x 4864 in 2-in-1 mode (more on that later)
- Focusing: TTL contrast AF with single, continuous, or manual options
- Lens: Fujinon single focal length lens(35mm format equivalent : 32mm)
- Video: Full HD(3:2) (1080x1440)/24p at up to 50Mbps
- Aperture: F2.8-F11 1/3EV step in auto aperture modes. 1/2EV step inAperture Priority.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
- Storage: SD Card (-2GB), SDHC Card (-32GB), SDXC Card (-2TB) or UHS-I
- Metering: TTL 256-zone
- Dimensions: (W x H x D) 105.8mm x 64.3mm x 30.0mm
- Shutter: 15min. to 1/2000sec. (mechanical)
- Weight: Approx. 240g (0.53 lbs) (including battery and card)
- Exposure modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual
Side-by-Side Output
One of the things I admire about Fujifilm is their design creativity. One example is the 2-in-1 Mode where photographers can position a couple of vertical images side-by-side to better tell a story. Tap this mode to combine two still images, two videos, or an image and a video. This could be very effective for social postings.
Film Camera Mode
If you really want to embrace the analog camera experience, the X half can accommodate you - probably better than any other device I've tested.
Film Camera Mode lets you digitize the experience of using a classic one-time use film camera. After selecting a film simulation to use and the a roll size of 36, 54, or 72 exposures, you can emulate an analog-like experience, complete with the need to wind the camera's frame advance lever after making each image, replicating the classic analog photography experience.
The LCD won't display captured images or let you compose on it while in Film Camera Mode. You must use the optical viewfinder. Once you've completed a "roll of film," you can process it via the X half smartphone app.
Another nice touch to further enhance this experience is the film roll window on the back panel of the camera that displays an electronic image of the film cartridge that you're using. I always liked that feature on my analog cameras, and it's fun that Fuji includes it on the X half as well.
Navigating Camera Controls
One of the first things that jumped out at when first looking at the X half was the lack of buttons and dials. The top panel features the On switch, exposure compensation dial, advance lever, and a shutter button (with threaded socket for a traditional cable release).
There's an aperture ring on the lens barrel. A flash on/off switch is positioned on the left side. And the back panel has a switch to toggle between stills and movies, plus a play button. That's it!
So how do you move between exposure modes (PASM), select focusing options, and all the other settings that are needed? Get ready to swipe.
The X half features a touch-screen interface that you navigate using the camera's two rear LCD monitors. Via touch operations you can change image settings and film simulations. Swipe up, down and all around to access the controls you need.
Printing Pictures
It makes perfect sense that photographers interested in an analog experience would be inclined to make prints. Fujifilm does a decent job of accommodating small format output.
The X half will talk directly via Bluetooth/WiFi to select instax Link series printers that include the mini Link2, mini Link3, SQUARE Link, and Link Wide. On one hand, this is great news and we have a variety of printers to choose from. On the other, I have a FujiFilm mini EVO camera that serves as an instax printer for my iPhone pictures, and it isn't compatible. So I would need to invest in an additional instax printer for direct output from the X half.
Also noting that the X half has a beautiful 1-inch back-illuminated 17.74 mp sensor paired with a 10.8mm f/2.8 prime lens (equivalent 35mm focal length of 32mm) - that's produces plenty of quality for bigger output from your inkjet printer. Fujifilm did not cut corners on the imaging pipeline with this camera.
One fun side note while discussing specs: the X half produces a similar angle of view as the one-time-use QuickSnap film camera.
Pros and Cons
I think for the target market, the Fujifilm X half has a lot of positives. Included are:
- Very compact and light weighing only about a half pound.
- Excellent imaging pipeline for a compact camera.
- A cornucopia of creative tools for analog-loving photographers.
- Just enough video capability for content creators (Full HD/24p).
- Superb battery life (880 shots).
- LED flash doubles as a movie light.
- Bluetooth, WiFi, USB-C.
- Threaded socket for cable release.
- Excellent optical viewfinder.
- Integrated "film advance" lever.
- Three attractive design options.
However, if you're outside the target market, these cons will probably deter you from purchasing the X half:
- No RAW format - Jpeg only.
- Missing film simulations: PRO Neg. Std, PRO Neg. Hi, Eterna Bleach Bypass, Monochrome, and Monochrome Ye/R/G.
- Cold shoe on top plate - no contacts for an external flash, not even a cute petite one.
- Fixed back LCD with lowish resolution (0.92 million dots).
- Does not connect to all FujiFilm instax printers.
- Relies heavily on swipe controls for basic camera settings.
Pricing and Availability
The Fujifilm X half compact camera is expected to be available late June 2025 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $849.99 USD and $998.99 CAD.
Bottom Line
Photographers and content creators have been asking for more creative camera design. Fujifilm listened. The X half is a risky, fun, and innovative tool for those who love film photography.
At $849, however, it has to be more than a toy. And thanks to its quality lens, optical viewfinder, and 1" sensor, the X half is capable of delivering outstanding pictures.
Personally, I'm not in the target market. I'm more of an X100 guy. But I am attracted to the X half's handsome looks and creative options. And with a few firmware updates, I could find myself leaning back its way.
Camera Industry News
Iconic Photographer Sebastiao Salgado Has Died - You can read the entire article on petapixel.com.
Ricoh is finally making a GR IV camera, and it's coming in the fall - You can read the entire article on TheVerge.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsInner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,000, May 20, 2025. Today's theme is, "A 20 Year Celebration Episode." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
The TDS Podcast debuted on Oct. 5, 2005. It was my side hustle. During the weekdays I was an online editor for O'Reilly Media. As part of my job I met interesting people and traveled to fascinating locations. I wanted to share those experiences and build a community of photographers. So at night I worked on my website and recorded those early shows. Fast forward 20 years later to this episode, number 1,000. With a little help from my friends, it's time to tell the story about how we all ended up here, together. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 1000
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
TDS Podcast 1,000: A 20 Year Celebration EpisodeHere's the order of guests, snippets, and interviews.
The intro from podcast number 1 published on Oct. 5, 2005. Plus the story of Scott Sheppard. I dedicated a podcast to Scott on Sept. 5, 2016. It's worth a listen. He was instrumental in helping me launch this show.
Interview with Frederick Van, podcaster, This Week in Photo.
A few words from Jim Kuzman, Inner Circle Member. Jim talks about the friendships he has enjoyed as a result of participating in the TDS community.
Julieanne Kost being interviewed by Derrick Story at PhotoPlus Expo 2008. Photo by Colleen Wheeler.
Jan. 29, 2008 - Interview snippet with Julieanne Kost, Adobe Evangelist. Recorded at Photo Plus Expo in the O'Reilly Media booth. Photo of Julieanne and me by Colleen Wheeler.
A few words from Lawrence Lazare, Inner Circle Member. He discusses the value of community.
Interview with David Lents, Sys Admin for The Digital Story.
A few words from Tim Griffy, Inner Circle Member. He talks about a workshop moment in Durango, CO.
Interview with Rob Knight.
A few words from Sergio Burani, Inner Circle Member.
A few words from Scott Houston, Inner Circle Member.
Closing thoughts from Derrick Story.
Virtual Camera Club NewsInner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #999, May 13, 2025. Today's theme is, "New Nik Collection 8 and Capture One 16.6 Beta." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Two venerable photo software packages have rolled out new versions. Nik Collection 8 is available for purchase now, and Capture One 16.6 is an open beta that you can test. We'll take a look at the highlight features to help you decide if an upgrade is in your future. Plus, additional industry news, an Inner Circle Bold update, and more. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 999
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
New Nik Collection 8 and Capture One 16.6 BetaIn this segment, Derrick talks about Nik Collection 8 with reference to an article on FStoppers.com and the DXO website.
He also discusses the Capture One 16.6.0 Open Beta via the CaptureOne.com website.
Camera Industry NewsBird Buddy's new nature camera attracts and records more than just birds on TheVerge.com.
The iPhone Camera Control button was a failure - so Apple is eyeing up Samsung's under-display camera on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
The New York Bild Expo Adds Cristina Mittermeier and Peter McKinnon to List of More Than 100 Speakers on Petapixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsInner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #998, May 6, 2025. Today's theme is, "New Photos Masterclass - And How to Get a Coupon to Waive the Tuition." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
With iPhone photography becoming a bigger part of our overall imaging world, the Photos app also grows in importance because of its tight integration with the iPhone. Many photographers dismiss this free software because they view it as too basic. But in reality, sophisticated technology powers its user-friendly interface. Here's how to tap it. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 998
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
New Photos Masterclass - And How to Get a Coupon to Waive the TuitionOn my latest scouting trip to the North Coast Redwoods, half of my shots were with a mirrorless camera, and the other half were with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. This division of labor is typical for me these days.
And as my iPhone usage increases, so does my time with the Photos app, both on the Mac and the iOS version. Not only does it automatically back up my images to iCloud and share them across all of my devices, but it is also a flexible editor.
You may wrinkle your brow at that statement, but consider this: If you had an app that combined Apple technology with Luminar Neo, ON1 Effects, and RAW Power, you'd probably be a pretty happy camper.
That's exactly how my Photos app on the Mac is set up. Via its Editing Extensions framework, I seamlessly move between all of these technologies within the Photos app itself. This gives me access to a variety of AI technologies, layers, filters, film effects, and more.
Many photographers don't realize that this ecosystem not only supports their iPhone pictures, but the images from their interchangeable lens cameras too. Then add Apple's LookUp technology, object recognition, and more, and there's a ton of sophistication presented in a user friendly interface.
We're to the point, in my opinion, where it's time for an online workshop dedicated to learning all of these features. And that's what I'm going to do beginning Wednesday, July 9th for the Photos for macOS and iOS Masterclass. For four weeks we will explore all of the technological nooks and crannies of the Photos app.
Now, here's the kicker: You can receive a coupon that will waive all of the tuition fees. I've launched a new program called Inner Circle Bold. If you sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for the Photos Masterclass (a $165 value), plus your choice of a free 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
Existing Inner Circle members can get in on the action to by upgrading to Inner Circle Bold. Total cost upgrading from a standard membership to Bold is only $21.60 total, for 12 months. And you get the coupon for the Photos Masterclass plus the free online workshop in 2026.
You can upgrade your membership by visiting The Digital Story Patreon Site. Link in the show notes and a tile on every page of The Digital Story.
Once I am notified that you've signed up for Inner Circle Bold, I will send you the course coupon, and you can register without tuition fees. I am limiting enrollment to 20 participants, so if you want to join us, act soon.
I can't wait to share my Photos insights with you!
Camera Industry NewsDoug Mills and Moises Saman Win 2025 Pulitzer Prizes for Photography on PetaPixel.com.
What is a LUT? Here's why lookup tables matter for video AND photo editing on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Canon Just Patented Its Most Insane Lens Ever on FStoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
Sony Creative Master Class led by Rob Knight, starting on May 8th, 2025.
This all-new class is designed to help you make the most of your Sony camera. We will dive in to the features, custom functions, menus, and MORE. Each online class will include presentations and tutorials based on years of professional photography experience using various Sony cameras and lenses, PLUS plenty of time for your questions about the system.
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #997, April 29, 2025. Today's theme is, "Outdoor Gear Guide 2025." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
As we stand at May's doorstep, thoughts of outdoor adventure enter our minds. Yes, we want to take pictures. But we also looking forward to enjoying being in nature. And we can do so comfortably with just a few outdoor accessories. And that's what I'm going to share with you today. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 997
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Outdoor Gear Guide 2025GrandPeak� 2-in-1 Stool & Footrest $49 - A Sizeable Footrest or a Convenient Stool, Robust Structure & Stay Dry Fabric, Innovative Elastic Cord Assembly, Also Doubles as a Handy Side Table, and Easy Packable Fit in Tight Space. Weighs just 1.2 pounds.
Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair - XL $129 - A lightweight, compact backpacking chair now available in X-large, the Big Agnes Mica Basin XL camp chair adds extra height and width to the reliable, stable original for comfort you can depend on.
Patented frame construction--lightweight aircraft aluminum pole system with a self-equalizing center pole levels chair on uneven ground. Solid-colored fabric styles are lightweight, high-tenacity Robic� nylon with polyester ripstop for extra tear strength and a waterproof UTS coating. Aircraft aluminum frame.
Joulle Electric Kettle Pot $99 - Ignite your creativity in the kitchen or outdoors with a versatile electric kettle, equipped with three preset buttons for easy and diverse culinary adventures. This 500W electric kettle quickly boils water in 5 minutes. It's portable, easy to clean, and has dual filters for smooth pouring. Compatible with portable power stations and standard outlets.
Macook Mini Rice Cooker $29 - The small rice cooker 1-3 cups also suitable for soup, oatmeal, pasta, veggie, stew and more. The small capacity allows for healthier portion control, or individual, quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sides. The aluminum inner pot is treated with food-grade non-stick coating and prevents the sticking of cooked rice to the bottom. The inner pot features removable, portable, and easy to clean. You can soak it in water for 10 minutes before cleaning or wash it in the dishwasher conveniently. Only uses 200 watts.
Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station $429 - With an 800W output, the Explorer 600 Plus effortlessly powers home and 3C appliances like coffee makers, refrigerators, and toasters. Its 632Wh capacity is ideal for 2-day camping trips and a variety of activities, including road trips, family outings, and emergencies.
Weighing in at just 16.09 Lbs, the Explorer 600 Plus is your ultimate on-the-go companion, featuring a foldable handle for convenient carrying and compact size for effortless storage. With the total amount of screws reduced by 20%, it's now more lightweight and environmentally friendly.
632Wh LiFePO4 Battery - It maintains an impressive 70% battery level - after 4,000 charge cycles, coupled with advanced BMS protection functions, ensures unrivaled safety and durability.
JOYTUTUS Vehicle Awning 4.6'x6.6' Roof Rack Pull-Out Sun Shade $104 - The overall fabric is made of waterproof and UV-proof polyester fabric. All four corners are waterproof and glued. Even when it rains, there is no need to worry about rain and water leakage. The roof frame and support poles are telescopic structures with twist locks for quick and easy installation and retraction in 1 minute.
Hele Box - Car Camping Platform $499 - Lightweight sleeping platform + storage system + camping table that fits into most SUVs/Trucks. Go from daily-driver to car camping in minutes!
The Hele Box is designed to transform your vehicle into the vanlifing, overlanding, roadtripping rig you've always wanted without committing to a heavy and expensive buildout. Set it up for the relevant weekends/trips, and store it away when not in use. You can read my review here.
Your outdoor adventures will be both enjoyable and comfortable with these accessories.
Other Reviews in This Series
The Bluetti AC70 Power Station Review - Off-the-Grid Freedom.
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Review - Power Your Roadtrips.
Jackery 40W Mini Solar Panel for Your Cameras and Devices.
Roadtripping with the BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Fridge/Freezer - A Review.
Hot Coffee, Soup, on the Road with this Portable Electric Kettle.
A Hands-On Review of the TentBox Go Roof Top Tent.
The BodegaCooler Dual-Door 48-Quart Review.
Camera Industry NewsSkylum's Luminar Neo photo editing software adds four new features with its Spring Upgrade on DPReview.com.
If You Miss Aperture on Mac, Musebox Could Be the Answer on PetaPixel.com.
Fujifilm scoops Red Dot Award for a staggering 23 products, including the popular X-M5 and X100 VI on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
New Workshop!: Route 66 Photography Workshop led by Rob Knight, starting on Oct. 16, 2025.
Join pro photographer and Route 66 explorer Rob Knight to explore the "mother road" this October. We will be based in Winslow and Kingman, Arizona, putting us right in the middle of the action. The stretch of Route 66 through northern Arizona contains many of the most iconic spots that still exist from the heyday of American car culture. We will visit towns along Route 66 like Seligman, Oatman, and Williams, Arizona. Along the way, we will explore and photograph the roadside attractions that made Route 66 so legendary.
New Workshop!: Sony Creative Master Class led by Rob Knight, starting on May 8th, 2025.
This all-new class is designed to help you make the most of your Sony camera. We will dive in to the features, custom functions, menus, and MORE. Each online class will include presentations and tutorials based on years of professional photography experience using various Sony cameras and lenses, PLUS plenty of time for your questions about the system.
Workshop Updates!
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
Schedule a My TDS Moment Recording Session
If you want to participate in our 1,000th Podcast Celebration, here's how it's going to work. I've set up a Meeting Calendar for Friday appointments. If there's an open slot, you can sign up for it. On that date, we will connect via Zoom and I will record your TDS Moment. I hope you can join us in the festivities!
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #996, April 22, 2025. Today's theme is, "Night and Twilight Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Daylight is great. The bulk of my photography happens when the sun is shining. That's also true for everyone else, however. So when I want to create something that's unique, and eye-catching, I wait for the sun to dip below the horizon. That's when the drama begins. I share some of my favorite tips for night and twilight photography on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 996
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Night and Twilight PhotographyFor night photography I use both my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the OM System OM-3. All smartphones these days have a variety of night modes that are effective. So in that sense, brand doesn't matter much.
Night Photography with the iPhone
The iPhone will detect with the ambient light is low enough to require Night Mode, and will let you know its status in the upper left hand corner. As smart as the device is, you still want to hold the camera very steady during exposure. I often lean against a wall, use a hand railing, etc. to ensure the best quality possible.
Once you have the capture, there are two common issues to address. The first is color. Night photography often involves mixed lighting situations that can yield some very garish results. I like to harmonize those colors using Selective Color in the Photos App or HSL in other editors.
You can shift hues, brighten and darken colors, and tweak their saturation to harmonize your color palette.
I've also found that LUTs are very useful for taming difficult color challenges. Many apps such as RAW Power, Nitro, Photomator, ON1 Effects, and Luminar support LUTs and include a good variety with the software.
The next thing I often address is what I call digital over sharpening. I think this is a result of the computational photography required to get the exposure in the first place.
One of my favorite tools to combat digital over sharpening is the Orton Effect tool in Luminar Neo. Go to Edit > Glow, then choose Orton Effect in the submenu. Be sure to turn on Advance Settings to control softness, brightness, and warmth of the effect.
Aside from being a terrific standalone app, Luminar is a powerful editing extension for Photos as well.
The Orton Effect does a great job of counteracting digital over sharpening giving your night shots that magical look.
Twilight Photography
My favorite post-sunset shots are often while there's still color in the sky. I like the oranges and blues. And a great technique this time of evening is to work with silhouettes.
For example, if you're in a popular place where folks are photographing the sunsets, such as Hawaii, step back from the crowd and get the people, trees, and other objects silhouetted against the colorful sky. It's often a far more interesting picture.
Combining Live Photo and Night Mode
This is a great technique if you have water in the scene. I combine Night Mode with Live View Long Exposure. Make sure Live View is turned on in the Camera App for the iPhone, then in Photos, choose Long Exposure from the Live menu.
The effect can be quite impressive, especially considering that this is a handheld long exposure at night. Then apply the color correcting techniques I discussed earlier, plus a little Orton Effect, and you'll have a real winner.
Live Composite on Olympus Cameras
Live Composite is a high-tech version of Bulb mode, where the shutter stays open for an extended period of time, but you can watch the picture unfold before your eyes on the camera's LCD screen.
This is particularly nice when you have moving lights in the scene. Begin by setting the camera to Bulb Mode. Then you can navigate to Live Composite. On the OM-3 you use the rear dial.
Make sure the camera is steady, set your parameters, and watch the magic appear.
Final Thoughts
As much as I like the people and daytime landscape shots from Maui, I'm also loving the magic the twilight and night shots bring to the library.
Camera Industry NewsJapan's 2025 CP+ Camera Show Got Even Bigger on PetaPixel.com.
Two of the best-looking cameras ever made take home trophies at TIPA World Awards on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
New Workshop!: Route 66 Photography Workshop led by Rob Knight, starting on Oct. 16, 2025.
Join pro photographer and Route 66 explorer Rob Knight to explore the "mother road" this October. We will be based in Winslow and Kingman, Arizona, putting us right in the middle of the action. The stretch of Route 66 through northern Arizona contains many of the most iconic spots that still exist from the heyday of American car culture. We will visit towns along Route 66 like Seligman, Oatman, and Williams, Arizona. Along the way, we will explore and photograph the roadside attractions that made Route 66 so legendary.
New Workshop!: Sony Creative Master Class led by Rob Knight, starting on May 8th, 2025.
This all-new class is designed to help you make the most of your Sony camera. We will dive in to the features, custom functions, menus, and MORE. Each online class will include presentations and tutorials based on years of professional photography experience using various Sony cameras and lenses, PLUS plenty of time for your questions about the system.
Workshop Updates!
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
Schedule a My TDS Moment Recording Session
If you want to participate in our 1,000th Podcast Celebration, here's how it's going to work. I've set up a Meeting Calendar for Friday appointments. If there's an open slot, you can sign up for it. On that date, we will connect via Zoom and I will record your TDS Moment. I hope you can join us in the festivities!
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #995, April 15, 2025. Today's theme is, "Abstract Architecture." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
I found myself sitting in the atrium of a Hyatt Regency looking up. I started to wonder how things would look if I were up there, looking down. What I discovered is a beautiful subject for abstract photography. I tell the story of how this all worked out on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 995
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Abstract ArchitectureIn this first segment, I tell the story of how I fell into a session of abstract architectural photography.
Camera Industry NewsThe Biggest Releases in Photo and Video for Spring 2025 on LensRentals.com.
The Mother of All Firmware Updates on The Nimble Photographer Newsletter.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 41 review: new design, same Instax fun on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Meta Is Reportedly Developing a Native Instagram App for iPad on PetaPixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
New Workshop!: Route 66 Photography Workshop led by Rob Knight, starting on Oct. 16, 2025.
Join pro photographer and Route 66 explorer Rob Knight to explore the "mother road" this October. We will be based in Winslow and Kingman, Arizona, putting us right in the middle of the action. The stretch of Route 66 through northern Arizona contains many of the most iconic spots that still exist from the heyday of American car culture. We will visit towns along Route 66 like Seligman, Oatman, and Williams, Arizona. Along the way, we will explore and photograph the roadside attractions that made Route 66 so legendary.
New Workshop!: Sony Creative Master Class led by Rob Knight, starting on May 8th, 2025.
This all-new class is designed to help you make the most of your Sony camera. We will dive in to the features, custom functions, menus, and MORE. Each online class will include presentations and tutorials based on years of professional photography experience using various Sony cameras and lenses, PLUS plenty of time for your questions about the system.
Workshop Updates!
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
Schedule a My TDS Moment Recording Session
If you want to participate in our 1,000th Podcast Celebration, here's how it's going to work. I've set up a Meeting Calendar for Friday appointments. If there's an open slot, you can sign up for it. On that date, we will connect via Zoom and I will record your TDS Moment. I hope you can join us in the festivities!
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #994, April 8, 2025. Today's theme is, "I Would Not Have Survived this Wedding Without Fill Flash." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Dateline: Sunday, 2pm, outdoor ceremony on a cloudless day. To say that it was bright outside would be an understatement. The sun was beaming in at an angle. Those sitting in the audience could dawn hats and sunglasses. Those at the alter could not. This is what separates iPhone snap shooters from event photographers. And in this week's TDS Photography podcast, I'll explain how I pulled it off. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 994
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
I Would Not Have Survived this Wedding Without Fill FlashBefore I get to Sunday's wedding, I want to share an anecdote from my working past. For years wedding photography was my primary source of business revenue. Every season I would bring on a second shooter to make sure I covered all the bases.
One year I brought on a very capable photographer, one who has gone on to a successful career. But we ran into a problem; she did not like using fill flash for events. She was a natural light only photographer.
I was able to persuade her to use the flash for the gigs that she worked with me. But she didn't like it. I compromised by agreeing that she only had to use the fill light in situations that would otherwise be compromised by harsh natural light.
I thought her work with the flash was quite good. But after one season, we parted so she could pursue other opportunities. I wish she would have let me work with her more on fill flash photography. Because in my view, when done properly, it has a very natural look.
Since that time, I've read others who are adamant about not using fill flash. I smile and think of my friend who worked one season with me. And I say to myself, "If only they would let me show them how..."
Fast forward to Sunday's wedding. I wanted to use the Nikon Zf. This would be the first time I've chosen this camera for a major event. But it's been such a joy to work with, I wanted to see what we could do together.
Since I hadn't used it for events, I didn't have a serious flash for it. I decided to purchase the NEEWER Z1-N TTL Round Head Flash Speedlite for Nikon with Magnetic Dome Diffuser. I liked it because it was affordable ($169), powerful (76 watts) and had a big battery (2600mAh rechargeable lithium). I made a good call. That flash on the Nikon Zf served me well in every lighting condition.
The first big test was the outdoor ceremony bright sunlight. The contrast was amazing! The Zf was flash sync up to 1/200th of a second. So I set it in Program mode with flash on A-TTL and made a couple test shots. After reviewing them, I dialed back Flash Exposure Compensation to -1.3. The fill light was powerful enough to even out the contrast, but stayed balanced with the background. The shots look great.
Next came the group shots. I found a great spot in a stand of Redwoods with mild backlighting. I dialed back Flash Exposure to -1.6 and turned on the Skin Softening filter built-in to the Zf, set to the lowest level. Picture Control was set to Auto. Everything else remained in Program exposure and I-TTL for the flash. Beautiful!
Finally, the reception. Now I switched to Manual Exposure, 1/30th at f/5.6 and set the flash to -1.0. This provided beautifully exposed backdrops for all of the events such as first dance and cake cutting. Once again, fantastic.
I had purchased a second lithium battery for the flash and switched them out at the beginning of the reception. I did the same with the battery for the Nikon. That got me through the entire event.
I did so some natural light photography, such as for the flowers, food, and a few window-lit portraits. But everything else had some level of fill light.
The illumination emitted from the Neewer Z1-N round head was quite pleasing for people shots. I used the included magnetic dome diffuser the entire time because it was quite friendly to skin tones. The 5600K color temperature wasn't too cool, especially when matched with Nikon's excellent Auto White Balance A1 (to keep overall atmosphere). And the powerful lithium battery provided fast recycling time and long life. The flash and the Nikon worked together in beautiful harmony.
I'll be handing over the entire shoot to the bride and groom by the end of this week. I know they'll love them because I was sharing pictures on the back of the Nikon's LCD all during the reception.
Theresa, my wife, was the officiant for the ceremony. She was looking over my shoulder last night while I was sorting the pictures. She said, "I usually don't like pictures of myself, but you really made me look good."
I know she would have not said that if I insisted on shooting that ceremony with natural light only. And once again, I thought of my photographer friend from the past.
PS: The Nikon Zf mirrorless is an awesome camera for event photography.
Camera Industry NewsWe asked camera companies why their RAW formats are all different and confusing on TheVerge.com.
10 documentary shorts every photographer should watch on YouTube on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Smiling in Profile Pictures Can Make a Difference, Study Finds on PetaPixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
New Workshop!: Sony Creative Master Class led by Rob Knight, starting on May 8th, 2025.
This all-new class is designed to help you make the most of your Sony camera. We will dive in to the features, custom functions, menus, and MORE. Each online class will include presentations and tutorials based on years of professional photography experience using various Sony cameras and lenses, PLUS plenty of time for your questions about the system.
Workshop Updates!
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
Schedule a My TDS Moment Recording Session
If you want to participate in our 1,000th Podcast Celebration, here's how it's going to work. I've set up a Meeting Calendar for Friday appointments. If there's an open slot, you can sign up for it. On that date, we will connect via Zoom and I will record your TDS Moment. I hope you can join us in the festivities!
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #993, April 1, 2025. Today's theme is, "New Photo Workshop Plus an Update on the M4 MB Air." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
We have a new online workshop coming in May, updates for upcoming events, iOS 18.4 hits the streets, and more thoughts about the Fujifilm GFX 100RF. Plus my hands-on impressions of the new M4 MacBook Air - Yes, it's plenty powerful for photographers. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 993
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
New Photo Workshop Plus an Update on the M4 MB AirPhoto by Rob Knight
New Workshop!: Sony Creative Master Class led by Rob Knight, starting on May 8th, 2025.
This all-new class is designed to help you make the most of your Sony camera. We will dive in to the features, custom functions, menus, and MORE. Each online class will include presentations and tutorials based on years of professional photography experience using various Sony cameras and lenses, PLUS plenty of time for your questions about the system.
Workshop Updates!
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.
Camera Industry NewsIt's Crazy How Sharp the Fujifilm GFX100RF Lens Is on Petapixel.com.
You can buy a cage for the Fujifilm GFX100RF before you can get the camera on DPReview.com.
iOS 18.4 now available: Here's what's new on 9to5mac.com.
Quick Tip
You can hide ugly screenshots from your All Photos Library camera roll in Photos for macOS by going to View and unchecking Screenshots from the popup menu.
MacBook Air M4 Hands On
In this segment, Derrick discusses life with the new MacBook Air M4, 24 GB RAM, 1TB SSD laptop ($1,599).
Virtual Camera Club NewsSchedule a My TDS Moment Recording Session
If you want to participate in our 1,000th Podcast Celebration, here's how it's going to work. I've set up a Meeting Calendar for Friday appointments. If there's an open slot, you can sign up for it. On that date, we will connect via Zoom and I will record your TDS Moment. I hope you can join us in the festivities!
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #992, March 25, 2025. Today's theme is, "Everyone Seems to Love the Fujifilm GFX 100RF Except for Me." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Fujifilm is the genius behind some of the most interesting cameras of our time. And the just-announced GFX 100RF certainly belongs in that category. It's beautiful, innovative, and relatively compact. I've been reading and thinking about this camera since its debut. And as much as I admire it, it's not for me. I'll explain why in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 992
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Everyone Seems to Love the Fujifilm GFX 100RF Except for MeIn this segment, Derrick shares his views about the Fujifilm GFX 100RF medium format camera.
Camera Industry NewsCanon's latest Instagram post teases two new cameras coming next week on DPReview.com.
Sony's mysterious teaser sets the stage for a March 26 reveal on DPReview.com.
Easily Create Custom Lightroom Presets With ChatGPT on FStoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsSchedule a My TDS Moment Recording Session
If you want to participate in our 1,000th Podcast Celebration, here's how it's going to work. I've set up a Meeting Calendar for Friday appointments. If there's an open slot, you can sign up for it. On that date, we will connect via Zoom and I will record your TDS Moment. I hope you can join us in the festivities!
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #991, March 18, 2025. Today's theme is, "Mobile Photography for Big Kids." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
As iPads and the software for them continue to evolve, we're in an enviable spot that allows us to travel lighter than ever, yet still fully enjoy our photography. This week I'll provide you with the current state of my mobile photography workflow and why I've selected those particular tools. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 991
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Mobile Photography for Big KidsIn this segment, Derrick discusses his current mobile photography workflow.
Camera Industry NewsNew Pen not yet on the drawing board, says OM System on DPReview.com.
Fujifilm Teases New Camera That Combines X100VI and GFX 100S II on Petapixel.com.
Canon Opens Up About Third-Party Lenses and Retro Looking Cameras on ThePhoblographer.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsSchedule a My TDS Moment Recording Session
If you want to participate in our 1,000th Podcast Celebration, here's how it's going to work. I've set up a Meeting Calendar for Friday appointments. If there's an open slot, you can sign up for it. On that date, we will connect via Zoom and I will record your TDS Moment. I hope you can join us in the festivities!
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #990, March 11, 2025. Today's theme is, "My First MacBook Air in Years." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
The last time I bought a MacBook Air was over a decade ago. It was the super nimble 11" model that I could slide in my camera bag to manage web pages and answer email while on the go. The screen wasn't anything to write home about, but it was so compact. Fast forward to 2025 and a substantial update to a 13" M4 Air. Why am I doing this? Find out on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 990
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
My First MacBook Air in YearsMy current laptop is a 14" 2021 M1 MacBook Pro. This laptop has served me well in the studio and on the road. It has 1 TB of SSD storage, 16 GBs of RAM, 3 USB-C ports, MagSafe power, HDMI, and an SD Card reader. This was my first M Series Mac, and it forever changed my world.
My only real complaint with it is that it's a bit thick. When I pick up Theresa's M-Series Air at home, it feels like a feather. And when Apple made two serious moves recently, I began to consider the Air again.
The first move was the just-announced M4 Air with improved video conferencing. Plus, Apple reduced the price $100 from the previous model.
The second move was a turbo-charged trade-in program that would apply to a new purchase. Out of curiousity, I submitted the serial number for my 2021 MacBook Pro and was delighted with a return of $810 for my aging laptop. That was far more than I expected.
So I began to price out a brand new M4 Air with the specs I wanted: upgraded processor, 24 GBs RAM and 1 TB SSD. The price: $1,599 plus tax minus 3 percent rebate from my Apple Card. So, for $789 plus tax, I could upgrade to an M4 with more RAM and less weight.
I slept on it over night then set up the trade in and made the purchase the next morning.
You may be thinking about the features that I'm giving up going from the MacBook Pro to the Air. Let's take a look at the specifics.
(Feature comparison of the two machines.)
Based on my experience with the M processor, I'm pretty excited about the new machine. Will let you know how it goes once it arrives.
Camera Industry NewsWhy does everyone love CCD sensor cameras so much? on AmateurPhotographer.com.
The OM-3 Isn't a Successor to the Pen F: A New Pen is Still Coming on Petapixel.com.
You (Probably) Don't Need Lenses of the Best Possible Quality on FStoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsSchedule a My TDS Moment Recording Session
If you want to participate in our 1,000th Podcast Celebration, here's how it's going to work. I've set up a Meeting Calendar for Friday appointments. If there's an open slot, you can sign up for it. On that date, we will connect via Zoom and I will record your TDS Moment. I hope you can join us in the festivities!
TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #986, Feb. 11, 2025. Today's theme is "Give It Up for the OM-3." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Whether or not you plan on buying the new OM System OM-3, you've got to admit that it's a heck of a camera - The brains of the OM-1, the body of a classic film camera. As James Artaius writes in his review for Digital Camera World, "This is the camera that out-Fujifilms Fujifilm." And this week we're dedicating the entire podcast to the brand new OM-3. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 986
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Give It Up for the OM-3You can preorder the OM-3 Mirrorless Camera now for $1,999. You can also save $200 on the camera/lens combo if you preorder the 17mm f/1.8 II ($549) or the 25mm f/1.8 II ($499) before Feb.26, 2025.
Articles referenced in this segment.
The OM System OM-3 Mirrorless Camera Review by Derrick Story on Live View.
OM System OM-3 review: The perfect camera... for me. Is it the perfect camera for you, too? by James Artaius on Digital Camera Worls.
TOM System OM-3 review: an advanced travel camera with its best foot forward by Mitchell Clark on DP Review.
USING THE OM SYSTEM OM3 FOR STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MEDITATION by Chris Gampat on The Phoblographer.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #985, Feb. 4, 2025. Today's theme is "Getting Ready for Spring Adventure." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
The off-season is a great time of year to prepare for sunnier days ahead. We can take inventory of our gear, shore up the gaps, test new equipment, and start making reservations for upcoming adventures. This week we take a look at how to get the most out of your offseason as you daydream about spring and summer. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 985
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Getting Ready for Spring AdventureDuring my college days in Southern California, I ran a residential gardening business. I had an avocado-green Ford Courier pickup truck, a red Snapper lawnmower, a power edger, a weed-eater, hedge-clippers, and lots of hand tools.
The flexibility of owning my own business fit perfectly with my changing course schedule from semester to semester. I typically spent all day on campus three days a week, mowed yards the other three days, and took Sundays off. I graduated with a b.a. in English and a minor in Design with zero debt.
The winters in SoCal were typically mild. So I had plenty to do with pruning back bushes, overseeding lawns, and cleaning up leaves.
When a storm did blow into town, I used the time to work on my equipment. I would sharpen mower blades, perform tune-ups, repair loose handles, reorganize the garage, and shop for replacement items.
I loved these days. I'd have the garage door with the rain falling outside while I listened to music and worked on my equipment. By the time spring rolled around, the garage was completely shipshape and everything was ready to tackle a new growing season.
I found myself reminiscing about those days recently when a storm blew in to Northern California, where I live now. I had to boot hatch up on the VW ID.4, reorganizing the back compartment as I prepared for upcoming scouting and camping trips.
In addition to last year's upgrades - the TentBox Go RTT, Bodega mini-fridge, and Jackery power stations - I'm configuring a second sleeping area inside with the Hele Box car camping platform, new camp chairs, and a bigger Bodega Cooler for longer trips.
While the rain pours outside, I'm testing this gear in the garage - these days with AirPods in my ears instead of a boombox on the shelf. I want to maximize the storage capacity inside the VW, test the different mattress pads I have to determine the best compromise between comfort and portability, and make sure I can access everything quickly when I arrive in camp late at night, dead tired.
My camera gear is a key player in this jigsaw puzzle. After a successful nimble trip to Costa Rica, I've found a sweet spot between capacity and capability. I can pack what I need in my 18.5 liter Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 150 AW backpack that slides under the Hele Box platform and out of sight.
Just like my days in Southern California running my gardening business, I love the off-season for my photography workshops and adventures. Before I know it, I'll be scouting locations up in Klamath for our Spring Photography Event. And I guarantee you, I'll be prepared.
The 7 Best cameras for travel in 2025You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
Canon Recommits to Compact Cameras, Will Up Production to Meet DemandYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Canon just replaced its best-ever 13-inch / A3+ printerYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Five Photo & Video Innovations to Look Forward to in 2025You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #984, Jan 28, 2025. Today's theme is "Spark Your Creativity with Online Workshops." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
For those of us north of the equator, this isn't a great time of year to go exploring outside. Fortunately, you can stay indoors and enjoy a great photography experience with others who share your passion. We have some terrific online classes coming up, and I'm going to tell you about them right now. Plus, we have an interview with Rob Knight, the instructor for our first class, Becoming a More Creative Photographer. All of that, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 984
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
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Spark Your Creativity with Online WorkshopsPhoto by Rob Knight
Derrick talks about the next three online workshops, starting with Becoming a More Creative Photographer with Rob Knight.
This leads into an interview with Rob where they talk about the upcoming class, photo philosophy, and tips for creativity.
You can sign up here for any of the workshops discussed in this podcast.
iPadOS features you are not using, but shouldYou can read the entire article on 9to5mac.com.
X Raw Studio: How to process Fujifilm Raw files on your computer with genuine Fujifilm processingYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
21 World Famous Photographers and Their PhotosYou can read the entire article on Phototraces.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #983, Jan 21, 2025. Today's theme is "I Missed a Few Shots, But I'm OK." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
I arrived in Costa Rica with two pieces of carry-on luggage. People asked me, "Where's the rest of your stuff?" "This is my stuff!" I replied. I had two cropped sensor cameras, a moderate telephoto, and a couple of compact zooms - not exactly the heavy artillery required for photographing howler monkeys high in the jungle canopy. And yet, I did OK. Tune in for the inside scoop on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 983
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I Missed a Few Shots, But I'm OKIn this segment, Derrick shares a story he wrote about his week in Costa Rica. You can read it for yourself, plus view the pictures, by clicking on this free link.
One of our favorite upscaling apps is expanding to iPhonesYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
The 5 Best Photography Apps of 2025You can read the entire article on LifeWire.com.
7Artisans' Tiny 18mm f/5.6 Full-Frame Lens Is Cheap but LimitedYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #982, Jan 14, 2025. Today's theme is "Update from Costa Rica." I'm Derrick Story.
Digital Photography Podcast 982
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Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #981, Jan 7, 2025. Today's theme is "Holiday Hangover." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
How wonderful to have a normal holiday season again! We had no COVID cases in the family, and everyone was ready to mingle. I started in mid-December in So. Cal visiting my sister, and just wrapped up with a New Year's celebration. But now it's time to get back to the grind. But I've seemed to have lost my work mojo. Here's my cure for getting it back. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 981
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Holiday HangoverIn this segment, Derrick explains his cure for the holiday hangover
OM System says it's working on a new camera and lensesYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
Why Digital Backdrops Are Changing Headshot PhotographyYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Biden Signs Law Making it Easier to Photograph and Film in National ParksYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Quit your day job and move to the Isle of Man for a year as its official nature photographerYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #980, Dec. 31, 2024. Today's theme is "You're Sitting on a Goldmine." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueHow often do you dig into those images that you've so carefully archived and organized on your computer? When you're in a creative rut, do you ever revisit your own work for inspiration? Why not?! For the last podcast of 2024, it seems appropriate to look back, not at the year in cameras, but at our own pictures. Then think about how to leverage them for new projects. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 980
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You're Sitting on a GoldmineFirst of all, Happy New Year. I love New Year's because it's the one holiday that I can wish to anyone without the worry of saying the wrong thing, the wrong way, at the wrong time. New Years is universal. And as such, I'm going to say it again.
Now, let's talk about pictures. I'm about ready to close out my Capture One Library for 2024. I have 3,305 images in there. That might not seem like many for a guy who carries a camera 24/7, but keep in mind that I have another 2,783 pictures in my Photos library for 2024.
So I end the year with over 6,000 pictures. They are organized, most are geotagged, and some even have captions and titles. Next week, I start a new Capture One Catalog and begin my 2025.
But before I go marching into the New Year, I want to pause for a moment and browse my 2024 collections.
What a year it has been. Filled with adventure, exploration, family, and of course, new gear. Going back through the year in pictures reminds me of how lucky I am to live the life I have.
But I'm also thinking about projects with these images. Here are a few thoughts.
- A book titled: 2024 - My Year in Pictures.
- New collections of fine art greeting cards.
- Article ideas that I could tap right now.
When I was editing this week's article for Live View, one of the drafts was titled, A Photo Walk Along the Border Wall by Cynthia Whelan. Cynthia reached back into her photo archives to 2018 when she and her husband documented crossing the border from Arizona to Mexico.
The story and the images are as relevant today as they were 6 years ago. Plus now, she has a perspective that adds even more body to the article. It's available now, and I think you would enjoy reading it.
My point is, all of us are sitting on a goldmine of wonderful content. At a minimum, we should take an hour to go back through our own year in pictures and acknowledge the experiences we've had.
And beyond, put some of that work to use. Find a way to share it with the world. We are good at what we do. And there are many people who would like to see our creative efforts.
European Union Makes USB-C Mandatory for All Electronic Devices Including SmartphonesYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Why Less Camera Gear Makes You More CreativeYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Want to photograph the New Year's Eve fireworks? Here are my explosive secrets...You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #979, Dec. 24, 2024. Today's theme is "New Lumix, Adobe Price Hike, and More." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueFor a photographer, the shortest day of the year, Dec. 21st, means that we only have about 9 hours of light - not much time to get out there and shoot! Fortunately, there have been some interesting news stories inside. So, brew another cup of coffee, put your feet up, and let's see what's going on out there. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 979
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US Senate Passes Bill That Makes it Easier for Photographers to Film in National ParksYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Photoshop's New Reflection Removal ToolYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Your Lightroom or Photoshop plan may be getting more expensiveYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
I'm planning my 365 photography project now! Here's why I'm not waiting until the New Year and my #1 secret for successYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Panasonic brings refreshed DC-G97 and ZS99 / TZ99 models with subtle updatesYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #978, Dec. 17, 2024. Today's theme is "How to Print a Holiday Greeting Card." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueI like to include a handmade card with all of my holiday gifts. And sometimes, the card is the gift. I just finished printing a batch with my Canon G620 inkjet printer. And the process was easy and productive. I thought that you might find my approach appealing for some holiday output of your own. I tell all in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 978
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How to Print a Holiday Greeting CardThis is my first year using the Canon PIXMA G620 printer ($249) for the holiday fine art cards. And I have to say, it worked great!
For my paper, I went with Red River's 60lb. River Linen Scored (Item #1392). It measures 7x10" and folds down to a standard 5"x7" card. I use envelopes from RRP because I like the squared-off back flap (Item #7239). But you could use any standard 5"x7" envelope.
I start by working with a 7"x 10" canvas. I have templates for this already, so all I have to do is choose my image and drop it in to the top half of the template. If you don't have a template already, you can download them for Lightroom and Photoshop from the Red River site.
Once I've designed the card, I export it as a Tiff. I could print directly from Photoshop or Lightroom as well. But generally, I open the file in Apple's Preview and print from there. I like Preview's uncluttered printing interface.
If you haven't done so already, create a Custom Paper Size for 7"x10". You can do this by clicking on Manage Custom Sizes that's at the bottom of the Paper Size popup menu in the Print Driver Dialog.
If you want your card image to blead off the edges, be sure to check the box, "Fill Entire Paper" that's also in the Print Dialog Box.
Next, under Media & Quality, choose the paper surface that best matches your card stock. In my case, it was Matte Photo Paper. Also select "Best" for Quality.
Refer to the screenshot of the dialog box if you have any questions. Now print!
If you don't have any RRP greeting card stock on hand, you can go DIY by trimming one inch off the side of an 8"x10" photo paper. Choose the heaviest stock you have on hand. I like 60lb. for my greeting cards.
I leave the interior blank because that's where I write my personal message. Sometimes I print information on the back of the card. This year I used rubber stamps to give them that unique, handmade look.
Now, all you have to do is score them and find an envelope.
Peak Design Denies It 'Traced' the Bag of the UnitedHealthcare CEO ShooterYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Is Canon stealing this secret weapon lens from Olympus?You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Top Rented Photo and Video Products of 2024You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #977, Dec. 10, 2024. Today's theme is "How Did You Fare on Black Friday?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueI survived Black Friday, but just barely. The barrage of camera deals, lens discounts, and alluring accessories that maybe I didn't need, but certainly wanted and were difficult to resist. This week I share with you my Black Friday temptation and my attempts to fight it off. All of that, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 977
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How Did You Fare on Black Friday?I started out strong. On November 29th I browsed my usual suspects: B&H Photo and Amazon. I was relieved to see that there weren't any burning camera deals to tempt me right out of the shoot.
In the past, that wasn't always the case. I remember one year when Amazon was offering a new Nikon D610 full-frame DSLR, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 autofocus prime, and a Nikon battery grip for some ridiculous price that I couldn't resist. So I bought it. And I've used the camera many times over the years and love it to this day. But it was an expenditure that I had not planned on.
There were some good deals this year, but nothing like that. I could save $400 on an M3 14" MacBook Pro. Even though mine is an older M1 model, it's running just fine.
I could save $2,200 on a Leica SL2-S Mirrorless Camera. It looks sweet, but it would still cost me $2,995. And I don't have any lenses for it. And we know how that goes.
I could save $300 on a Panasonic Lumix G9 II MFT mirrorless body. It's 25 megapixel sensor is certainly alluring, and I have a ton of lenses that would work great on it. But even after the discount, it was still $1,600.
All of these deals, and many more, were relativity easy to pass on. I enjoyed reading about them, lingering over the specs, fantasizing how I would integrate the new equipment into my workflow, and then just sigh and click to the next page.
I was feeling pretty good about my resolve and good judgment.
Then I received an email blast from Nikon: "4 Days Only! Refurbished Sale." I knew that I shouldn't look, but what harm could it do? I had already shown resistance to these Black Friday temptations.
I'm scrolling down the web page noting the discounts for the Z9 (yeah, right), the Zf (already have one), and the Z6 II (nice price, but no). Then it appeared. A black Special Edition Z fc with matching 16-50mm compact VR zoom lens for $850. Uh Oh!
I think the black Special Edition Z fc is one of the most handsome digital cameras I've ever laid eyes on. They're not available new anymore. And when you do find one it's well over a thousand dollars.
This one, totally refurbished with a matching lens, was $850 - plus free shipping, a substantial Nikon warranty, and in stock. Oh man...
I already own the 26mm Nikon Z pancake that would look great on the Z fc. Plus I have other Z optics. And this little guy at 800 grams would be a fantastic backup camera for the Zf.
It wasn't difficult to envision all of the scenarios where I could put the Z fc to work, and enjoy its handsome appearance at the same time.
I took a deep breath, closed the laptop, and walked away. An hour later, I was back. Then the next day, and the day after that.
I kept saying to myself, "Maybe they will sell out and it will put me out of my misery." But every time I opened the page, there it was calling to me.
This torture went on for 5 days. That's right. It wasn't even a 4-day sale. It's still on sale!
To help build up my resistance, I would pull out my beautiful OM-1, Pentax KP, or Nikon Zf. "I certainly don't need anything more than these three cameras" I would say to myself. And for a few moments, that would work.
This afternoon, before I wrote the podcast, I opened the 4-Day Sale page again. The Special Edition Z fc is still there! How do these people measure days?
But I have not caved in. I'm standing strong. I've survived Black Friday 2024. But I must remain vigilant.
Miss Black Friday? Adorama still has cameras discounted by as much as $1KYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
5 Must-Have Everyday-Carry Accessories for PhotographersYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Google's AI Weather App Could be Extremely Useful to PhotographersYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
An Opening for Our Costa Rica WorkshopA space has just opened up for our Costa Rica Photography Workshop, January 7-15, 2025. You can read all of the details and sign up by visiting our Costa Rica Workshop page.
The event is co-lead by Rob Knight and myself. Our group is limited to 10 participants. We've lined up guides, transportation, accommodations, and meals. All you have to do is pack your bag and get a flight.
If you have any questions about the event, you can post a comment here.
Hope to see you in Costa Rica!
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #976, Dec. 3, 2024. Today's theme is "Making the Case for Using GPS with Travel Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueOne thing that surprised me this past year when talking to workshop photographers was how few of them were adding location data to their images during capture. I can understand not doing so while taking pictures around the house. But during travel? On this week's podcast, I present my case for making the extra effort. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 976
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Making the Case for Using GPS with Travel PhotographyOne of the great things about our smartphones is that they record GPS data with every photo we take. Those coordinates are translated into actual locations by the software we use to manage our pictures, such as Apple Photos, Adobe Lightroom, and Capture One Pro.
This information, combined with the camera's normal EXIF data, informs us of just about everything we need to know about the image we're looking at. Not only do we get the camera settings used, we can also see time of day, map location, and with some units, altitude and direction.
All of this information is searchable by practically any image manager software. So, without having to do anything more than press the shutter button, we can record a mountain of information with the picture itself. This is a luxury that film photographers could only dream about.
Looking at the GPS screen on my Pentax KP with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit mounted, the data readout includes the location, direction, and time of shooting using Universal Time Coordinated. It also features an Electronic Compass to display the direction the camera is facing (true direction after declination adjustment) on the LCD monitor, making it useful during shooting preparations before sunrise or for the accurate spotting of a target mountain in alpine photography.
The Olympus TG-4 has GPS built-in. You can access a readout screen via the Info button that provides data for Lattitude, Longitude, Barometer, Altitude/Water Depth, and a real-time digital compass that shows you which direction the camera is pointing.
Both cameras write this information to the EXIF data that is associated with each picture.
When I scan the pictures from my Fujifilm X100V in Photos, the bulk of the images have location information attached. That's because when I get out of the car, I turn on the Fujifilm X App on my iPhone.
The X100V is already paired with the app, so they immediately search for each other. Within a minute, they are communicating via Bluetooth and the iPhone is sending GPS coordinates to the X100V, which in turn are embedded with each picture.
Different Methods for Embedding Location Information
There are basically four ways I can add this info to my pictures.
- GPS built into the camera. The Olympus TG-4 and Apple iPhone are two examples. Both of these draw power from the camera's battery.
- External GPS Unit. The Pentax O-GPS1 unit slides into the hot shoe then uses the camera's LCD for readouts. It is powered by its own AAA battery.
- Camera paired with smartphone via app. Improved Bluetooth efficiency has made this a more practical option. Ease of use depends on the app available for your particular camera. Power is drawn from both camera and phone.
- Applied in post-production. This is my least favorite approach because it requires a fair amount of effort.
For Those Who Don't Like Keywording...
I'm the first to admit that I hate keywording. And I know that I'm in good company.
Thanks to improved Object Recognition combined with embedded location information, we don't really need to keyword anymore.
Object recognition with find that beautiful marina sunset that you're looking for. And GPS coordinates will tell you where you were when capturing the shot.
Yes, There Are a Few Downsides
Our cameras don't utilize the super-accurate military GPS functionality. So the location isn't always precise. Plus, if your unit doesn't update when you change locations, that could results in inaccuracy too.
You can force the unit to update by recalibrating it, which takes just a few seconds of moving it in a circular direction.
Then there's battery life. Unless your GPS radio has its own power source, it will be drawing off your camera and/or your smartphone's battery. This drain isn't huge, but it will shorten the life of your batter over the course of a long day's shooting. So make sure you pack an extra.
Final Thoughts
Embedded location information is not only useful for our own memory of where pictures were captured, but it's also helpful for those who view our images in the future after we're gone.
And if you want to record changes in an environment, then have the location coordinates for your return trip can be very useful.
You may already have everything you need to get started with GPS recording. It could be a matter of just getting your devices paired.
I think it's worth the effort.
The Sony A1 II's sensor is almost four years old: here's why that doesn't matterYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Editing Portraits Start to Finish in Lightroom on an iPadYou can read the entire article on FStopperes.com.
Kodak Temporarily Pauses All Film ProductionYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
An Opening for Our Costa Rica WorkshopA space has just opened up for our Costa Rica Photography Workshop, January 7-15, 2025. You can read all of the details and sign up by visiting our Costa Rica Workshop page.
The event is co-lead by Rob Knight and myself. Our group is limited to 10 participants. We've lined up guides, transportation, accommodations, and meals. All you have to do is pack your bag and get a flight.
If you have any questions about the event, you can post a comment here.
Hope to see you in Costa Rica!
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #975, Nov. 26, 2024. Today's theme is "Planned Obsolesce Doesn't Work for Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIf you're lucky, your smartphone is viable for 4 years. Your laptop... not much longer than that. Planned obsolesce is a real problem in the world of technology. It's expensive and it creates tons of hazardous waste that's harmful for our planet. But one area in particular seems immune to this diabolical scheme despite manufacturers' efforts: photography. I'll explain why, and its benefits to you, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 975
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Planned Obsolesce Doesn't Work for PhotographyToday's feature story talking points:
- In digital photography, software is extending the life of hardware. AI upsampling and noise reduction are great examples.
- In addition to my OM-1, I'm packing a 2017 Pentax KP and a 2015 Olympus TG-4 for Costa Rica. Why? Because they are perfect for the subject and conditions.
- Never underestimate the value of a great lens on an older camera. Case in point, my PENTAX-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR zoom lens. Even on the older Pentax body, the images are amazingly sharp and colorful.
- All of our cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. Both Pentax and Olympus have amazing weather resistance.
- We can still get batteries for older cameras. So if your existing cell is underperforming, you can replace it.
- Photography is also a creative pursuit. So we can go all the way back to film cameras and uncoated lenses to create looks that are artistic and unique. And yes, relevant today.
- Have you ever pulled out an old camera, put on your favorite lens, then after an hour thought to yourself, "Now I remember why I loved this camera so much!" That's not going to happen with a 10-year-old smartphone.
- I understand the need for manufacturers to have us regularly upgrade our cameras. We can be more choosy about how we do that thanks to the longevity of our existing gear. And by doing so, we're saving money and reducing electronic waste that is so very harmful to the planet.
Another angle to this is buying used gear, at a reduced price, instead of always going to something new.
Photography is one area where we can say no to the endless treadmill of upgrades. The power is in our hands as to when we buy and what we choose to invest in.
Canon and Amazon Win Lawsuit Against Counterfeit Batteries and ChargersYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Radiant Photo 2 Arrives, Promising Next-Generation Photo EditingYou can read the entire article on FStopperes.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsTDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #974, Nov. 19, 2024. Today's theme is "The 2025 Photography Workshop Season." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWhether we gather together in the great outdoors or in front of our computer screens for an online class, TDS workshops are our opportunity to learn new techniques and share the ones we know with others. The 2025 season provides many options for us to work together. And on today's podcast, I'm going to cover what we have in store for next year. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 974
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The 2025 Photography Workshop SeasonYou can review the entire 2025 TDS Photography Workshop Season here.
Here's a note from a first-time workshop participant:
"Why was this workshop so special to me as a 1st timer at a photographic workshop, it wasn't just the amazing locations, which were spectacular, but the leader, and the people who were a part of this adventure.
I've been taking pictures since my early 20's, now in my mid 60's, I felt inspired at this workshop to get out of my comfort zone, it opened a whole new door to what I can do. The locations for this workshop is what made me want to take it in the 1st place, variety, I love variety, and that is what we had, every place we went offered so much visually. I loved the fact that each place challenged me as a photographer.
What I liked about Derrick Story and his workshop method. Besides being a really nice guy, and an amazing photographer, I like his approach of being more laid back. I liked that he challenged us when we went on photo shoots to take different style pictures. He was always available to ask for guidance, and more ideas to try. The leadership of this workshop was top notch, this trip was planned out so well.
What else was special, well, it was the people who participated in this workshop. We all had an instant connection, the fact that we love to take pictures. This was not a competitive group which made it even more enjoyable. I felt so comfortable with everyone right away, and they were always happy to share ideas, and knowledge, I felt inspired by everyone."
Janet
Reserve your spot now. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.
I hope to work with you in 2025!
This Grandma AI Bot Will Waste Scammers Time by Staying on the Phone for HoursYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #973, Nov. 12, 2024. Today's theme is "Tips for Showing Your Pictures on a 4K TV." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueFamily gatherings, special occasions, wedding receptions, and photography workshops - these are all great opportunities to show your pictures on a big screen. But how do you set things up so they look as good as possible? I have a few tips for you, and I'm going to share them on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 973
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Tips for Showing Your Pictures on a 4K TVOn the final day of our photography workshops, we all gather around a big 4K TV and share a handful of our pictures from the week. This is always a highlight of the event for me, and I think it's the same for each photographer.
Over the years I've used and experimented with different systems for large-screen display. In the early days, I used an Epson projector with a screen. At the time, it didn't seem too terrible, but I do remember turning around my laptop and showing the audience its display so they could see what the picture "really looked like." By today's standards, this method just isn't good enough.
Now we have big 4K LCD screens with HDMI input. Depending on the brand and model, these can be quite good. They're still not as excellent as our laptop screens or dedicated computer monitors, but with a little tweaking, the results can be quite pleasing. Here are a few tips to get the most from these TVs.
Making the HDMI Connection
I always carry an HDMI cable that plugs directly into my MacBook Pro. I recommend at least 6' long so you don't have to sit right under the big LCD during the presentation.
The great thing about HDMI is that you only need a cable and that's it. No fiddling with WiFi sharing and other wireless options. The signal is robust and the quality is good.
You will need the TV remote control to change the Input from the current HDMI input, probably a cable box, to the HDMI input you're using for your presentation.
Using Apple AirPlay
An Apple TV box isn't quite as simple as a single HDMI cable, but it does have a few advantages.
First, you're not tied to the TV itself as you are with a cable, and you can put the laptop anywhere in the room. And second, others can share their images as well. You're not limited to just one device accessing the TV screen.
But there are more steps involved for this arrangement.
- You have to pack an Apple TV, power cord, and HDMI cable.
- There needs to be a WiFi network available for both Apple TV and the laptop.
- Once you have the Apple TV connected to the LCD via HDMI, go to Settings and make sure it's on the WiFi Network.
- Then put your laptop, iPhone, or iPad on the same network.
- On the laptop, go to the Control Panel and click on Screen Mirroring. The Apple TV should show up in the list of options.
- For an iPhone or iPad, go to the Photos app, pick the picture you want, go to Sharing, and choose AirPlay.
Adjusting Tone and Color
Regardless of which method you use, you'll probably have to adjust tone and color if that's important to your viewing audience. Using the TV remote, go to Menu > Picture Settings. You should have options for Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Color, Tint, and Color Temperature, depending on the brand and model of the TV.
Adjust the sliders in the TV Settings while comparing the appearance to the picture on your computer or device. You might not be able to get a perfect match, but I've found that I can get it pretty close.
A Reminder for Success
Regardless of which method you use for displaying images on an LCD TV, allow for time beforehand to set up and test your configuration. It's easy to forget when the share buttons are and other settings for your presentation.
If it's an important once in a lifetime occasion, such as a wedding reception, practice at home before you get on location. Make notes as to where the settings are for your devices, and make a few dry runs to get everything dialed in.
Upgrade your iPhone's weak flash with this adjustable MagSafe lightYou can read the entire article on TheVerge.com.
The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD Punches Way Above Its WeightYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #972, Nov. 5, 2024. Today's theme is "Post Mortem Lightroom: What Happens When the Subscription Ends?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueFor many photographers, their life's work is organized inside a Lightroom catalog. Most often, the software is part of an Adobe subscription for $9.99 a month. So what happens if that photographer passes away? Are those images in jeopardy? What is the best move forward for those entrusted with the catalog? I address those issues on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 972
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
First, A Note to My Fellow AmericansToday, Nov. 5, 2024, is national election day. Each citizen has the opportunity to cast a ballot for their choice for president, and in many cases, down-ballot as well for Representatives to the House, the Senate, local officials, and sometimes even propositions.
If you're registered, please vote. The foundation of this country's political system is based on one person, one ballot. And this country depends on your participation. If you haven't done so already, please make time today to make your voice heard.
Post Mortem Lightroom: What Happens When the Subscription Ends?A friend of mine, and a very dear friend of my brother-in-law Pat, recently passed away. He was an avid photographer who had more that 45,000 images in his Lightroom Classic catalog.
Pat is helping his family by taking a look at the MacBook Pro that houses the Lightroom catalog, the Photos app, and anything photography-related. He's going to make a recommendation to the family about the best way to preserve this work for others who may want to view it.
Our friend was a biologist who documented his observations with a Nikon D500. He was also a family man and a father. Like so many, most of the family moments are in his Photos library, and his work in the Lightroom catalog.
Pat and I have met twice to brainstorm on the best path forward. My recommendation is to "Freeze It In Time." Since everything is well organized in both Photos and Lightroom, we already have a card catalog of sorts since both applications have database underpinnings.
In addition to the User Collections in Lightroom, and the User-Created Albums in Photos, both applications have various forms of search that could help relatives find images they may be looking for. So if we just preserve the laptop as is, it will be available for future reference. And as an added measure of security, everything should be backed up onto secondary drives.
The potential fly in the ointment are the subscription services tied to those applications. What happens to the functionality of those libraries if the subscription ends.
According to Adobe, with Lightroom Classic, "You can continue to access all your photos on your local hard drive through Lightroom for the desktop. You can continue to import and organize photos and output your edited photos through Export, Publish, Print, Web, or Slideshow. Access to the Develop & Map modules and Lightroom for mobile is not available after your membership ends."
So in theory, we can continue to use Lightroom Classic as an organizer, export images when needed, and even use some of the presentation features. What we can't do is further edit the photos. So the images are literally frozen in time.
The news could be even better for the Photos library. If storage doesn't exceed the free iCloud plan, then everything should be there indefinitely. Things aren't quite as clear if paid storage is involved.
According to Apple:
* If your iCloud storage exceeds your new storage plan capacity, iCloud won't sync or update your information, and iCloud backups won't complete. iCloud starts syncing again and iCloud backups resume when you increase your storage capacity or delete information to make more space. * If you downgrade to the free iCloud plan, you will no longer have access to iCloud+ features like Hide My Email, Private Relay, and HomeKit Secure Video support.2 * If you pay for both Apple One and an iCloud+ plan, you can downgrade or cancel the iCloud+ plan and just use the iCloud+ plan included in Apple One. After you select Change Storage Plan, there might be additional steps before you can downgrade or cancel your storage. Some sites claim that Apple will delete your data after 30 days of unpaid subscription. But I couldn't find anything official to corroborate that.
Regardless, it seems wise to download the entire Photos library on to a computer or hard drive. And before doing that, go to Settings in Photos, under the iCloud tab, and choose Download Originals to This Mac.
I have used the "Freeze It In Time" approach with my Aperture libraries. I have an old MacBook that maintains my archive, and I can export images out of them anytime I want.
Also, innovative software like Mylio and Peakto provide access to Lightroom and Aperture libraries, as well as Capture One. Going this route allows us to use modern computers that are faster running software that's current.
There is a time investment and software cost to go this route, but it is also a stable option that should work well for years to come. That is, as long as they aren't subscription-based.
The Bottom Line
When we debate the pros and cons of renting our software, we tend to think in present terms. But all of us have an expiration date. So it's wise to think about image preservation now, and build in a plan that others can easily access.
That way our families can focus on the memories we captured with our cameras instead of worrying about how to maintain them.
It's a Big Deal That Apple is Getting Back into Photo Editing SoftwareYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
DEAR PANASONIC, MICRO FOUR THIRDS NEEDS SOME LOVE, TOOYou can read the entire article on Phoblographer.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #971, Oct. 29, 2024. Today's theme is "The iPad mini A17 Pro - Nimble Powerhouse for Photographers." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueCombined with iOS 18.1, the iPad mini A17 Pro is a compact photo powerhouse that fits in practically any camera bag. I've been putting one through its paces, and I have lots to report on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 971
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The iPad mini A17 Pro - Nimble Powerhouse for PhotographersThe lead story this week is my review of the iPad mini A17 Pro for photographers. Tune in to hear what I have to say.
For more information, links to accessories, illustrations, and more, read my article, How to Set Up the New iPad mini A17 Pro for Photographers.
iPadOS 18.1 now available with these Apple Intelligence featuresYou can read the entire article on bgr.com. (Boy Genius Report)
The New M4 iMac Aims to Be Apple's Best Value for PhotographersYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #970, Oct. 22, 2024. Today's theme is "The Return of the Point and Shoot Camera" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueFujifilm and Ricoh knew it all along. There will always be a place in this world for a high-quality compact camera. They never wavered while the rest of the industry veered sharply in the direction of interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras. But then, thanks to social media, there was a renewed interest in point-and-shoots. And now we can't make them fast enough. On this week's TDS Photography Podcast, we try to figure out what's going on.
Digital Photography Podcast 970
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Return of the Point and Shoot CameraI'm pretty sure that the Camera Control button on the new iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's response to the renewed fondness for compact cameras. Now, mobile photographers can enjoy similar ergonomics that they have on point and shoots - namely, a top dedicated shutter button that lets you hold the iPhone like a real camera. And soon, that Camera Control Button will introduce a two-stage shutter that lets you automatically lock focus and exposure with a light press -- so you can reframe your shot without losing focus on your subject.
Here's what Apple has to say about it: "Camera Control is a picture of innovation. On the surface, a sapphire crystal with a smooth texture is surrounded by a color-matched fine stainless steel trim. Inside, a high-precision force sensor with haptic feedback emulates the feel of a DSLR camera shutter. While a new touch sensor -- the first of its kind for Apple -- recognizes precise interactions like clicks and slides."
Sound like anything you already know? This directly addresses one of the reasons I keep my X100V on hand: I like the ergonomics of a traditional camera.
But compacts have more going for them than just a dedicated shutter button. Here are some of my favorite features and customizations.
- Filters are easier to use. I keep NISI Black Mist 1/4 on the X100V because combined with the film simulations, it gives me a look that is unique to the iPhone. And if I want to switch to a polarizer or IR 720, that only takes seconds.
- The accessory JJC HG-X100V grip feels great on the camera and makes if even more enjoyable to hold. Plus it protects the bottom plate of the X100V and has a built-in Arca-Swiss mounting plate.
- The EVF/OVF is top-notch on the X100V and allows for comfortable composition in every lighting environment.
- A real built-in flash that is far more powerful than the LED on the iPhone, plus works as a slave trigger with my external flash. This gives me a wide variety of lighting options.
- A removable memory card is far more flexible than relying solely on internal memory.
- Buttons and dials (need I say more?)
- Interchangable batteries that allow me to keep shooting all through the day. Plus, if my camera battery does run out, I can still call an Uber. Not the case with my iPhone.
- Old school goodies: threaded cable release, hot shoe, click-stop aperture ring.
My default settings for the X100V are Program Mode, Astia Soft film simulation, with the NISI Black Mist filter. When I want that look, I can pull the camera from my backpack and grab the shot quickly. Having that little bit of extra style and creativity in such a compact package complements my iPhone and interchangable lens mirrorless.
I can see why compacts are so popular again. My only question is: how did they fall out of favor in the first place?
Manufacturers Were Unprepared for the Point And Shoot Camera RevivalYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Best Travel Cameras for 2024You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.
Has Canon opened its RF mount to another autofocus lens maker?You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #969, Oct. 15, 2024. Today's theme is "New Camera Announcement! Never mind, it's for vlogging..." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIt's always exciting when one of your favorite camera companies announces that there's something new coming. I started hearing rumors of a new sensor and other innovations. Then came the actual unveiling. And just like the recent Sony ZV-E10 II, the FujiFilm X-M5 is designed for vloggers. So does that mean that the rest of us should overlook this handsome compact? Find out more on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 969
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New Camera Announcement! Never mind, it's for vlogging...I do like cute compacts. And the FujiFilm X-M5 is a handsome little guy. The price is also appealing: $799 body only and $899 with the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
And if you're a vlogger, there is a lot here to appreciate:
- Excellent built-in microphone array for good onboard recording.
- Up to 6.2K video at 29fps, plus 4K at 60fps, and 1080 at 240 fps.
- Dedicated vlogging mode.
- Frame.io Camera to Cloud integration allows delivery of photos or video straight to the cloud moments after they're created.
- Anticipating the needs of creators, FUJIFILM has shifted the locations of connector ports to the right side of the camera, eliminating wire interference with the monitor.
- Microphone port on the back of the camera.
- Background Defocus mode blurs the background to focus on the camera's main subject.
- Product Priority mode automatically switches focus to a product placed closer to the camera, ideal for reviews and demonstrations.
- Portrait Enhancer mode applies skin-smoothening algorithms in Weak, Medium, and Strong options.
- 9:16 Short Movie mode offers a cropped 9:16 vertical recording option in 15, 30, and 60-second options for internet-ready content straight from the camera.
- 3", 3-Way Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Weighs 12.5 oz without a lens and spanning 4.4" wide body.
But alas, my video needs do not exceed the capabilities of my existing cameras. And for this primary stills photographer, the compromises of the X-M5 are notable.
- No electronic viewfinder.
- The LCD is only a million dots.
- UHS-1 SD card slot.
- No IBIS, digital stabilization only.
- No built-in ND filter.
- No built-in flash.
So, as handsome and compact as the X-M5 is, it wasn't designed for me. But it will probably make a lot of vloggers happy, and could be an excellent entry-level camera for those moving up from their smartphone.
New downsized Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II premium zoomYou can read the entire article on amateurphotographer.com.
Meta's AI Northern Lights Post is a Stark Reminder of Big Tech's Contempt For ArtistsYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
Frustrated With Traditional Film Scanning? Consider This Easy, Cost-Effective, and High-Quality AlternativeYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #968, Oct. 8, 2024. Today's theme is "1200 Miles to Durango." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueMost folks aren't crazy enough to load up an EV in Northern CA and drive over a thousand miles to Durango, CO. But that's exactly what I did last week for our photography workshop. And it was amazing. Hear all about it on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 968
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1200 Miles to DurangoOn the Wednesday before I departed, I removed the TentBox rooftop tent and companion roll-out awning from the top of the VW ID.4. If I was going to drive one day through California, then the next through Arizona, New Mexico, and finally arriving in Colorado, I knew I would need to squeeze every mile out of each charging stop.
I refueled in places like Lost Hills, Mojave, Needles, Winslow, Gallup, and, yes, Durango. My Bodega portable refrigerator was packed with sandwiches, fruit, and string cheese. Behind the front seat, I stashed Triscuts, almonds, and homemade banana bread. In the front cup holders, there were two water bottles with a 3.8-liter refill tank in the back hatch. My camera rode shotgun on the front seat.
The first day I navigated 700 miles from Santa Rosa, CA to Kingman AZ. The most challenging stretch was on Highway 40 where big rig trucks race 75 MPH or faster. Since I was using adaptive cruise control to optimize my speed, I was locked in at the speed limit in the right lane. In the rear view, I would see an oncoming truck closing in on me, shifting to the left lane, then leaving me behind in its tailwind.
Streamlining the car paid off. With nothing on the top racks, I averaged between 3.3 and 3.5 miles per kWh. I would get a little nervous climbing the Tehachapi Mountains in 90-degree heat, then experience relief as the car regenerated electricity going down the 6 percent grade on the backside.
After two days of driving, I arrived at Curry Barn outside of Durango, CO. It was worth the journey.
We had a total of 7 participants, with each having their own private or semi-private sleeping area. There were two spacious common areas, one for dining, and the other for lab work. At night, we could walk out the back door and photograph the Milky Way on a moonless, dark sky evening.
During the day, we explored the Animas River, downtown Durango, Mesa Verde, and rode the train to Silverton. After a shoot, we would return to Curry Barn for refreshments and to work on our pictures together, seated at a long table with eight chairs.
We ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner together. And when we couldn't eat another bite, take another picture, or edit another image, we flopped into bed hoping for a good night's sleep so we would have energy for the next day.
The images our group produced were beautiful - scenes from an old west mining town, fall color, a steam engine train rolling along cliffs and rivers, the remains of an ancient indigenous civilization, and of course, portraits of each other as we worked in the high mountains of Colorado.
The week passed too quickly. We had to say our good-byes. And then I loaded up the VW and headed back to California. Another 1,200 miles in front of me - plenty of time to relive the memory of an amazing week.
Should I Buy a Medium-Format Digital Camera?You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.
Fujifilm announces its October X Summit with a focus on design & firmware updatesYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #967, Oct. 1, 2024. Today's theme is "Start With Your Bag, Then Work Backwards." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIt's a law of nature that any horizontal surface in the home must have stuff on it. And so it goes for our camera bags as well. If there's room inside, we will put something there. So if you want to travel lighter, get a smaller bag. I'll explain more, plus other stories, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 967
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Start With Your Bag, Then Work BackwardsIn just a few hours, I depart for Durango, CO. for our early fall workshop. Since I'm making a two-day drive from Northern CA. instead of flying, I have a little more room for gear than my previous trip to Alaska.
But that doesn't mean that I want to fill up the car with stuff I don't need. I have things for the workshop - ice chest, refrigerator, water service, food, etc. - plus my suitcase and gear for the road. So my camera bag turns out to be the same size as what I flew with to Vancouver.
How do I pack tight and keep it light? It all starts with the bag.
I'm using the 18.5 L Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 150 AW Backpack ($124).
- Main opening with number 10 zipper and a configurable interior with a 60/40 split.
- Soft top section holds your travel necessities.
- Lower half protects your equipment with an integrated camera insert.
- Construction and multi-access design allows access from the side without removing the insert, which is safely connected to the inside of the bag with a strap.
- Multi-functional accessory straps allow you to carry the insert separately like a shoulder bag, or attach it to your chest.
- Use the neck or chest strap to carry your camera around your neck.
- Separate back pocket that accommodates a 14.2" MacBook Pro.
- Generous mesh water bottle holder.
- Lots of grab handles.
By sticking to 18.5 L, I can have all my valuable gear with me, whether I'm in a restaurant, cab, bus, under the seat in the plane, or hustling from terminal to terminal.
A bigger bag would mean more weight and less portability. That's why I start with the bag size I want, then work backwards.
No, This Viral 'Goodbye Meta AI' Post Won't Protect Your PhotosYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Skylum Launches Aperty, a Portrait Editor With AI Offering Fast ResultsYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Celebrated photographer Stephen Shore walks out of his lecture after Chinese audience proves more interested in their phonesYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
21 World Famous Photographers and Their PhotosYou can read the entire article on PhotoTraces.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #966, Sept. 24, 2024. Today's theme is "We Think a Picture Should Be of Something That Actually Happened." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueI've been waiting for this AI shoe to drop, and now that it has, I'm loving this discussion. With the announcement of the iPhone 16, Apple put its stake in the ground regarding built-in AI for smartphone photography. And their position differs significantly from Google's and Samsung's. Today, we take a closer look at the two approaches, and think about which one we're most comfortable with. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 966
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
We Think a Picture Should Be of Something That Actually HappenedWe start with the Petapixel article, If You Care About Photography, Apple's Approach Should Have You Cheering. I then comment from there.
Why the 85mm Lens Is for More Than Just PortraitsYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
People are raging over the iOS 18 Photos app redesign - here's how to fix itYou can read the entire article on BGR.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #965, Sept. 17, 2024. Today's theme is "Let's Get Real: A Smartphone-Only in Alaska is Ridiculous." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueAlaska is geological wonder, seafaring history, indigenous culture, goldrush, hardship, wildlife, and wild west. It is truly bigger than the life most of us have ever experienced. Alaska is awe-inspiring, soaked to the bone, and warmed by Salmon bisque and fresh-baked bread. And if you're ever lucky enough to visit, take the right gear. And I don't mean just a rain jacket and boots. I'll explain more on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 965
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Let's Get Real: A Smartphone-Only in Alaska is RidiculousBefore I get to camera gear, which is the primary topic of today's show, I want to talk a little Alaska in general. Because if you're thinking of going, there are some things you should know.
First, if you're cruising, be sure to include Glacier Bay. It's only accessible by water, and you need a captain that knows what he/she is doing. I recommend Holland America. They work closely with the U.S. Forest Service, the Indigenous tribes, and are focused on education as well as enjoyment. They have a long history in Alaska, they have the prime slips for docking while other lines often have to tender to shore.
I recommend a starboard stateroom for inside passage trips, although port side is fine most of the time. Pay extra for a balcony. Your photo library will thank you.
When in port, get outside city limits. You'll usually have plenty of time to explore the towns, but wandering beyond is where the wonder resides. Excursions led by locals in small vans is the way to go.
And finally: Gear up! You'll need real boots, rainwear, backpack with all-weather cover, and a camera that is not afraid of the elements. I was walking around in downpours as happy as a seal in a salmon pond - but only because I was prepared for the elements.
Now, let's get to camera gear. The bulk of my shots were recorded with the Nikon Zf and Nikkor 28-400mm zoom. I loved not having to change lenses in the pouring rain or blustery winds. I did use the 26mm prime for some interiors, but just a few times. Here's my focal length list:
20mm - 6, 26mm - 49, 28mm - 105, 30mm-70mm - 180, 71mm-105mm - 75, 106mm-200mm - 94, and 201mm-400mm - 70. I pre-culled my shots, so only the images I like made it in to Capture One Pro. There are hundreds more frames on the memory cards that will get backed up, but not added to my working library.
I have 121 images in my 3-Star Collection. These are my favorites. 40 of them were recorded with focal lengths beyond 120mm. I also have a collection of B&W photos captured with the Zf using Deep Tone Monotone or Tri-X. (They are amazing out of the camera.)
Resolution is 6048x4032. All the images were geotagged in realtime via Snapbridge. And ISOs crept as high as 25,600.
Now why the data dump? Because this 10-day photo shoot would have been impossible with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. I did take 140 pictures with my iPhone, but they're the stuff you would imagine: selfies, meals, signs, and grab shots. I wouldn't want to come home with only those images.
And yet, even on the photo excursions that I attended, over half the people with shooting with smartphones only. I was on one trip in the outskirts of Ketchikan, where I had the only interchangeable lens camera.
The photo guides did a great job of showing iPhone photographers tips and techniques to squeeze the most out of their cameras. I often wandered off on my own and worked the locations with the Nikon.
I know I'm speaking to the choir here. But I also know that it's tempting to rely on a smartphone more than we should.
I had this moment in Vancouver, B.C. It was twilight. I was sitting on a balcony on the 15th floor of the Blue Horizon Hotel, gazing at the beauty of downtown. A waxing moon rose over a modern apartment building. I extended the zoom to 400mms and captured the scene beautifully.
I then switched to the Tri-X B&W mode and zoomed out to 28mms for a city coming to life in the approaching evening.
As I looked at the images on the LCD, I remember thinking, "I'm so glad I have this camera right now."
Smartphones are wonderful. And they are a fantastic backup camera for documenting life as it soars by. But if you want your pictures to look different than everyone else's, there's nothing like a real camera. And never has that been more true than these days.
What Happened in the Photo World While I Was GoneA whirlwind tour of the headlines over the past two weeks.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #964, Sept. 10, 2024. Today's theme is "2 Stories About Photography and Life." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueVery few things happen in a vacuum, and photography is certainly not one of them. This week I have two stories that illustrate the connectedness of our artistic passion with the world in which we live. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 964
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Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
I Was There Among the Ballers With My iPhoneBigger is not always better, and that includes cameras and ballparks. You can read the essay here.
Of All the Careers I Could Have Picked, Why Photography?I finally figured it out on a road trip with my son. You can read the essay here.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #963, Sept. 3, 2024. Today's theme is "Print Black & White Like a Pro." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueSeeing a gorgeous black-and-white print emerge from your inkjet printer will make you fall in love with photography all over again. And you don't have to spend a $1,000 on a fine art printer to experience this. In fact, by following the tips in today's podcast, you can get your Ansel Adams on with gear you already own. All of this, and more, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 963
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Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Print Black & White Like a ProI'm going to divide this discussion into three major parts: your inkjet printer, paper, and computer settings.
Printer
- Best if you have at least one gray ink to accompany your black ink.
- You can let the printer"manage" the colors. ICC profiles not required.
- Newer printers have excellent driver software.
- Pro models may have Advanced B&W Settings.
- Consumer models may have a slimmed-down version of B&W settings.
- I'm getting excellent output from a Canon G620 tank model with one gray.
Paper
- I use Red River paper.
- The type of stock you choose is very important.
- The white of your paper will be the white of your photo.
- Cool Tone Paper: Arctic Polar Luster, UltraPro Satin/Gloss, Polar Matte.
- Warm Paper: Palo Duro Satin, Aurora Art Natural, Blanco Matte Canvas.
- Glossy and Satin papers can achieve deeper blacks than Matte surfaces.
Computer and Software
- Dim your monitor to 50 percent when editing images for printing.
- Make a virtual copy of your master and label it. eg. 5"x7" satin print.
- Crop your virtual copy to the paper dimensions that you're going to use.
- Experiment with B&W presets, Silver Efex Pro, and DxO Film Pack.
- Selecting proper Media Type is critical: luster, glossy, matte, etc.
- Use "Best" quality setting for final print.
- Let prints dry down for 10 minutes before making any judgements.
I recommend that when you get a print you like, note all the settings you used on the back of the print and keep it in your paper box. That way you'll have a great starting point for that surface the next time you print.
Canon PRO-1100 17-Inch Printer Promises Richer Blacks and BluesYou can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com.
Can Photography Competitions Help You Progress as a Photographer?You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #962, August 27, 2024. Today's theme is "Getting Ready for Alaska." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIn less than 2 weeks, I'm boarding a plane as the first leg of my trip to Alaska. I've never been there, and I want to be prepared for anything that I may encounter. Since I'm smack dab in the middle of my planning, I thought I'd share my thought process with you. All of that, and more, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 962
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Getting Ready for AlaskaSo, let's cut to the chase... which camera am I taking? I've narrowed it down to two different systems. Here are the contenders.
OM System OM 1 Micro Four Thirds
- OM-1 camera body
- OM System 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II Zoom
- Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO Zoom
- Olympus 1.4X Teleconverter
- Olympus 17mm f/1.8 Prime
- Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Prime
OR...
Nikon Zf Full Frame
- Nikon Zf camera body
- Nikon 28-400mm Z f/4-8 Zoom
- Nikon 24-50 Z f/4-6.3 Compact Zoom
- Nikon 40mm Z f/2.0 Prime
- Nikon 26mm Z f/2.8 Pancake Prime
- Viltrox 20mm Z f/2.8 Prime
Pros and Cons
We will be traveling the inside passage via ship, but I will be hiking on photo excursions when in port. Compactness is less of an issue for this trip than others.
I'm hoping to be able to photograph the Northern Lights, wildlife, landscape, street photography, and life on the ship.
I'm leaning toward the Nikon for this trip because of its low-light capability and depth of field control, and using the OM-1 for the Durango trip that's two weeks after Alaska for its portability during hikes.
I'm discussing all of this in the podcast.
Other Essentials for the Trip
- MacBook Pro 14" M1 laptop
- Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Power Station
- Solgaard Check-In Closet Lite with FlowCloset System
- Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 150 AW Backpack (flat in the suitcase)
- Tenba Cooper 13 Slip Carry-On Shoulder Bag
WD Announces SanDisk 8 TB Memory CardYou can read the entire story on thePhoblographer.com.
Apple's 'Glowtime' iPhone event will be September 9thYou can read the entire story on DPReview.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #961, August 20, 2024. Today's theme is "Zero Computational Photography with Process Zero." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueAre you ready to see what kind of pictures your iPhone captures with absolutely no computational photography applied? You might wonder how that could even happen. The latest version of Halide (2.15) includes a feature called Process Zero. And when it's enabled, you record a RAW file with no AI or computational photography adjustments. Basically, it's like shooting slide film with an analog camera. And the results just might surprise you. I explain how it works, plus more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 961
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Zero Computational Photography with Process ZeroHalide Mark II is an iPhone camera app for enthusiast photographers. It provides lots of control over the capture process. And with version 2.15, it basically allows for complete control over the image appearance with what they call Process Zero. Here's how they describe it.
"When you take a photo on your iPhone, your photo is processed. The newer your iPhone is, the more processing typically happens: sometimes AI even comes in to make significant changes to your shot. People are made brighter, noise is reduced, details enhanced and 'flaws' removed.
You might love this, or you might not. That can even change for photo to photo. That made us think: why shouldn't you be able to choose your processing the way you choose a lens?
Where Halide previously allowed you to reduce processing, Halide 2.15 gives you total control: we now let you choose your image processing from the go. When you first set up Halide, or when you tap the format picker in the app, we now offer a choice:
Apple's standard image processing, reduced image processing, or something new: Process Zero.
PROCESS ZERO
Process Zero is our own process. We take raw sensor data, and do minimal processing to make a beautiful, natural and film-like shot. It's very quick (up to 20 times faster than ProRAW) it is saved along with a 12 megapixel native RAW file. You can choose it at any time by tapping the "RAW" / "HEIC" format picker icon in the Halide interface, or you can read more and select a process in the Capture settings.
After taking a few shots, using it is simple: on your iPhone, any app you open your photos in will use the Process Zero image, and any editor that supports RAW will open the RAW data for further editing. Easy!
Process Zero is not made for low light photography, as it will get noisy and can get color cast. It has no HDR or AI to tweak its detail or dynamic range. Use this if you want to shoot entirely without Apple's processing -- a bit like an older digital camera, for natural looking shots, or as a starting point for editing.
IMAGE LAB
When we shot with Process Zero, we found we often didn't want to edit the results much, but we did want to tweak exposure at times. Since all Process Zero shots contain the original RAW data, we decided to add our first editing feature: the Image Lab.
In the reveiwer, tap the small +/- icon to open the Image Lab. Adjusting exposure here will re-process the raw data with Process Zero, letting you often recover lost detail in shadows or highlights. Saving it will keep your RAW intact and save a new Process Zero shot.
Easy, quick adjustments, ideal when you want to skip the editing or get a first pass on your shots.
Feature Review
- It produces photos with more detail and allows the photographer greater control over lighting and exposure. This is not a photo filter-- it really develops photos at the raw, sensor-data level.
- Process Zero is available on every iPhone that runs Halide and iOS 17, not just the latest iPhones Pro.
- iPhone controls noise by combining multiple photos. You are no longer capturing a single moment in time, and when you average together multiple photos, noise goes away. Process Zero is a single-shot process.
- Process Zero gives you a single 12-megapixel shot. It will be less saturated, softer, grainier, and quite different than what you see from most phones. Each shot includes a true Bayer RAW file, if you want to use it in a full-fledged RAW editor, but we designed Halide so you don't need one.
- You can subcribe to get the latest version of Halide and Image Lab for $11.99 a year. They offer a 1-week free trial.
"Camera" is the indie movie every photographer will love and you can stream it nowYou can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Photographer Retrieves $25K Worth of Stolen Gear Thanks to AirTags, Films Encounter on Meta Ray-BansYou can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com.
There's a cheap LED camera light hidden inside this fake film rollYou can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #960, August 13, 2024. Today's theme is "Roof Top Camping and Nimble Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueAs I wandered through the campgrounds during my latest outing, I noticed some very impressive encampments that I'm sure required plenty of manpower to set up. Being the Nimble Photographer that I am, I prefer a lighter touch, which leaves me more time for photography and campfire gazing. In this week's show I talk about the TentBox Go RTT, roll out awnings, portable fire rings and more. Time saved in camp leads to more photography. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 960
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Roof Top Camping and Nimble PhotographyI'm going to break this feature story into two parts. I'll lead off with the camping set up (including a picture in the show notes), and then I'll discuss the photography rig I used in camp and on the trail.
The Camp Setup
One of the most important features or any comfortable campsite is the sleeping arrangement. Over the years I've migrated from sleeping on the ground with a closed-foam pad, to tents with inflatable mattresses, to inside the VW Vanagon, to inside the VW ID.4 SUV, to finally a Roof Top Tent (RTT) on the roof of the ID.4.
When I first describe the RTT to people who aren't familiar with them, it's hard for them to imagine. What do you mean you're sleeping on top of your car? How could that be comfortable?
Those are reasonable questions. Here's the way it works.
Believe it or not, most RTTs work on a wide variety of cars. You need to be able to put roof racks with cross bars on top. The RTT securely mounts on top of the roof racks. It is collapsed while you're driving, then opened once you're in camp.
People often ask about the amount of weight that the roof and racks can support. The answer is a surprising amount. The roof racks determine how much weight you can put on them. There are two categories: dynamic weight and static. Dynamic is during driving, and that's the rating you'll usually see listed on the rack. Mine can bear up to 165 pounds of dynamic weight.
In terms of static, when you're not driving, that can go up to 600 pounds or more of distributed weight, like people laying down in a roof top tent.
My TentBox Go weighs 73 pounds and measures Width: 50 in, Length: 90 in, Height: 45 in when open, and collapses to 18 in tall when collapsed. They achieve this light weight by using a trampoline styled base with a closed-foam air mattress on top.
I am 6'7" tall and weigh 238 pounds. I can stretch out full length in the TentBox Go and there are no weight issues with the top of my car or the racks.
And because the tent sits up on the racks, the aerodynamics of the car remain intact when I'm driving. My KwH per mile is virtually the same as without the tent at 65 MPH or slower, and a .3 loss per mile between 65 MPH and 72 MPH, and .5 loss per mile over 75 MPH. My normal average is 3.3 miles per KwH with no tent. So if I'm driving over 75 MPH, that can go down to 2.8 miles per KWH. On my recent camping trip, with car fully loaded, maintained my 3.3 miles per KwH for the entire trip.
Once the tent is erected, there are screened doors on both sides, a front screened window, and a screened skylight window. At night I would close the side and front windows and leave the skylight open so I could look at the stars.
A collapsible ladder comes with the tent that stores inside the unit during transport. I would go up four rungs then roll onto the mattress. It was easy and I never felt unsafe. Going back down is just as easy.
Inside, there is plenty of room to sit up if you want to work on your pictures. This is especially nice when the mosquitos are out and you want protection from them.
As for sleeping, I've never had a better couple of nights camping. The trampoline base is firm with just the right amount of give for sleeping on your side. Add the closed-foam air mattress that's designed for the tent (optional price), and I'm talking really comfortable.
Sleeping bag, pillows, and mattress all stay in the tent, even for transport. So it's always ready to go.
To set it up, you take off the protective cover, grab the ladder and extend it, then extend two poles inside the tent to raise it. It takes just a couple minutes. And it is very sturdy. It's rated stable up to 35 MPH winds when opened.
I add a SlimShady 6.5' ($389) lightweight roof mounted awning on the opposite side of the ladder that weighs just 29 pounds, but provides 42 square feet of covered patio space.
Both the upstairs bedroom and the patio add less than 100 pounds to the car, and don't adversely affect my mileage at normal speeds.
Now it's just a matter of adding the patio chairs, foldable table, and the propane-powered portable fire ring (though not directly under the patio cover.). I'm using the Camp Chef Juniper ($149) portable fire pit. It's also nice for grilling in a frying pan.
I also use the JetBoil Portable Stove System ($129) for rapid water boiling for coffee and meals.
I have the entire campsite set up in 45 minutes, which leaves me the rest of the afternoon for relaxation and photography.
Now for the Photography
It's been a long time since I've shot with an all-in-one zoom lens. So I wanted to test how far I could push the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens ($1,296) for the Nikon Zf ($1,996). Here's how it went.
Pre-Orders for Mint's $799 Rollei 35AF Film Camera Start September 10You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.
James Bond chooses Leica to photograph the OlympicsYou can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
There's a cheap LED camera light hidden inside this fake film rollYou can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #959, August 6, 2024. Today's theme is "County Fair and Fabulous Olympics Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIf the steamy summer doldrums have put your photography on ice, then a colorful county fair might provide the inspiration to get you back outside. Even though fairs themselves are timeless activities, the rules have changed considerably. This week I punch your ticket for the Sonoma County Fair in Northern California. Then we travel to Paris for some truly impressive sports photography. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 959
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
County FairDerrick talks about his photography at the local county fair.
- Preparation - check the fair website before leaving home.
- Camera Gear - things have changed.
- Security - getting inside the fairgrounds.
- Time of day
- Tell the Story - putting together a variety of shots.
- Save the Fun Zone for Last
- Don't Forget to Eat
- Processing and Presentation
Fabulous Summer Olympics PhotographyLots to talk about regarding the Summer Olympics, especially with the photography.
David Burnett does it again, with this epic Eiffel Tower Olympic image on 4x5 film
You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
EPIC photo of gravity defying surfer Gabriel Medina in the air goes viral during Olympics
You can read the entire story on AmateurPhotographer.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #958, July 30, 2024. Today's theme is "Hiking or Biking for Summer Photo Adventures?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueTwo popular summer activities for outdoorsy types are hiking and biking. The days are longer and the air is warmer, tailor-made for both forms of exercise. But what if we want to combine our favorite year-round hobby, photography, with these pursuits? Which is better? On today's TDS Photography Podcast I'll take a look at the pros and cons of each. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 958
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Hiking or Biking for Summer Photo Adventures?Having grown up in Southern California, hiking and biking have been part of my life since I was a kid.
At first, biking. Any boy worth his salt had a set of wheels by the time he went to school. For us, a bicycle was freedom. Since parents in those days didn't think much about their kids until the nosecounts at dinner time, boys and girls with bikes could roam the earth freely until the street lights came on.
Riding a bike is second nature for me. I don't really think about it any more than I do breathing or walking. The magically stays upright as I move from place to place. Even while waiting at traffic lights I can balance with feet on the pedals for a short time.
These days, when I ride to work, I'm traveling between 18 and 22 MPH. That's a lot of ground compared to 3-4 MPH walking speed. My office is 6.5 miles from home. With traffic lights, I get from one place to the other in about 25 minutes. That's a nice commute. If I were to walk it would take 2 hours.
So you'd think that biking would be great for photo adventures. Yes and no. Let's look at the pros and cons.
Biking Pros for Photography
- Can cover more ground. If you're exploring somewhere like wine country, where locations are spread out, then a bike allows for a wider variety of photo opportunities.
- Can carry more weight. I prefer bike trunks to panniers, but even a midsize trunk can transport a decent amount of photo gear that isn't on your shoulders. Plus bottle cages secure your water for the day.
- Bikes provide a variety of options. If you're riding on trails, choose a mountain bike, rough surfaces a gravel bike, and strictly asphalt, go with a nice hybird. Plus now you can supplement your peddling with an electric motor, further increasing your range and conserving your energy.
Biking Cons for Photography
- I pass up too many shots. Once I get going on a bike, I don't want to stop until I reach my destination. So if I'm gliding along at 20 MPH and see a potential photo subject, I contemplate for a few seconds, and typically keep peddling.
-
Cycling requires looking forward, not gazing at the surrounding landscape. He who does not watch the road is doomed to disaster. Even on routes I know well, there are potholes, debris, and of course, cars. Hiking Pros for Photography
-
It's easier to scope out shots, and once you see them, you'll actually take the time to photograph them.
-
Photography provides natural breaks from hiking. If I'm trudging up a hill and ready for a break, I'll scope out a scenic overlook and make that my goal. Not only do I have a chance to catch my breath, I often get a lovely shot. Day hiking requires less gear. There's no bike to lock up and worry about, and the odds of a flat tire are much lower with boots than wheels.
-
Hiking is more social than biking. If you have friends joining you on a photo walk, it's so much easier to converse than group bike rides.
Hiking Cons for Photography
- You have to be in better shape for hiking than biking.
- All of your gear must be carried on your back or waist.
- You can cover as much ground as with a bike.
Bottom Line
In my opinion, bikes are best to get you to locations in a point A to point B fashion. But once you're there, it's best to get off the bike, lock it up, then explore your photo opps on foot.
I love the freedom of riding a bike. It's the closest thing I've experienced to flying like a bird. I like that bikes don't pollute the atmosphere. And you can combine biking with public transportation - buses and trains.
But I've learned that for photography, I have to get off the bike if I'm going to fall into a creative zone and make good pictures. Because otherwise, I'll just keep riding, and riding, and riding.
I can't believe Olympus walked away from this camera - if only we had it nowYou can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Apple may use Samsung for iPhone cameras, ending longtime Sony runYou can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #957, July 23, 2024. Today's theme is "Behind the Scenes at the Olympics." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueOpening ceremonies for the Paris Summer Olympics are this Friday. Certainly this is a thrilling moment for athletes from all over the world who will compete for their countries. But it's also an exciting time for the media specialists who are preparing to capture those moments. I've been lucky enough to witness firsthand the Olympic experience. And to celebrate the Paris event, I will take you behind the scenes to the Beijing Summer Olympics. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 957
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Behind the Scenes at the OlympicsDerrick tells the story of his Beijing Olympic experience.
"The Summer Olympics in Beijing were held from August 8 to 24, 2008. A total of 10,942 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in 28 sports and 302 events, one event more than those scheduled for the 2004 Summer Olympics.[2] This was the first time China had hosted the Olympic Games, and the third time the Summer Olympic Games had been held in East Asia, following the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. These were also the second Summer Olympic Games to be held in a communist state, the first being the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Soviet Union (with venues in Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, and Estonia)."
"During the 2008 summer games, an unprecedented 87 countries won at least one medal. Host nation China won the most gold medals (48), and became the seventh different team to top an overall Summer Olympics medal tally, winning a total of 100 medals overall. The United States placed second in the gold medal tally but won the highest number of medals overall (112). The third place in the gold medal tally was achieved by Russia." Source: Wikipedia.
Camera sales hit highest level for three years driven by mirrorless and a compact reboundYou can read the entire story on DPReview.com.
This $479 Smart Telescope Lets Anyone Shoot Beautiful Astro PhotosYou can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #956, July 16, 2024. Today's theme is "How Still Photography, Once Again, Tells the Story" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueNew York Times photographer, Doug Mills was on stage just a few feet from Donald Trump when an assassin's bullet grazed the former president's ear. Mills, who has been covering the presidency since the days of Ronald Regan, recorded a series of images that help tell the story of that terrible day. This week, I'm thinking about the value of photojournalism as we try to understand these events.
Digital Photography Podcast 956
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How Still Photography, Once Again, Tells the StoryEssay read by Derrick Story.
Source credits from the essay.
From The Daily: The Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump, Jul 15, 2024.
Associated Press: In a world of moving pictures, photographs capture indelible moments in Trump assassination attempt.
The Art of Stills Photography on Movie SetsYou can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.
Canon teases 'Something Big' on July 17thYou can read the entire story on DPREview.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #955, July 9, 2024. Today's theme is "Are You an Off-the-Grid Ready Photographer?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueSome of the most important images in my personal library were captured during the Tubbs Fire of 2017. I documented the events the best I could during our 10-day evacuation flee. But I could have done better, much better, had I been prepared. And I wasn't. Whether it's in time of emergency, or fulfilling a desire to just get away, off-the-grid readiness is sure to pay dividends at some point in the near future. In this week's podcast, I share what I've learned over the last seven years. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 955
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Are You an Off-the-Grid Ready Photographer?On Monday, July 8, 2024, the Texas Tribune reports: "Hurricane Beryl has knocked out power for more than 2.7 million Texas customers, as of 12:59 p.m. Monday, based on estimates from PowerOutage.us and CenterPoint Energy.
At 3:08 p.m., PowerOutage.us reported that more than 2.1 million of CenterPoint's 2.6 million Texas customers lacked electricity. CenterPoint has not yet provided an estimate of when millions of its customers will regain electricity.
"As soon as safe to do so, you'll see our crews headed out to start assessing damage and developing restoration plans," CenterPoint said on social media platform X.
Outages are most extensive in the Houston area and coastal counties including Matagorda, where Beryl landed as a Category 1 hurricane at approximately 4 a.m., Monday. Significant outages are also in Galveston County, Calhoun County and Jackson County. As the morning progressed, outages extended further inland and into Deep East Texas to areas including Polk, San Jacinto, Montgomery, Grimes and Washington Counties.
As we all know, reports like this are commonplace. Now, this show isn't about doom and gloom. But, what if we could combine emergency preparedness with outdoor adventure and photography? In other words, doing what we like helps prepare us for an event that we don't want, but need to be ready for?
I have a camping trip coming up in a few weeks that I'm so looking forward to. These outings have evolved a lot over the last few years, becoming more enjoyable than ever.
In part, that's because camping gear has improved - many of those new items I will talk about today. Additionally, getting away from early morning leaf blowers, cranky commuters, and the steady stream of discouraging news has its advantages as well.
I also view my solo camping trips as dry runs for disaster preparedness. In a most enjoyable way, I test my evacuation system for our family, including cooking options, sleeping accommodations, power supply, and more.
One new example that I'll be writing about later next month is an item called TentBox. It's a tent that mounts to the top of the car and can sleep 2 people. It collapses to only 18" tall while driving, but is a full-fledged living space when erected. One of the many advantages is that it can be set up in just a minute or two, and I don't have to unload anything out of the car to get some shuteye. Stay tuned for that review in mid-August.
In addition to these dry runs helping me improve my preparedness, this type of exercise will allow me to be a better storyteller. I will spend less time dealing with the elements, and will have more time for documenting with my photography and writing.
Sounds efficient, doesn't it? Let's dig into some of the specifics.
The Shortlist of Considerations
So I'm going to start with the basics for car camping and emergency preparedness, then get into our photography and computer gear after that.
- Food - Food is important, obviously, but my experience has been there isn't a lot of time, or the facility, for cooking meals. That's why I like having dehydrated backpacking meals in the mix. If you haven't had one for a while, I think you'll be surprised at how good they taste, and they are satisfying. My camping trips allow me to rotate stock, using up the older ones and replacing with new meals.
- Water is more difficult because it's bulky. We can only store and transport so much. I prefer 1-gallon containers that are easier to stash in odd places than bigger containers that are heavy and bulky.
- Sleeping - Unless you have a Rec Van, you're most likely looking at some sort of tent for shelter. Personally, I like tents. Sometimes I even feel like a kid in a fort with them. But I don't like pitching them. And they take up room in the back of the SUV where I'd rather be storing other supplies. So, I'm hoping that my top-of-car mounted tentbox is the answer that I've been looking for. Be sure to have an inflatable mattress and a good sleeping bag for each person in your party.
- Power - This is where things have really changed for me over the last couple years. I once looked at power as a luxury. It's nice to have camp lighting, laptops, and air compressors. I now look at these items as necessities. If I'm going to be able to do my thing in any location, I need power.USB-C Power Delivery (PD) has improved charging my electronic devices substantially by sending up to 100 watts through the USB-C cable. Because the Power Station monitors the charging, devices such as my laptop are refueled quickly and efficiently. All you need is the cable.
So now I'm more interested in higher-capacity Power Stations, such as the Bluetti AC70 1,000 Watt Power Station (768Wh Capacity for $429) and the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus (632Wh capacity for $399). Not only can the keep my cameras and computers running, but they can also power portable refrigerators, lighting, compressors, hot water kettles, and more. And they are compatible with portable solar panels. * Clothing - I know this category isn't as sexy as electronics, but it makes a world of difference when it comes to comfort. Hats, gloves, boots, jackets, and both short and long pants are worth testing on your camping trips. Keep the good stuff. Move along the rest.
Once you've tested (and enjoyed) your outdoor equipment on a camping trip, pack it in an organized way back home. I like stackable plastic containers that are efficient in both the garage and in the car. If you need to make a quick get-away, everything is already organized and ready to go.
The Bluetti AC70 Power Station ReviewOne thing I've learned while testing portable power stations is the importance of finding the right balance between ample energy storage in a unit that's still light enough to carry around. That's why I've come to appreciate 1,000-watt models, which walk that line between capacity and mobility, and most recently in that category, the Bluetti AC70.
This 22.5-pound unit measures 12.4" x 8.2" x 10.1". I can pick it up with one hand, carry it to the car, and it doesn't take up much room in the boot. Its LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries have a total capacity of 768Wh with two AC outlets (1,000W Rated Power/ 2,000W Lifting Power), two USB-C ports (100 watts), a pair of USB-A ports (12 watts), and a 12V DC car accessory outlet. If needed, surge power can go up to 2,000 watts.
During testing, the AC70 powered a mini fridge, hot water kettle, room fan, laptop, stereo system, LCD television, and living room lamps. It's beefy enough to serve as a backup power source at home and mobile enough to run an entire campsite on the road. This type of versatility means that the AC70 will provide a return on its modest investment regardless if you're a road-tripping photographer or someone who wants to trim energy costs at home with portable solar.
Things I Like (and what also could be improved)What I liked
- Bright, informative LCD screen
- Dedicated standard DC input for solar panels
- Excellent mobile app for monitoring the unit and adjusting its settings
- Fast recharging via AC outlet, solar, car accessory port, or gas generator
- Simultaneous input/output capability
- Customizable configuration
- Robust design
- Excellent value for 1,000-watt unit (currently available for $429)
What could be improved
- Lacks built-in emergency light
- Bluetooth only, no WiFi to extend range of mobile app
You can read the entire, comprehensive review here.
Amazon Prime Day Sale
The Bluetti AC70 Portable Power Station is on sale for $399 as part of Amazon Prime Day, until July 15, 2024.
The OM-5 Advantage | 4 Computational Features You Need to KnowYou can read the entire story on GetOlympus.com.
Enhance Your Photos With NASA's Sharpening TechniqueYou can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #954, July 2, 2024. Today's theme is "How Megatank Printers Change Everything - Canon G620 Review." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWhen my aging All-In-One Canon printer rattled out its final 5x7, I began shopping for a replacement. There are many options in this category, but I wanted to take advantage of the latest innovations. That's when I discovered that mega-tank printers were becoming viable for cost-consciousness photographers. I opted for a 6-ink Canon Pixma G620. And Oh My how things have changed. Find out how on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 954
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How Megatank Printers Change Everything - Canon G620 ReviewMy dedicated photo printer is the venerable Canon Pro-100. It has 8 ink cartridges, each with 13 ML of fluid. A full replacement set costs $120. Based on the reporting of other photographers, ink costs per 4"x6" print is about 50 cents per. The Pro-100 produces lovely prints and has served my well for years.
My new Canon PIXMA G620 Printer ($249) is a 6-ink printer with user-replaceable print heads and is refueled with 57 ML ink bottles that cost $15 each - $90 for a complete set which can output approximately 3,800 4"x6" prints at about 2.5 cents each.
One Canon GI-23 bottle of ink contains more fluid than 4 Canon CLI-42 cartridges for the Canon Pro-100 that sell for $17 each.
This is quite a difference! Are we giving up print quality or longevity? Not at all. Both printers are dye-based. The Chromalife 100 System 3 ink in the G620 protects your photos from fading up to 100 Years in a photo album, 30 Years behind glass (Light Fastness), or 20 Years without the glass (Gas Fastness), approximately the same as prints from the Canon Pro-100.
The Canon G620 is developing an interesting reputation among reviewers. Across the board they agree that the photo output is amazing, worthy of serious enthusiast photographers.
But as a multi-functional device is has shortcomings compared to the competition - slower page output, no duplex printing, no automatic document feeder, and a very basic LCD panel. I agree with all of these nits.
But I'm a photographer who sometimes prints documents. And the photo output is more important to me than document speed. The Canon PRINT app allows me to set up jobs directly from my iPhone. And the scanner and copier work great.
Maximum print size is 8.5"x14". So, for the bulk of my daily work, the G620 works fine. And if I need bigger, my Pro-100 is still firing on all cylinders.
But there is one important drawback for Mac users. Canon leans on the AirPrint driver for the Mac, so you can't use ICC profiles. Red River paper has published a set of ICC profiles for the G620, but they can only be used via Windows machines.
I was more worried about this until I actually started printing. Setting up the jobs with the proper parameters such as paper surface and quality, the output was fantastic. I know I should be missing the ICC profiles. But to be honest, I can't say that I would get anything better out of the printer using them.
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA G620 Printer has changed my everyday printing. It's affordable to run, had great image quality, and I feel much better about tossing less stuff in the landfill.
Japan's Olympic athletes will wear outfits designed to block infrared camerasYou can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.
Nikon announces $600 Z 35mm F1.4 - its first F1.4 for Z mountYou can read the entire story on DPReview.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #953, June 25, 2024. Today's theme is "How to Buy an Infrared Camera." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueInfrared photography is exciting and is an excellent way to get the creative juices flowing. But finding the right camera for you might appear daunting at first. There are so many options! Fear not. After today's TDS Photography Podcast, you will know exactly what to look for. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 953
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How to Buy an Infrared CameraThis week we have class presentations for our Infrared Photography Workshop. More than 20 participants will share their favorite IR images. We will see everything from some of the most stunning B&W that you can imagine, to other-worldly colors and compositions. And the cameras used to create this art are as varied as the photographers themselves.
Choosing the right camera for infrared photography can seem overwhelming at first. Can you use your existing camera? Should you get one converted? And if you do get a converted camera, which options should you select?
Basic Understanding of Infrared Photography
Let's start with a basic understanding of what infrared photography is. Here's what our friends at Kolari Vision say.
"Infrared photography is a look into the invisible world. The human eye can see wavelengths from about 400nm-700nm (from purple to red). Infrared light exists in the wavelengths beyond 700nm.
An infrared photography camera is specially designed to capture images in the infrared spectrum, revealing unique and often ethereal details that are invisible to the naked eye.
IR photography can be done with either infrared film or a digital camera and typically involves near-infrared light, typically in the 590nm-850nm range. This is different than thermal infrared, which images far into the infrared spectrum.
Infrared photography produces some very distinct effects, which make it aesthetically pleasing. The most striking difference is the "Wood Effect," where leaves reflect infrared light, giving them a bright white hue in IR photos. This effect is named after photographer Robert W. Wood, who is considered the father of infrared photography.
This effect is utilized in landscape photography to produce surreal color landscapes or high-contrast black and white photographs."
Which Cameras Work Best?
Photographers can begin experimenting with infrared photography with their existing cameras and a 720nm filter. Some cameras perform better than others, but all visible light cameras will struggle with very long exposures and high ISO settings because the 720 filter is very dense. An unconverted digital camera can only shoot IR in 720nm or 850nm.
But, you can get a taste of IR, and that often leads to wanted to get a converted camera that is far easier to use. What is a converted camera and where can you get one?
We recommend Kolari Vision for converted IR cameras. They can work on one you already have, or you can buy a camera that's already been converted. But what does that mean?
"With an infrared conversion, the camera's internal hot mirror is removed and replaced with a filter that only lets infrared light through. This allows for handheld infrared shots with normal exposure times and low ISO. A converted digital camera is the only way to take good digital infrared portraits, as the subject no longer has to stay perfectly still for a long exposure."
With a full-spectrum conversion, the camera's internal hot mirror is removed and replaced with a clear glass filter. This makes the camera sensitive to UV, visible, and IR light. This is an excellent option for someone who doesn't want a camera devoted to only IR. Using various external filters, the camera can take pictures in regular, infrared, or UV light.
I highly recommend a full-spectrum conversion of a mirrorless camera. This gives you access to a wide variety of infrared wavelengths via filters, allow you to see the effect in real-time in the electronic viewfinder, and provides for regular visible light photography via an external hot mirror filter.
If you opt for a full-spectrum conversion, the next thing to consider is whether you will shoot color or not.
If you plan to shoot only B&W, then the 720nm and 850nm filters are the best choices. If you plan to shoot color even occasionally, consider a 590nm or 665nm filter.
When choosing between 590nm, 665nm, and even 720nm, the first consideration is your aesthetic preference. If you like the yellow leaf effect, you should choose the 590nm or 665nm option. If you want to shoot regular color shots with white leaves and blue skies, then the 720nm ir filter is probably right for you.
The Right Lens Makes a Big Difference
Another thing to consider is the lens that you will use with the filter. Some lenses perform better than others for infrared. Some lenses are prone to hotspots that require touchup in post production. Kolari maintains a lens hotspot database to help you decide with optic will work best for you.
The other thing to consider is filter diameter. The cost of IR filters can really add up, and a smaller diameter filter, such as 37mm, is far more affordable than a larger diameter option such as 72mm. Choosing a lens with a smaller filter diameter will save you lots of money.
Additional Filters to Consider
Most photographers fall in love with a specific wavelength such as 590nm or 720nm. But if you have a full-spectrum conversions, there are other options to explore as well.
The IR Chrome filter achieves the look of Kodak Aerochrome IR film, straight out of camera without the need to channel swap. There are no special settings nor post production requirements.
The IR Cut Hot Mirror II filter provides for visible light photography with a full-spectrum conversion. The beauty of this is that you only need to carry one camera body for both your IR and visible light work.
Wrapping Up
For the best experience with the most options available to you, I recommend a full-spectrum converted mirrorless camera with one or two small diameter filter lenses. The number one filter I recommend is the 720nm because it's great for both B&W and soft color photography. My second favorite filter is the IR Chrome. And I suggest a Hot Mirror II as well.
All of this information, plus cameras and filters for sale, can be found at the Kolari Vision website.
Alice Camera, the AI-enhanced Micro Four Thirds camera, ready to shipYou can read the entire story on DPReview.com.
SOLD OUT! The Pentax 17 is already out of stock in JapanYou can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #952, June 18, 2024. Today's theme is "Pentax Actually Did It - The Pentax 17 Film Camera." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueTalk about having some serious moxie... Not only did Pentax debut the their first film camera in decades, they did it on the same day Nikon announced the highly anticipated Z6 Mark III. And guess which camera we're going to talk about first? All of this and more, much more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 952
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Pentax Actually Did It - The Pentax 17 Film CameraThe Pentax 17 is a half-frame 35mm film camera with auto exposure, manual film advance, manual rewind, ISO selection dial, exposure compensation, built-in flash, and a whole lot of style.
Along with its magnesium top and bottom plates, the 17 borrows many legacy details from past cameras to inform its distinct design: the film rewind knob is taken from the Pentax LX, the ISO dial from the SP, the flash and shutter release from the KP, the lens housing from the Espio Mini, the front logo text from the 67, the knurled battery cover from the DA WR series of lenses, the film advance lever from the Auto 110, and the top plate from a special edition LX.
The viewfinder includes Pentax's own classic logo along with the Asahi AOCo logo and a film plane indicator taken from their line of DSLRs.
And it looks great. The protruding grip houses the CR2 lithium battery, the viewfinder housing is absolutely beautiful, the textured wrap and back memo holder contrast the silver top plate, and the lug straps are arranged so you can wear the camera horizontally or vertically.
Distinct from 35mm "full-frame" cameras with a 36 x 24mm format, the Pentax 17 is a half-frame format camera with a recording area of 17 x 24mm. This smaller, more unique format has a few added benefits.
Let's review the key specs and features.
- 35mm Half-Frame Film Camera (72 exposures on roll of 36)
- HD PENTAX HF 25mm f/3.5 Traditional Lens (37mm equivalent) f/3.5-f/16
- Manual Zone Focus with Macro Setting
- Window-style optical viewfinder (non TTL) with brightline frame lines for composition accuracy; these lines also include two notches to help compensate for parallax when using the close-up focus setting.
- Autoexposure, Program, and Bokeh Modes - 1/350th to 4 seconds
- Built-In Flash, Flash AE Modes - sync at 1/125th
- Exposure Compensation (-2.0/+2.0) and ISO Dials (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200)
- Manual Film Advance Lever & Film Rewind
- Takes 1x CR2 Battery
- 2.5mm Remote Cable Switch Terminal
- 40.5mm filter ring with light meter sensor in the lens housing behind the filter.
Focusing is accomplished with what I call intelligent zones. You choose a basic zone, but the camera will fine-tune the focusing by adding more or less depth of field depending on your exposure setting. The zones are:
- Macro/Flower: 0.82' / 0.25 m
- Close-Up/Knife & Fork: 1.7' / 0.5 m
- Single Person: 4' / 1.2 m
- Two People: 5.6' / 1.7 m
- Group of People: 10' / 3 m
- Mountain/Infinity
The fixed prime lens is an HD PENTAX HF 25mm f/3.5 Traditional; it's a slightly wide-angle lens offering excellent sharpness and color rendering. It features Pentax's contemporary HD anti-reflective coating, helping to boost contrast and clarity.
The exposure dial is also unique. Your basic choices are programmed exposure or full auto, but with a twist.
The mode dial is divided into two sections: flash off or flash on. Within the flash on section, there is a choice between a Program auto with flash and a slow-sync with flash settings. With the flash off, Program auto, bulb, and slow shutter speed settings can be used, as well as a unique Bokeh mode that prioritizes use of the f/3.5 maximum aperture for the shallowest depth of field. Also, there is an in-between Auto mode that choose whether or not to use flash depending on the lighting conditions.
There is also a built-in flash on the front of the body. This flash has a guide number of 20' at ISO 100 and a recycle time of about 9 seconds. LEDs near the viewfinder display when the flash is recharging and when it is ready for use.
The pictures I've seen from independent reviewers are quite good and would stand up to the images that I currently get with many of my legacy film cameras. Yes, it's half frame, so you won't be making 16x20 prints from the Pentax 17, but that's not its goal.
What it aims to do is provide a modern analog experience that is fun and rewarding. And on both of those counts, it appears to succeed.
You can order the Pentax 17 right now for $499. It should begin shipping later this week.
Apple's iOS 18 Lets You Open Third-Party Camera Apps From Lock ScreenYou can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.
U.S. Sues Adobe for Hidden Fees and A Confusing Cancellation ProcessYou can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #951, June 11, 2024. Today's theme is "Apple Intelligence - Nonthreatening to Photographers, for Now." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueUnlike our friends at Adobe, Apple isn't targeting the photo shoot with their AI integration into the upcoming versions of its OS and photo apps. There are lots of new goodies in the toy box, and many of them will be useful for photo enthusiasts. In today's show, I'll provide an overview from a photographer's perspective and also discuss Adobe's latest controversy. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 951
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Apple Intelligence - Nonthreatening to Photographers, for NowApple Intelligence is Apple's branding of Artificial intelligence into its operating system and apps. They are aiming to apply this technology in ways that make your life easier and more creative while at the same time keeping your privacy intact. They're calling it AI for the rest of us.
To some degree, based on the keynote presentation at WWDC, I think the marketing is lining up with real-world application. Apple Intelligence powers new writing tools to put your written communications in the best light, you can create new Pixar-like images with Genmoji, you can generate illustrations from scratch with Image Playground, and you can create professional-looking movies easily that are based on the pictures you have captured and stored in your Photos library.
Most of the generated images in the keynote were illustrative rather than photographic. I didn't see anything that resembled the output from my digital camera. But, according to the documentation, Image Playground does have the ability to transform sketches into polished photographs. And I can't see this happening on-device, so the user would have to venture out into the Cloud for this capability.
But generally speaking, if you want to create a custom emoji for a text message or an illustration for a school paper, Apple Intelligence will do a nice job.
When applied to the Photos app, this technology will further improve search capabilities, provide better organizing options, and even give us a nifty Clean Up tool for removing unwanted items from a composition.
To tap this tech you will need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, a Mac with Apple Silicon, or a M-powered iPad. The hardware requirements are steep because Apple's approach is to do as much AI processing on the device as possible, with options for venturing out into the Cloud as needed. Users will have control over where the processing occurs, which is a good option for most of us.
The unknown is, however, what will developers want to do with this technology, and what will Apple allow them to put on its platform? Apple is providing an SDK with App Intents, APIs, and frameworks to make it easy for developers to integrate system-level features like Writing Tools and Image Playground into their apps.
Of particular interest to our community is the SDK for Image Playground. Here's what Apple is saying to developers:
"Image Playground delivers an easy-to-use experience to create fun, playful images in apps like Messages, Notes, Keynote, Pages and more. Using the Image Playground API, you can add the same experience to your app and enable your users to quickly create delightful images using context from within your app. And because images are created entirely on device, you don't have to develop or host your own models for your users to enjoy creating new images in your app."
Again, sounds fun and lighthearted. And it very well may stay that way. And it's going to be very interesting to see what savvy software companies like Pixelmator do with all of this new capability.
macOS Sequoia and iOS 18 will be released this Fall. Betas will be available to the general Mac community soon. I'm really looking forward to see how this all plays out.
Adobe Revising Terms of Use to Clarify Content Licensing, AI, and PrivacyYou can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.
Finally, the Nikon Z6 III is coming soon!You can read the entire story on AmateurPhotographer.com.
NextGen Styles - Adjust the White Balance automatically and apply AI color gradings in Capture One.You can read the entire story on AlexOnRAW.com.
Note: The code THEDIGITALSTORY gives 10 percent OFF all products, and for products on sale it will give an additional 10 percent OFF on top of the existing discount.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #950, June 4, 2024. Today's theme is "A Yay Lens, a Nay Lens, and an It Depends Lens." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueThere's been lots to talk about regarding photography gear lately. Sigma has been on an impressive roll, Panasonic released the full-frame S9 with a companion pancake lens, and Viltrox continues its steady march to fame and fortune. And as you can imagine, all lenses are not created the same, and there are definitely yays and nays with these latest announcements. In today's TDS Photography Podcast, we will separate the cheers from the jeers. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 950
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A Yay Lens, a Nay Lens, and an It Depends LensThe It Depends Lens
The Yay: The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art Lens (Sony E)
The 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art Lens, the world's first zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with an f/1.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. Featuring prime-like optical performance and video-friendly design and functionality, its wide-to-normal focal range means a lighter kit bag without surrendering image quality.
Things to like about the Sigma 28-45mm
- Two AFL buttons
- Focus mode switch
- Super multilayer and nanoporous coatings
- Water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element
- Dust- and splash-resistant design
- Durable brass bayonet mount
The lens features a total of 18 elements in 15 groups, with three aspherical and five Special Low Dispersion elements to minimize flare and ghosting and suppress various aberrations. This results in an optical performance that meets or exceeds that of other Sigma Art lenses, including the primes. Along with its 11-blade, rounded diaphragm, the design promotes sharpness and a large, smooth bokeh when used wide open.
In addition to the f/1.8 maximum aperture, the lens also maintains an 11.9" minimum focusing distance across the entire zoom range. It achieves a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4 at its longest focal length, increasing depth of field and versatility in tight spaces.
On the downside, there is size and weight. Dimensions are 3.5 x 6", weight is 2.1 lb, and the front filter size is 82mm.
You can preorder the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art Lens (Sony E) for $1,349. It will also be available in the Leica L mount.
The Nay: The Panasonic 26mm f/8
This little pancake lens was designed to go with the new full frame Panasonic S9 camera. In terms of aesthetics, it accomplishes that goal. In order to convey the compactness of the S9 body, you want a small optic. That makes sense.
But, in terms of usefulness, this little guy really falls short. Here are a few examples why.
- Manual focus with no AF
- No focusing scale to help you estimate
- Locked f/8 aperture
- No filter ring
- Plastic lens mount
- $198 price tag
Yes, we've seen lenses like this in the past, but they weren't intended to be the primary shooters, and they cost half the amount. Up the road, this would be a fun addition. But as the introductory optic with a debut camera, not a great choice.
All that being said, if you want one of these, you can preorder the Panasonic Lumix S 26mm f/8 Lens (Leica L) for $198.
The It Depends Lens: The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE Lens (Nikon Z)
Featuring an ultra-wide angle of view for Nikon Z-mount full-frame cameras, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE Lens is an ideal choice for a wide variety of photographic pursuits, including landscape and architecture photography, astrophotography, and creative videography requiring close-up capabilities with expansive backgrounds.
Things to like about the Viltrox 16mm
- Easy-to-access aperture switch enabling clicked and de-clicked operation. When switched to OFF, the stepless aperture mode quietly facilitates smooth depth-of-field transitions during video shooting.
- Built-in AF/MF switch for quickly alternating between autofocus and manual focus modes.
- Fn1 and Fn2 custom buttons allow for rapid access to key functions with select Sony cameras.
- Sophisticated LCD screen displays important shooting information including object distance, Fn icons, and aperture identification.
- An all-metal body and brass bayonet mount for a professional and reliable connection.
- Dust-proof and water-resistant design for use in adverse weather conditions.
- USB-C interface for firmware upgrades.
- Compatible with 77mm filters for optional widely available landscape filters. That's a lot of lens for $549. But the "It Depends," at least for me, is can I justify buying a fixed focal length ultrawide optic? I'm not a night sky photographer, I don't shoot architecture professionally, and I already have the Viltrox 20mm that I really like.
You can preorder the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE Lens (Nikon Z) for $549. It will also be available in the Sony E mount.
Panasonic Explains Stock Photos on S9 Website: A Mindset From 'Over 20 Years Ago'You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.
Movie Director Christopher Nolan Has Some Great Advice for PhotographersYou can read the entire story on Fstoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #949, May 28, 2024. Today's theme is "A Massive Lightroom Update Featuring Generative Remove." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIn terms of workflow, it's always nice to have the tools you need in one application instead of having to bounce around to different bits of software. With Lightroom 7.3, Adobe has taken a big step in that direction with the addition of Generative Remove. I'll explain how it works, plus some of the other goodies, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 949
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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A Massive Lightroom Update Including Generative RemoveOriginal image with too many distractions.
Edited version using Lightroom's Generative Remove. Photo by Derrick Story.
I'll be talking about Version 7.3 of Adobe Lightroom. I've been using this version of the app, instead of Classic, because it has evolved enough for my needs, and it's a bit more modern.
The big news is that Firefly, Adobe's top-tier AI technology, comes to Lighroom. And its debut is Generative Remove.
The Content Aware Healing Brush is now called Remove. You can still use it as the old Content Aware Healing Brush, which is good for small objects, faster processing time, and up the road no spending of your credits. I will get into that later.
In Lightroom 7.3, you also have some additional options in the Remove panel. First, you'll see Generative AI with a checkbox and a Early Access label. Second, there is Object Aware with a checkbox.
There are also checkboxes for Show Overlay on Hover and Visualize Spots. I use Show Overlay on Hover when I want to delete a selection and do it again. It makes it easy to identify it.
So, the progression for removing objects from your photos could be something like this. If it's simple, then just use the Remove Brush without Generative AI. When you get into more complicated adjustments, especially large objects, then check the Generative AI box to turbo charge your Remove Brush.
For items that are irregular, such as a group of people, you probably want to enable Object Aware too. This can improve the masking and leave the right amount of information outside of your selection to give the application the data it needs for the fill.
When it works well, Lightroom will correctly identify the objects for removal and add the appropriate amount of feather to enable a seamless fix.
After the mask is created, you do have the ability to fine tune it with add or subtract. I found that I didn't have to do this often, but there are times when the software doesn't include an item that you want as part of the fix.
Once you give Lightroom the green light to generate the fix, it works fairly fast, depending on the processing power of your computer. On my M1 Macbook Pro, most fixes were about 15-20 seconds. Was even a bit faster on my M2 Mac mini.
Lightroom actually creates 3 variations of the correction, and displays the first one. I've found that it's usually the best. But you can click through all three versions using the Variations arrows.
You can also tell the app to regenerate an entirely new correction. My experience has been that subsequent fixes were not as good as the initial effort. It seems to get worse with every iteration.
During the Early Access period, you can play as much as you want with this feature. There are no limitations. This is the time to learn it and refine your skills with it.
Why?
Because once Adobe removes the Early Access button, you will be alloted credits, based on the plan you have, for Firefly based technologies.
Right now, when I go to my Creative Cloud account, I don't see any mention of credits. I have my $9.99 a month photography plan, 20 GBs of cloud storage, and the apps included in the plan.
So I'm guessing the credits aspect will come into play up the road. But the point is, that now, during Early Access, you can really learn Generative Remove and play as much as you want.
Up the road, the workflow will probably evolve into using Remove for the bulk of your work and small items, and saving Generative Remove for the bigger, more complicated challenges.
During this Early Access period, when Adobe is refining the Generative Remove tool, feedback on how it works is important. So, after you've worked on a picture, click the Feedback button, and let them know how it went.
If Firefly creates something totally random and not fit for your picture, then click on Report Variation, and let Adobe know what happened.
A Few Other Goodies to Mention
Lens Blur has improved and is no longer in Early Access. It's in the Edit panel, near the bottom and it works quite fast.
Once you click the Apply checkbox, you can set the Blur Amount, the type of Bokeh, and play with the Focus Range.
As part of this bargain, be sure to take a look at the Presets panel. Click on the icon on the right side that's above Edit. In Presets, click on the Premium tab and scroll down to Adaptive: Blur Background. Now you can get seven different looks just by clicking on Strong, Subtle, Circle, etc. You can see those changes in the Lens Blur panel, and tweak them to your tastes.
Lightroom 7.3 now has the Slideshow function. It's basic, but I find it helpful for reviewing an album of images, especially my pick set.
Go to View > Start Slideshow
One last little thing that I want to mention is that the File Names are now viewable on each thumbnail in Grid Mode. They are on the upper left side, and the File Extension is on the upper right.
If you decide you don't want to see the File Name or the File Extension in Grid Mode, you can turn them off independently in the View menu.
Adobe Lightroom 7.3 is quite impressive. For me, it has the tools I want without the extra cruft I don't.
Lessons Learned from Selling Photography at Art�FairsYou can read the entire story on LiveView.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #948, May 21, 2024. Today's theme is "The Value of Photo Community - An Interview." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueYou hear me talk a lot about our photography community, but what do the actual members think? This week I chat with Cynthia Whelan and Lawrence Lazare about their experiences with online workshops, the Inner Circle, and writing for Live View. I think you'll be very interested in what they have to say. All of this, ad more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 948
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The Value of Photo Community - An InterviewHere's the backgrounder for both Cynthia and Lawrence.
Cynthia A Whelan a.k.a., "Whelan on Walkabout"
"I have learned a lot listening to The Digitals Story podcasts, and now, being a member of the Inner Circle gives me a chance to have a conversation about my photography within a supportive community."
Travel Photography Stories and photos on Medium medium.com/@whelanonwalkabout
My website and Blog - Whelan on Walkabout
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.a.whelan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whelanonwalkabout/
Lawrence Lazare
Lawrence Lazare is a photographer and writer who is currently pursuing a BFA in Studio Art at the University of West Florida. He spent the first decade of his career in the music business as a promoter, booking agent, and artist manager. In 1995, he became part of the first wave to build the commercial internet. He spent 25 years as a product manager specializing in R&D and new product development for large media companies. During the last part of his career, he built AI-based search tools for photographers and filmmakers and holds two patents for image-based search and categorization.
In 2020, Lazare became legally blind after losing his central vision from Stargart's, a genetic retinal disease, forcing him into an early retirement. He decided to return to college to pursue a BFA in Studio Art, focusing on film photography. His photographs have been displayed in museums and galleries in Michigan, Florida, and New Orleans. He writes on the intersection of blindness and photography on Medium.com.
Medium: https://llazare.medium.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/llazare/
Web: https://www.lawrencelazare.com/
And a big thanks to both Cynthia and Lawrence to taking time to talk with me on the show.
The Inner Circle Membership Drive - Spring 2024I've been enjoying our Inner Circle experience so much this year, I just can't help thinking that you would too. But I know how that is... there are certain things we just never get around to doing.
So I thought I could help with that. And I think you're really going to like this. For the next two weeks, we're having the Inner Circle Membership Drive.
If you haven't joined us yet, all you have to do is click on this link to go to our Patreon page, scroll to Choose Your Membership, click on Pay Annually, then click on the Join button. The annual membership is $54 a year.
The extra incentive is, once I see that you've joined the Inner Circle for a year, I'll send you a coupon code that will allow you to sign up for free, your choice of the Infrared Workshop in June, or the Printing Workshop in August. That's a $145 value!
This promotion is for annual memberships only. One coupon code for one online workshop per paid membership.
Plus, you will still receive all of the Inner Circle benefits including access to our exclusive space on DerrickStoryOnline and discounts for future online and in-person workshops. And you're helping to support our online community.
If you're an existing Inner Circle Member, you can still benefit from the membership drive. All you have to do is switch from monthly payments to the annual payment of $54, and you will also receive a coupon code for either online workshop. If you've left the Inner Circle and want to rejoin us, the same offer applies.
The Inner Circle Membership Drive runs from May 7, 2024 through May 22, 2024. Join us today and experience one of our online workshops... for free.
ASMP Calls Out Adobe for Its 'Shocking Dismissal of Photography'You can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com
The Series Every Photographer Should Be WatchingYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #947, May 14, 2024. Today's theme is "3rd Party Lens Extravaganza." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueThe floodgates have opened and we're now seeing a wave of 3rd party lenses washing ashore for Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and yes, even Canon. This week I'm going to share with you my current favorites for this swell of great optics for mirrorless cameras. All of this and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 947
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3rd Party Lens ExtravaganzaHere's a list of my current list of favorite 3rd party lenses:
- Tamron developing 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD for Canon RF mount - Tamron has announced it's developing a version of its 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD fast wide-angle zoom lens for Canon RF-mount APS-C cameras. The 11-20mm F2.8, which is already available for Sony E-mount, will offer an 18-32mm equivalent range on Canon's 1.6x crop cameras. The company says the 11-20mm will be available before the end of 2024. No details of pricing have been given. DPReview.com
- TTArtisan AF 56mm f/1.8 Lens (Sony E) - A lightweight prime ideal for portraiture, the AF 56mm f/1.8 Lens from TTArtisan is designed for use with APS-C Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras and provides a portrait-length full-frame equivalency of 84mm. Capturing images in low-light conditions is no issue with this lens's bright maximum f/1.8 aperture. A minimum focusing distance of 19.7" is available. Driving the autofocus is a stepping motor, which helps enable quiet and speedy performance. One extra-low dispersion (ED) element is incorporated to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to achieve greater clarity and color accuracy. $158 B&H Photo. (There's also a version for Fujifilm coming.)
- 7Artisans releases 50mm F1.4 Tilt lens - 7Artisans has released a new manual focus 50mm F1.4 Tilt lens, compatible with Sony and Fujifilm APS-C cameras, as well as Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras. At the front of the lens is a numbered aperture ring, with the depth of field scale and distance scale focus ring sitting just behind. Users can rotate the lens a full 360-degrees and the tilt axis moves left to right. The company has yet to confirm how many degrees the lens can tilt on either side.
Although photographers commonly use tilt lenses for architecture photography and to experiment with depth of field, 7Artisans claims the 50mm F1.4 offers enough clarity for portraiture, claiming distortion of only 1.9%. DPReview.com
Available now on Amazon for $226. - Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF Lens (FUJIFILM X and Nikon Z) - A compact portrait-length prime lens designed for FUJIFILM X-mount and Nikon Z-Mount mirrorless cameras, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF Lens provides a full-frame equivalent of 85mm, making it ideal for portraiture. Its focal length paired with its bright f/1.7 maximum aperture provides excellent control over depth of field and allows reliable shooting in low-light conditions. The lens design includes four extra-low dispersion elements and three high refractive index elements to reduce optical aberrations and improve overall image quality. Additionally, the lens's lightweight design makes it an optimal choice for traveling. $139 B&H Photo
- Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens (Sony E) - The lightest in its class and the brightest in Sigma's 50mm prime lineup, the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E-mount cameras is a well-designed lens for everyday use. Driven by Sigma's dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motors, this lens delivers quiet and high-speed performance. Simultaneously, this focusing system allows for a more compact design, helping make this lens lighter than its counterparts. This classic focal length paired with an extremely wide f/1.2 maximum aperture allows users to effortlessly capture a variety of subject matter. Also, there are physical function buttons and switches that improve the lens's overall ease of use as well as its reliability in the field. To reduce ghosting and improve contrast, a super multilayer coating is used on the glass elements. $1,399 B&H Photo
- Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 Lens (Nikon Z) - A large-aperture high-resolution prime, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 Z offers outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness with soft and natural bokeh. Engineered for photo and video applications, this robust and lightweight lens is equally adept for photographers and videographers alike. 4 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and 3 aspherical elements combine to achieve outstanding sharpness, while also reducing sagital coma flare, which distorts the shapes of stars. The optical design also minimizes ghosting and flare when shooting starry skies and long exposure night scenes. Sophisticated LCD screen displays important shooting information including object distance, Fn icons, and aperture identification. $549 B&H Photo.
A little something tempting for everyone!
The Inner Circle Membership Drive - Spring 2024I've been enjoying our Inner Circle experience so much this year, I just can't help thinking that you would too. But I know how that is... there are certain things we just never get around to doing.
So I thought I could help with that. And I think you're really going to like this. For the next two weeks, we're having the Inner Circle Membership Drive.
If you haven't joined us yet, all you have to do is click on this link to go to our Patreon page, scroll to Choose Your Membership, click on Pay Annually, then click on the Join button. The annual membership is $54 a year.
The extra incentive is, once I see that you've joined the Inner Circle for a year, I'll send you a coupon code that will allow you to sign up for free, your choice of the Infrared Workshop in June, or the Printing Workshop in August. That's a $145 value!
This promotion is for annual memberships only. One coupon code for one online workshop per paid membership.
Plus, you will still receive all of the Inner Circle benefits including access to our exclusive space on DerrickStoryOnline and discounts for future online and in-person workshops. And you're helping to support our online community.
If you're an existing Inner Circle Member, you can still benefit from the membership drive. All you have to do is switch from monthly payments to the annual payment of $54, and you will also receive a coupon code for either online workshop. If you've left the Inner Circle and want to rejoin us, the same offer applies.
The Inner Circle Membership Drive runs from May 7, 2024 through May 22, 2024. Join us today and experience one of our online workshops... for free.
Apple Says Destructive iPad Ad 'Missed the Mark'You can read the entire story on NYtimes.com
It looks like Panasonic's "completely new kind" of camera is coming next weekYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #946, May 7, 2024. Today's theme is "The Inspiration Battle - 5 Tips to Overcome the Blahs." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueAn Inner Circle member recently posted that he's been uninspired lately. Others chimed in that it happens to us all at times. And when it does, what can be done? This week I share 5 tips to overcome photographer's block. Plus, a very tempting offer for our podcast audience, and a peek at Peakto Search. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 946
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Inspiration Battle - 5 Tips to Overcome the BlahsAny artistic pursuit is vulnerable to creative block, and photography is no exception. Here are five tips to help get things moving again.
- Go Back in Time - Every photographer has a stash of old gear that's impossible to part with. But instead of letting it languish in the back of the closet, pull out that camera from 2014, charge its batteries, and wander outside. Challenge yourself to make a great shot with a decade-old camera.
- Shoot a Roll of Film - Nothing will help you appreciate your current mirrorless like revisiting an analog camera from your past. In stead of challenging yourself to capture a great shot, like in tip #1, see if you can even get a good shot out of a roll of 36. This process will activate parts of your brain that haven't been used in years.
- Break Out a Vintage Lens - There's something about looking at the world through a 40-year-old optic that summons our inner artist. One of my favorites for this exercise is the Nikkor 105mm Ai-S F2.5 lens that Steve McCurry made famous with his shot of the Afghan Girl on a Nikon FM2. Every time I put that lens on a modern Nikon, I feel obligated to do it justice.
- Take a Trip to Bizarro World - Just like the Seinfeld episode where Elaine's new friend is the exact opposite of Jerry (Season 8, Episode 3), go out and take pictures of a subject that you never tackle. If you're a landscape guy, go to the city; if you love macro, challenge yourself with panoramas; only photograph sill lives, then set up a portrait session. By becoming a Bizarro Photographer, you will shake out the cobwebs and see the world with fresh eyes.
- Find a Photo Buddy - We tend to work so much alone that we miss opportunities and techniques right under our noses. Hanging out for a day with a photo buddy will help you see the world through someone else's eyes. Be sure to compare pictures at the end of the day and talk about why each of you shot what you did.
I promise you, if you embrace one or more of these challenges, you will begin to feel the rise of inspiration as you climb out of your creative rut.
The Inner Circle Membership Drive - Spring 2024I've been enjoying our Inner Circle experience so much this year, I just can't help thinking that you would too. But I know how that is... there are certain things we just never get around to doing.
So I thought I could help with that. And I think you're really going to like this. For the next two weeks, we're having the Inner Circle Membership Drive.
If you haven't joined us yet, all you have to do is click on this link to go to our Patreon page, scroll to Choose Your Membership, click on Pay Annually, then click on the Join button. The annual membership is $54 a year.
The extra incentive is, once I see that you've joined the Inner Circle for a year, I'll send you a coupon code that will allow you to sign up for free, your choice of the Infrared Workshop in June, or the Printing Workshop in August. That's a $145 value!
This promotion is for annual memberships only. One coupon code for one online workshop per paid membership.
Plus, you will still receive all of the Inner Circle benefits including access to our exclusive space on DerrickStoryOnline and discounts for future online and in-person workshops. And you're helping to support our online community.
If you're an existing Inner Circle Member, you can still benefit from the membership drive. All you have to do is switch from monthly payments to the annual payment of $54, and you will also receive a coupon code for either online workshop. If you've left the Inner Circle and want to rejoin us, the same offer applies.
The Inner Circle Membership Drive runs from May 7, 2024 through May 22, 2024. Join us today and experience one of our online workshops.
Peakto Search for Capture One Pro and LightroomUtilizing AI, Peakto Search allows users to find any photos OR videos, based on a simple description or image. Capable of searching across multiple Catalogs, Peakto Search is always at hand in the menu bar and operates even when the app is closed. It instantly reveals results and enables users to open photos and videos directly in Capture One Pro or Lightroom.
Peakto Search functions as an intelligent search engine. With just a simple description or image-based query, the plugin retrieves corresponding photos or videos. No annotations or knowledge of storage locations are required; Peakto Search's advanced AI swiftly locates content.
Capture One Pro confines the ability to search for content to a Catalog or Session. Peakto Search extends this limit by offering a search that can be conducted across multiple Catalogs and Sessions simultaneously. Search results appear in real-time through previews of photos and videos. The video player preview available in the plugin highlights the segments in the video that exactly match the query or reference image.
Peakto Search stands out as a uniquely designed plugin. Nestled in the Mac menu bar, it remains effortlessly accessible, even when Capture One or Lightroom is closed, ensuring it serves as a reliable guide through your content. Seamlessly integrated with the editing software, it facilitates the opening of multiple photos and videos in Capture One Pro directly from the search results.
Peakto Search is now available for purchase on the CYME website, complete with a complimentary 7-day trial period exclusive to subscribers:
- 2-year subscription for $89 (equivalent to $5.41 per month)
- Annual subscription for $65
- Monthly subscription for $9 per month
- Unlimited license for $129
Optimized for macOS Ventura, Peakto Search requires macOS 12 (Monterrey) or later and can fully leverage Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 chips. Peakto Search is compatible with Capture One Pro from version 20.
Firmware update roundup: Fujifilm, Nikon, Sony and PanasonicYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com
Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.
Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.
Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:
- The best IR filter to start with.
- How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
- Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
- See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
- Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
- Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
- And much, much more.
This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.
It is so much fun.
Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.
You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #945, April 30, 2024. Today's theme is "It's the Shooting Experience, Not Image Quality." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWhy do we choose the cameras that we do? Is is sensor size, megapixels, lens catalog, high tech features, or something else all together? I recently polled our Inner Circle Members about the brands they use and stick with. I found their responses illuminating, and thought that you might too. All of that, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 945
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
It's the Shooting Experience, Not Image QualityDerrick Story riding the Verde Canyon Railroad. Photo by Steve Csoto.
A recent conversation on the Inner Circle site centered around brand loyalty and what our photographers favor for cameras. I thought the comments were terrific, and I was enjoying each of them when I came across this thought by Rudiger Wolf:
Olympus, Leica, Hasselblad, Apple all have unique uses and relevance. I'm finding the shooting experience is becoming more important to me than image quality. Each has a different shooting window (wildlife, portraits, macro, Astro, travel, sports, etc.). We are fortunate to have so many choices and options.
Rudiger's comment seemed to have a many heads nodding in approval. Jim Kuzman followed up by writing: "Your comment about the shooting experience really resonates with me. I have some excellent lenses but I'm more inclined to trade ultimate image quality for a smaller, more compact, and ultimately more enjoyable setup that gets me 90% of the quality at 50% of the bulk and weight and 100% of the joy.
Larry Borreson chimed in, "I have to agree. Each camera tends to lend itself to its own type of creativity."
Michael Alford commented, "Fuji and OM Systems/Olympus. Main systems, but I also have a Lumix LX100. Then Nikon and Bronica for film, I agree with Ruddier that the shooting experience is more important than image quality, At least now that image quality is so high it hardly matters what you use."
Forty-two percent of our audience have found the brand they like and are sticking with it. Another 42 percent are toggling between two brands depending on the task that's at hand.
I started thinking about my own camera choices. It goes beyond brand for me into the actual camera model. I shoot Nikon for example, but not the more modern Z8 or Z9. I like the Zf. My favorite Olympus model is the PEN-F. And I adore the Fujifilm X100V, but an not interested at all in their X-S20 body.
Along with Rudiger, Michael, Jim, and Larry, the shooting experience is my most important feature.
And I don't know if this happens to you, but I can see just the picture of a new camera and right away know if I want to hold it in my hands.
I remember testing the Nikon Z5 a few years ago. It was a perfectly capable camera, and I said so in my review. But after publishing those words, I promptly sent back my loaner, not even waiting for the full 30 day deadline. I just wasn't inspired with it.
I tested other Nikons too. I was intrigued by the Zfc when it was released, thinking that we were going to become fast friends. I took my loaner on a camping trip in Mendocino County. I came home with lovely pictures. But the camera just didn't feel right in my hands. The retro design was sweet, but the shooting experience was off for me. I sent back my loaner after 30 days.
More time passed and the Nikon Zf hit the market. Once again, B&H sent me a loaner right away. My first shoot with it was a haunted house assignment for a client. That's crazy depending on a brand new camera for a paying gig. But that's what I did. I never sent the Zf back.
The shooting experience was amazing. And I was just as thrilled with its performance when I reviewed the images on my MacBook Pro. I hadn't felt that way since the X100V, and the PEN-F before that.
All cameras these days produce good images. It's how you get there that seems to separate the winners from crowd.
Sometimes photographers write about a lack of inspiration that strikes them. They don't feel inspired. They're out there experimenting. They feel in a rut.
I'm not going to say that buying new gear with solve your creativity problems. But what I will say, is that when you have a camera that really lights you up, even the most mundane situations are fun.
Sigma announces six APS-C lenses for Canon RF mountYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com
Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.
Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.
Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:
- The best IR filter to start with.
- How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
- Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
- See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
- Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
- Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
- And much, much more.
This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.
It is so much fun.
Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.
You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.
AI Ex-Termination: Photoroom and OkCupid Delete Your Ex From PhotosYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
Magnum Square Print SaleExploring the theme Fable, the sale celebrates the symbiosis between visual and written narratives through a collaboration with three writers, who have composed stories and poetry inspired by a selection of images from the sale.? Each of the 85 images featured are available as signed or estate-stamped, museum-quality 6x6" prints online for one week only. ?You can learn more here.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #944, April 23, 2024. Today's theme is "Nikon 28-400mm Lens Review - Does It Measure Up?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueThe specs seem almost too good to be true. The Nikon zoom has a focal length range of 28-400mm, yet it's compact and light. On the Z8, Z9, and Zf, it features Synchro VR, enabling 5.5 stops of stabilization. It has weather-sealed construction and close focusing. And it costs $1,296. How does it perform? Tune in to today's TDS Photography Podcast to find out. Plus an OM System Warning and ON1 Photo Raw 2024. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 944
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Nikon 28-400mm Lens Review - Does It Measure Up?When I mounted the brand new NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens on the Nikon Zf with SmallRig grip, I was surprised at how balanced the zoom felt on the camera. I could easily hold and shoot with one hand. The lack of bulk seemed unimaginable when considering that the focal range goes from a wide 28mm to a very long 400mm. If you're outside exploring the world, it's the only lens you would need that day.
Let's start by taking a look at the specs.
- Full-Frame Coverage | f/4-8 to f/22-45
- STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
- 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization with Synchro VR on Zf, Z8, and Z9; 5 stops with other Nikon cameras.
- Zoom lock switch prevents unintentional lens extension
- 21 Elements in 15 Groups
- 9-bladed diaphragm creates flattering bokeh
- Weather-Sealed Construction
- 77mm Filter Thread
- Compact square lens hood (included) reduces ghosting and allows zooming operation when inverted
- 7.9" minimum focusing distance at 28mm
- 5.6" long at wide angle and weighs just 1.6 pounds
Focusing
The STM stepping motor is very quiet and focuses quickly in good light. In low light, it's a tad slower. But this is not by any stretch of the imagination a low light lens.
Build and Handling
Amazing well balanced on a full-frame camera. When racking out the telephoto, lens extends to double its original length at 400mm.
The Zoom Ring is nicely damped and large making it easy to grip. It's so large in fact that when the lens hood is reversed, there's still plenty of operating room.
I really like the lock switch that prevents accidental extension of the lens barrel. The metal mount and weather sealing are excellent. The Control Ring is easy to find without having to look, and it can be programmed for a variety of functions including manual focusing, exposure compensation and aperture control.
Image Quality
Again, surprisingly good for a lens of this range. I tested at f/8 with settings of 28, 35, 50, 70, 105, 200, 300, and 400mm. I then viewed the Jpegs and RAWs at 100 percent in Capture One Pro.
Center sharpness was excellent at all focal lengths. Some corner softness a extreme telephoto settings. Mild vignetting appeared at 105mm for the RAW files, but was not present in the Jpegs. There was no noticable CA. Overall, very strong performance.
Bottom Line
The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens is a very good value at $1,296. If you're traveling and working outdoors, it can replace every lens in your bag dramatically lightening your load.
You can keep the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 pancake in your pocket just in case you run into a low light situation. And quite honestly, be in great shape with those two optics.
I think the 28-400mm looks great on the Zf. It's easy to operate. And if you're in good light, it's hard to beat. Highly recommended.
OM System Warns macOS Changes May Prevent You From Updating Your CameraYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.
Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.
Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:
- The best IR filter to start with.
- How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
- Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
- See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
- Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
- Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
- And much, much more.
This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.
It is so much fun.
Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.
You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.
ON1 Photo Raw 2024 Is a Doozy and Gets Another Interim UpdateYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com
A Few Notes from the Spring in Sedona Photography WorkshopWhat a great time! I discuss the event in this segment of the podcast.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #943, April 16, 2024. Today's theme is "Riding Shotgun to Sedona." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueThere are two facets to any road trip: How you think it will go and how it actually turns out. For the journey from Santa Rosa, CA to Sedona, AZ in my all-electric VW ID.4, I felt like I had a great plan. After all, this isn't my first EV rodeo. I've done two trips to Oregon for workshops, plus numerous adventures up and down the state. But I also know that every excursion takes on its own personality. Ride along with me to Sedona and let's experience it together. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 943
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Riding Shotgun to SedonaTune-in to hear my on-the-road updates.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #942, April 9, 2024. Today's theme is "The Irresistible Roadtrip." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueAh, the convenience of modern commercial aviation - Just hop on a plane and within a few hours you have landed at your destination. Why would anyone spend the extra time and effort to drive there instead? Well, this photographer for one. And on today's TDS Photography Podcast I will explain why I'm driving to this year's Sedona Workshop instead of flying. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 942
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Irresistible RoadtripMy sister, her husband and their 12-year-old dog drove up from Southern California last week to hang out with us for a few days. Over dinner one night we were talking about the long drive up Interstate 5 and how they navigated the challenges.
At one point my wife turned to me and asked, "So why are you driving all the way to Sedona for your workshop? Why don't you just fly there like we did last year?"
It's a great question.
For the October 2023 event, we drove to San Francisco, went through all the pre-boarding rigamarole, landed in Phoenix, rented a Crysler Pacifica, then began the journey north to Sedona. It was fine.
But it did consume an entire day, I was limited on what I could bring to the workshop, and it was expensive.
So since I still have free charging with Electrify America for my VW ID.4, I decided to drive to Sedona this second time around.
First of all, it's free. I can bring whatever I want to the workshop. That means more cameras to choose from each day, plus my own food, portable refrigerator, more clothes, better gear for our labs, and no one herding me around like I'm a dairy cow.
Second of all, I can take pictures along the way. Who knows what I will see or experience between Santa Rosa and Sedona? And when I arrive, I will have my own car packed with my stuff and better able to serve those who are attending the workshop.
My wife's question is perfectly logical. Lots can go wrong on a road trip. But lots can go right too. I think photographers are different. Given the opportunity, we need to spread our wings beyond the confines of a fuselage. Even if a unique photo opp never presents itself, we want that possibility. We want stories to go with our pictures.
In the end, my sister, her husband, and my wife understand why I must drive to Sedona this year. They know that even though I sometimes defy their logic, my logic is what makes me the intrepid artist.
And they will greet me with open arms when I return.
Next Week's Podcast - The JourneyI'm going to document my trip to Sedona and share those ups and downs as next week's podcast. Be sure to tune in.
YouTube CEO Says it is a Problem if OpenAI Scraped Videos for SoraYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.
Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.
Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:
- The best IR filter to start with.
- How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
- Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
- See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
- Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
- Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
- And much, much more.
This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.
It is so much fun.
Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.
You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.
OM System's focus on the outdoors leaves door open for PENYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #941, April 2, 2024. Today's theme is "Finally, Fast Transfer from SD Card to Smartphone" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIn theory, our mirrorless cameras and smartphones should be the best of mates. Together, they could provide the power and portability that we could only dream of a decade ago. But thanks to finicky WiFi mobile apps, transfers from camera to smartphones have been painful at best. Then, the EU stepped in. And everything changed. Find out how on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 941
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Finally, Fast Transfer from SD Card to SmartphoneIf I told you that you have everything you need right now for reliable, hassle-free transfers of RAWs and Jpegs from you mirrorless camera to your smartphone, would you believe me?
If you've toiled with the wireless-enabled mobile apps from Canon, Nikon, Sony, FujiFilm, and OM System, you probably wouldn't. They're fine for Bluetooth functionality, such as geotagging our camera pictures, but they suck at robust transfer of pictures.
I had pretty much given up on the whole thing until one day when I was gazing at the USB-C port on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. The port that replaced the Lightning connector by mandate of the EU.
That same Lightning connector that I have various card readers for that for some unexplained reason doesn't work with my iPad which does have Lightning.
I started thinking, what if I took my Kingston 1 TB card out of the Nikon Zf, put it in my Kingston SD card reader, and plugged it in to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It should work. And it does. And not only does it work, it works fast.
So, what software could I use to manage the copying of photos from the SD card to the iPhone. It turns out, that the Apple Files app works great, as does Lightroom Mobile. Photos for iOS also has a direct import function, but it can't separate RAW/Jpeg bundles the way that Lightroom and Files can. So unless I'm shooting Jpeg only, I'll use Files or Lightroom for import.
The basic process is easy.
- Remove the SD card from the camera, put it in the card reader, and connect the reader to the iPhone.
- Open the Files app on the iPhone and look for your SD card under Locations. In my case, it will read NIKON Z F.
- Tap on the SD card name to take you to the next screen. You will see one or more file folders there. Tap on the one that reads DCIM. Depending on how your camera sets up the file system, an additional folder may exist inside DCIM. Tap on it and your photos will be revealed.
- If you shoot RAW+Jpeg, you will see both versions of your pictures there. To choose the ones you want to copy to the iPhone, tap on the 3 dots in the upper right corner of the screen. Then tap on Select.
- Now, tap on the thumbnails of the pictures you want to copy to the device. They will be marked with a blue check.
- Tap on the Share button in the lower-left corner of the screen. Choose Save Images.
- The pictures are now copied to your camera roll on your iPhone and are accessible via Photos and other apps.
- Swipe up to close the Files app, disconnect the reader from your phone, and return the SD card to your camera.
If you want to bypass the Files app and import from Lightroom Mobile directly, you can. Connect the SD card and tap on the blue import icon in the lower right corner of the Lightroom interface. Lightroom will ask you if you want to add photos from the Device (iPhone), Files (app), or Connected camera/card. Choose Connected camera/card, select the pictures you want, then tap the blue Import button at the bottom of the screen. You pictures will appear.
Why would you want to use either of these methods for pictures from your mirrorless camera?
- It's really fast. And this becomes even more important if you have a lot of pictures on the memory card.
- It's dependable. No picture roulette with this workflow.
- The laptop can stay home. You don't need it!
- The smartphone is cloud connected. When you do get back to your computer, all of your pictures will be there.
- SD card readers are small. It fits in the coin pocket of my jeans.
If you want to read about the entire workflow, complete with pictures, check out my free link to the article, Making the iPhone/Mirrorless Camera Connection on Live View.
And thanks EU for finally making Apple put a USB-C connector on my iPhone.
Huh? Pentax announces a new daguerreotype camera!This was my favorite April Fools story. You can read the entire article on Photofocus.com
Ricoh/Pentax announced a daguerreotype camera, catching the film industry off guard. "It's 1830s specs, but with some modern touches," designer Takeo Suzuki stated via Instagram.
While the video doesn't reveal many details or a launch date, Suzuki stated that the camera is in development. "We have wanted to embrace analog technology. The Film Camera Project was just stretching a bit and warming up. Pentax is now seriously throwing down."
Pentax went on to say that their daguerreotype uses the same process as the original 1830s design. "Young people have increasingly shown interest in these kinds of cameras, and we want them to experience the joy that the early pioneering photographers felt."
With traditional daguerreotype cameras, the photographer polished a silver-plated copper sheet until it was like a mirror. Then they zapped it with iodine and bromine vapors to make it light sensitive. After that, they inserted the sheet into the camera, where the exposure was made. The photographer then placed the exposed plate over heated mercury fumes until the image appeared. This produced a surprisingly detailed, one-of-a-kind image.
Since the daguerreotype camera is still in development, Ricoh/Pentax offered few other details. However, they did state that they were exploring various materials. "The original wooden housings were often very large and cumbersome," Suzuki stated, "so we are exploring other materials, including innovative inflatable housings."
The company also noted that they were looking into using heated fumes "other than mercury," noting that customers shouldn't breathe toxic fumes.
Ricoh/Pentax is also looking at creating silver-plated copper sheets with wifi and Bluetooth connectivity so the photographer can upload their daguerreotype prints to social media easily.
Happy April Fools!
Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.
Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.
Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:
- The best IR filter to start with.
- How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
- Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
- See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
- Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
- Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
- And much, much more.
This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.
It is so much fun.
Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.
You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.
Ricoh's New GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF Cameras Feature a Dreamy FilterYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com
Ricoh Imaging has announced a pair of new cameras, the Ricoh GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF, that incorporate a newly developed highlight diffusion filter (HDF) to easily capture softer, dreamier photos.
The HDF, which can be quickly enabled or disabled in a single action, has been developed using Ricoh's advanced inkjet technology "cultivated over the years," per Ricoh. The special-effect filter diffuses highlight areas and generates a blurring effect around the edge of the image, which Ricoh promises makes it possible to "produce images resembling those captured in film photography or vintage movies."
It is perhaps no coincidence that Ricoh Imaging is making its popular GR III compact camera series deliver more analog-inspired images, given that Ricoh is working hard to ship its Pentax film camera this summer. Vintage aesthetics are definitely in right now as photographers look to capture photos with more character and style.
"The Ricoh GR III HDF and Ricoh GR IIIx HDF inherit the fundamental merits of our GR series -- exceptional image quality, flawless point-and-shoot operation and outstanding portability," says Ken Curry, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. "The new GR HDF models give users a new creative option that expands the visual boundaries of snapshot photography."
The "exceptional image quality" part is important, as when the HDF is disabled, the GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF are identical to the existing models, meaning they promise sharp, detailed 24.2-megapixel images captured with 28mm f/2.8 and 40mm f/2.8 equivalent lenses, respectively.
Given that there is little to differentiate between the HDF and regular GR III cameras, Ricoh has changed the shutter release button on the HDF versions to a dark silver. The default setting of the Fn (function) button has also been changed, with it controlling the on/off setting for the HDF itself on the new cameras.
Ricoh has also added the ability to pre-program three white-balance settings as the base white balance for the new models. This will be available to regular GR III and GR IIIx owners via a free firmware update as soon as the HDF versions hit the market. There is also a new Zone Select AF setting.
Since the new models incorporate the new highlight diffusion filter, they no longer include the neutral density (ND) filter mode.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #940, March 26, 2024. Today's theme is "Getting Serious About Portable Power." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueCameras, laptops, drones, lighting - they all require power, and sometimes all at once. When we're at home, it's just a matter of finding enough outlets. But on the road, that can be more challenging in motel rooms. And if you're sharing space with someone, they're probably saying, "Hey, where do I plug my phone in?" And then, how about out in the field? Yes, we all need power, regardless of where we are. And this week, I'm going to tell you how to get it. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 940
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Getting Serious About Portable PowerI started on this project years ago. As soon as I realized that I would need watts and watts of power on the road, I began looking for solutions.
At first, there were small, pocket-sized power banks with USB-A outlets. They were fine for topping off my iPhone, but they weren't powerful enough for multiple iPad recharges or even camera batteries. But I packed one or two anyway, just in case I found myself in a pinch.
Then, in the summer of 2021, I bought a Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station and a companion SolarSaga 100W solar panel. My road trips were suddenly improved.
The Explorer 300 could power up to 6 devices at once via USB-A, USB-C, 12V carport, and two 110V AC outlets. I was able to power my laptop, recharge camera batteries, and keep all of my mobile devices topped off.
If I was camping, I could use the solar panel to refuel the Explorer 300, feeling like I had endless energy regardless of my location.
Everything changes with power. Now I had plenty of campsite lighting at night. I could ditch the ice chest and replace it with a portable refrigerator, and I could work and play the way I wanted, not worrying about draining little batteries that I couldn't refuel.
For workshops, I could ditch the cumbersome extension cords and let participants plug their laptops into the Explorer 300. This worked so well, that I bought a second unit for more flexibility.
And if motel rooms hid their only available outlet behind a 200 pound dresser, I didn't care. I would grab the Explorer 300 from the car and keep on chargin'. Like I said earlier, everything changed.
Not Just for the Road
When I returned to the studio, I would put everything away until my next road trip. That was fine, but it seemed like a missed opportunity. I had a south-facing sliding door that opened to my patio there, and it received hours of potent sunlight most of the year. Why not put that solar panel and power station to work? After all, I'm using solar panels on the roof at home, and my electricity bill is practically non-existent.
I expanded my system a little bit, and power generation evolved from a convenience on the road to a hobby. With just a few adjustments at the studio, I was able to reduce my energy consumption by 30 percent from the grid. I'd set the solar panel out in the morning and connect it to a Jackery power station (1 minute), then charge all of my devices, laptop, lamps, and even TV from my mini power station.
To give you an idea of the draw I needed, here's a list of my common devices now running off solar.
- Nikon Zf - 9 watts to charge.
- OM System OM-1 - 9 watts to charge.
- iPad mini - 11 watts to charge.
- MacBook Pro 14.2" M1 - 85 watts to power.
- Desk Lamp with LED bulb - 15 watts to power.
- LCD TV - 90 watts to power.
- Stereo System - 35 watts to power.
- Occilating Fan - 25 watts to power.
- BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Freezer P8 - 35 watts to run.
With just a couple power stations and 100 watt panel, I could maintain all of these devices without ever having to plug them into the wall. And if there was a power outage, I have my entire backup system designed and ready to go.
Better Technology, More Power
Recently, Jackery introduced the Explorer 300 Plus with an array of improvements including lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP), faster charging times, improved LCD display, WiFi, Bluetooth, a companion mobile app, and more control over the settings of the unit - all for about the same price as the original Explorer 300.
The new LFP battery has a longer lifespan, safe nature, and high efficiency. The battery is comprised of four main components: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). They can charge and discharge between 2000 to 4000 times before losing 30 percent of their original capacity. And they have a low self-discharge rate, meaning they do not lose the stored charge when kept in ideal conditions.
The two current Jackery Power Stations that I recommend for photographers are the Explorer 300 Plus ($299 before discount) - 288 Wh, 3,000 charge cycles, 300 W maximum output - and the Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station ($999 before discounts) - 1,264 Wh, 4,000 charge cycles, 2,000 W output with 4,000 W peak.
My favorite solar panel is the SolarSaga 100 W ($299 before discounts). It's very easy to transport, folds in half so it fits in the back of the car, has a high efficiency, and even includes USB-A and USC-C ports so you can charge directly off the panel if you don't have a power station.
More Resources
I've published Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Review - Power Your Roadtrips that features lots of pictures and real-life experiences, including my solar setup when camping.
Jackery almost always has a good sale going. But if there's something you want that isn't on sale, use code: JADEAL for a 10 percent discount. I have a Jackery ad tile in the second column of TheDigitalStory.com that includes the discount code. Just click on the tile to take you over to their site.
I've tested other power generators too. And I'll be publishing reviews on TheDigitalStory. But Jackery is my favorite. High-quality materials, great design, trouble-free, and easy to use. Their tech support is good. And they provide you with extended warranties when you buy on their site.
Final Thoughts
It's a wonderful feeling to be energy-independent. I feel like I can road trip anywhere, and be just fine if the grid goes down. And in this age of power-hungry devices, you can save money as well in the long run.
Fujifilm US cancels suspicious X100VI Limited Edition orders. How to order the camera You can read the entire story on DPReview.com.
Photographing the 2024 Total Solar EclipseYou can read the entire story on LensRentals.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #939, March 19, 2024. Today's theme is "Photography's Most Powerful Teacher: Failure." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueThe idea of what is successful and what isn't has been swimming around my head lately. I'm sure a big part of it was our Photo Critique Workshop that just wrapped up. Those discussions about how we view our pictures versus the reactions to them by others were fascinating. So I decided to share a story with you about the secret to good photography. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 939
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Adobe interview: 'we're not trying to trick anyone with AI'You can read the entire story on AmateurPhotographer.com.
How Nikon and Agence France-Presse in Paris Are Seeking To Ensure Authenticity in PhotojournalismYou can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #938, March 12, 2024. Today's theme is "So Much Photography News This Week!." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueNikon buys RED, Lensrentals gobbles up Borrowlenses, the Princess of Wales gets caught with a sloppy Photoshop job, and a lot more - What a week in the news! So much so, that we are dedicating this week's podcast to the breaking stories in the photography world. Stay tuned! I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 938
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
This Week's Top Photography StoriesNikon to Acquire RED in Surprise Announcement on FStoppers.com.
Actually, LENSRENTALS Won't Be Acquiring Employees from BORROWLENSES on ThePhoblographer.com.
Edited Royal Family photo sparks major controversy on AmateurPhotographer.com
'Oppenheimer' Cinematographer Urges Filmmakers to Shoot on Analog in Oscars Speech on PetaPixel.com
Has Leica just made its best camera ever? on DigitalCameraWorld.com
Nikon's Z9 slated to go to the moon in 2026 on DPReview.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #937, March 5, 2024. Today's theme is "Film Simulations - Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueYour first thought may be, "Why do I care about film simulations?" And that's fair if what you are after is the standard Jpeg processing included with your camera. But since electronic viewfinders can present a view of the world with our settings applied, film simulations can lead the way to more creative photography. I will explain more in the first story of this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 937
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Film Simulations - Nothing to Lose, Everything to GainThe announcement of the new Fujifilm X100 VI with its 20 film simulations seems to have re-energized this conversation. Being a fan of these myself, I thought it would be worth a few minutes of our time.
Basically, film simulations are merely alternative Jpeg processing formulas. Camera manufacturers have their default recipes, which are excellent, but if you want to get creative there are alternatives.
These really became popular with mirrorless cameras because the EVFs allowed us to preview the effect of any film simulation we had applied. Often this encourages creativity. And they are just plain fun.
Nearly every camera has a way to apply these. Fujifilm includes a library of simulations developed with their color science built right into the camera. Nikon also has their versions of this, called Picture Controls. They include their own, and then leave 9 slots open for you to add your own. Currently I'm using a set developed by an independent site called Nikon Picture Control Editor.
I use these on my Olympus cameras as well. Just like the other brands, OM System includes different looks built into the camera. But, you also have access to all of the controls required to create your own recepies. Rob Trek Online, for example, has published some Fujifilm recipies that you can apply to your OM System camera.
You can also apply film looks in post production. Adobe, DxO, Capture One, Photomator, RAW Power, and ON1 all have film looks available.
Tips for Film Simulation
Shoot RAW+Jpeg. The RAW will be RAW and the Jpeg will reflect the film simulation.
Note in your metadata descriptions the film simulation you used. These are not typically captured by the camera. I'm building an album in Capture One Pro that shows all of the film simulations that I'm using for the Nikon Zf.
You can always return to the camera manufacturer's profile in post. In Capture One Pro, for example, the Base Characteristics panel will let me switch back to a Nikon ICC profile if I decide I don't like the film simulation I used while shooting.
You can see the differences if you switch back and forth between the RAW version (which will have a native camera profile) and the Jpeg version (which will show the film simulation). I find this comparison very instructive.
Bottom Line
Film simulations, one way or another, can be enjoyed with any mirrorless camera. I love the looks they create, both in B&W and color. With my Nikon Zf, I have seven different B&W simulations to choose from - 3 native, and 4 added. And they are all very different.
The New Film Camera from Pentax is a Half Frame CompactYou can read the entire article on CasualPhotoPhile.com.
Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.
Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.
Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:
- The best IR filter to start with.
- How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
- Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
- See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
- Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
- Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
- And much, much more.
This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.
It is so much fun.
Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.
You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.
Best Micro Four Thirds lenses in 2024You can read the entire article on AmateurPhotographer.com
Nikon Says It is 'Passionate' About Providing Firmware UpdatesYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #936, Feb. 27, 2024. Today's theme is "Is Something Really Wrong, or Is It Me?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueEven people who use electronics all the time can be baffled by them. You turn it on, get a warning light, and wonder, "Is something really wrong, or is it me?" It could go either way. And it's hard not to jump to conclusions. I've had a rash of these experiences lately. And I'll share a couple of them with you, if for no other reason, to demonstrate that we all fall into this trap. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 936
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Is Something Really Wrong, or Is It Me?I do admit, I push the envelope sometimes, especially if I can save a few dollars. In my mind, I am the king of repurposing. And for the most part, this works well for me.
But every now and then I trip on my own shoelaces. My latest folly, which I have to admit makes me laugh at myself, is a story about the Nikon Zf, which comes with one battery and no charger.
We all know that a happening photographer can not survive on one battery alone. And to buy a second would tack on $60 to the budget. So I examined an extra battery I already owned, the Nikon EN-EL15 that came with my aging D610 DSLR. It looked just like the EN-EL15c that came with the Zf with just a little less horsepower.
And sure enough, when I inserted the EL15 into the Zf, everything worked normally. Problem solved! I checked this substitution online and Nikon officially states that the EL15 was not supported in the Zf. But it was working great.
And to make things even better, the Nikon Battery Charger MH-25 that was also included with the D610 charged both the old and the new Nikon batteries. I was in frugal heaven.
Life has been good since this discovery. I have two batteries for the Zf, and that's all I need for my everyday photography. I keep the newer one in the camera and pack the older one as a backup.
Then on a Saturday Theresa and I had some errands out in wine country. The rain had subsided, and the forecast was fantastic. "I'm bringing the Nikon," I said to myself.
I didn't have the battery charger at home. It was at the studio. "No problem," I thought. I can charge the Zf via a USB-C cable. So I dug around in my bag, found a nice substantial one, and connected the camera to a power source.
The charging light started blinking, continued for 30 seconds, then went dark."Hmmm," I thought. "Seems like it should stay on while charging." I checked the LCD screen and noticed that it was not charging.
"That's odd," I thought. I'll try again. Same thing happened. 30 seconds of blinking then nothing.
My next thought was shrouded in darkness. "Oh no! I have a defective camera." I took a deep breath. "Now hold on there cowboy. It's probably something simple. Maybe it's the cord or the power brick."
So, I found another cord and another brick. Same result. I tried yet another tandem. No charge. At this point I had the contents of my equipment bag spread all over the couch, and a battery that was only 40 percent charged.
When all else fails, read the owners manual. I found the PDF on my iPad and looked up charging. There was a note that stated when the light blinks for 30 seconds and goes out, it's a charging error. Excellent. I have the only Nikon Zf in California that won't charge via USB.
I felt defeated. I repacked the contents of my cord pouch and stuffed it back in the backpack. "Might as well tidy up," I thought. Then I poured myself another cup of coffee and pondered my situation.
"Why won't it work? Is it really broken?"
Then I thought of one last-ditch effort. What if I switched batteries and tried charging the backup? Who know, right?
I fetched the backup battery out of my backpack and switched it out with the one in the camera. Plugged everything ink, and waited. The charge light went on, and it was steady. I checked the LCD screen and it too indicated that the camera was charging. I was partially relieved.
I examined the battery that I had extracted from the camera; the one that one not charge. It looked fine. Then I noticed on the back of the battery that I was trying to charge the older EL-15, not the battery that came with the camera. I must have forgotten that I switched them.
Then my charging light went on. The Nikon was charging because it had the battery in it that came with the camera, not the 5-year-old cell that wasn't supported.
I guess that charging via USB involves more than just the camera, but the battery too. Nothing was wrong with my equipment. It was me.
Photomator 3.3 Adds a Powerful New File Browser to the Photo EditorYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Pixelmator has released a significant update to Photomator, its award-winning photo editing app for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro. Photomator 3.3 includes a powerful new file browser built on native macOS functionality, promising a fast and convenient photo browsing and editing experience, no matter where photographers keep their files.
"One of the things that users love most about Photomator is how right at home it feels on Mac," says Simonas Bastys, lead developer at the Pixelmator Team. "And with the addition of the powerful file browser, it's now simpler than ever to browse and edit photos not just on Mac but also across external drives and cloud services."
Pixelmator says users can import "tens of thousands of photos in seconds" by dragging and dropping them into the new Photomator file browser. Edits are directly synced with the original photos without creating duplicate files or catalogs, helping photographers keep their large image libraries organized and clutter-free.
"Users can seamlessly edit photos stored across various cloud services such as Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive, as well as SSDs, NAS devices, or SD cards, with the same ease as editing on their Mac. Regardless of the storage location, photo editing is completely nondestructive, letting users preserve the original photo and revert edits at any time," promises Pixelmator.
Photomator is available to download for free from the Apple App Store. Within the free version, users can access all of the app's editing tools and save a limited number of edited images. For unlimited access, users must pay $5 per month, $30 a year, or $120 for a lifetime license. Photomator is compatible with devices running iOS and iPadOS 16 or later for iPhone and iPad and macOS 13 or later for Mac.
The photo editing app was also named the Mac App of the Year last November by Apple.
My Testing Observations
Does work well and is fast. When it comes to RAW files, however, Photomator uses the Apple profiles. So if your Mac doesn't support a camera, such as my Nikon Zf, then neither will Photomator.
Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.
Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.
Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:
- The best IR filter to start with.
- How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
- Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
- See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
- Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
- Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
- And much, much more.
This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.
It is so much fun.
Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.
You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.
Announcement: The Original OM-1 Has a Major Performance Firmware Upgrade [Coming]You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com
OM Digital Solutions has been working on a firmware upgrade for their original OM-1. They announced the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II interchangeable lens camera on January 30, and there have been many inquiries regarding the possibility of a firmware update to the OM SYSTEM OM-1 that was released nearly two years ago.
Not every feature of the new OM-1 Mark II will be included in the older camera with this firmware upgrade, no doubt because the Mark II version included new hardware to cope with the additional functionality. However, they are living up to their promise of updating the OM-1.
The future firmware upgrade is scheduled to be available later this year, most likely in October.
The improvements that will be brought about by the update will be:
Autofocus: Improvement of some AF performance capabilities, such as S-AF and C-AF in all-target mode to improve capture of main subjectsOperability: Improved usability through the option to assign the trash (delete) button as a menu access shortcut.
OMDS says it cannot include new features introduced with the OM-1 Mark II, such as Live GND - the in-built graduated filter - and AI Detection AF for humans.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #935, Feb. 20, 2024. Today's theme is "How Do I Pick My Best Shot? (And the New Fujifilm X100VI)" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueBreaking news! The Fujifilm X100VI. And... photographers tend to be too hard on themselves, or way too generous when evaluating their pictures. But there's a middle ground. To reach it, we need to honestly answer a few basic questions during the review process. In the first segment of today's TDS Photography Podcast, I'll let you know what those are, and how they can help you make better choices when selecting your images. Then we take you to Tokyo for the Fujifilm X-Summit. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 935
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
How Do I Pick My Best Shot?Have you ever opened up your laptop to show off a favorite picture, one that you worked very hard on, only to have the viewer rave about a different shot that you had passed by?
"But I worked hours on this one to get it perfect!" you counter. "Oh, that one is nice too," the viewer says in a comforting voice.
Photographers have many blind spots when evaluating their own work. One of the most common is, "If I spend lots of time working on a picture, it's better than the others." That may or may not be the case.
But how do you know? You can move the odds more in your favor by analyzing your favorite photos using this process. It goes something like this. Let's apply this technique to a photo shoot you've just completed.
- First, you have to separate the good shots from the bad ones. This is easy to do. Say that you have 100 images from the shoot, odds are solid that at least 25 of them will be good. That means they could stand on their own with very little image editing.
- Second, put the good photos in their own album so you are only looking at those.
- Third, go through those 25 again and pick the 5-10 pictures that you like best. So far, we haven't really done anything new. But we will with the next step.
- Fourth, isolate those 5-10 favorites, enlarge the first one to full screen, and ask yourself the following 3 questions.
Is the content of this photograph compelling? What I mean by that is, is there a clear center of interest and does it tell a story?
Is the image technically sound? That is, is the exposure good and the sharpeness appropriate for the subject?
Is there emotional appeal? Do you feel something when you look at the picture?
Your best images will answer yes to all three questions.
One of the things I've observed during lab sessions at our TDS workshops is that many photographers give too much weight to technical considerations and not enough to content and emotion. The irony is, if we had to live without one of the three, it would be the technical.
Photos that have interesting content with emotional appeal will always outshine technically perfect images with general audiences. Once a person identifies your main subject and is attracted to it, the game is over.
Pixel peepers may criticize image noise or a plugged-up shadow area, but if they are ignoring a great subject in the process, then they're missing the point.
Try this four-step process on a recent photo shoot, and see if you're surprised by the winners. Maybe next time you open up your laptop to show off a picture, it will also be the favorite for the person you're showing it too.
If you want more on this subject, check out my Live View article, How to Better Evaluate Our Pictures. This is a free link!
Fujifilm X100VI Announced at X-Summit TokyoFujifilm photographers have their first X-Summit of the year on Feb. 20th in Japan. And they didn't have to wait long for the announcement of the new X100VI Digital Camera.
The estimated ship date is Feb. 28, but you can preorder the X100VI now for $1,599.
On today's podcast, you can hear directly from Fujifilm about their new compact camera.
Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.
Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.
Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:
- The best IR filter to start with.
- How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
- Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
- See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
- Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
- Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
- And much, much more.
This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.
It is so much fun.
Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.
You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.
Apple warns: Drying a wet iPhone in rice could actually make things worseYou can read the entire article on Macworld.com
For years, we've turned to a simple household staple when we need to save our iPhones from a liquid death: a bag of rice. The method is decidedly low-tech. Just pop your phone in a bag of rice, seal it up, and wait for a day or so. The idea is that the rice will draw the water out from inside the phone before it can fry any internal parts. People who have experienced waterlogged phones swear by it, and there's tons of anecdotal evidence to show that it does indeed work.
However, researchers have been claiming for years that it's all a myth and rice doesn't actually dry your phone faster and could slow down the process, leaving your logic board susceptible to further damage. And a new 2024 support document from Apple actually advises against using rice to dry out your iPhone since it could make matters worse, as "doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone." Instead, Apple suggests the following steps:
Tap your iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow. After at least 30 minutes, try charging with a Lightning or USB-C cable or connecting an accessory.
If you see the alert again, there is still liquid in the connector or under the pins of your cable. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow for up to a day. You can try again to charge or connect an accessory throughout this period. It might take up to 24 hours to fully dry.
If your phone has dried out but still isn't charging, unplug the cable from the adapter and unplug the adapter from the wall (if possible) and then connect them again.
Among the don'ts, Apple also urges against drying your iPhone with an external heat source or compressed air, or inserting a "foreign object," such as a cotton swab or a paper towel, into the Lightning or USB-C port.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #934, Feb. 13, 2024. Today's theme is "The Temptation of Cheap Third Party Lenses." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIt's hard to resist the siren call of super-affordable Chinese-made optics. For the price of a polarizer, we can fill gaps in our lens library that we might not otherwise be able to afford. But even at a modest price, do these accessories provide the quality we need for our work? The answer is "yes," and "no." Find out why on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 934
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Temptation of Cheap Third Party LensesThere are lenses that we use all of the time - 24mm, 40mm, 85mm - and lenses that we use every now and then. For our everyday work, I recommend sticking with optics that we know we can depend on, usually manfactured by the camera brand they are being mounted on.
But what about those lenses we only use some of the time? Should we pay a premium for those as well?
I was looking for a super-wide for the Nikon Zf. I wanted an optic that could cover more ground than my current 24mm. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm S with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 has an overall rating of 4.9 and costs $1,046. It is 4.27" long and weighs just over a pound. It uses a 77mm front filter.
The Viltrox 20mm Z has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, no star ratings yet on Amazon, and costs $158. It is 2.7" long, weighs 6.1 ounces, and uses a 52mm front filter.
Lens construction differences between the two optics are different, but not as much as you might think. The Viltrox has 10 elements in 8 groups with 7 aperture blades. The Nikon has 14 elements in 11 groups with 9 aperture blades. Both optics have quiet AF and manual focus, and nano multilayer coating on the elements. And both work well on the Nikon Zf.
We know that the Nikon 20mm performs well. But what about the Viltrox? I did a little testing with it mounted on the Nikon Zf. Here's what I found.
- Autofocusing was quiet and smooth. Feels a tad slower than the Nikon, but very much in the acceptable range.
- Sharpness was very good across the entire frame at f/5.6 and above. At f/2.8 and f/4 sharpness was good, but not as crisp in the corners.
- Strong vignetting apparent at f/2.8. The effect diminished at f/4 and above.
- Close-up performance (7.5") is quite good.
- Lens flare and CA were well controlled.
So, right out of the camera, the Viltrox doesn't compete well against the Nikon. It's a stop slower, doesn't focus as fast, and doesn't perform its best wide open.
But I worked the files a bit in Capture One Pro. Here's what I did.
In Lens Correction, I selected the Nikon AF 20mm f/2.8 D profile. In that same panel, I increased sharpness and compensated for Light Falloff. In the Base Characteristics panel, I used the Nikon Zf Neutral profile. I then processed the image normally including a little devignetting. The finished RAW file looked very good.
The bottom line here is if you're willing to spend a little time in post-processing massaging the RAW files, you can get good results from the Viltrox 20mm f/2.8. And if you only need a super wide on occasion, then the extra time might be worth it.
However, if you want premium image quality and handling, then the Nikon Z is the superior way to go.
The Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 is available in both Nikon Z and Sony E mounts for $158.
Fujifilm and Skylum are Hosting 50 Free Photo Walks Across the U.S.You can read the entire article at Petapixel.com.
Skylum, the company behind the Luminar Neo editing platform, and Fujifilm have partnered to host 50 free photo walks across the United States, giving photographers a chance to not only see their local cities in a new light but also try out new Fujifilm gear.The two companies say that this "experimental" new program was developed to inspire photographers to explore various metropolitan cities through their camera lenses on a series of guided photo walks where they will be surrounded by a like-minded community.
As part of the experience, participants will be able to try out Fujifilm's latest cameras and lenses and get face-to-face time with personnel from both companies.
"At almost every event in which Fujifilm participates, we look for an opportunity to integrate photo walks" Victor Ha, vice president of the Fujifilm North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division says.
"We see photo walks as incredibly important pieces of the creative process. They're not only a way to build camaraderie among creators, but also to allow them to make compelling images and content in real-world settings. We're excited to collaborate with Luminar Neo on these photo walks and to give local creators the tools needed to share ideas, expertise, and stories with each other, and the world."
The two companies say that regardless of skill level, these photo walks offer a unique chance to improve skills and also connect with the local community. The first photo walks are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Salt Lake City in March and the rest will take place throughout the month in cities like Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Austin, Clearwater, Detroit, and many others.
The full schedule of events can be found on a dedicated Eventbrite page where registration is free. The company says more locations will be added over the next few days.
Spring in Sedona Photography WorkshopApril 16-19, 2024 - TDS photographers return to the greater Sedona, AZ area, but this time during the Spring to view the landscape in a whole new way. We will explore iconic locations, picturesque landscapes, mysterious vortexes, and towns frozen in time from the mining days. What a great way to kick off our 2024 workshop season!
You can learn more and reserve your spot by clicking here. Hope to see you in April!
The OM-1 Mark II: More Camera Than First Meets the EyeYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com
The OM-1 Mark II has certainly caused a stir. Here's a deep dive into what this camera is all about and why it's another winner and a bigger upgrade than you might first think.
Special Features of the OM-1 Mark II
Upgraded: High Res Shot
This feature takes a series of photos in quick succession and combines them into a single 80-megapixel raw file and JPEG, now with the option of the raw file being 14-bit. That gives three times the number of tones in the image. There is a handheld 50-megapixel version too, taking advantage of the image stabilization.
Upgraded: Live ND Shooting
Saving you from carrying ND filters with you for long exposures, Live ND is an ND filter built into the camera. The OM-1 Mark II now gives up to seven stops, i.e., ND128. Although useful on its own, reducing the amount of gear you need to carry, it can be used in conjunction with an ND filter on your lens, delivering exceptionally long exposures even in bright daylight.New: Live GND Shooting
As an alternative to Live ND, it's now possible to have one, two, or three stops of graduated ND filter applied to raw files and JPEGs by the camera. There are three levels of feathering of the graduation: soft, medium, and hard. You can also change the angle of the graduation.Upgraded: Pro Capture and Blackout-Free Shooting
One of the huge upgrades of this camera is the doubling of the buffer size. If you are not aware of it, Pro Capture continuously buffers images and records the most recent of them when you press the shutter button. With continuous autofocus, the buffering is happening at 50 frames per second (fps), and it will buffer 256 frames. That's 5 seconds' worth of images. In that way, you should never miss a shot when a bird takes to the wing or when the bride kisses the groom.
With single autofocus, the camera records a staggering 120 fps and will buffer 213 shots.
The camera also has improved blackout-free sequential shooting.
Upgraded and New: AI Subject Detection Focusing
Another great option for wildlife photographers is the AI Subject Detection. I have found this excellent for detecting partially hidden birds, obscured by twigs and branches, and for latching onto birds in flight with cluttered backgrounds.
You can now also select individual subjects in crowded scenes. That's not only great for wildlife photographers but also events and wedding photographers, especially as Human Detection has been added. Furthermore, they are all accessible in the same place on the Super Control Panel, which gives quick access to important features.
I haven't tried the vehicular options, but the bird, animal, and the new human detection are outstandingly fast and precise.
Conclusion: Like its predecessor, the OM-1 Mark II is a camera that has continued to break the mold; it's definitely not a clone of every other camera out there, and it's good to see that OMDS are sticking to their guns and providing a product with features that tick the boxes of its user base. Consequently, it's already proving to be a popular choice.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #933, Feb. 6, 2024. Today's theme is "Documenting What Makes You, You." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWe have many more dimensions than most folks realize. Yes, in this community, we know each other for our photography. But each of us has far more going on than taking pictures. And we can use that skill to document - and share if we wish - the other areas of our life. Combining our love for photography with the things we enjoy. I will discuss one such example regarding me on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 933
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Documenting What Makes You, YouI have lemon trees. Yes, multiple. At the studio, I have a miniature in a wine barrel on the back patio that is wildly prolific and produces the most delicious Meyers. At the house, we have two more small trees. And they seem happy as well.
So this time of year I find myself up to my hip boots in fruit. I have already perfected the art of homemade lemonade using Xylitol as the sweetener. Delicious. Theresa incorporates our bounty into a variety of entrees that enhance their appeal. And yet, there are still more lemons.
So I searched the Internet for interesting things to do with our harvest. And I stumbled upon a recipe for making Limoncello, an Italian liqueur traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestive. "That sounds good," I thought. So I endeavored to make a California version with my Meyers.
The basic recipe involves soaking the lemon peels in grain alcohol for a few weeks, then straining, and finally adding simple syrup to sweeten. Limoncello is kept in the freezer and served in petite after-dinner liquor glasses.
Now even though the basic recipe is simple, the proportions are very important. And being the type of guy who strives for the best Limoncello west of the Atlantic, I document everything I do as I evolve the recipe. This is where the documentation comes into play.
For example: the first batch used 600 ML of Everclear 120 proof grain alcohol, the peels from 12 medium to medium-small Meyer lemons, and finished with 275 ML of homemade simple syrup.
But without photographs to accompany my documentation, how do I know in the future what a medium-small lemon looks like? How much peel from each lemon? How do I filter the concoction after infusion? And on and on.
So with each step, I photograph what's happening and label those images as part of Batch 1. And this part is as enjoyable as making the Limoncello itself.
During the weeks required for infusion, I'm on the hunt for cute bottles that would be appropriate for such a delicacy. And since I'm going to be making lemonade with the juice of those lemons, I need to gather all those parts as well.
This past Sunday, on a stormy day in Northern California, I finished the first batch, carefully placed the bottles in the freezer, and we sampled the finished product after dinner. Amazing!
The second batch is already underway. For reference, I have photos of every step from version 1 to accompany my precise measurements. I love the pictures almost as much as the drink itself.
So by now, you've probably figured out that I'm a hobby mixologist. I've created my own drinks from scratch, and have been able to copy others just by tasting them. I can now add Limoncello to my resume. And I have the pictures to prove it.
Capture One Lays Off Staff Amid a 'Significant' Internal RestructureYou can read the entire article at Petapixel.com.
Capture One is undergoing what it characterizes as "significant changes" internally which has resulted in an unspecified number of layoffs at the company. It is at least the second round of turnover since it announced it was switching to a subscription model.
PetaPixel first learned of the layoffs last week, but the company only confirmed them this morning.
"Last Monday we made an internal announcement about significant changes for the Capture One team. These are not actions we take lightly and the people that were affected by them were treated with respect and empathy," Capture One tells PetaPixel.
"Although we have nothing specific to announce today, as the photography industry continues to evolve and we at Capture One make progress with our strategy as a standalone company, we're implementing changes that align our investments with the areas where we're seeing increases in customer satisfaction and traction with our users.
"These changes are difficult, but we're confident they position us better to advance in our mission to provide professional photographers with the most powerful creative and collaboration tools."
The company did not provide details on how many were affected, but PetaPixel has learned that a significant portion of the communications team has been let go. Of note, this is the second time in the last year this particular team has been gutted. Not long after the announcement that the company would be moving to a subscription-only model, most of the public-facing communications team was let go. Around this time, Capture One also ended its contracts with external public relations support.
It is not clear at this time what kind of internal restructure the company is going through or its scale beyond the Capture One's own use of the word "significant," but the last year has been difficult for the company as it has grappled with widespread pushback in response to its announcement that it would move away from perpetual software licenses. It didn't help that the company made the announcement not long after it concluded a 50% off sale on perpetual licenses, leaving buyers feeling as though they had been bait and switched.
The move to a subscription model came with the promise that current customers would be rewarded for their loyalty, but details of that program later revealed it to just be a one-time discount, further raising the hackles of customers.
Spring in Sedona Photography WorkshopApril 16-19, 2024 - TDS photographers return to the greater Sedona, AZ area, but this time during the Spring to view the landscape in a whole new way. We will explore iconic locations, picturesque landscapes, mysterious vortexes, and towns frozen in time from the mining days. What a great way to kick off our 2024 workshop season!
You can learn more and reserve your spot by clicking here. Hope to see you in April!
'There is no such thing as a real picture': Samsung defends AI photo editing on Galaxy S24You can read the entire article on techradar.com
Like most technology conferences in recent months, Samsung's latest Galaxy Unpacked event was dominated by conversations surrounding AI. From two-way call translation to gesture-based search, the Samsung Galaxy S24 launched with several AI-powered tricks up its sleeve - but one particular feature is already raising eyebrows.
Set to debut on the Galaxy S24 and its siblings, Generative Edit will allow users to artificially erase, recompose and remaster parts of an image in a bid to achieve photographic perfection. This isn't a new concept, and any edits made using this generative AI tech will result in a watermark and metadata changes. But the seamlessness with which the Galaxy S24 enables such edits has understandably left some Unpacked-goers concerned.
Samsung, however, is confident that its new Generative Edit feature is ethical, desirable and even necessary in today's misinformation-filled world. In a revealing interview with TechRadar, Samsung's Head of Customer Experience, Patrick Chomet, defended the company's position on AI and its implications.
"There was a very nice video by Marques Brownlee last year on the moon picture," Chomet told us. "Everyone was like, 'Is it fake? Is it not fake?' There was a debate around what constitutes a real picture. And actually, there is no such thing as a real picture. As soon as you have sensors to capture something, you reproduce [what you're seeing], and it doesn't mean anything. There is no real picture. You can try to define a real picture by saying, 'I took that picture', but if you used AI to optimize the zoom, the autofocus, the scene - is it real? Or is it all filters? There is no real picture, full stop."
"But still, questions around authenticity are very important," Chomet continued, "and we [Samsung] go about this by recognizing two consumer needs; two different customer intentions. Neither of them are new, but generative AI will accelerate one of them.
"One intention is wanting to capture the moment - wanting to take a picture that's as accurate and complete as possible. To do that, we use a lot of AI filtering, modification and optimization to erase shadows, reflections and so on. But we are true to the user's intention, which was to capture that moment."Then there is another intention, which is wanting to make something. When people go on Instagram, they add a bunch of funky black and white stuff - they create a new reality. Their intention isn't to recreate reality, it's to make something new. So [Generative Edit] isn't a totally new idea. Generative AI tools will accelerate that intention exponentially in the next few years [...] so there is a big customer need to distinguish between the real and the new. That's why our Generative Edit feature adds a watermark and edits the metadata, and we're working with regulatory bodies to ensure people understand the difference."On the subject of AI regulation, Chomet said that Samsung "is very aligned with European regulations on AI," noting that governments are right to express early concerns around the potential implications of widespread AI use.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #932, Jan. 30, 2024. Today's theme is "A First Look at the OM System OM-1 Mark II." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueJust in case you were wondering, OM System is not sitting on its laurels with the OM-1 that was released in March 2022. They've followed up their compact marvel with the Mark II. And on today's podcast, I'm going to tell you all about its feature highlights and who I think this camera is for. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 932
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
A First Look at the OM System OM-1 Mark IIWhen you first look at the OM-1 Mark II, you will notice two things. First, the crown badge now reads OM System and not Olympus. The second, practically nothing else has changed on the outside. And if you're an OM-1 owner, that's a good thing because all of your accessories will work on the Mark II, including the external battery grip.
But underneath the hood there are upgrades and an intriguing new feature. Before we get to that, let's take a look at the spec highlights.
- 5-axis image stabilization with up to 8.5 shutter speed steps compensation.
- Eye-level OLED electronic viewfinder, approx. 5.76M dots.
- 3-inch vari-angle monitor (electrostatic capacitance touch panel),approx. 1.62M dots.
- Dust and splash-proof (IP53 rated).
- High-speed cross-type phase-detection AF (1,053 points).
- High-speed contrast AF (1,053 points).
- AI Detection AF - computational photography for identifying a variety of subjects.
- Silent Sequential Shooting SH1 - approx. 120 fps with selectable 60, 100, and 120 fps without blackout.
- 4K video recording and vertical video mode.
- Sensor dust reduction via a supersonic wave filter.
- World's first Live Graduated Neutral Density shooting functionality.
- Can withstand freezing temperatures down to -10 degrees C.
- 50 MP handheld high-resolution shot and 80 MP tripod high-resolution shot.
- Compatibility with UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class), allowing seamless connection to a PC for use as a webcam.
- Twin UHS-II SD memory card slots.
Grad ND - A Fascinating New Feature
This technology uses computational photography to replicate the effects of using a half-ND filter, allowing the photographer to control brightness and darkness within the image, much like an external graduated neutral density filter.
Through Live GND shooting, photographers can adjust filter steps (GND2, GND4, or GND8) and types (soft, medium, or hard) in real-time through the EVF or rear LCD. This function allows for customization of the effect's position and angle.
Without the need for physical filters attached to the lens, photographers can leverage half ND effects, even with lenses lacking filter threads.
More AI Autofocus
Developed using deep learning technologies, the AI Detection AF has been enhanced to recognize an extensive array of subjects, including humans, formula racing cars, motorcycles, airplanes, helicopters, trains, birds, and common animals such as dogs and cats. This integration enhances the well-established Face Priority/Eye Priority AF, significantly refining autofocus capabilities. It can accurately identify subjects, even when individuals are in profile, facing away, or obscured by hidden facial features.
Subjects are tracked within the frame, ensuring they remain in focus. The OM-1 Mark II can follow intricate details like driver's helmets or the eyes of birds and other animals, going beyond what photographers could normally do on their own.
Who Should Buy the OM System OM-1 Mark II?
Wildlife and birding enthusiasts are at the top of the list. For example, combined with the new OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens that provides effective focal lengths of up to 1200mm, and weighs just over 2,000 grams (4.4 lbs), photographers can easily work with this rig all day, no tripod required. And that's just one of the many telephotos available.
The OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO provides an effective reach of 80-300mm and weighs a mere 382 grams (13.5 oz). The f/2.8 version weighs 760 grams (1.67 lb) and accepts both 1.4X and 2X matched teleconverters. Other top-tier options include the Olympus 300mm f/4 PRO and the Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8.
Macro photography is also a strength of this system. There are a variety of optics well-suited for this work. Add the increased depth of field resulting from the Micro Four Thirds sensor, and the OM-1 is a godsend for super closeup photography. Lens options include the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5, 60mm f/2.8, and the 30mm f/3.5 macro optics.
Travel photographers and journalists would also benefit from this system. Rugged design, compactness, and versatility make the OM-1 Mark II perfect for those covering the world while traveling light.
That's not to say this isn't an excellent system for general photography. There are many capable interchangeable lens cameras available these days. But very few combine the strengths of the OM System in such a compact package.
Should OM-1 Owners Upgrade to the OM-1 Mark II?
I'm wrestling with this question myself. I have my OM-1 sitting here on my desk, looking as fresh and new as the day I bought it, and trying to decide if I should invest in the Mark II.
For dedicated Micro Four Thirds photographers who use the OM-1, the Mark II would provide a solid upgrade and allow the original OM-1 to serve as a secondary camera.
The Mark II has improved performance. For example, in Pro Capture mode, the Mark II allows for retrospective capture of approximately 99 frames, an increase over the OM-1's 70 frames. For sequential shooting, the OM-1 Mark II can capture 219 frames in JPEG format or 213 frames in RAW at 120 fps, a dramatic improvement over the OM-1's 92 frames for each.
Add the autofocusing speed improvement with new features such as Live GND and vertical video capture, those could be important upgrades depending on your photography needs. Keep in mind that you can continue to use all of your existing MFT lenses and OM-1 accessories with the Mark II.
The big question is, do these benefits justify the $2,399 price tag? That answer lies between you and your credit card.
The Bottom Line
The OM System OM-1 Mark II is a powerhouse interchangeable lens camera that provides more compact options (thanks to MFT lenses) than its full-frame competitors. The Mark II is especially appealing for serious photographers who venture outside of the studio into harsh environments and changing conditions, and who require the versatility of the vast Micro Four Thirds lens catalog.
Unless you're a stay-at-home kind of guy, or that you really like the cardio workouts that come with lugging lots of gear up a trail, I would say that the latest OM-1 Mark II is for you.
Meike Releases New 50mm F1.8 Autofocus Lens for Z/E Mount for $159You can read more and place your order on the Meike Global site.
The lens is easy to carry and its images are sharp and clear at any aperture. The band new 50mm/F1.8 uses the newest optical structure, making it able to achieve a large aperture of F1.8 while maintaining miniaturization and lightweight. Multi-layer coating technology is used on both sides of the lens to restore more realistic colors. The lens is not easy to attach dust or stains, and can be easily wiped clean.
The Nikon Z mount is available now. The Sony E mount will be available by the end of February 2024.
Spring in Sedona Photography WorkshopApril 16-19, 2024 - TDS photographers return to the greater Sedona, AZ area, but this time during the Spring to view the landscape in a whole new way. We will explore iconic locations, picturesque landscapes, mysterious vortexes, and towns frozen in time from the mining days. What a great way to kick off our 2024 workshop season!
You can learn more and reserve your spot by clicking here. Hope to see you in April!
Why You Should Print Your PhotosYou can watch the video and read the article on FStoppers.com
Printing images is a rewarding yet often overlooked aspect of photography. This process transforms digital captures into tangible art, playing a pivotal role in a photographer's creative expression and giving you a meaningful way to display your work.
Coming to you from Simon Baxter, this insightful video begins with Baxter sharing his passion for woodland photography and his meticulous approach to printing. He emphasizes the importance of not rushing the process, allowing images to mature over time. Baxter's philosophy resonates with photographers who view their work as a continual process rather than a series of isolated events. His method of revisiting and editing images based on evolving emotional connections is particularly interesting. This philosophy, treating each step from shooting to printing as interconnected, enriches the final artwork and imbues it with deeper personal significance.
Baxter also highlights the technical aspects of printing, such as monitor calibration and paper selection, underscoring their impact on the final print. His detailed explanation of how different papers can influence the mood and texture of an image provides valuable insights for photographers striving to fully realize their artistic intent. This attention to detail in the printing process is a testament to the craftsmanship that goes into each piece and how even small differences can affect the final output. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Baxter.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #931, Jan. 23, 2024. Today's theme is "5 Upcoming Photography Conferences to Consider." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIn a recent edition of my Nimble Photographer Newsletter, I wrote about the dearth of photo announcements at CES 2024. But that doesn't mean there aren't other events that will cater to our desire to learn more and see the latest in imaging equipment. This week, I'll share with you 5 upcoming events that will stimulate your mind and tempt your pocketbook. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 931
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
5 Upcoming Photography Conferences to ConsiderSometimes it feels like all the cool photo shows have gone away. But that isn't the case. And if you'd like to get out among your peers, here are five upcoming events to consider.
Imaging U.S.A. - Jan. 28-30, Louisville, Kentucky
Imaging USA features classes, networking opportunities, and a huge trade show to help you feel inspired and ready to grow your photography business. This year we're bringing all the education and excitement to the Derby City. And to make your experience even more rewarding, pre-con classes are available in the days leading up to the conference.
90+ speakers, 130+ exhibitors
Top Brands on the Expo Floor
- Canon
- Nikon
- Sony
- Capture One
- Fujifilm North America
- Godox
- PlatyPod
- Sigma
- SmallRig
- Tamron
- Zeiss
Three-day all-access pass is $459. Expo only pass is free.
Camera & Imaging Photo Show CP+, February 22-25, 2024, Pacifico Yokohama, Japan
"Nothing Stays the Same" - CP+ is an event where camera fans from all over the world gather to see, touch, and share the joy of photography and video with their friends!For four days from February 22nd (Thu) to February 25th (Sun), 2024, an on-site event held at Pacifico Yokohama and an online event distributed online will be held simultaneously. Anyone can enjoy it, from camera and photography enthusiasts to those who regularly take and edit photos and videos with their smartphones and enjoy their daily lives using SMS.
60+ speakers, 90+ exhibitors
Top Brands on the Expo Floor
- Canon
- Nikon
- Sony
- Epson
- Fujifilm
- Godox
- Lexar
- Lumix
- OM System
- Sigma
- Synology
- Tamron
Admission is free, but you must pre-register for onsite admission.
WPPI, March 3-7, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada
For five days each year, portrait and wedding photographers and videographers come together in Las Vegas to be inspired. Be a part of this remarkable community - evolve your aesthetic, gain invaluable strategies to grow your business, connect with friends, be dazzled by stories from industry icons and create lasting memories.
130+ speakers, 80+ exhibitors
Top Brands on the Expo Floor
- Capture One
- PlatyPod
- Godox
- Sigma
- Skylum
- SmallRig
- Tamron
- Tenba
Four-day all-access pass is $199. Expo only pass is $49.
The Photography and Video Show, March 16-19, 2024, Birmingham, UK
From long exposure and layering, to business skills and incorporating AI into your workflow, your entry ticket will give you access to more than 350 seminars and live demos, with six stages and theatres to choose from. Led by experts and legends of photography, filmmaking and content creation, be prepared to learn new techniques and approaches; and be inspired to change your perspective on how you create!
100+ speakers, 200+ exhibitors
Top Brands on the Expo Floor
- Canon
- Nikon
- Sony
- Capture One
- Epson
- Fujifilm
- Gitzo
- Godox
- Ilford
- Lowepro
- Lumix
- Manfrotto
- OM System
- Synology
- Skylum
- Tenba
48 pounds for a 4-day pass
Shutterfest, April 2-4, St. Louis, MO.
ShutterFest is an annual photography event that brings together thousands of professional photographers, photo enthusiasts, and industry experts from around the world. This event is unique in its approach to education and community building. Instead of focusing on traditional lecture-style presentations, ShutterFest offers hands-on classes, interactive experiences, and networking opportunities that help attendees develop their skills, build relationships, and grow their businesses.
One of the things that makes ShutterFest so unique is its focus on creativity and hands-on learning. Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all approach to photography, the conference encourages photographers to explore their own unique style and vision. The sessions are designed to help attendees break out of their comfort zones and try new techniques, styles, and approaches to their work. This emphasis on experimentation is what attracts many photographers to ShutterFest year after year.
What else makes ShutterFest so unique? The conference is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space where photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds can connect, share their work, and learn from one another. This sense of community is built through a variety of events, including group shoots, networking sessions, and social events.
60+ speakers and 30+ vendors
Top Brands on the Expo Floor
- Canon
- Sigma
- Westcott
- Background Town
- Tamron
Registration is $240 for classes and tradeshow.
Las Vegas Criminalizes Stopping For Selfies on Pedestrian BridgesYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
On Tuesday, Las Vegas began enforcing a new ordinance that bans people from "stopping, standing or engaging in an activity that causes another person to stop" on pedestrian bridges and up to 20 feet surrounding connected stairs, escalators, and elevators.
Offenders who violate the measure could face a misdemeanor charge. If found guilty, they could face up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine.
Clark County officials in Nevada, who voted unanimously to approve the measure earlier this month, say that the ban is not intended to target people stopping to take selfies or tourists pausing to watch and take photos of street performers.
Instead, Clark County officials claimed that the measure is intended to reduce crime and increase public safety by ensuring a continuous flow of pedestrian traffic across the bridges.
"The Pedestrian Flow Zone ordinance will help to ensure our world-class tourism destination remains a safe place for people to visit," Jennifer Cooper, Clark County's chief communications and strategy officer, says in a statement.
Restrictions on the Las Vegas Strip come two months after the Las Vegas Grand Prix -- where pedestrians crowded on bridges to take photos of the event -- and only six weeks before the Super Bowl in February, which is set to draw hundreds of thousands of people for those events.
Spring in Sedona Photography WorkshopApril 16-19, 2024 - TDS photographers return to the greater Sedona, AZ area, but this time during the Spring to view the landscape in a whole new way. We will explore iconic locations, picturesque landscapes, mysterious vortexes, and towns frozen in time from the mining days. What a great way to kick off our 2024 workshop season!
You can learn more and reserve your spot by clicking here. Hope to see you in April!
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #930, Jan. 16, 2024. Today's theme is "Looking Back and More, Now 2024." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueEvery January I close out my personal photo library from the previous year and start fresh with an empty catalog. Not only is this a practical endeavor, it's also an opportunity to acknowledge the highlights of the previous year. Today, I share the benefits of this annual exercise. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 930
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Looking Back and More, Now 2024Despite my trials and tribulations in the past with Apple's Aperture, I still create annual libraries and store the neatly bundled catalogs in my multi-level archival system.
Why? It's just the way my brain works. I measure my life's journey signpost by signpost, year by year. Plus, I've discovered some additional benefits to this practice, a few of which I'm going to share today.
The Technical Part
By way of review, I maintain two personal libraries. The first, Photos, is totally automatic. I take a picture with my iPhone, it's added to my Photos library, backed up in iCloud, and that's that.
But I also have a Capture One Catalog. Pictures from my OM-1, X100V, and Nikon Zf are stored and edited here. Compared to the iPhone catalog, these images are more measured, captured in RAW, edited with C1P's excellent adjustment tools, and organized using its catalog tools.
Often, there is some topic duplication between the catalogs. And this is a good thing. Let's take our workshop in Sedona, AZ for example. My iPhone pictures go directly into Photos, while the images from the OM-1 are stored in Capture One Pro.
If I want to locate a shoot from years past, I can rely on the A.I. object recognition tools in Photos to help me remember the month and year. Who knows, I might even have an image there that suits my needs.
But if I want the more "serious" shots, I know exactly which Capture One Catalog to open. It saves me a tremendous amount of time. And it allows me to rotate off my laptop drive those big image libraries from previous years.
The Fun Part
So the technical part is all good and well. Every one of us has our own system for managing and retrieving pictures. But I've discovered an added benefit too. One that I hadn't anticipated.
It's easy to forget how much cool stuff happens in just a single year. Sure, we may still be basking in the glow of an event from last week, or even last month. But a couple of seasons ago. Those can get buried beneath the rigors of day-to-day life.
This short stroll down memory lane reminds me that 2023 was a better year than I realized. And it helps me appreciate the good fortune of my life. Want to join me for a quick trip?
[review highlights from my 2023 catalog.]
As a result of this exercise, I have a much more complete memory of my past year. Sure it had its challenges. There's a substantial 8-week lull when I was laid up with my recovery from the total joint replacement in my hip. But I still managed to take pictures around the house to maintain my sanity.
We are so busy, so distracted, and at times, so frustrated with daily life. It's easy to lose perspective. But looking back on my past year in pictures adds balance to my view of 2023. And it helps me appreciate the good moments in life all the more.
The Camera Accessory That Saved My Workflow? Peak Design Tech Pouch Review You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com
If you're like me, you have a whole bunch of small photography bits--cables, connectors, SD cards, batteries, and more--in your camera bag. If you were to use a different bag, you'd have to take all of them out and transfer them over. That's how I lived for the first couple of years of my career, and it was awful.
I would always be triple- and quadruple-checking to make sure I had everything, sometimes forgetting which pocket I had moved it to and having to dig around in a panic. That's when I had to find a better way. Enter the Peak Design Tech Pouch.
For months, I started looking at different tech organizers to ideally hold all the random bits that I had between my camera bags. At the time, there were fewer competitors to the tech pouch. What I saw with the others was that they were either more tech/note organizers for office workers carrying far fewer things at once, or they were full sling bags, and I really wasn't looking for either. All I wanted was a simple organizer with photographers in mind that could handle all my random crap and move it seamlessly between bags.
While it is larger than other tech organizers, I find the size just about perfect to fit in the extra space of a camera bag. It's not so big that it's in the way of other gear that you could be carrying. It's also not too small that it can't carry everything that you need it to.
Having used this for a few years now, I can confirm that it is built to last. I try to be gentle with my gear as I like it to last a while, but I definitely don't baby things. Through all the time of use, this bag hardly has a blemish on it, let alone any substantial damage. All the external and internal zips work great, and still keep things dry if it's a rainier day.
Spring in Sedona Photography WorkshopApril 16-19, 2024 - TDS photographers return to the greater Sedona, AZ area, but this time during the Spring to view the landscape in a whole new way. We will explore iconic locations, picturesque landscapes, mysterious vortexes, and towns frozen in time from the mining days. What a great way to kick off our 2024 workshop season!
You can learn more and reserve your spot by clicking here. Hope to see you in April!
The 'Millennium Camera' Will Capture Arizona's Landscape for 1,000 YearsYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
An experiment organized by University of Arizona research associate and experimental philosopher Jonathan Keats, the Millennium Camera is meant to record an extremely long-exposure image that won't be complete for 100 decades.
The concept of the camera isn't too far removed from the beer can camera that Regina Valkenborgh set up at the Bayfordbury Observatory in the United Kingdom in 2012. In that case, the pinhole-style camera was in place for eight years and one month and captured what was at the time believed to be the longest exposure photo ever made.
If it works as planned, Keats' Millennium Camera will have that record beat by a lot more. It uses a similar pinhole design as Valkenborgh's beer can camera, but has elements made to extend the time the camera will operate. That pinhole leads to a thin sheet of 24-karat gold that will slowly let light through to a small copper cylinder mounted on top of a steel pole. Over the course of 1,000 years, the landscape in front of the pinhole camera will slowly fade a light-sensitive surface that is coated in thin layers of rose madder (an oil paint pigment), The University of Arizona explains.
In 100 decades, future humans will hopefully be able to open the Millennium Camera to reveal a long-exposure image of the area through all of the changes Tuscon will undergo. That is, of course, the hope anyway.
"One thousand years is a long time and there are so many reasons why this might not work," Keats says. "The camera might not even be around in a millennium. There are forces of nature and decisions people make, whether administrative or criminal, that could result in the camera not lasting."
If it does work, however, Keats says that the final image will likely show the longest-lasting features -- like mountains and rocks -- sharpest while the most dynamic parts such as the city itself will be softer. "Sharp" is also used loosely, as the land itself is not completely stable and will experience subtle motion over the extended exposure time.
The Millennium Camera is currently installed on Tumamoc Hill next to a bench that faces west over the Star Pass neighborhood of Tuscon. With it is a small plaque that encourages visitors to imagine what the future holds.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #912, Sept. 12, 2023. Today's theme is "Natural Diffusion - The Joy of Greenhouse Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
There are two basic challenges to close-up flower photography - First, you need interesting and compelling subjects. And second, simplifying your gear so that the shooting experience is enjoyable, yet produces compelling results. Fortunately, there is one solution to both of these obstacles. And that's the first story in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 912
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Natural Diffusion - The Joy of Greenhouse Photography
Nearly every major city has a botanical garden and accompanying conservatory that's open to the public. And yet, many photographers don't find the time to visit either. And maybe that's because they have to actually step inside a conservatory of flowers to truly appreciate what it has to offer.
I recently spent time inside the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Inside this large greenhouse are a variety of exhibits including: aquatic plants, tropics, and many exotics.
If you live in the City, entrance is free. For those of us outside San Francisco, the admission is $15 - a bargain for the opportunities inside. The conservatory is photographer-friendly, as long as you follow a few basic rules.
- No tripods or free-standing equipment allowed.
- All bags or equipment must remain on a person in your party at all times. - More on this later.
- No nudity or lewd activity or behavior.
- No movement of plants or Conservatory property allowed.
- No holding of crowd or prevention of other guests to roam freely.
- Pathways must be kept clear at all times.
Traveling Light in the Greenhouse
Because basically, you're taking pictures inside of a giant softbox, very little equipment is required. I mounted the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens ($449) on my OM SYSTEM OM-1 mirrorless camera ($1,999 on sale), and that was it.
For my shot of the Vireya Rhododendron, for example, my settings were ISO 320, f/5.6, 1/30th of a second, handheld. The RAW file was absolutely beautiful.
Flowers You Just Don't Normally See
Staying with the Vireya Rhododendron, I was really attracted to this flower. The odds of me seeing it in the wild would be slim. Vireyas grow in cool mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, either as epiphytes high in the tall trees of the cloud forest or on open ground in shrubberies. There are over 300 Vireya species, comprising approximately one-third of all rhododendrons. Many rhododendrons make poisonous nectar. This poison helps to keep herbivores away but is harmful to humans who consume honey made with the nectar.
Yet, here it was right in front me. I used my LCD to compose a low-angle shot, then was able to move on to the next subject.
Accompanying Website for Identification
Many of the flowers have ID cards in their vicinity, but another helpful feature of most botanical gardens is their website that identifies their major species with additional information about them.
So once you pick your favorite shots and edit them to your liking, you can add this rich metadata from the comfort of your couch. That way, when someone asks you, "What flower is that?" You can confidently answer.
Final Thoughts
Greenhouse photography is enjoyable, equipment-friendly, and yields wonderful shots that you would be hard-pressed to get otherwise. It's definitely worth a visit.
Fujifilm X100V replacement due in early 2024 with brand new lens (report) You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com
It's been over three years since Fujifilm released the insanely popular X100V, and to this day it's still hard to get your hands on it. Most camera retailers are still out of stock, and those after one are having to wait months. The good news is, it looks like early 2024 will give way to its replacement - and it could come with a brand new lens. The bad news? We're already anticipating delays.
There aren't many cameras that stay quite as in demand as the Fujifilm X100V has been, so news of its successor is very exciting. Since its launch, the X100V has suffered delays, parts shortages and an overwhelming and hard-to-keep-up with demand; Fujifilm even had to stop taking orders! So will the next in line suffer the same fate, or will Fujifilm find a way to meet orders?
A key factor could be the integrated lens. The X100V is fitted with a 23mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.0 optic but, according to a source at Fuji Rumors, the next X100 could have a brand new lens. No details have been shared yet as to what this might look like - it could be anything from a minor redesign that could make it weather-sealed to a shift in focal length and aperture.
For now, those on the X100V waitlist will have to decide whether to continue on that journey or hold off until more information is available about its replacement. With 2024 not many months off, we'd be inclined to wait that little bit longer to find out what Fujifilm can offer in terms of an upgrade. After all, you've probably already waited months already - what's a few more?
Adobe Is Ending Creative Cloud Syncing: Here's What That Means You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
What Is It? - Adobe Creative Cloud sync allows users to save files on their own devices to a folder called "Creative Cloud Files," which would automatically copy those files to their cloud storage. Those files could then be accessed on the Creative Cloud website and other devices.
Adobe is discontinuing Creative Cloud sync on February 1, 2024, but only for free and paid personal users. The syncing feature will still be available for enterprise and teams business accounts until October 1, 2024.
Adobe's Creative Cloud plans all include some form of cloud storage, which seems to be continuing on as is despite the discontinuation of sync functionality. In its announcement, Adobe said the change was due to the company "modernizing the Creative Cloud storage experience."
What to Do - Adobe recommended users back up their work to another third-party cloud service or to their own hardware. Though it's important to note that the software company said all items in users' local Creative Cloud Files folders would "remain intact and under your complete control." PetaPixel is aware these are conflicting statements and has asked for clarity, but did not receive a response ahead of publication.
Those who wish to leave their work where it is can do so, but it may be best to back up these files and upload them to a third-party cloud service.
What the comments are saying: Chris - "This has nothing to do with Lightroom or its syncing. This is simply discontinuing a probably very little used single folder syncing feature that was their version of Dropbox sync folder or Google Drive sync folder or iCloud sync folder all of which are much more robust and reliable. But lots of companies offered their own anyway so since this need is much better met with one of those and probably still a lot of work for them to keep running on latest software and older I'm sure they realized best to finally remove. Won't delete anything you have saved in it locally and will just turn into a normal folder. But you could just move it into your iCLoud documents folder or Google Drive folder and still sync it between your devices."
And Chris again- "Nothing would change with your workflow. Lightroom syncs from iPad to Desktop. This has nothing to do with that core feature of that software. They are just talking about the single Creative Cloud Files sync folder that was meant to be like a Dropbox sync folder or iCloud sync folder etc. So probably rarely used since syncing is available with all those products far better."
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #911, Sept. 5, 2023. Today's theme is "The Nik Collection Transformation is Complete. And It's Wonderful." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueOn August 30th, DxO released Nik Collection 6.3 completing the overhaul of the entire suite of creative plugins. Every line of code has been rewritten. The software runs great on Mac and Windows machines. And for many of us, it's like falling in love all over again. I'll explain why on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 911
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The Nik Collection Transformation is Complete. And It's WonderfulNikon D610, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G, DxO PhotoLab 6, Analog Efex from Nik Collection 6.3. Photo by Derrick Story.
When DxO acquired Nik Collection from Google, it was languishing. Those 8 magical plugins for Photoshop and Lightroom Classic had not been update in years. What was once the darling of the creative photography community seemed destined for the old folks home.
To revive the software suite, DxO knew there was much work to be done. I'm not sure they realized exactly how much work, but the effort became Herculean. Now, years later, version 6.3 achieves that goal. And for many of us, it marks a long overdue homecoming.
The Highlights
Because version 6.3 is incremental, it's easy to overlook its importance. DxO finished upgrading HDR Efex and Nik Sharpener Pro. So now all 8 plugins have the refreshed interface, new features, and updated code.
But a number of other important changes are part of version 6.3. And let's compare just a few of them to Nik Collection 5.
- Full Compliance with Apple Silicon - Use Nik Collection 6 on Apple Silicon machines without the need for Rosetta<./li>
- Don't lose your old version of Nik Collection - If you have a favorite old version, you can now have both the old and the new on the same machine.
- Automatic integration with Affinity Photo during installation - Nik Collection 6 detects the presence of Affinity Photo during installation.
- Convert layer to Photoshop Smart Object - Create a Smart Object for Photoshop directly with a single click from any plugin (except Nik Perspective).
- Support of high-definition displays and multiple displays - Use HiDPI monitors and work without disruption when using multiple screens.
- Local Adjustments Improvements - Make even more precise local adjustments with the option to diffuse your Control Points. Rename local adjustments and save them as part of presets. Control Points and Control Lines gain greater precision with the option to invert their impact. And a lot more.
- Fully refreshed by DxO from the ground up - With the arrival of v6.3, every line of code has been rewritten by DxO, giving you unity, performance, and stability.
How I Now Use Nik Collection
I have an image library that is organized by file folders that I can tap using DxO PhotoLab 6, OnOne Photo RAW 2023, Luminar Neo, or Lightroom Classic.
If I know that I want to use a Nik plugin, such as Silver Efex or Analog Efex (two of my favorites!), I begin in DxO PhotoLab. There I can apply SmartLighting, ClearView Plus, and DeepPrime Denoising.
Then, from PhotoLab 6, I send the image to the desired Nik plugin. DxO creates a Tiff to serve as the handoff. I then do my plugin work, then apply the changes that send the Tiff back to PhotoLab. I now have the original edited RAW plus the enhanced Tiff in the same library.
PhotoLab has lots of export options. The one I typically use is Export directly to macOS Photos. I send a full-resolution Jpeg to Photos, which then adds the image to my iCloud library and makes it available on all my devices.
Final Thoughts
If all of this wasn't already good enough, DxO has committed to monthly updates to their extensive library of lens and camera modules. And they are expanding their support to third-pary lens manufacturers like Viltrox.
You can buy or upgrade to Nik Collection 6.3 for $79 or $149. And there is a free trial available. I upgraded from version 5 for $79, and it has been worth every penny.
ICYMI: New Firmware updates from Fujifilm, Nikon, Panasonic, Ricoh plus ACR update adds Sony A6700 Raw supportYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com
So, in case you missed it, there have been several recent firmware updates for several popular camera models in the past couple of months as well as updates for Adobe Camera Raw, which added support for some new cameras and lenses. Most recently, there have been firmware updates for the Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8 mirrorless cameras, helpful bug-fixing updates for the Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm X100V and the Ricoh GR III / GR IIIx, and a pair of updates for the Panasonic S5 II and S5 IIx cameras, among others.
I cover the highlights in the podcast.
Moving 1.5 Million Photos from an Old Drobo to a New QNAP NASYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
Back in February of this year, I began making a huge transition from the Drobo NAS system (now out of business) to the newer and far superior QNAP system. Back then I had just installed the two new NAS systems but had not moved any data.
I had many people (most of whom were using Drobo) ask how the QNAP transition was going. I told them that it was too early to tell and that I had a lot of work to do before I could give them a fair and honest answer.
Here I am about 6 months later and I have been using the system non-stop, but there was a lot to do between then and now. Some had to do with the data transition and some was just the back-to-back photo tours. Let me tell you what I have found, both the good and the bad.
When Drobo started showing signs of their pending demise, I was in a panic. I had ALL my data on their boxes and both the company and the units were failing. I literally lost sleep worrying about this problem. I pride myself on having every digital image I have ever taken (the keepers) and having them in two locations. I even tell my clients about this setup so that they know I will have their images safe for years to come.
I can tell you now that the panic is gone and I am really happy with the new QNAP solution. I have not only replicated what I was doing with the Drobo units, but I have surpassed the functionality and usability by far! It is not an inexpensive solution, but it is something that is vital to my business. As professional photographers, our data is everything, and keeping those images safe is critical. I am now sleeping better at night.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #910, August 29, 2023. Today's theme is "When It's Bright, Pack Light." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
One of the great things about summer is that there's lots of light. And this is particularly beneficial to Micro Four Thirds photographers who have plenty of compact, super-sharp optics available. That means we can cover just about any outside event with gear that fits in a handbag. I share one such example on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 910
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
When It's Bright, Pack Light
When I learned that one of my boys was running in the Santa Rosa Marathon, I circled August 27th on the calendar. I've always wanted to cover this event, and now I had the ultimate incentive.
If you've ever chased a marathon, it's both fun and challenging. First, you have to have some method to know when your runners are in the course. Then you have to calculate how to get ahead of them, and in position, to capture the action as they run by. This is one of those assignments where being nimble pays big dividends.
As I was planning for the shoot, some items were a given. No question that I was going to use the OM System OM-1 camera. And per a discussion in an earlier podcast, I was going to shoot in C-AF+TR.
My bag would be the Lowepro Streamline 150. And the only real accessories I needed would be an extra battery and a polarizing filter.
So, all that's left is the question of which two lenses? I figured the Olympus 14-42mm EZ ($299) could handle the after race celebrations in the town square. But for the action optic, my choice might surprise you.
You'd think that I'd reach for the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO zoom ($1,299). But I didn't need to go that big. And there's no way that optic would fit in the compact bag that I wanted to carry. Plus, there was going to be plenty of light. I didn't need f/2.8 to get the job done.
So instead, I selected an optic that I first purchased for my Cuba assignment. [Side story about packing for Cuba here.] What was that optic? The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. lens that measures 2.19" x 1.97" / 55.5 x 50 mm and weighs in at 4.76oz / 135g. And it sells for $399.
You're probably thinking that a lens that affordable and compact can't be worthy of event photography. Think again. Check out these specs.
- Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22
- Stepping AF Motor, Internal Focus
- Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
- 70-200mm (35mm Equivalent)
- One Aspherical Element, Two ED Elements
- MEGA Optical Image Stabilization
- Includes compact, reversible lens hood
And it is compatible with practically every MFT camera body, including the OM-1.
When I returned from Cuba, which was my first important shoot with this lens, I was amazed at the color, clarity, and sharpness of the images that I captured with it. Talk about punching way above one's weight. The numerous 5 Star reviews on the B&H site mirror my own experiences.
And for the Santa Rosa Marathon, this optic delivered again. Shooting in C-AF+TR mode, it locked in on my subjects quickly, tracked them accurately, and silently nailed each shot.
I've posted the Marathon gallery on DerrickStoryPhotography.com. And if you want to see the Cuba gallery, it's there as well.
Some lenses just blow your mind. Others allow you to move about the world freely. The Panasonic 35-100mm does both. All you need is a little summer light.
PS: Max completed the race with a beautiful 3:38 time. He finished in the top 1/3 of the field. That was just icing on the cake for me.
It's official: monkeys can't hold copyright over images, and neither can AI You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com
In a move that will reverberate throughout the creative industries, it has been ruled by a federal judge that AI-generated artwork is not copyrightable under United States law.
In short, no image can be copyrighted unless it has been authored in part by a human being. "Human authorship is an essential part of a valid copyright claim," said US District Judge Beryl Howell, rejecting a claim made by computer scientist Stephen Thaler over a piece of AI artwork titled A Recent Entrance to Paradise.
You are probably familiar with the case of British wildlife photographer David J Slater in 2014, who was denied copyright for selfies taken by macaques using his camera. The court ruled that a non-human creator cannot hold copyright under US law; instead, it becomes part of the public domain.
"Plaintiff can point to no case in which a court has recognized copyright in a work originating with a non-human," read the court order in the Thaler case, alluding to cases such as that brought by Slater in the past. In short, an image created by an ape is not copyrightable - and nor is an image created by AI.
"Human authorship is a bedrock requirement," continued the order (via The Hollywood Reporter). "The act of human creation - and how to best encourage human individuals to engage in that creation, and thereby promote science and the useful arts - was thus central to American copyright from its very inception."
The outcome is a significant and potentially landscape-changing one - most visibly in terms of the current strike action in Hollywood. A key point of contention between the film studios and the WGA / SAG-AFTRA (the Writers' Guild of America, and the Screen Actors' Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) is the desire to replace all or part of the work done by writers and performers with AI.
With it being definitively ruled that such work cannot be copyrighted, the studio system will lose interest in this point (as it would mean that movies and TV shows created with AI would not be fully protected).
As surmised by The Hollywood Reporter: "While cameras generated a mechanical reproduction of a scene, she explained that they do so only after a human develops a 'mental conception' of the photo, which is a product of decisions like where the subject stands, arrangements and lighting, among other choices."
The GR III Is So Popular, Ricoh Can't Keep It in Stock You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
According to Asobinet, the GR III has become so sought after in China and Japan that estimated delivery dates are months out. In Japan, some stores are so uncertain of when more might arrive that they unable to provide an estimated shipping date.
It's not clear what is driving up the demand for the GR III specifically, but it might be the overall increase in demand for cameras around the world, led mainly by a surge in China.
Earlier this year, Ricoh apparently told fans in China that its manufacturing facilities were unable to keep up with the market demand which caused inventory shortages both there and around the world.
One theory for the sudden boost in popularity for the four-year-old camera is that it might have been considered a viable alternative to the popular Fujifilm X100V, which has been extremely difficult to find ever since it exploded in popularity late last year. Even nearly a year later, the compact Fujifilm point-and-shoot remains on backorder from multiple dealers around the world.
Considering the Ricoh GR III is similar to the X100V in that it is a fixed wide-angle lens, compact camera equipped with an APS-C sensor, those who were struggling to find an X100V may have turned to Ricoh for a substitute. That, in turn, has pushed Ricoh to the brink of its manufacturing.
The GR III was also already popular among photography enthusiasts since it combines high image quality and performance in a small package.
I just checked B&H Photo for any of the Ricoh GR IIIs - Diary Edition, Street Edition, etc., and all flavors are out of stock.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #909, August 22, 2023. Today's theme is "Photomator Coming of Age." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
In May 2023, the Mac version of Pixelmator Photo was rebranded as Photomator and released to the public. Combined with the previously released iPhone and iPad versions, Photomator seamlessly integrated the AI-powered editing process on all devices. What? You're not familiar with Photomator? You're not alone. And we're going to change that today on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 909
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Photomator Coming of Age
Photomator is for macOS and iOS devices only, and it makes the most of native macOS technologies, such as Apple Silicon, Swift UI, Core ML, Core Image, and Metal. It runs extremely fast on Apple Silcon Macs, which is a bit deceptive as it performs complex AI-based operations. We'll get to those in a minute.
"All your edits are seamlessly syncing with the Photos library and, with support for iCloud, across all your devices, so you can start editing on one device and pick up on another. And what's best, if you buy Photomator for Mac, you'll also get unlimited access to the iPhone and iPad version with the same license."
Now if the name is sounding familiar, and you're feeling a bit confused, you're not alone. The Pixelmator Team has another full-featured app, Pixelmator Pro, that's been around for a while longer. The way I look at Pixelmator Pro, is that it's more like Photoshop with its graphics tools and layered editing environment, and Photomator is more like Luminar with its AI-powered tools. Speaking of those, let's look at what's available with version 3.1
Photomator AI-Powered Tools
- Auto Enhance - Automatically enhance photos like a pro photographer.
- Super Resolution - Magically increase the resolution of photos with no unwanted blurring.
- Smart Deband - Quickly remove color banding artifacts from photos and increase color depth.
- Denoise - Effortlessly remove camera noise and image compression artifacts.
- Repair - Remove small imperfections or even entire objects from photos.
- ML Crop - Automatically improve the composition of photos
- Select Subject - Quickly and easily select subjects of photos.
- Select Sky - Instantly select the sky in any photo with ease.
- Select Background - Automatically select the background in any photo.
Plus Photomator supports all of the traditional adjustment sliders that you would expect. However, many of them have innovative twists, such as Selective Clarity, which allows you to apply texture and clarity to Shadows, Midtones, and Highlights. Selective Color uses Machine Learning to finetune its selections. There's a Channel Mixer for infrared photographers. And and excellent complement of LUTs as well.
And then there are the presets. Photomator comes with a collection of gorgeous, handcrafted photography presets for your photos. With 9 unique preset groups, you can easily emulate analog film, apply vintage and cinematic looks, enhance urban or landscape photography, and more.
When you edit an image in Photomator, the changes are saved to iCloud and propagated to all devices associated with that account. The edits are totally non-destructive, so you can use Revert to Original or Before/After in Photos for images edited in Photomator.
Photomator 3.1 is available now in the Mac App Store and the iOS App Store. There is a free trial to check it out. I purchased a lifetime license for $69 that unlocks the app on all of my devices, macOS or iOS. They also offer monthly and yearly licensing at affordable prices.
The Latest Stories on Live View will Entertain and Educate
This week's Live View features:
- Great Photographers of the 20th Century by Michael Alford
- On the Accidental Discovery of Your Work Being "Derivative" by John Pemberton
- Fair Photography Isn't Fair by Cynthia Whelan
- My Thanks to an Unknown Photographer by Derrick Story
You can read all of these stories, and much, much more, by visiting Live View.
Canon reiterates RF-mount is open to third parties, but don't get your hopes up just yet You can read the entire article on DPReview.com
Journalists in China recently had an opportunity to interview a group of Japanese Canon executives, and posed questions about the current state of third-party lenses for RF-mount mirrorless cameras. First spotted by Canon Rumors on the Weibo account Camera Beta, Canon executives stated that the company is open to the idea of third-party RF-mount lenses and is, in fact, in talks with several lens manufacturers. While this sounds promising, Canon is much more reserved and deliberate when it comes to allowing other optical manufacturers to use their RF lens mount standard. And unusually, has taken legal action to prevent lensmakers entering the RF system without permission.
This more or less aligns with what we heard from Canon when we posed a similar question to company executives back at CP+ earlier this year.
According to the new Camera Beta interview, Canon is open to requests for licensing the RF-mount to third parties. However, it doesn't just issue a blanket license for the outside manufacturer to make any and all lenses. Canon, instead, treats each third-party lens request on a case-by-case basis.
Exactly how Canon decides which third-party lenses get an official license for the RF mount was not made clear. And as Canon Rumors points out, just what exactly does a license for the RF-mount allow third-party manufacturers to do? Beyond just making lenses fit with the physical RF-mount on R-series cameras, will third parties get access to proprietary Canon autofocus specs or firmware? Will third parties be limited to manual focus lenses? We simply don't know.
With Canon's statement in mind, one can speculate that Canon is concerned about third-party offerings competing directly with their own. From a business perspective, it's a valid strategy. That said, we've always believed that more lens choices benefit the consumer, and increase the attractiveness of any given system overall.
Although it's unclear whether or not we will soon begin to see an increase in third-party lenses for Canon's mirrorless cameras, it's clear that the demand is there.
Sunflower Farm Asks for No More Nude Photo Shoots on Their Land You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
A sunflower farm in the U.K. has urged people to stop the nude photo shoots that have been increasing in their fields.
Stoke Fruit Farm Shop on Hayling Island, off England's south coast, made the unusual plea on social media after three nude shoots took place in just one day.
"We just want to remind people that we are a family attraction. We attract everyone from newborns all the way up to 100 years old," the owners say in a Facebook post.
"We want people to come here, enjoy picking flowers and having fun with the family, taking photos, and enjoying things. I understand there's a few people out there who want to take risque photos and photos for their Instagram profile et cetera.
"All I ask is that they're considerate of the other people around them. So just think about who else is around you when you're taking the photos in the sunflower field and think how that could affect them."
The sunflower farm has erected signs around the colorful fields that read "No public nudity."
"Reminder to all, we are a family area and please keep your clothes on in the sunflowers. We are having an increase of reports of naked photography taking place and this must not happen during our public sessions please!"
One person on their Facebook page commented: "Yes, we stumbled on a 'session' -- I'm not a prude but I don't expect to see almost naked bodies while searching for the best blooms."
Another person reported that their son saw a woman wearing "just a thong." Adding, "[He] got a right eyeful last night, should have seen his face!"
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #908, August 15, 2023. Today's theme is "What to Do with All of Those Old Family Photos?." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Old family photos are indeed important. Even if you don't think so right now, there will surely come a time when your opinion changes. And sometimes we're handed a stack of snapshots well before we have the time to deal with them. When that happens, what do you do? I have a practical suggestion that I think you will find useful. Find out more on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 908
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What to Do with All of Those Old Family Photos?
I attended a family gathering this past week, and my cousin handed me a large envelope of pictures... I tell the story on the podcast.
The Quick Scan Method for Old Photos
- Group the photos in sets of six with the same year of origination.
- Place them face down on your flatbed scanner.
- Before closing the lid, take a picture of their backs with your smartphone.
- Scan the set of six with the flatbed.
- Name the files (photo scan and smartphone picture) so they can be kept together.
- Create an album in your photo management software and add the two files you just created.
- File the original pictures in the same groups as you scanned them.
- Store the originals in a safe place.
Someday, when you are ready to deal with these pictures, you will have digital contact sheets of them. That way you can quickly find the shots you want and make a solo scan of the original.
And if you never have time to return to this project, at least you have digitized the images and saved them from further deterioration.
TTArtisan Brings Its 50mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens to Micro Four Thirds You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com
After announcing its 50mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens for Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Leica L, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts last year, TTArtisan has released its compact tilt lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras.
Given the diverse mount compatibility of the manual-focus lens, it is no surprise that it was designed to work for a wide range of sensor sizes. While the 50mm f/1.4 lens delivers an equivalent focal length of 75mm on APS-C cameras such as Fujifilm X Series models, it will provide an equivalent 100mm focal length on Micro Four Thirds cameras.
The lens incorporates seven elements organized across six groups, including a high refractive index element. TTArtisan promises "outstanding image quality" with minimized aberrations and reduced distortion.
The manual lens can focus as close as 50 centimeters (about 18.7 inches). Thanks to the two times crop factor, the lens will offer better magnification on Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens sports a 12-bladed aperture diaphragm and accepts 62mm front filters.
Alongside the focus and aperture rings, the lens also includes tilt controls that offer eight degrees of tilt and can be rotated 90 degrees. Photographers can achieve what TTArtisan calls a "Lilliput" look by rotating the lens. Named after the tiny people in Gullliver's Travels, this look makes objects appear much smaller in the frame and gives images a miniature toy appearance.
Although the tilt function enables "Lilliput" images with dramatic out-of-focus areas, the tilt function can also be used to achieve a greater depth of field, allowing more elements in the frame to be sharp. PetaPixel's guide to using tilt-shift lenses for product photography closely examines how tilt lenses offer photographers much more control over perspective, distortion, and depth of field.
The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens has been built with photography and videography applications in mind. For video users, the lens' focus and aperture rings are made to fit most focus followers, like purpose-built cinema lenses.
The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens is available from Pergear for $199 in all its mount options.
Olympus' new owner is about to buy Toshiba for $14 billion. Who's next? You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com
In a fascinating move, the investment firm that bought Olympus' camera business is about to buy electronics giant Toshiba as well.
Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) purchased the Olympus Imaging Division in January 2021, and continues to operate it under the name OM Digital Solutions. The firm has now announced a $14 billion (approximately �11 billion) offer to purchase Toshiba - which, among its many operations, continues to make industrial cameras and imaging technology (and, until 2019, was a distributor for Canon).
Toshiba hasn't made consumer cameras for some time; it ceased producing point-and-shoot cameras some 20 years ago, with Sony buying its image sensor business in 2015. However, it has fingers in many technology pies - including semiconductors, quantum storage, business displays, televisions, printing, digital solutions, railway solutions, energy and hybrid technology... as well as a very rich research & development ecosystem (including a highly respected research lab in Cambridge).
Intriguingly, Toshiba is a company that has been plagued by public scandal following very high-profile accounting fraud (which saw the prosecution of five senior executives, among them a pair of former company presidents). This is a similar situation to the tarnished reputation of Olympus, again following a public case of accountancy fraud, which led to it being purchased by JIP.
Well, the main thing is that the best Olympus / OM System cameras probably won't benefit from Toshiba technology. This is not, after all, a merger; JIP is a firm that specializes in rescuing embattled or failing companies (among them carving out Sony's Vaio computer business), but it does not have a history of cross-pollinating them.
That said, given that Toshiba does have specialist imaging divisions, it's possible that these might be somehow merged with OM Digital - perhaps at the R&D phase, if nowhere else. It may also, conceivably, open up Toshiba's patent library if anything is relevant to the OM business.
Any cooperation between the two companies would be a boon for OM Digital; to have its consumer camera business shored up by the industrial camera business is sure to be a welcome development.
Photos: Deadly Wildfires Sweep Across Maui You can read the entire article on The Atlantic, Aug. 10, 2023.
Yesterday, wildfires that were fanned by winds driven by a distant hurricane tore across the Hawaiian island of Maui, forcing thousands to flee, destroying hundreds of structures, and killing at least 36 people, according to an Associated Press report. The historic town of Lahaina was hit especially hard as the fast-moving fires burned through buildings toward the waterfront, forcing a number of people to jump into the water to escape. Gathered below, early images from the disaster in Lahaina.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #907, August 8, 2023. Today's theme is "5 Photography Books that I Recommend." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Photography books have room in our lives just like inkjet prints. Studying a photographer's work by flipping through the pages shows a depth that we just don't get from a tablet display or even a laptop screen. And I have five recommendations that prove this point beautifully. Learn more on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 907
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5 Photography Books that I Recommend
I'm sitting on the couch with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. My camera is in the messenger bag next to me, and I feel like I haven't shot anything interesting lately. I take a sip of coffee, then reach for one of my photo books from a small stack perched on the ottoman.
I flip through the pages, forward, backwards, and forward again. I land on a 1979 portrait of Blondie with her band and just let the book stay open there. I take another sip and start to notice things. Blondie's red jumpsuit against the all-black dress of her band. But wait, one of the band members off to the right has just a hint of that red on his jacket. How cool is that?
I take another sip of coffee. Her hair seems to be blowing. But not anyone else's. It looks great. How did that happen?
Her pose is outstanding. She looks so fit and beautiful and confident. Even if I didn't know a note of her music, I would be impressed with this woman.
My coffee mug is now empty. I don't remember the last sip. I don't need to see any more pages right now. I need to go take some pictures. I close the book, sling the messenger bag over my shoulder, and head out to the car.
The Books
This selection of 5 varies from inspiration to perspiration. We need both in photography. Let's start with inspiration.
- Annie Leibovitz Photographs - ANNIE LEIBOVITZ is one of the most celebrated and admired photographers of our time. She began her work photographing for Rolling Stone magazine and quickly established a reputation as a chronicler of popular culture, eventually becoming a contributing photographer at Vanity Fair and Vogue. Her first book, Annie Leibovitz: Photographs, was published in 1983. In 1999 she published the bestselling Women, with a Preface by Susan Sontag, for which the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington exhibited a selection of portraits in conjunction with the hardcover publication. 74 pages, hardback or soft cover.
- Streetwise - Mary Ellen Mark - In 1988, Mary Ellen Mark published a poignant document of a fiercely independent group of homeless and troubled youth living in Seattle as pimps, prostitutes, panhandlers and small-time drug dealers. Critically acclaimed, "Streetwise" introduced us to individuals who were not easily forgotten, including "Tiny" (Erin Blackwell)--a 13-year-old prostitute with dreams of a horse farm, diamonds and furs, and a baby of her own. In 2014, Mark received the George Eastman House Lifetime Achievement in Photography Award. There's also a follow up edition, Streetwise Revisited.
- Richard Avedon - the Kennedys - Richard Avedon's photographs of John and Jacqueline Kennedy and their two children combine politics. the style. public. interest and photographic history to provide a compelling glimpse of two icons of American life. This title critically examines the work of one of the finest photographers of the 20th century. 128 pages.
- The Essence of Photography - 2nd Edition - There is a lot more to photography than simply picking up a camera, pointing it toward something, and tripping the shutter. Achieving a great photograph requires thought and preparation, an understanding of the photographic process, and a firm grasp of how light and composition affect a photo. There must be personal involvement and personal expression. There must be experimentation, with the recognition that only a small percentage of experiments end successfully. 368 pages.
- Complete Digital Photography - 9th Edition - Ben Long - In this book is everything you'll need to know in order to create great digital photos, from how a camera works to all the details of shooting, image editing, output, and workflow. The step-by-step tutorials included here offer great tips and techniques on improving your processes from start to finish. You'll learn about exposure theory, composition, lighting, masking, image adjustment, and much more. 416 pages.
Happy reading!
The Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera Has Been Discontinued You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com
The Olympus, now OM System, Tough TG-6 is no longer being actively produced and is no longer avaiable from OM System in Japan. The popular waterproof point-and-shoot is still available in the United States and it is unlikely that this will be the end for the product line.
The TG-6 is one of the most rugged cameras currently available. The $500 camera is waterproof down to 15 meters (50 feet), shockproof to falls of up to 2.1 meters (seven feet) high, can survive crushing pressure of up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of force, and can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. It is also dust-proof rated as IPX6. The front lens is sealed with double-pane glass to prevent fogging and condensation as well, making it one of the most robust camera bodies on the market.
Even though the camera might be on its way out, it is highly unlikely that OM System lets this system go the way of the dodo. Not only is it considered one of the best choices for underwater photography, OM System is still creating new products that actively build on the system.
Earlier this year, the company announced a new housing for the TG-6 that is designed for the medical space and can be autoclaved, meaning it can be fully sanitized after use. That casing was even mainly focused on use in Japan, so it would be even more unusual for the company to discontinue the line there now.
With all that in mind, expect to continue to find the TG-6 available to purchase around the world until stock on store shelves is depleted. Additionally, it would not be too far outside the realm of possibility to expect OM System to announce a new TG-7 camera sometime soon that uses the same body design and button layout of the TG-6.
Are we getting a Fujifilm GFX 100 II? Rumors suggest it's coming this year You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com
Is a Fujifilm GFX 100 II on the way? After a quiet year for GFX, rumors suggest that we could be seeing a successor to Fujifilm's original 100MP camera later this year.
It's fair to say that Fujifilm's GFX lineup of medium format cameras has opened new possibilities for photographers to get into larger format photography without the exorbitant prices of other brands, and has left a lot of photographers fervently awaiting what might be coming next.
The last GFX release was the Fujifilm GFX 50S II in September 2021 and, with no new GFX cameras coming last year, we are overdue a new camera to keep the system fresh and up-to-date. Fujifilm has made huge strides in the APS-C realm with the excellent Fujifilm X-H2S and Fujifilm X-T5, seeing big leaps in image quality, autofocus, image stabilization, and speed, and we can't wait to see how these can filter into the GFX system.
The latest rumors point to a new replacement for the Fujifilm GFX 100. Following its release in June 2019, the Fujifilm GFX 100S was launched in February 2021 and managed to squeeze the excellent 102MP medium format sensor into a body roughly the size of one of the best full-frame cameras.
Since the GFX 100S' release, Fujifilm has jumped forward with its processor tech, with the new X-Processor 5 found in its latest APS-C cameras being able to handle better autofocus, including deep-learning subject recognition and tracking, as well as higher video rates, and faster shooting speeds.
So it is almost inconceivable that Fujifilm wouldn't be keen to upgrade the GFX range with this processor, as well as a host of other improvements.
Threads to get web version and advanced search in coming weeks You can read the entire article on 9to5mac.com
It's been a month since the official launch of Threads, Meta's new microblogging social network. Since then, the platform has been getting numerous updates with new features like built-in translation and a chronological feed that only shows content from accounts you follow. And soon, Threads will get a web version and advanced search.
The news comes from Meta co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, who confirmed that both a web version and advanced search are coming to Threads "in the next few weeks." Currently, the only way to access Threads is through its mobile app, so one of the most requested features by its users is a web version that works on desktop platforms.
Last week, Instagram head Adam Mosseri had already confirmed that the team behind Threads has been working on a web version of the platform. For a brief moment, Threads user profiles on the web were showing Reply buttons. While clicking on the buttons did nothing, it was a major hint that the web version would be coming soon.
Threads also lacks an advanced search feature. The only thing users can search for now is other accounts, with no way to search for specific posts or words. This should also be addressed soon.
You can find me on Threads as @derrickstory
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #906, August 1, 2023. Today's theme is "The Autofocus Mental Block." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
How many times have you had the absolutely incorrect autofocus mode for the subject at hand? Chances are very good more than once. We're such funny creatures, we photographers. We'll double-check our exposure mode, make sure white balance is adjusted, we'll even tap into exposure compensation. But that AF button on the back of the camera... it might as well read "only push in an emergency." Why is that? I have a theory that should improve the situation. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 906
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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The Autofocus Mental Block
The promise of technology sometimes falls short. We're told that these improvements will save us time, and they may, but it feels like solving one problem often creates 5 new ones.
I'm not saying that autofocus falls into that category. But I will say that life was certainly more simple before it. With manual focus you turn a ring on the lens until the picture looks sharp in the viewfinder. That's it. One sentence.
In contrast, I'm going to spend the next 15 minutes talking about the various different autofocus settings your camera most likely supports and how to use them. See what I'm saying?
Basic Autofocus Modes
Let's start with a review of the basic AF modes offered on most modern mirrorless cameras.
- Single AF (S-AF) - The default setting for many photographers. Press the shutter button halfway, focus is locked, press further to make the exposure. Designed for static subjects, but we all know this gets pressed into service more than that.
- Continuous AF (C-AF) - The camera starts focusing when the shutter button is pressed, and keeps focusing until the picture is recorded. When you're trying to follow a subject with C-AF, you may or may not get a sharp picture of it. You may get the background, another person, or a light post.
- Continuous AF + Tracking (C-AF+TR) - This mode was designed to correct the shortcomings of regular C-AF. The thinking is that if you start by focusing on a subject, the camera will continue to track it regardless of how poorly you follow it.
- Automatic AF (AF-A) - Camera switches between AF-S and AF-C depending on if your subject is stationary or if it starts moving.
- Subject Detection AF - The camera can identify certain subjects - cars, motorcycles, planes, helicopters, trains, birds, dogs, and cats - and will automatically focus on them.
- Face Detection AF - The camera will identify human faces and focus on one or many automatically. And it can often even focus on the eyes, or just the right or left eye.
- Manual Focus - The photographer determines the focus by turning the lens ring.
One of the challenges of all these settings is finding them in your camera. On my OM-1, for example, the standard AF modes are on AF-Screen 1. Starry Sky AF is there also. Face and Eye Detection are on Screen 2, as is Subject Detection.
Once you figure all of that out, then you need to choose a Target Mode. On the OM-1, you press and hold the multi-selector on the back of the camera and use the front dial to cycle through all of the Target Mode configurations.
You can choose ALL (1,053 targets), Single, Small, Cross, Middle, or Large depending on your style, the subject, and how much you trust your camera.
A Practical Approach to Surviving Autofocus
First of all, it's imperative that you learn the quick settings for AF functions without having to rumble around in the Menu. If you have to search the Menu in the field, you probably won't do it.
On my OM-1, I press the AF button on the top/left of the camera and use the back dial to scroll through the focus modes. For the Target Mode, press and hold the multi-selector on the back of the camera and use the front dial to cycle. Other settings, such as Subject Detection, work great as My Menu items.
Next, while at home, practice switching between AF and Target modes so that it becomes second nature. If you know you're going to be shooting a certain type of subject before you head out the door, then you can set your camera accordingly. You can also use Custom Modes that combine a variety of settings.
With a little pre-practice, you can master all of the AF settings on your camera and never get caught with your guard down again.
Canon Warns Discarding Its Printers May Pose a Wi-Fi Security Risk You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com
The number of printers this vulnerability affects is massive and encompasses 196 total models. It includes the home and business E, G, GM, GX, iB, iP, MB, MG, MX, TR, TS, and XK inkjet series as well as the Pro series photo printers (which includes everything from the Pro-10 through the Pro-1000 printers). It also affects some large format printers including Canon's Pro line (Pro-520 through Pro-6100S) as well as the TM, TX, GP, and TC series printers. The full list of all affected printers can be found on Canon's website.
When one of these printers comes into the hands of a third party (such as in the case of repair, loaning it out, or when throwing it away), Wi-Fi connection information is still stored on the device even if it has been initialized through the normal process.
Bleeping Computer notes that those who are aware of the vulnerability could pull the information off the printers which would give them access to the a home Wi-Fi network. The exact information that is stored on the device varies per printer, but it will usually include network SSID, the password, network type, assigned IP address, MAC address, and network profile.
Basically, the printers typically retain all the information a malicious third party would need in order to gain access to a private network. From there, they could access shared resources, steal data, or launch any number of attacks on a user's privacy.
Make sure you reset all settings before handing the printer off to another party.
What's In The Night Sky for August 2023 Including the Perseid Meteor Shower You can read the entire article on Fstoppers.com
August is upon us and it is going to be an action-packed month for astrophotographers. So what have you got to look forward to? The peak of the brilliant Perseid meteor shower, two supermoons and there is still plenty of Milky Way core action to be had as the nights begin to get darker for those in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere.
August also means that, as the nights begin to get longer and the midnight sun comes to an end, for those in the higher northern latitudes this will create more opportunities to photograph the Northern Lights. Be sure to click the link later on for my best tips on how to capture the Aurora Borealis. We are fast approaching Solar Maximum, so I highly recommend chasing the Northern Lights over the next few years.
With the two supermoons being at the beginning and end of the month, the new moon will fall during the middle of the month, just in time for the peak of the Perseid meteor shower around the 12th to 14th of August. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the best meteor displays of the year with many meteors per hour. On a clear night, it is an amazing spectacle for you and your family or friends to enjoy, and even better if you can combine it with some amazing photography.
It's official: new cameras are not getting any better You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com
What do you think is the best full-frame camera currently available, when judged purely on its stills image quality? The Canon EOS R3, a Nikon Z9? Wrong. According to DxOMark, it's a tie between the Nikon D850, and Sony a7R III - two aging cameras launched back in 2017!
Since then several newer cameras have achieved equal overall DxOMark scores; cameras like the Nikon Z7 II, Leica M11, and the Sony a7R V. But in the case of the a7R V, you've got a camera that is five years newer than the Mark III, with an entirely different sensor, but still delivers pretty much the same overall image quality.
This plateau in sensor performance is something I've also observed when lab testing new cameras for Digital Camera World. There's inevitably some difference between rival cameras in a particular segment of the market, but on the whole, a new camera will rarely - if ever - noticeably out-perform its predecessor when judged upon image quality attributes like dynamic range or noise levels. The only area where a new sensor can significantly boost image quality is resolving power, as inevitably a 60MP camera can capture more fine detail than one equipped with a 45MP sensor.
But should we be all that surprised at this lack of recent sensor improvement in interchangeable lens cameras? If we consider the 'peak' of sensor performance to be around 2017, this coincides almost perfectly with the explosion of phone photography, the relentless push towards the 200MP camera phone sensors we have today, and the stunning image quality the latest smartphones can produce. And that's not stunning "for a phone", but stunning, period. However much we may love 'proper' cameras, it's phones that capture the vast, vast majority of images now, so it makes sense that this is where you'll now find the big advances in image sensor development.
So while that new interchangeable lens camera you've been lusting after is unlikely to give you appreciably better image quality than a slightly older model, look on the bright side: you could instead pick up a used camera like a D850 and potentially get equally good images, for a fraction of the price.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #905, July 25, 2023. Today's theme is "Why Take-and-Bake When You Can Eat Right Now?." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
RAW files remind me of take-and-bake pizza. You have all the ingredients, but you don't get to eat a slice until you take it home, fire up the oven, and wait 40 minutes. Not exactly instant gratification. Jpegs, on the other hand, are piping hot and ready to go. No waiting. No baking. Seems like no contest. So why do so many of us torture ourselves with take-and-bake? I'll explain how to have your pizza and eat it too on this week's TDS Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 905
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Why Take-and-Bake When You Can Eat Right Now?
Think about your favorite pizza restaurant. Why do you prefer their pies over the other guys. Everyone uses the same basic ingredients, right? Yet, there just something a little better about the takeout from your preferred restaurant.
It's the recipe, right? A little more basil, a better mozzarella, a sweeter tomato sauce all add up to an experience that's better than the others.
Camera manufacturers feel the same way about their Jpeg recipes. They have evolved over decades and are closely guarded secrets. A Canon Jpeg looks different than one from a Nikon camera, and Fujifilm files have a different vibe than those from a Sony.
All of this care put into these Jpegs only to be overlooked because we insist on take-and-bake RAW files. Yes, we would rather spend an additional 40 minutes on a photo that may or may not look as good as what the camera can make for us.
Now I know the situations when RAW files are beneficial. We all do. Extreme lighting conditions and weird lighting are at the top of the list. But a lovely Summer morning by the lake isn't one of them, and yet we still shoot RAW.
I have five reasons why you may want to embrace the moment and just shoot Jpegs. You might find that you're just as happy with the pictures, and even more pleased that you could enjoy all those wonderful flavors immediately.
- Automatic Optical Correction - Who knows better than the camera manufacturer how to correct any optical imperfections in its lenses? And they build that correction right into the Jpeg file.
- Film Simulations - These aren't hackish filters like we see in some editing apps. Film simulations built into cameras are often based on serious color science. They allow you to match the mood of your capture with the essence of your subject.
- Sharpness and Clarity - Many mirrorless cameras provide us with the ability to tweak the sharpness and clarity of our images. Crank it up for urban architecture, tone it down for portraits.
- Highlight and Shadow Tones - Did you think that the only way you can compensate for highlights and shadows is in post production? You might want to revisit your camera's menu.
- Custom Settings - Most cameras have at least four custom settings. That means you can quickly address your most common lighting scenarios and subjects with just the twist of a dial.
I also recommend in setting the camera to SuperFine, or whatever the highest quality Jpeg setting is available. This provides you with even more data to work with if you ever need to.
Now all you have to do is get out there and enjoy photography. And when you get home, put your feet up, enjoy a slice of leftover pizza, and revel in the fact that you don't have to start working on those RAW files.
The Best Lenses Available for Under $400 You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com
Finding affordable lenses in the photography marketplace has become more and more of a challenge over the last few years. Where a $2,000 price tag was once considered expensive, has now become normalized. There are plenty of lists online recommending expensive lenses, heck, we posted our list of the most expensive lenses just a few weeks ago. But what about those of us who are on a limited budget? Who are just getting started in photography or videography, and don't yet have the means to build a 5-figure kit of lenses at our disposal? Well, we're going to try to get you covered here as well.
Before we drop into the list of recommended lenses, it's important to note some things about the state of the photography and videography market. If you're looking to save on costs and are just getting started, your best bet might be to look at DSLR systems, as opposed to mirrorless platforms. Canon and Nikon both have decades of incredible lenses and cameras that are now being unloaded in the used market for bottom dollar prices and a Canon 5D Mark III, despite being ten years old, is still a rock-solid camera. While it doesn't have the features that the most modern mirrorless camera has and is bulky in comparison, it's a great place to start if you're looking to build out a professional kit without a lot of money.
I discuss the specific lenses in the podcast.
Want to Write About Your Photography Experiences?
Our photography publication, Live View has a couple of spots open for aspiring photography writers. Our mission statement is: "If we were to sum up Live View in one word, it would be passion. Our writers are here because they want to share articles about topics that inspire them. This is the space to explore their discoveries." So if you want to write to a large audience and share images too, please contact me at: dstory@gmail.com.
Kodak Specially Manufactured Black and White 70mm Film for Oppenheimer You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
As "Barbenheimer" sets records at the box office this weekend, Kodak has revealed it manufactured a special black and white film stock for use in Oppenheimer.
The Eastman Double-X Black and White film in 65mm was specifically created for use with the IMAX and Panavision System 65mm film cameras.
Oppenheimer tells the story of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb. The movie follows a non-linear narrative and director Christoper Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema use black and white to distinguish between two time periods.
"It was a gutsy choice. One of my very first phone calls was to Kodak, enquiring if they had any 65mm large-format black and white films tock," van Hoytema tells the Kodak website.
"But they had never made that before, and early on it was uncertain as to whether they would or could achieve it in time for this production. But they stepped up to the plate and supplied a freshly manufactured prototype Double-X 5222 65mm film stock, delivered in cans with handwritten labels on the outside."
But even though Kodak made the working prototype, the film stock had never been run through an IMAX camera before and it required a reconfiguration of the laboratory film processor.
"It became quite a complex engineering process -- encompassing things like the thickness of the backing for the film emulsion, and making new gates and pressure plates in the cameras so as to avoid scratches," says van Hoytema.
The final film reel for Oppenheimer weighs 600 pounds and is 11 miles long. The movie is in cinemas now.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #904, July 18, 2023. Today's theme is "Creativity Also Grows in the Garden." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Summer travel is fun. But if we limit our photography to a week or two of vacation, we're not going to add much to the image library. Fortunately, one of the best and infinitely entertaining photo destinations is often right under our nose: the backyard garden. And on today's TDS Photography Podcast, I'll explain how you can reap a bountiful harvest without ever getting your hands dirty. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 904
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Creativity Also Grows in the Garden
I think it's safe to say that we spend most of our time looking at gardens from a distance. And why not? It's quite beautiful to gaze out the back window and see all of those beautiful colors and textures.
But if the back patio is as close as you get, you're missing out on some great photo opportunities. Here are five things that you could probably explore right now and create beautiful imagery doing so.
- Flowers and Blossoms - I love eating fresh squash from the garden. But I like those bodacious blossoms just as much. Squash holds nothing back: giant green leaves, booming flowers, and ultimately the vegetable itself. And that's just one item of many in the garden.
- Insects and Bugs - Time to get out the close-up lens for these little critters - Bees, spiders, wasps, and various other busy inhabitants in your garden make great macro subjects. And if you happen to photograph a butterfly or two, all the better.
- Birdbath in the Morning - A birdbath and accompanying feeder is a great way to attract our feathered friends to the outdoor studio. Most of the bathing at my place happens in the morning before the water gets too warm. The post-bath preening is also a great photo opp.
- Webs and Things - Spider webs are fascinating in the right light, and they are both challenging and fun to photograph. Pay extra attention to their surroundings so that you can get an overall interesting shot.
- Timelapse, Infrared, and Other Special Techniques - Notice a flower on the verge of opening up? Try your hand at timelapse. Have some interesting hardscape and plant combinations? Consider experimenting with infrared photography. Have frequent visitors that would be good movie subjects? Try slow motion video.
The garden is an amazing wonderland for photography experiments. Plus it's easy to use larger accessories such as tripods and flashes because, well, you're at home.
Maximize your creative photography all summer, not just on vacation, by spending some time in the garden. You might be surprised and delighted by what you discover.
See a Rock Cairn? Push It Over, Yosemite National Park Says You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com
Landscape photographers or visitors to national parks might feel bad about knocking over rock cairns since it likely took someone a bit of time and effort to get them into place. But in a post on Facebook this week, Yosemite National Park officials are encouraging visitors to knock over rock cairns as part of the "Leave No Trace" ethics of visiting national parks.
"Why did Wilderness Restoration Rangers dismantle this rock cairn? According to Leave No Trace ethics when we recreate in wilderness spaces, our goal is to leave no signs of our impact on the land and respect other creatures living in it," Yosemite explains.
"Unfortunately, this dramatically oversized cairn is a mark of human impact and is distracting in a wilderness setting. Building rock cairns also disturbs small insects, reptiles, and microorganisms that call the underside home!" the national park continues.
"When used appropriately, rock cairns are great for navigation, safety, and delineating a new or hard-to-follow trail. In general, rock cairns should only be constructed by rangers and trail workers. Please dismantle and refrain from building rock cairns when you visit Yosemite."
So, photographers, have no qualms about toppling rock cairns that are interrupting a landscape scene. They don't belong and are not only visually disruptive, but ecologically damaging.
Best Mac for photo editing You can read the entire article on Macworld.com
One reason why Macs are a great choice for today's photographers is their excellent color accuracy and display quality. For example, there is a 4.5K display on the 24-inch iMac. There was a 5K display on the 27-inch iMac, but Apple discontinued that model in March 2022 and it's not yet clear if there will ever be another iMac with a larger screen.
The great quality displays aren't only reserved for the iMac though. If you want a Mac you can carry around with you - so that you can edit photographs when you are out in the field - then you will want to consider a MacBook Pro.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro that was introduced in 2021 and updated in 2023 offers an excellent 3,024 by 1,964 screen (that's 5.9 million pixels). The 16-inch MacBook Pro offers even more pixels - 7.7 million. In fact, Apple claimed that the screen on the 2021 MacBook Pro was the world's best notebook display when it launched.
It is a Liquid Retina XDR display with an extreme dynamic range of, according to Apple: 1,000 nits brightness and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. There is also a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, which should make it possible to see detail in shadows, deeper blacks and more vivid colors.
But the big deal about the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro screens is that these were the first, and so far only, Macs with ProMotion. ProMotion first arrived on the iPad Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro and it offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz (which means it can refresh images 120 times a second). However, it can also vary this refresh rate depending on what's required - saving battery life.
As for the best machines themselves, I cover those in the podcast.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #903, July 11, 2023. Today's theme is "Capture One Pro Power Tips with Alex on RAW." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
We may think we know the ins and outs of Capture One Pro, that is, until comparing notes with someone who's a true expert. This week I interview Alex on RAW who taught me a bunch of stuff I didn't know, and I have the feeling you'll be impressed as well. Informative for both existing C1P users, and for those curious about its hidden magic. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 903
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Capture One Pro Power Tips with Alex on RAW
Last Friday, Alex and I connected online to discuss all things magic with Capture One Pro.
Alex is a portrait and event photographer based in Tallinn, Estonia. As a professional photographer, he has been using Capture One for 16 years, since Capture One version 3. He's also a Phase One Certified Professional and a Capture One trainer. Eight years ago, he started his blog about Capture One -- AlexOnRAW, which now has more than 30 000 followers and newsletter subscribers.
You can visit his website, AlexOnRAW to discover all the helpful information that's available. Also for convenience, here are some direct links to topics we discussed during the interview.
TDS listeners can benefit from the 80 percent summer sale that will be available till July 15. Also, the TDS discount code THEDIGITALSTORY gives 10 percent OFF all my products. And for products on sale, it will provide an additional 10 percent OFF on top of the existing discount.
- Save 80 percent on the Complete Bundle of Capture One Tools and Styles.
- Download four sample chapters from the Capture One Hidden Features eBook.
- Download 20 sample Film Styles for Capture One.
- Download 5 sample Ready Looks for Capture One.
Note: In accordance with Google Safe Browsing, Google Safe Search and Symantec, alexonraw.com is a safe domain.
Satechi Mac mini Stand and Hub Review
The Apple Mac mini M2 Pro ($1,149) is a wonderful machine that muscles through my photography work without even working up a sweat. My only real complaint with it is the backside location of the ports. Fortunately, the Satechi Stand and Hub for the Mac mini ($99) solves that problem... and more.
The accessory works with the Mac mini M1 and M2, and the Apple Studio 2022. It matches the Apple hardware perfectly and expands its usability.
- USB-C Host Connection
- 3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A Ports
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Port
- SD / microSD Card Readers
- Internal M.2 SATA Drive Enclosure
It plugs into one USB-C port in the back of the Mac mini, and provides loads of connectivity on the front where it's easy to access.
But the real kicker is the M.2 SATA drive enclosure underneath. I added a Western Digital 2TB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD ($125) that augments the 512GB internal drive on the Mac mini. Note: the hub only supports SATA M.2 drives. I've tested the WD Blue, and it works great.
This works like a charm. I keep the system software and applications on the Mac mini internal drive, and the master images, catalogs, and movies on the WD Blue. Performance is blazing fast. And the entire set up (Satechi hub plus 2TB SSD = $225) costs one third of the price compared to upgrading the Mac mini to a 2TB internal drive ($1,899).
The Satechi hub is port-powered, so it doesn't need any external power. Its design allows for ventilation. And it looks great. In fact, it feels a bit like having a Mac Studio at a bargain price.
If you're working with a Mac mini M1 or M2, and want to improve its flexibility affordably, you can't miss with the Satechi Stand and Hub for the Mac mini. I like it almost as much as the mini itself.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #902, July 4, 2023. Today's theme is "Photoshop's Generative Fill - AI for the Rest of Us." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
In the current Photoshop beta, Adobe is featuring a new tool called Generative Fill. It taps their Firefly technology, a set of creative, generative AI models designed to be commercially safe. How does this all hang together, and in what ways can it improve our images? Find out on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 902
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Photoshop's Generative Fill - AI for the Rest of Us
Photographers who have the $9.99 a month Creative Cloud plan that includes Lightroom and Photoshop, also have access to the latest Photoshop beta that features Generative Fill. It's a revealing peek into the future of imaging.
Experimenting with Generative Fill in the current Photoshop beta.
What You Can Do with Generative Fill
With Generative Fill, you can accomplish four impressive edits:
- Generate objects: Select an area in your image, then describe what you'd like to add/replace through a text prompt.
- Generate backgrounds: Select the background behind your subject, then generate a new scene from a text prompt.
- Extend images: Extend the canvas of your image, then make a selection of the empty region. Generating without a prompt will create a harmonious extension of your scene. Generating with a prompt will add content to your image while extending the rest of your scene.
- Remove objects: Select the object you want to remove, then generate without a prompt to let the Generative AI technology make it disappear.
Why Use Adobe's Technology for AI Image Generation?
One of the selling points of Adobe's version of this technology is the design of Firefly itself. Its generative AI models are designed to be commercially safe. Firefly is trained on Adobe Stock's hundreds of millions of professional-grade, licensed, high-resolution images that are among the highest quality in the market. This helps ensure Firefly won't generate content based on other people's work, brands, or intellectual property.
Another selling point for Adobe's approach is Firefly's integration into the Photoshop workspace. This allows you to explore freely while still maintaining complete control over your creative process and outputs, all inside the Photoshop app.
The newly generated content is created in a generative layer, enabling you to exhaust a myriad of creative possibilities and to reverse the effects when you want without impacting your original image.
So, How Do You Use Generative Fill?
Let's start with creating an object since that's probably what most folks are curious about. It's quite simple.
Use any selection tool in Photoshop to make a selection around a desired object or an area in your image. Select the Generative Fill button in the contextual taskbar that appears. Type your text prompt. Click the Generate button.
You'll be offered a handful of images that you can cycle through. If none of them grab you, you can generate again for additional options.
Whatever you choose, it will be seamlessly blended into the background image, but on its own layer so you can continue to tweak it as necessary, such as tapping different blending options.
Generative Fill makes removing objects easy. All you do is make a wide selection of the object you want removed, don't enter anything in the text field, and click on the Generate button. poof!
If you like your subject, but not the background, you can create a new one. To do so, choose Select > Subject, then choose Select > Inverse. Then enter your text prompt and click on Generate.
And finally, if you want to extend your image in any direction, Extend the Canvas on that side and select the open area. Apply Generative Fill without a prompt will create a seamless extension of your image.
What I Like About the Adobe Approach
While I was working with Generative Fill, I felt like it was another tool in my image editing bag of tricks, albeit a very powerful one. Yes, I can have fun and do crazy things, such as add flying saucers to a Tahoe sunset. But for the most part, I was enhancing images that I had already created, but yet wasn't fully satisfied with.
And I think that's the magic of Adobe's approach. I still felt like a photographer, an artist, a technician. And now instead of having just a crescent wrench and a tire jack, I had a compressor-powered socket wrench with a hydraulic lift.
Can't wait to see what this all looks like in the next version of Photoshop.
Landscape Photographer Says People Don't Believe His Pictures Are Real You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com
An award-winning photographer who has people doubting whether his work is genuine tells PetaPixel that he does not use composites and the otherworldly landscapes he visits is partly to blame.
Aytek Cetin won the International Landscape Photographer of the Year award in 2021 for a series of amazing photos shot in Cappadocia in Turkey, a place famous for its "fairy chimneys" and hot air balloons.
"I had questions about the fairy chimneys photographs with some people saying they can't be real, and I replied to these people that the rock formations in those photographs were genuine," he says.
"I regularly organize photography tours to that region. The lighting conditions and the atmosphere can vary, but I'm thinking that it wouldn't be fair to take people to a place that doesn't look like the one in the photo."
Cetin says that he doesn't use composites but will employ different shooting techniques to get the best results.
"In most of my photos, I use focus stacking for maximum clarity. Sometimes if I'm photographing a mountain in the background, it looks much smaller and farther away than with the effect of the ultra-wide angle lens, in this case, I use the focal blending technique," he says.
"For example, I shoot the flowers in the foreground at 15mm and the mountain in the background at 30mm and then combine them with Photoshop. Of course, apart from these shooting techniques, I love editing photos and adding my artistic perspective to the images."
The Most Expensive Lenses Currently in Production You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.
When you start your photo or video career, you'll likely find several lists containing the best bargain lenses available for your interested style. These lenses often include the nifty 50, cheap but sharp zoom lenses, and various other lenses that are considered staples within their focal length. But what about expensive lenses? Sure, all quality lenses usually come with a financial cost, but a few thousand dollars in a digital shopping cart at B&H Photo can net you a great, well-rounded kit for your career. But if you were to outfit the most expensive camera bag, do you know what lenses it would contain?
Here is that list...
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #901, June 27, 2023. Today's theme is "How ON1 Photo RAW 2023 Wrecked my Workflow." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
I was doing just fine. Leaning on Capture One Pro for my big assignments and macOS Photos for iPhone snapshots. It wasn't perfect, but comfortable. Then ON1 incorporated Photo Keyword AI into their latest Photo RAW release, and I made the big mistake of testing it. On this week's podcast, I'll explain the chaos that ensued. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 901
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How ON1 Photo RAW 2023 Wrecked my Workflow
You may recall that I talked about ON1 Photo Keyword AI, which is a terrific object recognition keywording app that dovetails nicely with Lightroom Classic. While I was on my ON1 product page, I noticed a new release, ON1 Photo RAW 2023.5 that included Keyword AI, plus AI Resize, AI Portrait and a bunch of other goodies. I hadn't tested this latest version, so I thought I'd give it a spin.
Before I explain the events that followed, I want to tell you the story of the time my aunt gave me a cool photo lightbox for sorting slides...
OK, back to Photo RAW. This app is really a rollup of the bulk of ON1's technologies and plugins. It covers the entire imaging workflow from import, to sorting, organizing, editing, sharing, exporting, and printing.
It's on sale right now for $69.99 (Mac/Windows, 2 computers) and includes AI presets and lots of goodies.
So I started thinking about how this could fit into a referenced masters model for my photo workflow. Here's the approach that I tested.
- ON1 Photo RAW for import placing the copied masters from the camera in a file structure on my computer drive.
- Run Keyword AI on the images.
- Cull, star rate, and color label the images in ON1. Those labels appear in both Lightroom Classic and C1P.
- Point either Lightroom or C1P to the now keyworded, rated, and labeled images in the master folder on my computer.
- Go about my work as normal from there.
Basically, at this point, I was using ON1 as a robust importer for the other apps that I normally use. But then I made a mistake. I started playing with the editing tools in ON1 Photo RAW.
Goodies like Content Aware Crop, NoNoise AI, Super Select AI, AI Adaptive Presets, and more. Before I knew it, all of my 3 star images were looking great and have never left Photo RAW. I used the Share button for those and sent the finished products directly to Photos for macOS, edits, keywords and all.
Now I had a foot in both streams. Image edits from Photo RAW were not automatically synchronized with Lightroom Classic or C1P, even though the masters were. I had to decide where my editing was going to take place.
One of the things that I noticed during testing, is that the initial RAW processing with my X100V files was prettier with C1P. Yes, I could get to the same spot with Photo RAW, but out of the gate, the C1P RAWs looked just as good as the in-camera processed Jpegs.
So, where does this leave me? Here are my temporary conclusions:
- The stuff destined for Photos and iCloud storage will definitely begin in PHoto RAW. It's importer is far superior, and I can include keywords and take advantage of all the AI tools.
- Client photo shoots that don't require keywords will go directly to Capture One Pro as normal.
- My personal projects... This is where it becomes a game-time decision. I may go directly to C1P or Lightroom, sort first in Photo RAW, or just keep editing on ON1 after the sort. Time will tell.
The bottom line is that ON1 Photo RAW is just too affordable and powerful to ignore. I had managed to keep it at arm's length in the past, but the new AI technologies combined with the semi-automatic keywording is just too alluring to bypass.
It may take me a while to refine my workflow again. But just like that lightbox that tore apart my entire apartment, once I got things reassembled, it was better than ever. And I think that's what's going to happen here as well.
The ON1 18th Anniversary Sale is going on right now.
DPReview.com looks forward to a new chapter with Gear Patrol You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.com
We've heard from many of you over the past several weeks, and we realize there are many questions about what comes next for DPReview. We're thrilled to share the news that Gear Patrol has acquired DPReview. Gear Patrol is a natural home for the next phase of DPReview's journey, and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish together.
I want to reassure you that we remain firmly committed to what makes DPReview great: the best camera reviews in the business, industry-leading photography news and features, and one of the most active photography communities anywhere on the internet.
This is just the beginning of a new chapter for DPReview and we don't have all the answers yet, but I'm sharing what we know below and will continue to share information about this change as we get more acquainted with our partners at Gear Patrol.
Thank you for your continued support of our team and legacy. We appreciate it and can't thank you all enough.
Open Seat for the Sedona, Arizona Photography Workshop One of our pre-registered photographers just informed me that he has to release his reservation for the Oct. 10-13 Sedona, Arizona Photography Workshop.
I was going to start building a waiting list anyway, so this seems like the perfect time.
Northern Arizona in Autumn is a photographer's paradise. Not only will we explore Sedona, but we have a number of additional locations lined up that will delight your senses and fill up your memory cards.
If you would like to get your name on the list, and hopefully snag the open sear, just write me at: dstory@gmail.com
New BenQ monitors could be the ultimate screens for photo and video editing You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
BenQ consistently makes some of the best monitors for photo editing, and now it's launching two new monitors aimed squarely at discerning photographers and videographers. The new PhotoVue SW272Q and SW272U replace the outgoing SW271C and SW270C, with the key difference between the two new models being panel resolution: the SW272Q is a Quad HD (2560 x 1440) display, while the SW272U has a Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolution. Both are 27-inch displays like their predecessors, and both boast USB-C connectivity for simple link-up with an attached laptop, but BenQ has now boosted Power Delivery from 60W to a healthier 90W.
But what really makes the SW272Q and SW272U special is their color accuracy and wide-gamut color space coverage. Both models boast 100% sRGB and 99% AdobeRGB coverage, along with factory color calibration to an accuracy of Delta E ≤1.5. The PhotoVue SW272U and SW272Q are certified by Pantone Validated, Pantone SkinTone, and Calman Verified for color performance and calibration. Both also support HDR, though only the SW272U supports hybrid-log gamma, making it the more suitable display for video editing.
What's more, both models also feature hardware color calibration. Unlike conventional monitor calibration where a LUT (look-up table) is saved to your computer to modify the graphics card's color output, the SW272Q and SW272U calibrated color data is stored in the monitor itself, independent of the connected computer.
The monitor's stand has also been upgraded with a soft-touch rubberized surface on the stand's base, while a detachable back cover and cable hub improves cable management. As with previous models, the SW272Q and SW272U are both supplied with a detachable hood, though only the hood supplied with the SW272U can be used in portrait orientation. Both models also feature a fine-coated anti-reflection panel coating to dramatically cut down reflections and glare, simulating the texture and experience of viewing paper.
The Ultra HD SW272U, priced at $1,599.99, starts shipping this month. The Quad HD SW272Q, priced at $799.99, will begin shipping July 3rd.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
Very few photographers I know enjoy spending the time to add keywords to their photos. Quite honestly, it is the least enjoyable task in our craft. But all of that is changing as of today. ON1 Software just released Photo Keyword AI. Does this transform how we find images? Indeed it does. And I will explain why on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #900, June 20, 2023. Today's theme is "The End of Keywording as We Know It - ON1 Photo Keyword AI." I'm Derrick Story.
Digital Photography Podcast 900
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The End of Keywording as We Know It - ON1 Photo Keyword AI
I've had decent luck using the object recognition capability of Apple Photos to assist searching for my images. The same goes for the Cloud version of Lightroom.
But what about the folks who use Lightroom Classic and Capture One Pro? To this point, they've been stuck with the old-fashioned approach to marking and retrieving their images.
Now, those photographers can continue to use the applications they favor, and can add Object Recognition intelligence to them via Photo Keyword AI. I explain how this works in the first segment of today's show.
'AI or Not' is a Free Web App That Claims to Detect AI Generated Photos You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com
"AI or Not" is a free web-based app that claims to be able to identify images generated by artificial intelligence (AI) simply by uploading them or providing a URL.
Powered by Optic, the company says its technology is the smartest content recognition engine for Web3 and claims it is capable of identifying images made using Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, Dall-E, or GAN.
"Optic AI or Not is a web service that helps users quickly and accurately determine whether an image has been generated by artificial intelligence (AI) or created by a human. If the image is AI-generated, our service identifies the AI model used (mid-journey, stable diffusion, or DALL-E)," Optic says.
"Our mission is to bring transparency to the media on blockchains so all communities can realize their creative and economic potential."
PetaPixel decided to see if the platform would be able to handle a range of images: both simple and easy-to-identify ones that astute human eyes could spot, as well as more challenging fakes.
With some of these images, the platform's inability to tell real from fake makes sense: Optic only promises that it can detect images created entirely by Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, Dall-E, or GAN, so the Tom Hardy image, the fake social media influencer, and the street photo with an altered face makes sense. However, it's inability to see the fully AI image of Trump and Fauci shows this platform has a ways to go yet.
According to Flickr the most popular camera in the world isn't even a camera! You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com
A new study by Flickr has revealed the most popular cameras used by photographers on the site and you'll probably be shocked by the top result. The once very popular photo-sharing platform has now been a little overshadowed by Instagram but there is still a community of photographers who regularly use it. More than 470 million images were analyzed to access which camera is the moist [popular and it turns out... it's not even a camera.
Taking the number one spot with over 13 million tags on Flickr is actually a camera phone and it's not even one of the latest models. Not only is Apple the most popular brand showing how people's approach to photography has changed but the iPhone 11 which is now four years old has been tagged over 13 million times. In the US, the most popular camera is another Apple product, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, so it's no wonder we've been seeing a drop in actual camera sales.
In the last few years, the big names have made some pretty incredible camera released such as the Sony A7 IV, the Nikon Z9 and the Canon EOS R5, but sadly, the price point of these cameras make them out of reach for a lot of people. According to Simple Ghar who led the survey, the Canon 5D Mark IV released in 2016 is still the world's most popular camera with over 11.7 million tags.
The results were broken day on a country-by-country basis showing an extremely varied preference when it comes to favorite cameras but overall Canon is still the most popular brand. For Japan, Sweden and Ireland, the Canon EOS R3 came out on top, although it costs close to $6K and is entirely aimed at professionals (but perhaps that says more about the type of people who use Flickr). Canon mirrorless systems were also the first choice system for Brazil and Turkey who preferred the Eos R while Ghana is still working with the original, Canon EOS R.
Despite being in the mirrorless market for the longest, very few countries' top choice was Sony system. That being said, the US is one of the largest countries in the world, and its most popular camera is the Sony A9 Mark II which means there are likely to be thousands of photographers using it. Even Olympus however, beat Sony when it comes down to country wins with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II coming out on top in Bolivia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Belarus and South Korea.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #899, June 13, 2023. Today's theme is "Why Speciality Cameras Are Not GAS - And the Pentax Monochrome." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
It was an overcast Sunday morning, and I had a couple hours for a photo shoot. I wanted something different today. Not landscape. No portraits. Different. I settled on visiting the Pacific Coast Air Museum right here in my own backyard. But what camera to bring? I discuss my choice, and why, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 899
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Why Speciality Cameras Are Not GAS
The Pacific Coast Air Museum features a unique collection of authentic, well-cared-for aircraft, and a non-profit organization with a dedicated base of aviation experts who are giving back to the Sonoma Community through education and preservation.
You'll find a three-acre field covered with authentic, well-cared-for aircraft. You can crawl under them, look inside wheel wells and bomb bays, peer into cockpits, and examine all the details.
The aircraft are primarily military, from the Korean War and Vietnam eras through the modern age. All are authentic. Many still have their original engines and all have complete or nearly complete cockpits. Several are equipped with authentic but inert ordnance. In all cases, they strive to restore and maintain these historic aircraft to represent them during their civilian or military career.
What a fun way to spend an overcast morning! Now, what camera to take?
I wanted something different. My goal was to capture the spirit of the 1960s and 70s when many of these aircraft were in service. I decided to shoot in black and white.
So I reached for the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome and fitted it with one of my favorite Pentax lenses, the Pentax HD Pentax DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 zoom. (More on this camera in the following story.)
Shooting with this specialty camera landed me back in the 1970s. Its DSLR form factor felt like a 35mm film camera and the monochrome-only images reminded me of shooting with Kodak Plus X film. I was totally immersed in the experience.
Now you and I both know that I could have packed any camera and had a great time exploring this airfield. So why the monochrome?
I think the answer is in how I feel. Whether it's the Pentax Monochrome, Fujifilm X100S, my IR-converted Olympus E-M10, or the 35mm Nikon FG film camera, I'm on an adventure. I have a challenge to come home with pictures that excite me, that look different than my work shots that I do for clients. I can do anything artistically that I want on that airfield, and the camera I choose is part of that fun.
Now some folks might say that this is a rationalization for Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). You could say that, but it isn't.
First of all, I don't buy every camera that I shoot with. The Pentax Monochrome is on loan. Anyone can go to lensrentals.com and get practically any camera in the world. You don't have to buy to experiment.
Second, if you find yourself engaging in specialty photography on a regular basis - B&W, infrared, medium format, etc. - then it has evolved to be part of your creative workflow. You're not getting your hands on these tools just to admire them on a shelf, you're using them to create interesting images.
Saying the camera isn't important to capturing a compelling image is like saying that a hammer isn't important to building a fence. Of course it is!
Don't limit your creativity because you're afraid of being judged as a materialist. Get your hands on what you need, use it to make great images, and ignore the chatter.
Hands on with the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is indeed a specialty camera. And for those who love B&W photography, it can be a pleasure to shoot with. Let's take a look at its specs.
- 25.7MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- SAFOX 13 101-Point Phase-Detection AF
- 1.05x-Mag. Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder
- 3.2" 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD
- Up to 12 fps Continuous Shooting
- 5-Axis SR II In-Body Shake Reduction
- UHD 4K30p Video Recording
- Three Custom Monochrome Image Modes
- Face Detection and Touch Autofocus
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth; Dual SD Card Slots
The first thing that jumped out at me is that this is a real camera. It feels like one, shoots like one, and delivers like one. I don't own the original K-3 Mark III, but I can see why so many Pentax photographers like it.
Things that I Liked
- Build quality
- Responsiveness
- Custom Image menu - Standard, Hard, Soft (D-Pad)
- Outdoor View setting (D-Pad)
- Choice of RAW file - DNG or Pentax
- Highly editable RAW files in C1P
- Digital Filters - such as grainy monochrome
- Excellent image quality
Things that I Did Not Like
- Fixed back LCD
- $2,199 price tag
Bottom Line
If you have a handful of Pentax lenses that you like, and aren't using much these days, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a great way to put them to use.
It's also a great alternative to other monochrome cameras that cost even more. I used it in combination with my iPhone Pro Max, using the iPhone for the color work, and the Pentax for black and white.
And finely, the monochrome files from the camera looked different than color files that I converted in post production. It's a bit hard to describe, but the Pentax images looked more natural, more like Kodak Plus-X from a film camera.
It's not an investment for everyone. But for those who want a deep immersion into black and white photography, it has a lot to offer.
Mastering Mobile Photography: Top Smartphone Cameras of 2023 You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com
Apple's iPhone 14 Pro Max is more than just a smartphone; it's a versatile photographic tool. The phone showcases a triple-lens rear camera setup: a 48-megapixel wide sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor. This configuration allows photographers to capture a wide range of shots, from panoramic landscapes to detailed close-ups, all while maintaining high resolution and rich color reproduction.
The phone's Night Mode is particularly impressive. Now available for all three lenses, it intelligently adapts to different light conditions, enabling photographers to capture vibrant, detailed images even in low light. This opens up a world of creative possibilities, from capturing cityscapes under neon lights to shooting wildlife at dawn or dusk.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is another standout in mobile photography. Its camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens. This powerful hardware is complemented by Google's advanced computational photography capabilities.
The Pixel's software uses AI and machine learning to enhance image quality and make automatic adjustments. This leads to better low-light performance, enhanced digital zoom, and improved portrait mode effects. Google's Night Sight and Super Res Zoom take these enhancements even further, providing remarkable low-light shots and impressive zooming capabilities. For travel photography or impromptu street shots, these features make the Pixel 7 Pro a powerful companion.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes equipped with a comprehensive camera system, housing a 108-megapixel wide sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses. This setup offers great versatility, accommodating a variety of shooting situations and styles.
The phone's Space Zoom feature is particularly impressive, offering up to 100x digital zoom. This feature can capture distant subjects with an impressive level of detail, which could be particularly useful in situations like wildlife photography or sporting events. Furthermore, the Single Take feature allows users to capture a series of photos and videos with one shutter press, perfect for fast-paced events or dynamic scenes.
The Sony Xperia 1 IV, with its triple 12-megapixel lens setup (wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto), offers professional-grade capabilities. The Photography Pro feature emulates the manual controls found in DSLR cameras, providing full control over parameters like shutter speed, ISO, and focus. This makes it an ideal choice for photographers who prefer hands-on control and precision.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #898, June 6, 2023. Today's theme is "The Roving Medium Format Photographer (Plus Vision Pro)." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueI love self assignments. And my latest one was a gem: road trip to Huntington Beach CA to cover the international reveal of the VW ID.Buzz North American model. In addition to the debut, there was an auto show featuring more than 240 vintage VW microbuses, each with its own personality. And to cover this event? I chose the Fujifilm GFX 100s. What! Yes, that's correct. Find out why on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 898
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Roving Medium Format Photographer (Plus Vision Pro)The topic for last week's Nimble Photographer newsletter was What I've Learned After 2 Years of Shooting Medium Format. I described how I've adjusted my rig to go from serious portrait shoots to everyday event photography. The key was finding compact lenses that keep my kit nimble.
As an example of this, I roadtripped to Southern California with the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the compact GF 50mm f/3.5 WR lens attached. The entire kit is housed in a very nimble Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 25i shoulder bag that has enough room for my Fujifilm XF10 ultra compact with 28mm lens.
Switching to the GF 50mm changed everything. It has a 40mm equivalent, which I love. Plus it's super compact and fun to shoot with. That lens transforms the GFX 100S from a bulky medium format to an on-the-go lovable lug.
To prove my point, this was the only kit I packed for my 9-hour journey to Huntington Beach for the debut of the North American VW ID.Buzz. And I had a blast! Here's why I loved shooting with this rig in So Cal.
- Did Someone Say Resolution? - I had 102 megapixels to play with. This eliminated the need for a bulky zoom lens. If I wanted to get closer, I just cropped and still had resolution to spare.
- Gotta Love that Flip Up LCD Screen - Shooting events in general and car shows in particular requires a variety of camera angles. The 3.2" 2.36m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD made easy work of high and low compositions.
- 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization - There's no way I'm packing a tripod for this event. And thanks to the built-in IS, I don't have to.
- All My Film Simulations in Capture One Pro - C1P fully supports the GFX. So I have access to all of those lovely Fuji film simulations in post. So if I'm not satisfied with my choice at capture, then I can change my mind during editing.
- Geotagging the Gig - Even though I wasn't able to use the new App because the 2.0 firmware wasn't ready yet for the 100S, the camera still paired easily with the old Cam Remote app to apply location data to all of my shots.
Plus, it was really fun to roam row after row of vintage VW busses with the GFX in hand. And the photos are absolutely beautiful!
Apple Vision Pro: Apple's big bet on a brand-new platform starts at $3,499You can read the entire article on Macworld.com.
After months--years, even--of rumors, Apple has finally unveiled its mixed-reality headset. Dubbed Apple Vision Pro, it supports both AR and VR applications and boasts features and specs that make other competing products look like toys. Apple calls it "the most advance personal electronics device ever" and has filed over 5,000 patents related to it. But it will cost you. Apple says it starts at $3,499 and will be available early in 2024. Apple claims it is a high-end TV, sound system, computer, and more-making the cost a bargain by comparison.
Apple calls it a new type of product that blends the digital and real world. It's the first Apple product you look through, and not at. You control everything using your eyes, hands, and voice, rather than holding physical controllers. Apps and the interface can be moved around and resized, and even cast shadows on the real world to help you understand scale. Apple says that just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and the iPhone introduced us to portable computing, Apple Vision Pro will introduce us to "spatial computing."
You're able to place multiple apps in the real world space and can type with either voice or a virtual keyboard, but you can also use Bluetooth keyboards and trackpads, and with a glance at your Mac, you can use it on a large virtual display.
An external display shows people what your eyes look like at the moment with a feature called EyeSight, so others are not disconnected from you. But if you're in a fully immersive experience, a cloudy view shows others that you're not able to see them at the moment.
The apps we know are all completely redesigned for the virtual space. FaceTime shows each participant in a large video tile and uses spatial audio to help you place who is talking. Vision Pro also lets you capture photos and video in full 3D, so you can watch them using the headset and experience them with real depth. Watching a film dims the room or places you in a large virtual environment.
Wine Country in Autumn Photography Workshop This NovemberNovember 2-4, 2023 - Sonoma County Wine Country is a special place in November. The harvest is in and it's time to enjoy the fruits of labor.
During this workshop we'll combine an outstanding and educational wine experience with beautiful photography, at a relaxed pace. It's the perfect get-away for those who love alluring scenery, great food, and delicious tastings.
If you want to do something truly different, beautiful, flavorful, and come home with unique pictures, this wildly affordable workshop is for you.
We still have a few seats open. And now you can fly directly into Sonoma County Airport and you're here!
Reserve your spot now.
The Secret to Good PhotographyYou can read the entire article on Live View
I want to give you a taste of what we're up to on Live View. So here's a reading of my latest article, The Secret to Good Photography.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #897, May 30, 2023. Today's theme is "Why I Love Graduations and a Review of the New XApp." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologuePhotographers are witnesses to the good and bad of life. Since I've left the newspaper business, I photograph mostly good. And one of my favorite positives is documenting Junior College graduations. There is something very special about these people. And being there to watch them celebrate their accomplishments reminds me that there is hope for our community, and for society overall. I'll explain why on today's TDS Photography Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 897
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
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Why I Love GraduationsI was one of a handful of credentialed photographers hired to cover the 2023 Santa Rosa Junior College Graduation Ceremony. Each of us had specific assignments and were tasked with overall coverage as well.
Basically, we're there to retell the story that is happening before us. This moment features hundreds of graduates, each with their own story. But what is different about this collective is, generally speaking, the odds they had to overcome to reach this moment.
Junior College life is different than at a four-year university. I know this firsthand from my two years at Chaffey Junior College in Southern California that saved my academic career that was eventually completed at a university.
JC graduations, at least the ones I've covered, do a great job of capturing the challenges and accomplishments of those seated in their caps and gowns. The speakers on stage tell stories of adversity, financial challenges, doubt, and ultimately, triumph.
For many families in the stands cheering for those seated on the football field, they are seeing the first from their clan receive a higher education diploma. Their child, sister, brother represent the hope that following generations will have more opportunity than those before them.
Many of the graduates had to balance their studies with one or more jobs, often being key providers for their family. Their life consisted of work, study, family, more work, more study, and if they were lucky, some sleep.
They often had to piece together small scholarships and grants, in addition to what could be spared from the paycheck, to pay for books and tuition. And remarkably, thanks to the genius that is the junior college system in California, most of the graduates received their diplomas debt free of educational expenses.
Many of the graduates will go one to four-year schools, as I did. Some will enter the workforce now as dental hygienists, medical assistants, firemen, computer programmers, hospitality specialists, fashion designers, and electricians, just to name a handful of the disciplines.
These are people we need in society. And not only do they graduate with the technical skills required for their career, they are disciplined and are willing to exert the effort required for success. They are prepared to meet the challenges of the workplace because they are already battle tested.
Every educational milestone is an accomplishment, from high school diploma to doctorate degree. But there is something unique and special about those who battle to achieve an AA Degree or Certificate.
And for me, it's a real honor to be able to share that moment with them.
Fujifilm's new XApp simplifies mobile sharing for recent X-camera modelsYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
Fujifilm unveiled a new phone app for its cameras. The Fujifilm XApp replaces the old Camera Remote app for users of supported cameras and will be the new default going forward.
XApp looks to roll image transfer, sharing, remote control, firmware updates, and even some unique stats into one convenient interface. Fujifilm is boasting improved image transfer times, more reliable Bluetooth connections and a minimalist design. Compatible cameras will also automatically sync their datestamp to the smartphone's clock, and can assign GPS data to images if desired.
In addition, the Fujifilm Xapp will track your shooting habits and locations. Everything from your lenses, preferred film simulations and number of shots (in virtual 'rolls' or 'feet of film' depending on whether you shoot video or stills) can be seen in a unified timeline interface.
You can also use the XApp to store, change and apply camera settings, making it easy to sync settings across cameras of the same model when you're shooting with multiple bodies.
Not all Fujifilm cameras will be making the leap to the XApp, as it requires Bluetooth functionality. That said, a long list of cameras will be compatible, with others like the GFX 100 and GFX 50R added in the future.
Wine Country in Autumn Photography Workshop This NovemberNovember 2-4, 2023 - Sonoma County Wine Country is a special place in November. The harvest is in and it's time to enjoy the fruits of labor.
During this workshop we'll combine an outstanding and educational wine experience with beautiful photography, at a relaxed pace. It's the perfect get-away for those who love alluring scenery, great food, and delicious tastings.
If you want to do something truly different, beautiful, flavorful, and come home with unique pictures, this wildly affordable workshop is for you.
We still have a few seats open. And now you can fly directly into Sonoma County Airport and you're here!
Reserve your spot now.
Confessions of a Photographer Who (Formerly) Packed for Every PossibilityYou can read the entire article FStoppers.com.
As a 6'1" guy with 20+ years in the Army National Guard and a lot of construction projects behind me, I'm fairly used to carrying heavy things. Recently, my wife and our three kids (all under five years old) took an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Traveling from La Crosse to Amsterdam via Minneapolis with only one flight left, the airline gave away my seat to someone else -- just my seat, of course. According to their system, I never showed up at the La Crosse airport despite getting on two planes thus far and everyone in my party traveling with me. Nevertheless, I was stuck in Amsterdam alone, waiting for the next flight, while the rest of our group went to Portugal without me so the kids could get there before nighttime.
The Epiphany - Prior to this seat-being-given-away episode, we had been awake for 22 hours and just raced across Schiphol Airport because of a short layover. When I say race, I mean fast walking with two or three of the kids in a stroller and 42 lbs of camera gear in my backpack. For this trip, I had four lenses, two Canon mirrorless bodies (an R5 and R6 II), an Insta360 X3, a Profoto A2 flash, two microphones (I had no use for even one mic), and two ball heads, among other countless accessories. That's not even counting my tripod in our carry-on. I decided to pack lighter after a trip to Hawaii with the kids in December. How did I do this time? I left my drone at home, mostly because of the confusing drone laws in Europe. But hey, I felt pretty proud about reducing my kit!
So, How Did It Go? I loved it! Limiting what I used allowed me to create better photos. Although I didn't do as much architectural photography as I usually do (three kids under five), my work was better than anything I've ever done before. I also felt more confident knowing I didn't have to take all these things. I might still bring a backup camera body in my carry-on, but now that the iPhone is so amazing, I'm even doubtful about that.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #896, May 23, 2023. Today's theme is "Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueBeing the creatures of habit that we are, it's easy to stick with things we're comfortable with. In the world of photography, that could mean landscapes only or "I'm really a Photoshop guy." But what would happen if you stepped out of your comfort zone into the unknown waters of experimentation? I have a few real life stories to share of photographers who did just that. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 896
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Stepping Outside Your Comfort ZonePoint Reyes Shipwreck by Steve Csoto.
It's not that most photographers don't want to experiment, but sometimes they need a little nudge. I just spent a week with a group of artists in Northern California who were doing exactly that.
Their stories are interesting. And I thought that you might way hear the different ways these folks stuck their big toes in the pool of uncharted creativity.
Scott: I'm Primarily a Street Photographer
Scott generally packs a compact Ricoh GR when he heads out the door. But last week he brought a Fujifilm mirrorless camera and a humongous telephoto zoom lens. "I told my friends that there were elk in Pt. Reyes, and they challenged me to come home with a picture."
On the first day were were standing on a deck overlooking Tomales Bay with his rig in hand. Here's what happened.
Harry: I'm Not Going to Shoot Big Landscapes
Harry's story is how he began working with Intentional Camera Movement, Close Ups, in-camera processing, and quadpics.
Rich: Going the Extra Mile
The most senior member of the group, Rich, doesn't do that much hiking these days. But in Pt. Reyes, he pushed himself out to areas that he normally wouldn't explore. And he returned with some very compelling images.
Steve: I'm Not Going to Be Bound by Conventional Standards
One of the best examples of Steve's artistic rebellion was when we visited the Pt. Reyes shipwreck. Everyone returned with a unique angle or approach to photographing the old ship. Steve went way beyond that.
Michael: Experimenting with the Illusion of Depth
Michael saw the lingering fog as an opportunity to add more depth to his images. He would find a foreground subject that was detailed, then position it against a distant tree in the background shrouded in fog.
Each of these photographers stepped outside of their comfort zones and shared their images with the others. And to be honest, they left Northern California different artists than the ones that had arrived a week earlier.
Pentax's first 'Film Camera Project' release to be a fixed lens compact, hints film SLR may be nextYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
In the midst of the film resurgence, Ricoh announced last year that they were going to explore the idea of building a new film body camera under the Pentax banner. Details were scant; we knew that Ricoh was launching a 'Film Camera Project,' to formally house a research and development team, but we didn't know timelines, form factor, price points they had in mind or what criteria they were using to use to decide if actually building a film body was a viable idea.
The last peep on that front from them was Pentax's December 2022 announcement, until this past weekend when Ricoh published a pair of new YouTube videos that detailed the project's progress.
In a video released we learn more about the camera that Pentax has committed to building, along with a hint of a possible second film camera to come. Pentax's first film body will be a compact fixed-lens camera, according to Pentax product planning/design team member Takeo Suzuki.
Pentax clearly sees an opportunity in film cameras and may be positioning itself to fill the void left by its competitors. The company has famously kept manufacturing DSLRs as other manufactures have moved to mirrorless bodies. Perhaps here too, Pentax is seeing gold to be mined with consumers seeking ways to discover or rediscover a classic style of image-making.
Film photographers may not represent the mainstream today, but the community is growing. The closest parallel may be in the return of vinyl record albums, which grew from a small niche of buyers a decade ago to outsell CDs in 2022 (the first time since 1988), accounting for $1.2 billion, a 20% jump from the previous year. So film photography could be a fad, or, if it goes the way of vinyl, a potential boon for Pentax.
Wine Country in Autumn Photography Workshop This NovemberNovember 2-4, 2023 - Sonoma County Wine Country is a special place in November. The harvest is in and it's time to enjoy the fruits of labor.
During this workshop we'll combine an outstanding and educational wine experience with beautiful photography, at a relaxed pace. It's the perfect get-away for those who love alluring scenery, great food, and delicious tastings.
If you want to do something truly different, beautiful, flavorful, and come home with unique pictures, this wildly affordable workshop is for you.
We still have a few seats open. And now you can fly directly into Sonoma County Airport and you're here!
Reserve your spot now.
Madavor Media Offers Bundle of Photo SitesYou can read the entire article OutdoorPhotographer.com.
Madavor Media is offering the following bundle of its print and digital photo properties:
- ICN - Image Creators Network
- Outdoor Photographer
- Imaging Resource
- Digital PhotoPro
- Digital Photo
This is an "as-is" only bundle offering and includes archives, websites, and sub roster. Price: $500,000. Serious inquires only.
AI-Generated Image of Pentagon Explosion Caused Markets to DipYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
An artificial intelligence (AI) generated photo which showed a fake explosion outside the Pentagon went viral and caused the markets to briefly dip today.
On Monday morning, an image showing a huge cloud of black smoke on a grass lawn outside a building was widely shared across Twitter with reports that there had been an explosion near the Pentagon building in Washington D.C.
But the photograph of the explosion was a hoax, purportedly generated with AI technology.
The U.S. stock market briefly dipped as news of the purported explosion spread. The fake image was reportedly first shared on Twitter at 10:06 local time -- although the original post has since been removed from the platform.
And by 10:10, the U.S. stock market had turned sharply lower shortly after reports of the explosion had circulated. However, the market bounced back and stabilized after the photo was revealed as an AI-generated hoax.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 90 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #895, May 16, 2023. Today's theme is "Scouting for a Photo Shoot Is a Photo Shoot." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueI've been exploring some of the most beautiful corners of Northern California in preparation for our Pt. Reyes Photography Workshop that begins this week. I love scouting missions. No pressure, no timeline, no expectations. Just looking for the best places to bring my crew for their upcoming shoots. But if it's just a scouting mission, why do I always come home with such great pictures? We'll find out why on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 895
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Scouting for a Photo Shoot Is a Photo ShootSo, technically, a scouting mission is designed to find great locations for photo shoots and decipher the best time to return for optimal results.
Typical scenarios include locations for movie making, ideal spots for portrait shoots, hidden treasures for photo workshops, or great vantage points for wildlife and landscape photography.
The thinking is that you can scout any time of day, in any weather condition because that isn't the real shoot. You gather the information, look up a few things, then return when the conditions are ideal for your project.
And that's what makes scouting missions so fun. Basically you're just following leads, exploring tips, and sometimes just wandering aimlessly out in nature. I like to pack a lunch, plenty of water, and an extra layer so I don't have to return to civilization any earlier than absolutely necessary.
I do bring a camera, of course. My favorite for these days is the X100V with a couple specialty filters. The camera is light, versatile, and records great pictures. My iPhone Pro Max fills in the gaps.
I think there's a bit of a psychological thing going here, however. Because I don't feel the need to capture great images, I always seem to do so. I guess you could say that the pressure is off, and the bar is set low.
Listen to this audio segment I recorded out at Tomales Point last week when scouting for the workshop. I had just completed a hike on a beautiful day, captured lots of pictures, and had returned to the car where I was sitting with the hatch up watching the world go by.
[Insert audio here]I don't sound very stressed, do I?
That got me thinking about frame of mind and our approach to photo shoots. Maybe there's something to lower expectations. What if we just go out with out camera and have fun?
I was taking pictures with a pro mist filter, R72 IR filter, switching to B&W film simulations, playing with weird angles, and just sitting on the ground. I never really cared about how good any of those shots would be. I was like Rainman with an expensive camera.
After playing with a handful of images on the computer back at the house, and really enjoying the pictures, I decided to look up other scouting trips. And darn it, if I really didn't like those photos as well.
I'm beginning to think that Scouting for a Photo Shoot Is a Photo Shoot. All I have to do is forget that fact the next time I pack up the car to go exploring.
Amazon sues its own Marketplace sellers for selling fake Canon batteriesYou can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Canon USA and Amazon.com have filed a joint lawsuit against sellers of counterfeit Canon camera batteries and chargers sold through Amazon.com. The statement from Canon (opens in new tab) specifies that the joint lawsuit was filed with the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington against 29 Amazon accounts selling fake products, infringing Canon's trademark rights.
The fact that Canon is pursuing trademark infringement is to be expected, as fake Lithium-ion batteries and substandard charging equipment being fraudulently sold with Canon branding could well be dangerous for unsuspecting end users. More surprising is that Amazon is jointly filing the lawsuit, as it's Amazon's own platform that's facilitating the sale of these counterfeit goods. If Amazon already had tighter control over its Marketplace seller listings, this issue could well have been prevented before fake products could ever reach buyers.
With this lawsuit in progress, you might therefore assume Amazon had now removed all dubious Canon-labelled listings from its Marketplace platform. However when we did a quick search for 'Canon battery' on Amazon.com, we found several suspicious products still prominently listed for sale. These items feature images of batteries clearly embossed with the Canon logo, but there are several clues that hint that these products might not be the real deal. Item titles such as "Battery for Canon Rebel...." (you'd expect the product title of a genuine battery to lead with "Canon") don't inspire confidence. Likewise, the 'Brand' section in the product details of these suspect listings usually specifies the battery brand as 'Generic' or even 'EOSRebel' - not 'Canon'. And of course there's the surprisingly cheap prices being charged for these batteries - often way less than half Canon's RRP. It all gives us serious cause for concern.
Imaging Resource was a respected camera review site founded in 1998 and was the only other United States-based photo publication with a dedicated camera testing lab except for DPReview which itself is being closed down by Amazon.
Wine Country in Autumn Photography Workshop This NovemberNovember 2-4, 2023 - Sonoma County Wine Country is a special place in November. The harvest is in and it's time to enjoy the fruits of labor.
During this workshop we'll combine an outstanding and educational wine experience with beautiful photography, at a relaxed pace. It's the perfect get-away for those who love alluring scenery, great food, and delicious tastings.
If you want to do something truly different, beautiful, flavorful, and come home with unique pictures, this wildly affordable workshop is for you.
We still have a few seats open. And now you can fly directly into Sonoma County Airport and you're here!
Reserve your spot now.
The Z8 is Nikon's best mirrorless camera yetYou can read the entire article TheVerge.com.
Take the Z9's guts, put them in a smaller body, and cut almost $1,500 off the price, and you've got the Z8.
When I reviewed the $5,496.95 Nikon Z9, I said that "Nikon finally put itself in the professional mirrorless camera race, and in a lot of ways it's now winning." I said this because, while most camera manufacturers went small and light, Nikon made a big, heavy mirrorless camera with very high specs that felt made for working professionals.
The company has now taken those great specs and put them into a smaller $4,000 body. The new Nikon Z8 boasts a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor that, thanks to the Expeed 7 image processor, can shoot RAW photos at 20fps for over 1,000 frames. There are also autofocus readings up to 120fps. And impressive video specs: 12-bit N-RAW at 8K 60fps or 4K 120fps.
With the Z8, Nikon is now playing ball with most of the other camera manufacturers who set out to get big specs into smaller systems, and it is going to be more challenging to capture an audience when its camera now looks like everyone else's. Tune in to my video above for sample photo and video from the Z8, which is available for preorder today and launches on May 25th, 2023, for $3,999.95.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 90 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #894, May 9, 2023. Today's theme is "I Asked ChatGPT 5 Photography Questions - Here's What It Said." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueAmid the looming doom and gloom in the photography community about AI, I began to wonder about its usefulness to help enthusiasts take better pictures. I decided to put ChatGPT to the test and ask it 5 reasonable photography questions. How it responded, is the first segment of today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 894
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
I Asked ChatGPT 5 Photography Questions - Here's What It SaidAI may still destroy the world. It's too early to tell. But in the meantime, can ChatGPT help us be better photographers?
"ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by OpenAI and released in November 2022. It is built on top of OpenAI's GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 foundational large language models (LLMs) and has been fine-tuned (an approach to transfer learning) using both supervised and reinforcement learning techniques." From Wikipedia.
I wanted to see how good its photography chops were, so I asked it the following questions. To hear its answers, tune in to the podcast.
- When taking pictures, should I use Auto White Balance in rooms with tungsten lighting?
- When taking pictures, what's the longest shutter speed I should use without a tripod?
- My son started playing PeeWee soccer. What camera, lens, and accessories should I purchase to capture good photos of him?
- I am going to start photographing weddings professionally, what software should I use on my computer to organize and edit all of those pictures?
- I am considering quitting my current full time job and becoming a professional photographer for a living. What advice do you have for me?
And finally, I asked ChatGPT to write a poem about photography. Here's how it replied.
Imaging Resource is Now Offline as the Camera Website Shuts its DoorsYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
It was first reported back in 2019 that Imaging Resource was to be shuttered but the website was seemingly saved when it was bought by Madavor Media in 2020.
The website operated for a couple of years under Madavor but without Etchells as the editor. That was until the BeBop Channel bought Madavor Media in March 2023. However, when BeBop purchased Madavor it was made clear in a press release that the only publicly traded company for jazz, dance, and theater was most excited about acquiring another of Madavor's brands; JazzTimes.
As PetaPixel's editor-in-chief Jaron Schneider noted in March, "BeBop's focus on theater and music seems to put the multiple photography publications the corporation now owns in a strange spot, as the new owner does not have a history in the niche or even in general technology." Madavor Media also owned Outdoor Photographer, Digital Photo, and Digital Photo Pro.
Imaging Resource was a respected camera review site founded in 1998 and was the only other United States-based photo publication with a dedicated camera testing lab except for DPReview which itself is being closed down by Amazon.
This Week on Live View"The Square Mile Photography Challenge" by Lawrence Lazare; "The Cameras that Made Me" by Andrew Howe.
Andrew writes: "IThe accepted maxim is that it is "the photographer that makes a great picture not the camera". I have no issue with that, but I think it is an over-simplification. The camera IS just a tool, but people can have a strong relationship with their tools. I am certainly been guilty in the past of spending hours watching or reading views purely as a symptom of Gear Acquisition Syndrome. However, sometimes we start with a purpose and our search is for the tool that will best serve that purpose. If you choose wisely, then sometimes this new tool will not just facilitate your purpose?-?it will inspire it."
If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
Mylio Photos Is Relaunching as a Free AppYou can read the entire article FStoppers.com.
Mylio Photos is about to be reborn as a free app with some options that will have a price attached. Mylio Photos is a complete photo management solution that allows users to easily collect, organize, browse, search, and share their media files, including photos, videos, and documents.
Mylio Photos' AI SmartTag technology can recognize over 1,000 activities, objects, and properties in photos. In an industry first, users can customize the filter's sensitivity to fine-tune results for identifying animals, plants, environments, food, and more. Unlike most other AI tools, Mylio Photos' AI tools run on users' devices without transferring data, providing impressive speed and complete privacy.
Mylio Photos users who want to connect their devices, access their library from anywhere, and automatically protect their photos can sign up for the Mylio Photos+ add-on plan. To get a preview of new Mylio Photos features and functionality coming with spring and summer releases (including the upcoming Version 23 update).
Mylio runs on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and Android. The version that connects all your devices is a subscription option, at $99 per year.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 90 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #893, May 2, 2023. Today's theme is "Wedding Photography Makes You Better at Everything." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIt's time of year when the flowers are blooming and the weddings are booming. And chances are that at some point you will be asked to photograph someone's nuptials. Should you immediately disregard the request? Maybe pretend that you didn't get the email? I say think twice before declining. Weddings can make you a better photographer. I'll explain why on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 893
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Wedding Photography Makes You Better at EverythingBack story on my own wedding history.
Here are five ways that I think weddings make you a better photographer.
- Weddings encompass a variety of photography challenges - To successfully shoot a wedding you need to capture: closeups of flowers and place settings, portraits of bride and groom, group shots of entire family, establishing shots, flash photography, action shots, and more.
- Weddings force you to interact - Unlike putting the camera on a tripod at sunset, you must interact, and sometimes negotiate, with others at weddings.
- Weddings help you master your camera - You'll need to be able to change WB, adjust flash, lower shutter speeds, change depth of field, and possibly even switch to video mode - and quickly.
- Weddings force you to think about how much gear you actually need - Unless you want to lug around 50 pounds of equipment for 8 hours, you need to think about what you really need, and what you don't.
- Weddings improve your post-processing speed - You'll discover that you have thousands of images to cull, many of them similar in nature. And most likely you'll have an anxious couple waiting for your selects.
If you shoot a wedding or two early in the season, you will be ready for any type of event photography, sports, portraits, and macro. Plus you might make enough to by a new lens.
Vintage digital cameras you should actually buyYou can read the entire article on AmateurPhotographer.com.
By not being as truly perfect as modern cameras and smartphones, they have become the obvious choice to some people for creative and fun photography. The icing on the cake being that you can sometimes find them for a bargain price.
Fujifilm F10 (and subsequent 6MP models)
Ricoh GR Digital (and subsequent) - non-APS-C version
Olympus C-750 / C-765
Canon Powershot S90/S95
Sigma DP1/DP1s/DP1x
Sony Cyber-shot R1
Olympus PEN E-P1
Leica Digilux 2
Casio Exilim S100
Contax i4r
Lego Camera
This Week on Live View"Kodachrome in Black and White - iPhone Photography in Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah" by Cynthia Wehlan; "Beyond Black and White" by Derrick Story.
Cynthia writes: "In 1948, a National Geographic Society expedition passed through here and named the area Kodachrome Flat. In 1963, the state of Utah acquired the land from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and established a state reserve. After securing permission to use the name Kodachrome, a popular color photographic film from the Eastman Kodak Co., the reserve was called Kodachrome Basin State Park."?-?Utah State Department of Natural Resources." So what does she do? She pulls out her iPhone and begins shooting in B&W.
If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
Leica launches two new watches inspired by the Leica M11 MonochromYou can read the entire article DigitalCameraWorld.com.
The Leica Watch collection consists of two models - both with the mechanical, hand-wound movement developed and produced in-house - the Leica ZM 1 and Leica ZM 2, which are now available in the new Monochrom Edition.
Following the holistic view of the Leica product portfolio, the ZM in the name stands for "Zeitmesser" - which is the German descriptive word for an instrument that measures and displays time (not a clock).
Following the success of the latter series of Leica Watches that were launched in 2022, the ZM collection is now available in 25 Leica stores worldwide including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Spain, Portugal, China, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
The recommended retail price starts at £9,900 (approximately $12,400 / AU$18,800) for the Leica ZM 1 Monochrom and £13,300 ($16,700 / AU$25,300) for the Leica ZM 2 Monochrom.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 90 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #892, April 26, 2023. Today's theme is "Going Beyond the Polarizer." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIt's true, we just don't need many filters these days for our digital cameras. Maybe a protection filter. Maybe not. Many photographers, if they carry anything at all, it's a polarizer. But if you're interested in distinguishing your work from the masses, there are a couple other filters I recommend. And I'm going to share those in the first segment of today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 892
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Going Beyond the PolarizerIn our digital cameras, White Balance has replaced a whole slew of color correction filters. And I say, "Thank God!" What a pain in the neck strap they were.
In fact, I have an entire shoebox filled with amber and green and gosh knows what in various sizes. I still have yellow, orange, red, and green screw-ins for B&W photography. But I don't really need them since they too are emulated in my digital cameras.
However, I still find the polarizer quite useful. It can tame distracting reflections, deepen a blue sky, and slow the shutter speed by 2 stops. No wonder it's still quite popular.
But I'm going to share a secret with you. The polarizer isn't the only filter in my bag of tricks. There are two others that I depend on. One of them you probably know about. The other, I would be surprised if you did.
Let's start with the one your know about: the Hoya R72 Infrared filter. I just talked about it recently, and it allows me to convert my Fujifilm X100V into a harsh light IR capture device. I find it indispensable.
The one you probably don't know about is the NiSi Black Mist Filter.
Now we've all had our disappointments with external diffusers and softeners. Forget about all of that. NiSi filters are a whole different ballgame.
They come in 3 strengths, and the effect is subtle, but profound. Here are their basic characteristics.
- Reduce highlights and lower contrast - If I want to shoot midday, and I don't want to work in B&W, this is my color option.
- Can be used to create a cinematic look - Because of the way the NiSi diffuses light sources, such as a street lamp, the image has a glow that feels very cinematic.
- Doesn't derail sharpness - When I use it for portraits, I still get wonderfully sharp eyes, but skin is much more attractive.
- Comes in a variety of sizes - They make screw-in versions for 49mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm. Plus they have special mounts for the X100V, Ricoh, GR IIIX, and iPhones.
I'm currently using the NiSi Black Mist 1/4 Filter for FUJIFILM X100 Cameras (Black) $69. And Ricoh GR IIIX photographers can use the NiSi Black Mist Filter Kit For Ricoh GR IIIx $95. And the NiSi IP-A Filmmaker Kit for iPhone $149 includes IP-A Filter Holder, Black Mist 1/4 Filter, P1 Prosories Case, and a True Color ND-VARIO Pro Filter.
I'm posting two examples with the Black Mist 1/4 on a X100V in the Show Notes. Both images were captured around midday. The first is a bumble bee collecting pollen on a Blue Blossom Ceanothus flower. The NiSi filter helped me tame the contrasty light for a lovely image. And the second is Sylvester the cat resting her chin on a shoe in the bright light streaming in from a south facing window.
Regardless of which camera you use for your creative work, there's probably an artistic filter that fits it. And the best part is, you don't have to do anything in post. Just take the picture and enjoy.
The Pentax K-3 III Monochrome is so Popular, Ricoh Can't Keep it in StockYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
Ricoh has already sold out of its Japanese allocation of Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome cameras twice. Clearly, the company's latest DSLR is extremely popular.
Announced earlier this month, the Pentax K-3 III Monochrome is the only black and white DSLR on the market. Based on the original K-3 Mark III, Pentax's flagship APS-C camera, the body of the Monochrome version is not substantially different other than a lack of color in the design and the fact that the sensor is only capable of capturing black and white photos.
Clearly, the camera is extremely popular, at least in Japan, since Ricoh has not been able to keep it in stock. While the camera doesn't start shipping until the end of April, pre-orders have flooded the company to the degree that it's not going to have any more available for at least a couple of months.
Ricoh in Japan actually apologized that it had run out of its allocation for the country the same day the camera was announced.
"We are pleased to announce that the number of pre-orders for the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome Matte Black Edition, a monochrome digital SLR camera that is scheduled to be released on April 28, 2023, has greatly exceeded our initial expectations. As a result, production is unable to keep up with demand," Ricoh said on April 13.
"Therefore, we will temporarily suspend accepting new orders until we have a certain outlook for product supply. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to customers who have been waiting for this product."
Five days later, Ricoh announced that it had resumed accepting orders for the camera as it had, apparently, been able to catch production up with orders and would be able to ship out this second allocation by the end of May.
That did not last long. On April 21, Ricoh sold out again.
"We will temporarily suspend accepting new orders at the Ricoh Imaging Store until the next product supply (scheduled for summer 2023) is confirmed. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to customers who have been waiting for this product," the company writes.
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR is still available to pre-order for $2,200 in the United States, but given the popularity in Japan, it's not clear how quickly those pre-orders will actually be shipped to buyers.
This Week on Live View"Learning Process From Ansel Adams" by Ben Long; "5 Simple Steps for Shooting on the Street" by Sean Staples; and "Shooting Blind" by Lawrence Lazare.
If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
What juice jacking and trustjacking are, and how to protect yourselfYou can read the entire article AppleInsider.com.
Inserting an unprotected iPhone or iPad into a new port can leave you with unwanted infections. "Juice jacking" and "trustjacking" are two ways to catch digital diseases, but there are ways to protect yourself.
You might not have previously thought about cybersecurity when charging your iPhone on the go, but that Lightning cable can carry data as well as power. Here are the vulnerabilities involved and how to minimize the risks.
Smartphones and tablet computers use the same port for charging and data transfer. "Juice jacking" exploits the possibility that an owner might connect their device to a malicious or compromised charging port, which can then be used to steal data from the device.
Previously, iOS devices were more vulnerable to juice jacking, since connecting an iOS device to a PC didn't require authorization. However, when iOS 7 was introduced in 2013, this was no longer the case.
How to prevent juice jacking
When you connect your iOS device to a computer, iOS 7 prompted you with, "Trust This Computer? Your settings and data will be accessible from this computer when connected via USB or Wi-Fi." You could then select "Trust" or "Don't Trust."
The wording was later changed to, "Allow this device to access photos and videos? This device will be able to access photos and videos while it is connected to your iPhone." You could then choose "Allow" or "Don't Allow."
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 90 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #891, April 18, 2023. Today's theme is "Are You Nuts? (buying a monochrome only camera)." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueI would imagine that most people's first reaction to the just-announced Pentax K-3 III Monochrome DSLR would be, "Who would buy that?" In fact, I may have uttered the same thing. But after a little research on the idea, I'm not so sure. Find out why, and lots more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 891
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Are You Nuts? (buying a monochrome only camera)The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is variant of its highly regarded 25.7MP APS-C DSLR, but with no color filter array.
What happens without the color filter array? Well, according to Pentax, typical color image sensors are designed to receive light passing through red (R), green (G) and blue (B) color filters, so each pixel detects only one color-data component. To compose a monochrome image, color sensors must convert color data into monochromatic data by interpolating the color data they collect. The new monochrome-specific image sensor, however, can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image -- without the interpolation process -- to produce extra-fine monochromatic expression, in images high in resolution and rich in gradation. Plus, there's no AA (anti-aliasing) filter either.
The changes just weren't on the inside either. The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome provides white backlight illumination on the LCD data panel positioned on its upper panel, while featuring "Monochrome" lettering printed on the upper-left shoulder of the back panel. Its menu screen features a black-and-white visual scheme as default, while the SR (Shake Reduction) badge is finished in silver. The icons printed on buttons and switches across the camera's exterior are finished in three shades of gray to assist the users with their camera operation. All in all, the concept of monochrome photography is evident throughout the camera body. Plus, since WB isn't an issue, the white balance button of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III is replaced with the Fx (function) button.
Still not swayed? Fair enough. Let's dig a little deeper.
This is only the third monochrome-only camera on the market. Leica and Phase One each have an offering, at many times more the price than the Pentax.
Leica is just getting ready to release the M11 Monochrom Rangefinder Camera. What's interesting about the M11 Monochrom is that this is, I believe, the fourth edition in its monochrom line. Far from a one and done.
As I continued to research and think about the Pentax Monochrome, I realized five things that weren't initially apparent to me.
- Total Embodiment of B&W - It's not just the sensor, the entire camera oozes monochrome goodness, from its stealthy body design, to custom BW settings, to the heart of the camera itself. It is the total B&W experience.
- Compatible with Every Vintage Pentax Lens - Yes, you can use your modern Pentax AF lenses on the Monochrome, but you can also mount a Pentax-M 50mm f/2.0 and further stylize your B&W captures. Vintage lens are a blast on any camera, but imagine using your favorites on this Monochrome body. And since the image stabilization is sensor-based, you have IS for the vintage glass as well.
- Affordable by Comparison - The Leica M11 Monochrom was just released for $9,195. Plus, we know how much the lenses sell for. The Pentax Monochrome will be released in late April for $2,199.
- Better Low Light Performance, No Color Noise - The monochrome sensor provides an additional stop of sensitivity, better capture sharpness, and less noise.
- No Post Processing Required - For those who want the pure photography experience without the need for post processing, just grab your yellow and red filters, and fire away with the Pentax Monochrome.
Am I saying that you should check your credit card balance and buy the K3 Monochrome? No, I'm not. It is a specialty camera for a niche audience.
But what I am saying is that I'm thrilled that Pentax continues to explore all aspects of photography and deliver tools for those who want this experience. I'm very much hoping to get my hands on one. I just hope that I'll be able to let it go once I do.
Meike's New 85mm f/1.4 to be the First 3rd Party Autofocus Lens for Canon RFYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
Meike has announced a new 85mm f/1.4 autofocus lens for Sony E, Nikon Z, Leica L, and -- surprisingly -- Canon RF mounts. If this stands, Meike will be the first third-party manufacturer to come to market with an autofocus-equipped lens for Canon's mirrorless mount.
While Meike isn't the first third-party camera lens manufacturer to make an autofocus-equipped Canon RF lens, if things stand it will be the first to actually successfully sell it.
For example, Rokinon (also known as Samyang), tried to release a 14mm f/2.8 autofocus lens for Canon RF and Viltrox attempted to sell several autofocus lenses that would mount to Canon's mirrorless cameras, but those companies quickly heard from Canon's lawyers and ceased production.
Last September, Canon confirmed that it was pursuing legal action against manufacturers that were producing autofocus lenses for its RF mount. It's not clear if anyone who actually purchased any of those lenses received them, and -- until now -- no third-party manufacturer has tried to produce another since Canon's legal department is particularly aggressive -- the company has repeatedly shown that outside of cameras in its printer department as well.
The only third-party RF lens to get the official nod from Canon is the Cosina Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1 aspherical, which is notably not an autofocus lens.
In addition to RF mount, Meike intends to make the stepping motor-driven autofocus lens available for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Leica L-mounts (though the company humorously refers to it as Panasonic L mount).
At the time of publication, Meike had not determined a final price or the release date. The lens is currently on display at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. It remains to be seen if Canon will allow Meike to actually produce the RF mount version of the lens.
This Week on Live View"This imaging revolution will be different than the last one" by Ben Long; "A Day Later, A Dollar Wiser" by Jim Kuzman; and "No Skies Were Harmed in the Making of My Photographs" by Michael Bryant.
If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view. Hope to see you there.
Incredible Hand-Held 30 Second Exposures With an iPhone AppYou can read the entire article FStoppers.com.
From the creators of ReeXpose comes Reeheld. It apparently uses AI stabilization (something we are all very aware of at the moment) to create stunning handheld images.
This is ideal for when you don't have your camera kit with you. Missing your tripod? Don't worry using this app can give you up to 30 seconds of exposure blending the correct parts together. Now I'm not a landscape photographer as such but there are times when I'm out and about and like to take pictures but just don't have my camera with me. This could be the answer. Other apps that Dewis includes in his video are Spectre which has been around for a long time but has just not been updated in quite a while.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 90 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #890, April 11, 2023. Today's theme is "The Thing About Sunsets (and other notes from Maui)." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWhen you're on an island in the Pacific during springtime, the sky is a moving picture show of clouds. And when the sun begins to set, well, that's the main feature. Photographers are drawn to sunsets like moths to flame. And in my view, there's more to it than just another pretty picture. This, and other notes from Maui, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 890
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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The Thing About Sunsets (and other notes from Maui)Sunset is about a quarter to seven in Maui right now. So around 6pm, regardless of what you're doing, we usually put a bookmark there and head down to the beach.
It's fun to watch the gathering crowd in what has become an evening tradition on the upper west side of the island. Some folks bring fish and veggies to barbecue while others are holding cocktails in a plastic cups. And you can hear fragments of conversations wafting in the air.
The other night, as the sky was lighting up in shades of orange and blue, a lady walked by and noticed how stunning it was. "Will a picture of that turn out?" she asked out loud. I said, "Of course. Try to frame it with those palm trees. The silhouettes will add some depth to your image." "Oh, that's a good idea she said," while holding her iPhone up to the sky.
She was not alone. Many of us were capturing the moment with our cameras. It's not that I have a shortage of Maui sunsets. But each one of them is a little different and often has its own story.
And that's the thing about sunsets. Yes, the common denominator is that they are beautiful. But they are also different. And just because you captured one the night before, doesn't mean you should pass on the next. Because they will be as unique as two snowflakes landing on a frozen leaf.
One of the reasons I never get tired photographing Maui sunsets is because I always have other elements to play with. On the horizon, there are the islands of Molokai and Lanai that always attract their own clouds. I can count on at least on sailboat drifting by. And then there are the silhouettes of palm trees and people in the foreground.
No reasonable photographer can turn their back on a striking sunset without pulling out their camera. Nor should they. There is no better way to end the day than standing with loved ones and strangers admiring nature's final flourish before the evening stars take over the sky.
Meet Me at High NoonIf sunsets are the epitome of beauty and ease, photography at high noon is its scurrilous sibling. With the sun high overhead and the landscaped bathed in harsh, contrasty light, middle of the day compositions can be a real challenge.
I remembered to pack a Hoya R72 IR filter to use with my X110V in monochrome+R mode, and immersed myself in hyper B&W photography.
I love the results!
DPReview closure: an updateYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
We've received a lot of questions about what's next for the site. We hear your concerns about losing the content that has been carefully curated over the years, and want to assure you that the content will remain available as an archive.
We've also heard that you need more time to access the site, so we're going to keep publishing some more stories while we work on archiving.
Thank you to this community and the support you've shown us over the years.
This Week on Live View"Get Outside and Leave that Big Camera Behind" by Scott Houston and "How to Make Your RAW Files Look Even Better" by Derrick Story.
If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view. Hope to see you there.
Tesla Sued Over Report Employees Shared Private Car Camera FootageYou can read the entire article PetaPixel.com.
"Since at least 2019, the cameras in Tesla vehicles captured highly-invasive videos and images of the cars' owners, which Tesla employees were able to access--not for the stated purposes of communication, fulfillment of services, and enhancement of Tesla vehicle driving systems--but for the tasteless and tortious entertainment of Tesla employees, and perhaps those outside the company, and the humiliation of those surreptitiously recorded," the lawsuit reads.
"By virtue of this defective system, Tesla employees accessed and circulated recordings of Tesla customers in private and embarrassing situations, without their consent including, for example, video of a man approaching a Tesla vehicle completely naked, and video of vehicle crashes and road-rage incidents," the lawsuit continues.
"Tesla employees also shared pictures of family pets, which were made into memes by embellishing them with captions or commentary before posting them in group chats. While some postings were only shared between a few employees, others could be seen by 'scores' of Tesla employees. And as is common with internet culture, many of these videos and images were very likely shared with persons outside the company."
Multiple reports have confirmed that Tesla employees were able to view images of customers through the company's cars and shared them amongst each other, despite Tesla's own privacy statements.
Portrait Beast: We Review the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 Lens for FujifilmYou can read the entire article FStoppers.com.
The Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 autofocus lens is the first in their high-end PRO series line, and it is clear from first opening the box that this lens means business. It is all metal and feels extremely robust, with a smooth focusing barrel and an aperture ring that has just the right amount of resistance to click into place without feeling cumbersome. The lens is certainly not small or light, but I found it quite comfortable to use. I really like the way it pairs with the Fujifilm X-T5, not only aesthetically but more importantly it balances nicely with the camera, especially for a lens with a full frame focal length equivalent of 112.5mm.
What I loved the most were the beautiful colors, pleasing skin tones, and excellent contrast. Portrait photographers will absolutely love the bokeh, and as someone who enjoys shooting wide open, this lens hits the spot. Regarding image quality, this is one of the best lenses I've tested and certainly rivals the quality I get with my Fujifilm lenses.
I upgraded the firmware to version 1.0.2 after my studio session, and there was a noticeable difference in the autofocus performance. I thought that the autofocus was good even before the update, so having the slight bump in performance was a nice touch. One thing I really appreciate is how quiet the lens is. The STM motor is fast and almost silent, and when using it with eye tracking, I was able to achieve excellent and consistent results with the X-T5.
Outside of some flaring when shooting in direct sunlight, I really can't find anything negative to say about the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2. In fact, from the moment I put it on my camera, I fell in love with it, because it handles like a much more expensive Fujifilm lens in terms of design, performance, and most importantly, image quality. I think that Viltrox has hit a home run with this lens, and for those of us who shoot with Fujifilm cameras, it is a very appealing lens in terms of focal length, autofocus, and overall quality.
The Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 AF Lens is available now from B&H Photo for $549.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #889, April 4, 2023. Today's theme is "Why Being Good is Great." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIt feels like we live in a world of extremes right now. Big successes and tragic failures dominate our headlines, and often our approach to work and creative pursuits. The goal is to be great, to be admired as the best, to be on top. That's fine if it happens. But my observation is that folks who are good at what they do seem to be happier. How could that be? Find out on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 889
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Why Being Good is GreatI think the easiest way to begin this discussion is with a look at my own career. Then we can meander from there.
I am good at a few things. I'm a good writer, photographer, podcaster, educator, and musician. But, I am not great at any of these.
Most likely, I will never win a Pulitzer Prize, hang a show in a museum, win a broadcasting award, accept a professorship at Harvard, or write a Top 10 song. And yet, I am wildly happy.
But how could that be? By every measure of pinnacle success, I have fallen short. Do I not have the appropriate fire in my gut to climb the mountain of fame and fortune? Am I short on talent? Maybe I just don't work hard enough.
All of those may be true. But I don't think that's my problem. My issue is that I like being good at what I do. When I publish an effective article, make someone smile during a podcast, see someone's eyes sparkle when they learn something new in class, or giggle at one of my silly songs, I feel good. Maybe I have a small glass of whiskey before dinner. Watch something interesting on TV afterward. Then sleep like a baby.
I think the achievement of being good at what you do is undervalued. I marvel at people who are good at things that I am not. I appreciate the plumber who fixes my sink in a fraction of the time that it would take me to do so. I know that am not good at plumbing.
Doctors who prolong my vitality, administrators who fix bureaucratic mistakes, a food server who manages to overcome the shortcomings of the chef she has to work with that night - these are all people who are good at what they do. And they are the folks who make the world a better place.
In our world of photography and creativity, what does being good actually mean? I have 5 bullet points that you may find helpful. Being a good photographer means:
- You have learned how to operate your camera so it is a natural extension of your vision, not a distraction.
- You have learned how to adapt to different photo situations, know how to adjust your camera accordingly, to produce a good image, even if outside your normal comfort zone.
- You can adjust your pictures in an image editor to improve them, and do so in a reasonable amount of time.
- You can look at someone else's picture, recognize the effective aspects of it, and identify, if present, areas that may need improvement.
- Others recognize you as a capable photographer, converse with you as such, and appreciate some of the work that you've produced.
If you are accomplished in these five categories, you are a good photographer. And if you continue to work on your craft, you will become better.
Does this mean that if you try even harder you will become great. Who knows? And what difference does it make?
What's important to me, and I suspect this may be true for you as well, is that others respect my work. If I overhear someone say, "Yeah, he's a pretty good writer," I'm ready to celebrate with a couple tacos and a cold beer.
I like being good at what I do. I sleep well at night. And I try to see the admirable capabilities in others. I think some of the happiest people on earth are those who understand they are good at what they do.
This is why, I say, being good is great.
Digicam Finder is a New Resource That Replaces DPReview's Camera LibraryYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Digicam Finder is a new resource that has successfully ported over a huge amount of information from DPReview in an attempt to keep a historical record of every digital camera released since the early 1990s alive.
Last month, after DPReview announced that it would cease operations on April 10 and eventually close, fans of the website scrambled to retain the site's massive library of content before it was deleted. One such endeavor kicked off almost immediately after the news broke and has already launched: Digicam Finder.
"Ever since the DPReview closure announcement there was a looming risk that we'll all lose the entirety of its 25 years of data," Peter Green, co-developer of the platform, tells PetaPixel.
Green, who is the co-founder of the private investment platform Republic, says that Digicam Finder is designed to be a new source of the most complete and accurate digital camera data on the Internet, which was built and maintained by him and a passionate group of users from the DPReview community.
"Many of us were thinking how to preserve [DPReview] and worked non-stop this past week. Well, now I'm happy to say that with the community effort, we managed to save it and it will keep being available for public access post-DPReview's closing," Green says.
Digicam Finder has mirrored the basic information of more than 2,500 digital cameras that date back to 1994. The site contains full specifications and is searchable by several parameters. Additionally, Green says that the site is built on "modern tech rails" that make it mobile-friendly and very fast to load -- both advantages over what he admits were some downsides to DPReview which he says felt "like a 25-year old website" at times.
Live View Is Launching TodayYou may recall that a couple months ago I talked about a new publication I was working on for Medium.com called Live View, and I was looking for writers within our community.
It's now coming to life! Live View launches today with two stories, and will publish every Tuesday moving forward.
Our first article is by Cynthia A. Whelan titled, Why I'm an iPhoneographer (and why you might want to be one too.) Cynthia is an experienced photographer who attended my writing workshop in Dec. 2021. She's exploring the world in her rec van and will be sharing her findings on Live View.
The second article, Shooting Motorsports (how to make your images look fast) is by John Zachary. John is an experienced motor sports photographer who moved from lugging DSLRs to shooting with Fujifilm's mirrorless cameras. He says he's never been happier.
If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view. Hope to see you there.
Photography cheat sheet: Color temperature & the Kelvin scaleYou can read the entire article DigitalCameraWorld.com.
White balance, or WB, is necessary on cameras as light doesn't just vary in brightness, but also in color. Each light source has its own individual 'color temperature', which varies from red to blue as you move through the visible spectrum. Human vision is very good at compensating for this, so a sheet of white paper will look white whether it's viewed in daylight or by candlelight. It's the job of the camera's White Balance system to do the same thing and compensate for the color differences in the lighting, so the colors in a scene look exactly as we would expect.
Digital cameras have a wide range of options for controlling the White Balance to suit the color temperature of the light in the scene, including Automatic White Balance (AWB), which will cleverly look after all this for you. However, as with all your camera's automatic settings, the Auto White Balance isn't foolproof, and it may under-compensate for extreme conditions because it can only operate within a restricted range of temperatures.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #888, March 28, 2023. Today's theme is "The Distraction That Is Color." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueThe bulk of my photography is captured in color. But there are those moments, when I look at the preview on the back of the camera and think to myself, "this just isn't right!" And the majority of the time the problem is the color itself. Sounds crazy? Well, I'll explain myself on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 888
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Distraction That Is ColorHere's what happened the other day. It was about noon, and the sun was high and bright. I had made a stop in Morro Bay and wanted to photograph my cool campsite.
The sky was blue with plenty of clouds. There were tall trees in the background, and there was the campsite itself with my VW ID.4 sporting a patio cover on the passenger side with a comfy Coleman camp chair and table in the shade. Sounds perfect, right?
I pulled out the Fujifilm X100V and mounted the 28mm lens to give me a bit more elbow room. Took the picture, reviewed it on the LCD, and recoiled. How could such a lovely scene photograph so poorly?
Well, the bright midday sun was definitely part of the problem. It added a nasty contrast to the scene. But the real culprit was the over-abundance of color. There was just too much. My ingenious campsite was lost in a cacophony of blues and greens. The protagonist of my visual story was being consumed by the supporting cast.
When I shoot with the X100V, I carry two filters with me: a circular polarizer and a Hoya R72 Infrared. The polarizer was definitely the wrong direction. But the R72 could solve my problem.
I screwed it into the front of my lens, set the aperture to f/2.0, switched film simulation to Monochrome+R, and recomposed the shot. Jackpot! My protagonist had returned to center stage, and the sky and trees were now a lovely supporting background.
I had eliminated the distraction that is color.
Here are 5 tips to keep in mind if you ever encounter a similar situation.
- Know how to quickly find the B&W setting on your camera.
- Shoot RAW+Jpeg to leave all of your options open.
- Test your camera for IR sensitivity. If it passes, carry and R72 IR filter with you.
- Don't be afraid to shoot midday, but know that IR and B&W do much better at this time than color.
- Practice seeing in IR to understand how it doesn't affect manmade objects - the pavement, cars, bikes, benches, etc. - the same was that it does the living, especially plants and the sky.
Like I said at the top of this segment, I normally shoot in color. But I'm not hesitant in the least to switch to B&W if the situation calls for it. And I'm generally quite please with the outcome when I do.
Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake Join PetaPixel to Lead its YouTube ChannelYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake are joining PetaPixel and will lead its new YouTube Channel. The two have been a mainstay in the photography industry for more than a decade as hosts for first The Camera Store and then DPReview.
Their current home at DPReview is shutting down, but the two have no intention of stopping their excellent video reviews and photography-based content as they will be joining PetaPixel as the faces of its new YouTube channel launching in May, providing a nearly seamless transition from their previous home to their new one.
"I'm thrilled that PetaPixel is not only giving us the opportunity to keep our photography YouTube show going, but also the chance to make some fun changes to our format in upcoming episodes," Drake says.
"Sure, we'll still be releasing reviews for the latest photo/video gear shot in the frozen lands of Canada, but we're already working on field tests, documentaries, and episodes that are bigger than anything we've done before."
"This is a big move, but one that I'm very excited about. Working with PetaPixel brings me back to the reason why I got into this industry in the first place: a deep love for photography," Niccolls adds.
"I can't wait to work with a team that is as passionate about the craft as I am. Our show will still continue the high standard of technical knowledge that we are known for, and our dedication to testing gear in the field," Niccolls continues.
PetaPixel is ecstatic to be able to provide the two with a place to continue to share their professional insight and recommendations with a community that has appreciated them for the better part of 15 years.
How to Choose Binoculars: We Review the OM System Olympus 10 x 42 PROYou can read the entire article FStoppers.com.
A good pair of binoculars are often invaluable to photographers. There are many important things to learn about buying them. Here's what led me to the OM System Olympus PRO binoculars, why they are my perfect choice, and why my old ones were a mistake.
My binoculars were showing their age. I bought them around 20 years ago, shortly before I moved to Tanzania. They were small, light, and easy to carry around, which I needed back then. But they had shortcomings. I know now I made the wrong decision when I bought them.
Those old Steiners were 10 x 26. That first number refers to the magnification and the second to the diameter of the objective lens. Back then, I found the 10x magnification was more than I needed for the large animals I saw in Africa, and I could often not fit the entire creature in the frame.
The second number refers to the objective lens' size. 26 mm is small, so the light transmission through them was not great; think of a camera lens with a small aperture. In the bright light of the savannah, that smaller objective lens was less of an issue. However, here in the often cloudy and dull North of England where I live now, it is. Furthermore, I am no spring chicken. Their low light-gathering capacity meant that, although I see things 10 times bigger, the image was dull and lacking detail, and I gained little from using them. Everyone's vision gradually deteriorates with age, and a dark image isn't what I need.
Consequently, although they fit in my pocket, I rarely take them anywhere. If only I knew then what I know now, I would have invested in something better.
I know that my OM System camera lenses are known for being hypodermic needle-sharp. A search of many different review websites also rated that brand's binoculars as exceptionally good. Furthermore, I know it is a brand I can trust. But, even so, I wanted to put them to the test to be sure.
OM System produces three grades of binoculars - Compact, Standard, and PRO - still sold with the Olympus branding. I went for the PRO version mainly for its increased clarity of image, durability, and because they are waterproof. So, before buying, I trialed a pair of mid-sized OM System Olympus 10 X 42 PRO binoculars.
On unpacking them, I found the binoculars were pleasant to hold. The rubberized grip was warm to the touch. The focusing ring was large and easy to reach with my forefinger and thumb.
Importantly, its focusing action was smooth, with just the right amount of resistance to focus quickly and accurately. Many pairs I tried over the years are too tight and jerk when you start to turn them, and others are too loose. But not these. They fit in the Goldilocks zone.
The hinge between the two barrels is tighter, which is excellent. Once set to the correct distance between my eyes, they stayed there.
These are high-quality, professional instruments. The huge difference I noticed using these binoculars compared to anything else I had used before is their brightness. I tried this pair and my old binoculars side-by-side and watched the eider and cormorants on the water and flying. With the Olympus binoculars, I could see details in the shadows that were not visible with the smaller, older ones. Furthermore, those old Steiners seemed to put a slightly muddy cast, whereas the Olympus ones were crystal clear.
They sell for $499.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #887, March 21, 2023. Today's theme is "Gearing Up for Spring." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueFor those of us north of the equator, spring is just around the corner. Even though some folks may still have a month of slush and snow before the flowers grow. Either way, it's time to get in shape for one of the best photography seasons of the year. Tips on how do that, and much more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 887
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Gearing Up for SpringI look at spring activities through two lenses. The first is physical. Bad winter weather tends to take its toll on my fitness. And if I really want to enjoy outdoor life again, I have to be in decent shape.
The second lens is my camera gear. What do I need, if anything, to have the right tools for my adventures? And once I capture those images, is my workflow ready to accept them without strain?
Let's start with lens #1 - the physical aspect of our craft. I've long held the opinion that the greater our energy, the better our creativity. Now I'm certainly no triathlete, but I do strive to be able to enjoy a full day of activity without cutting corners on my photography.
I've already started working my way back in to shape. Every non-rain day here in Northern California, I get out by bike and go for a 20-30 minute ride. I have a few different routes that I alternate with to keep things interesting. And after just a couple weeks I'm already feeling stronger.
On bad weather days, I have a 20-minute workout indoors that incorporates a variety of stretches, weights, and tension using a surgical tube. Many of these exercises were learned as part of my physical rehab from injuries. Others were learned from magazine articles and advice from friends.
Regardless of which routine I'm able to do on a give day, I plan for early afternoon. This provides the added benefit of propelling me through the remainder of the day with much more energy than I would have otherwise. Honestly, there are no downsides here.
DxO PhotoLab 6 Now has Full FUJIFILM X-Trans SupportYou can read the entire article on Dan Bailey Photo Blog.
Instagram Co-Founder Doesn't Like What the App Has BecomeYou can read the entire article PetaPixel.com.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #886, March 14, 2023. Today's theme is "Crazy Retro Weekend." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueSo I did the craziest things this weekend, at least photography-wise. I was off on a road trip with some good photo possibilities, and the only camera I brought was a 10-year-old compact. Why would I do such a thing with the wonderful capture devices I have at my disposal? I'll explain myself on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 886
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
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Crazy Retro WeekendAs you probably know, we still have an atmospheric river flowing through California. On one hand, these things can be really destructive. On the other, there are countless photo opportunities if you can navigate the water.
I had to hit the road on Saturday for family activities, and since I didn't have to drive, I could use this opportunity to take pictures during the excursions. Of all things, I decided to pack my Fujifilm X20, vintage 2013.
Why would I do that? Well, I've encountered article after article about the popularity of older digital compacts, and I wanted to fully immerse myself, pun intended, in this concept. The X20 had been one of my all time favorite cameras, as a sidekick, but this weekend it's going to be the only game in town.
Let's step back to 2013 when popular compacts such as the Canon PowerShot G15, Sony Cyber-shot RX100, and the X20 were turning our heads. All of these devices are amazing photographic tools. By comparison, the iPhone 5, which was the hot smartphone at the time, featured an 8-megapixel camera that was fine, but not in the same class as any of these compacts.
Of the trio, the Fujifilm X20 is my favorite. Here's why.
It starts with the 2/3"-type X-Trans CMOS II sensor. When I open a RAW file from the X20 in Capture One Pro, it's beautifully toned and elegantly editable. Highlight and shadow recovery are smooth and gradual, the colors are natural, and the sharpness is wonderful. The pictures look like photographs, not digital images.
As lovely as the output is, the process of taking pictures is just as pleasing. It starts with the advanced optical viewfinder that adjusts the field of view as you zoom from 28mm wide to 112mm telephoto. When you press halfway on the shutter button, a digital overlay appears with exposure settings and focus confirmation. And of course you can still compose using the 3", 460k dot LCD.
Fujifilm includes 10 of its film simulation modes, including four monochromes. I use Astia Soft for my color work, and Monochrome+Yellow filter for black and white. Owners of the X100 series of cameras will understand just how important these are. And it's this shared DNA that adds to the X20's allure.
The Advanced modes provide panorama, a variety of filters, multiple exposure, and my favorite, Pro Focus that's a forerunner to Portrait mode on our iPhones - sharp subject with soft background.
And finally, the Fujinon Super EBC 28mm-112mm f/2.0 to f/2.8 zoom lens is the crown jewel. It's fast, colorful, sharp, and covers a field of view that allows you to artistically compose in just about any situation. Plus, it's stabilized. That's something the X100V still doesn't have.
Comparing to today's cameras, the X20 doesn't have many of the X100V's bells and whistles, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, tilting LCD, and a 24-megapixel sensor. But it does have what we love about Fujifilm cameras: beautiful design, click-stop dials, Fujinon aspherical lens, X-Trans sensor, Fuji color science, gorgeous optical viewfinder, built-in flash, Q menu, and images that have a certain magic to them.
So how did it go? Well, because of the conditions, I was shooting RAW+Jpeg, using BW+Y mode. That gave me a lovely BW Jpeg and a full-color RAW file if I needed it.
In the rainy, stormy conditions of the Bay Area, the B&Ws look terrific. My 4000x3000px files are sharp and contrasty. If I need to resample any of them to make a large print, I can easily do that with today's AI software.
So did I capture anything with the X20 that I could not have created with my X100V or OM-1? No, probably not. But it was the adventure that got my creative juices going. And I may captured images that I otherwise would have bypassed because I was so engaged in the challenge of working with the camera.
It was truly fun. And I'm very pleased with the pictures.
Lenrentals' most rented-out point-and-shoot isn't a point-and-shoot at allYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
Camera and lens rental company Lensrentals has published a list of its most popular 'point-and-shoot' cameras but the thing we found most interesting is how few of the cameras on the list would sensibly be described as such.
We recognize that, for many people, the term 'point-and-shoot' is synonymous with the term 'compact camera,' but we've always felt that there are plenty of compact cameras that encourage or reward a more hands-on approach to their photography than simply pointing at a subject and pressing the shutter button.
Lensrentals' most rented 'point-and-shoot' cameras of the past year.
10.Olympus Tough TG-6
9.Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
8.Fujifilm X100F
7.Nikon Coolpix P1000
6.Leica Q2 Monochrom
5.Ricoh GR IIIx
4.Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII
3.Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
2.Fujifilm X100V
1.Leica Q2
Of the list, it's only really the Olympus TG-6 or Nikon P1000 (whose appeal in both cases is about something other than just simplicity of operation) and, perhaps, the Sony RX100 VII that one might sensibly expect to be simply pointed and shot.
The Best Affordable UV Protection FiltersYou can read the entire article PetaPixel.com.
Best Protection Filters Under $50
This isn't an exhaustive list of the best UV filter options under $50, but these are solid, alphabetically-ordered choices that include a robust design, multi-coating on both sides, and promise good light transmission.
Hoya HD Protector - The Hoya HD Protector filter, which has been replaced by the more expensive HD3 model, offers strong performance if you can track one down. It's still available through various retailers, and the 77mm and 82mm sizes cost just under $50.
K+F Concept UV filter - With sizes ranging from 37mm all the way to 127mm, which is extremely unusual (and more than $50), the K+F Concept MCUV filter is an affordable option that includes 28 multi-layer coatings and strong light transmission performance. The 82mm version is frequently available for around $35, which smaller versions costing even less.
Marumi Exus Lens Protect - The Marumi Exus Lens Protect filter is a bit tricky to find these days, but if you can, it's a great option for around $50. The Japanese-made filter uses high-quality optical glass with strong transmittance.
Best Protection Filers Under $100
B+W UV Haze MRC 010M or B+W MRC Master 007 - The B+W UV Haze MRC 010M and B+W MRC Master 007 UV filter lines push the limit of the price tier, coming right up against the $100 cutoff. B+W is a well-known, very well-respected player in the filter game. You can't go wrong with B+W filters.
Canon Protector - The Canon Protect series of lens filters cost around $70 and meets the Canon standard. It's a completely good choice.
Chiaro Pro 99-UVBTS - Chiaro's best UV filter, the 99-UVBTS, delivers 99% light transmission and features a side- and top-knurled design to make it easy to remove. It features Schott glass. The 77mm version is available for around $70, give or take $10 depending upon discount prices.
Hoya NXT Plus - The Hoya NXT Plus line is good choice at around $65, this multi-coated filter also uses Schott B270 optical glass and has nice knurled sides.
Nikon Neutral Clear - Simple, effective. Nikon's protection filter line is a fine choice for around $95.
PolarPro QuartzLine UV - For $100, the PolarPro QuartzLine UV series gives you a stylish, color-neutral UV filter that protects your lens.
Sony Multi-Coated (MC) Protector - Like Canon and Nikon, Sony has a line of filters that purely serve as clear protective filters. If you like Sony gear, you can't go wrong with this Sony-branded Zeiss T filter. The 77mm version is $70. Sony's UV filter employs Zeiss T technology
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #885, March 7, 2023. Today's theme is "A Workflow You May Find Interesting." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWith all of the great editing tools available, plus a myriad of backup options, how do we craft a photography workflow that maximizes our options while still providing the flexibility to enjoy and share our images on all of our devices? I've cobbled together one such workflow, and I'll share it in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 885
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
A Workflow You May Find InterestingLast Saturday was a wild weather day in Sonoma County. We had off and on rainstorms, a glistening landscape, big crashing waves, and at times, magnificent skies above.
So my friend Oliver and I got in the car and spent the day outdoors. I took the OM-1 with the 12mm-40mm PRO II zoom and photographed everything from redwood trees to seashore cliffs. Given the lighting extremes, I stayed in RAW capture the entire time.
When I think about the objectives for the day, there was an interesting variety that didn't naturally mesh with one another.
- Wanted to photograph with my "real camera" and not the smartphone.
- Needed to use RAW to cope with the wild lighting conditions.
- Wanted to squeeze the most out of the initial processing of those RAW files with Capture One Pro or Lightroom.
- Wanted to play with some of those images with imgmi on my iPad.
- Also wanted to share the pictures with Oliver in a timely manner.
- Wanted to have my favorites backed up to iCloud or Creative Cloud and available on all of my devices.
What kind of workflow is that? A crazy one. Here's what I do today.
- Capture with the OM-1 in RAW.
- Copy to and cull in Capture One Pro (Lightroom Classic would be the alternative.) Mark my favorites with 3 stars.
- Decode and process the favorite RAWs using the advanced tools in C1P (or LR) including optical corrections, tonal recovery, and color adjustment.
- Export full-sized, high quality Jpegs out of C1P and import into Photos for macOS (or Lightroom CC).
- Let iCloud (or Creative Cloud) backup those 3 star images and share them across all of my devices.
- Play with some of the images using my AI editors such as imgmi.
- Create a shared album of favs in Photos and provide access to Oliver and others to view and download.
My master RAW files are housed in Capture One Pro and backed up to my Synology RAID drive. I can always return to that library to revisit other shots or fine tune the images I've already worked on.
I have my 3-star favorites on my iPhone, iPad, and all of my Macs via iCloud. I can show them off to anyone who will sit still, plus I can use my favorite editing extensions on them via Photos, such as Luminar and ON1 Effects.
And at the end of the day, I have the best images from the shoot in a variety of places, both online, in computers, and on RAID drives. Yes, I'm not overpaying for online storage because I'm not putting every RAW file I shoot in the Cloud.
It sounds like a lot of work when I say it here. But to tell you the truth, it feels effortless, maybe because I'm having so much fun.
Have You Ever Made a Series of Landscape Photos From One Location?You can read the entire article on Fstoppers.com.
Visiting beautiful locations for landscape photography can be quite rewarding. Often these, are one-time occasions. If you want to visit the same location more than once, you have to look for something close. This article is about making a long-term series of photos of one location.
Back in the eighties, I visited a forest nearby almost daily. I remember how I made a series of four images from a nice forest path with trees lined up, one for every season. Although this is nothing new, it is kind of special to have such a series of photos of a place you visit a lot, especially when you look at it many years later.
With digital photography, it has become much easier to take photos of one specific place on a regular basis. You can take as many images as you like. At the same time, it's become much more difficult to do so. The world has become so much smaller, which means we can easily travel to the farthest reaches of the Earth to visit amazing locations, only to forget about the nice places nearby.
Often, these travels are a onetime experience. Although amazing in most situations, you never get a connection with those faraway locations. You're a passerby, and if you're lucky, the light and weather conditions are perfect for a beautiful one-time landscape photo.
The benefit of having a nice local patch is the ability to visit it as often as you like. It means you learn everything about it -- how the light is flowing at different moments of the day or how weather conditions influence its appearance. If you shoot that same place more than once, you end up with a series of photos that will become quite special as the years go by.
Paul McCartney on Linda McCartney: 'I was into photography, but she was better'You can read the entire article DigitalCameraWorld.com.
As Linda McCartney's retrospective opens in Arizona, Paul McCartney opens up about his late wife's photography
Did you know that legendary Beatle Paul McCartney's first wife was a professional photographer? And a brilliant one at that! Linda McCartney (1941-1998), born Linda Eastman, was the first-ever female photographer to shoot a cover image for Rolling Stone magazine - with an image of Eric Clapton. She was a renowned music photographer in her own right covering the early New York doo-wop scene.
The Linda McCartney Retrospective is an exhibition opening this week at the University of Arizona's Center for Creative Photography, and has been curated by Paul McCartney and their daughter Mary McCartney, who is now also a photographer and documentary filmmaker, to showcase Linda's entire career from 1965 to 1997.
Students at Arizona's Center for Creative Photography had the chance to interview Paul McCartney (opens in new tab) about Linda, and his responses provide a great insight into her life and career, as well as her duties as a working professional photographer, wife, and mother of four. Paul is quoted saying, "Linda was a great photographer and loved it so much that she would always find a way."
The first person ever to have both photographed a Rolling Stone magazine cover, and appear on it herself in 1974, Linda McCartney was highly renowned for the work she put into her career as both a photographer and musician, founding the band Wings where she performed vocals and keyboard, alongside Paul.
She was voted as the US Female Photographer of the Year in 1967, and received the Distinguished Photographers Award from 'Women In Photography' in 1987, and even appeared on an episode of The Simpsons called 'Lisa the Vegetarian' with her husband Paul McCartney in 1995, the same year she was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Linda McCartney Retrospective (opens in new tab) exhibition will showcase 176 photos, running until August 05, 2023, and can be visited at the University of Arizona's Center for Creative Photography.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #884, Feb.28, 2023. Today's theme is "AI Photo Editing on Your Smartphone." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueUsing AI editing tools on a smartphone makes even more sense than on your computer. Image enhancement on mobile devices is not the easiest task in the world. Their smaller screens and less precise input (aka our fingers) present a bit of a challenge. AI tools can help, and today, we're going to look at one such offering from Skylum that can really speed things up. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 884
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
AI Photo Editing on Your SmartphoneSkylum just updated their imgmi app to include AI Skin and AI Body adjustments. Added to the existing tools - Sky Replacement, Remove Powerlines, AI Enhance, Basic Adjustments, Crop & Rotate tool, Erase, and a collection of LUTs called filters - this app is rounding out nicely, especially for one so young (Sept. 2022). Think of it like Luminar Neo for your phone.
There are versions for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. I haven't tested the Android version, but the ratings on the iOS app store are more favorable than those on Google Play.
The iOS version taps your camera roll and allows you to save finished pictures as a new image back to the same location. Once you return to Photos for iOS, you can continue working on the picture with its tools. Together, Photos + imgmi, you have a powerful image enhancement package that's easy to use.
Before Editing
After just a few clicks.
Select Sky
This is a very powerful feature in the app. The AI identifies the sky area of a photo, then presents you with a number of different substitute options divided into categories such as Blue, Dramatic, Sunset, etc.
Once you choose a sky, tap Tools again for a set of refinements including Adjustments such as Relight, Defocus, Haze, plus, other goodies such as Orientation and Mask.
And if you wish, you can even add your own stock sky images from your camera roll, and they will be available as well. Nice touch!
Remove Powerlines
I think a more apt title would be "Remove Lines." The app can indeed identify power lines and remove them. But in my testing, it often didn't stop there and removed other lines that it found, such as the pin stripping on a car driving by.
Even with these minor hiccups, I'm still glad they included this feature. Power lines are tough to deal with, and this gives us a fighting chance.
AI Enhance
Any Skylum user knows how wonderful this tool is. The mobile version isn't quite as intelligent or powerful as what we use on the computer, but it's still pretty darn good.
Skin and Body AI
These are the two latest features just added this week. And I thought Skin AI was particularly helpful, especially for portraits with side lighting that were not kind to the subject.
Filters
These look like Luts to me, and I like them. Again, broken out into categories such as Creative Portraits, Great Landscapes, Pets, Selfie, and B&W, these filters are far more sophisticated than what we normally see in mobile apps - and you get a lot of them.
Adjust and Crop
A solid set of basic tools that you would expect to have in an app of this caliber.
Erase
I love having an Erase tool, especially since Photos still haven't included one. The Skylum version lets you set the diameter of the eraser, then you just drag your finger across the area you want gone. It does and intelligent content away fill to replace the removed object. And there is a Restore option if you need to fix an over zealous swipe.
Final Thoughts
I've been waiting for Skylum to bring some of their AI magic to mobile devices, and imgmi is a great start. I like it best on my iPad mini where I have a bit more operating room to use it. It's a wonderful complement to the Photos app.
Skylum offers a 7-day free trial, then an assortment of pricing options. I recommend the $24.99 a year plan. I anticipate they will continue to add tools and enhance this software. But even now, in its early stages, I think it's worth the price.
Couple Finds Trove of 2,000 Cameras and Lenses in Storage UnitYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Kristen Cusumano, who works part-time at a tanning salon, was asked by her boss in December to empty out a storage unit. "My boss, the guy who owns the salon, happens to own several other properties around town, including a storage unit. One of the guys who rented out a unit passed away a few years ago and eventually my boss had to empty out the unit.
"My boyfriend was doing some work for him at the time, and my boss asked him if he'd be interested in clearing out the unit. My boyfriend loves doing that kind of stuff, and when he found out that we could keep whatever we found inside as payment, he agreed immediately."
After clearing out all the boxes, the couple now estimates that the collection contained over 1,000 film cameras and roughly 1,000 lenses. The equipment the couple found is a film photographer's dream.
"The vast majority of the collection is Miranda and Minolta," Cusumano says. "There's also a good amount of FEDs, Voigtlander, Zorkis, Zenits, Fujicas, Yashicas, Pentaxs, Prakticas, Mamiya Sekors, Exaktas, Olympus's, Exas, Petris, Konicas, and some TLRs and other brands I can't think of at the moment.
"I'm keeping the Minolta XK, the TLRs, and most likely one of each of the Minoltas since we have so many of them and they're just so aesthetically pleasing to me," Cusumano says. "Fridrik will most likely be keeping an Orion and Miranda T and probably one of each of the Mirandas for the same reason."
It's unclear how long the camera equipment was hidden away in the storage unit, but many of them may now be destined for actual photo-making again.
Brinno's new timelapse camera is a stamina champion with 100 days of lifeYou can read the entire article DigitalCameraWorld.com.
Brinno TLC300 is the perfect construction camera, offering 100 days of power from four AA cells.
The best timelapse cameras are what you need if you want to create a stop-motion movie of something taking place over days, weeks, or even months. If you want, therefore, to create a video of a building being built, these are what you need. And Brinno is the best-known brand in this specialist camera market - having sold over a million cameras since its first launch in 2008.
The new Brinnoi TLC300 is designed to give users the best possible experience in timelapse, while also keeping things very simple so as to not confuse any users. For instance, the TLC300 is completely IPX4-rated waterproof housing, and pair that with its mounting accessories and its 100-day battery life, you have a camera that can outdo almost all of the current market competitors, and while others use rechargeable battery cells, the TLC300 uses four standard AA batteries available worldwide, so when that 100-days is up, you can easily swap in some more without having to reach your charger.
However, addressing the elephant in the room, this new timelapse camera can only capture 1080p. It might be unlimited until the battery runs out, but there is no escaping the fact that in a world of 4K cameras or the ability to use a mirrorless camera or DSLR and achieve a 4K timelapse - 1080p may seem a little below par. But, it is undoubtedly fine for the web and display use this sort of video is useful - and is a step up from the 720P offered by its predecessor the Brinno TLC200 Pro.
One key feature is the TLC300's ability to schedule recording, not only have you give a certain time on a specific day, but you can also schedule multiple days with breaks in-between scheduling Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday to record and skip the others.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #883, Feb. 21, 2023. Today's theme is "7 Photography Sins to Avoid." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueOne of things my mom used to say to me as a child was, "Derrick, you should know better!" Sometimes I did and forgot. Other times I really didn't know better, but that rebuttal only earned me the follow up admonishment, "There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action." (Goethe) Life is complicated, but photography isn't, and today I'm going to remind you of 7 things that you probably already know, and possibly may have forgotten. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 883
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
7 Photography Sins to AvoidThere are two types of sins in photography, technical and behavioral. We'll start with behavior.
Rule 1: Don't Act Innocent When You're Not
If you're going to take a picture of something, then do it. But don't act like you didn't snap the shutter when you really did.
You can always ask for forgiveness when confronted with, "Did you just take a picture?" The answer is, "I did. Why do you ask?" (Say this politely, don't be a dill weed.) Let the inquirer explain their concern, then try to respond as intelligently as possible.
Rule 2: Don't Take Pictures When Posted Signs Say "No Photography Allowed."
You may not understand the reason why photography is not allowed in certain locations, but nobody cares about your opinion, especially the security guard who caught you on CCD camera.
If there's something forbidden that you really want to photograph, then you'll have to go through the steps of getting permission.
BTW: If you get caught, see Rule 1.
Rule 3: Do Not Use a Telephoto for Unauthorized Public Photography
I love street photography. But there's an unspoken rule that I'm now going to speak: You need to keep it fair by using a lens that gives the subject a chance to know they are being photographed. Standing a half block away with a long telephoto lens is creepy. Don't be creepy.
If you are confronted after taking a picture, see Rule 1.
Now let's cover a few technical sins to avoid.
Rule 4: Don't Let Your Camera Decide What to Focus On
Autofocus cameras are great. But if you let them run the show unchecked, you're going to miss a lot of got shots because the camera did not focus on the most artistic element in the frame.
Invest some time in learning how your autofocus system works, then intervene as appropriate. I like to use a medium cross pattern that I move around the frame with the jog stick on the back of the camera. That way I'm deciding what's interesting, not the camera.
Rule 5: Don't Rely Solely on Auto Exposure
Indeed cameras are pretty smart about exposure. But they will still turn a black anvil into a gray one, and will make that beautiful white snow a shade of yucky.
With mirrorless cameras, exposure compensation is so easy because you get realtime feedback in the electronic viewfinder. There's really no excuse for a poorly exposed shot.
Rule 6: Don't Let Lens Flare Kill Your Contrast
Shooting in the direction of the sun or any bright light source can lead to intriguing and sometime artistic images. But if the sun above can also kill the contrast of an image if glarey light is bouncing off the front of your lens.
And when the sun is low, even a lens hood might not provide enough protection. I often cup my hand around the lens hood to shade the front of the lens.
And if you don't believe it makes a difference, test this yourself with before and after pictures.
Rule 7: Don't Over-Sharpen in Post Production
I don't know why we have this weird obsession with ultra sharp images that also suffer from too much clarity and dehazing. If you want your final picture to look like it was captured with a 2003 digital camera, just be heavy handed with these adjustments.
Yes, many of our pictures can benefit from some sharpening and a dash of dehaze. But know when to say when.
Now you can no longer use ignorance as an excuse!
Meta Will Start Charging $12 a Month For Verification on InstagramYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Mark Zuckerberg's Meta is taking a page out of Elon Musk's Twitter playbook and will roll out paid verification to both Instagram and Facebook starting this week.
Announced first via Zuckerberg's Instagram Broadcast Channel this morning, the new program -- called Meta Verified -- will allow users to verify their account with a government-issued ID and get a blue badge in exchange for $11.99 a month if purchased on the web, or $14.99 if bought through iOS.
Zuckerberg positions it as "extra impersonation protection" against accounts claiming to be other accounts and will also allow those who pay for the subscription to get direct access to customer support.
"Long term, we want to build a subscription offering that's valuable to everyone, including creators, businesses and our community at large," Meta adds. "As part of this vision, we are evolving the meaning of the verified badge so we can expand access to verification and more people can trust the accounts they interact with are authentic."
Those who pay for verification will also receive increased visibility and reach in areas like search, comments, and recommendations. Subscriptions will include "proactive monitoring" for account impersonation. The company also promises more "exclusive features" but did not elaborate.
Why You Should Try Editing Your Photos in ReverseYou can read the entire article Fstoppers.com.
It sounds like a strange concept, but the reasoning behind it is sound, and it is straightforward and easy to do. This excellent video tutorial will show you how to edit your photos in reverse and why it will help you make better and more precise photos.
Coming to you from Anthony Morganti, this great video tutorial will show you the ins and outs of editing your photos in reverse. If you work in Lightroom or any program with a similar layout, you probably start with basic global adjustments like exposure, highlights, shadows, etc., then move on to more local adjustments.
And while that works fine for a lot of photos, if you are anything like me, you probably notice that often, once you make some of the local adjustments, you have to go back and refine the global adjustments because they throw the overall image out of balance. Morganti's method of starting with the local adjustments put them in balance first so that when you make the global adjustments, you maintain the relationships between different elements, reducing your workload and making the edits easier. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Morganti, and give it a try!
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 75 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #882, Feb. 14, 2023. Today's theme is "Your Camera's Hidden Features." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueEvery camera I've owned had one or two tricks up its sleeve that I didn't initially discover. Then one day I'd be reading a review or listening to a podcast and learn about it. Which make me think, what sort of magic resides inside your camera that you haven't uncovered yet? I'll share a few of my favorites in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 882
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Your Camera's Hidden FeaturesTo help illustrate my point, I have tips for the Sony A7 IV, Ricoh GR III, Fujifilm X100V, OM System OM-1, and the iPhone. Even if you don't have one of these cameras, knowing about these tips can help you search them out on your device. Let's get started.
Sony A7 IV
HEIF instead of Jpeg. HEIF stores twice as much information as Jpeg in the same file size. For example, Jpeg color is limited to 8 bits, where HEIF can manage 16 bits of color.
The Sony A7 IV allows photographers to choose between Jpeg or HEIF for their compressed format. The setting is:
Menu > Shooting > Image Quality > Image Quality Settings > File Format.
In this menu, you can also select RAW+HEIF for a true power couple. Nearly every app supports HEIF now, in part thanks to Apple's iPhone use of it. And it truly is a cut above Jpegs.
Ricoh GR III
Automatic Horizon Correction. When composing on a LCD screen, it can be difficult to get the horizon perfectly straight. Fortunately, the Ricoh GR III has a Horizon Correction setting that you can enable.
It's in the (7) Shooting Assist menu at the bottom of the screen. When you turn it on, the camera corrects 1.5 degrees if the IBIS is on and 1 degree if it's off. That may not sound like a lot, but it makes a huge difference in your pictures.
BTW: Did you know that the GR III has built in memory that provides up to 40 RAW or 140 Jpegs captures in case you have an SD card problem? You can switch to Internal Memory in the Format menu.
Fujifilm X100V
Film Simulation Bracket. One of the many reasons that Fujifilm photographers love their cameras is because of the great color science express through the various film simulation settings. But what if you weren't exactly sure which one is best for any given subject?
The Film Simulation bracketing that allows you to choose three different styles and have them recorded with each press of the shutter.
Start by choosing the simulations you want via: Menu > Shooting Setting 1 > Film Simulation BKT.
Back out of the Menu, then press the Drive button, navigate down to BKT, and select Film Simulation Bracket. If you shoot RAW+Jpeg, you will capture three RAW files and three film simulations with each press of the shutter button. And the RAW film simulations look different than the Jpeg versions.
One bonus Fujifilm tip: If you mount the excellent WCL 28mm lens on the X100V, the camera automatically identifies it and adjusts the electronic viewfinder and LCD for a 28mm field of view. You can see the difference by switch between the electronic viewfinder and the optical.
OM System OM-1
One-Touch White Balance. We usually know when we should use Custom White Balance to adjust for mixed or artificial lighting, but usually don't because it feels like a hassle. But on the OM-1, it's as simple as pressing a button on the front of the camera.
The top button on the front of the camera, the one with a dimple in it, is for One-Touch White Balance. Just point the camera at a white object or a white sheet of paper that's reflecting the lighting of the room, press the One-Touch button with your middle finger, then while still holding down the button, fire the shutter with your index finger. The camera will ask you if you want to save that setting by pressing the OK button. Once you do, you're set!
Bonus Tip: Handheld Assist. When Handheld Assist is On, the status of camera shake is displayed on the monitor when the shutter button is pressed halfway or during exposure. This is useful for reducing camera shake during long exposure in hand-held shooting.
The gray frame indicates the range that camera shake can be corrected. To minimize camera shake, hold the camera so that the outer indicators (roll shake) are stabilized near the center right/left on the frame and the center indicator (horizontal and vertical shake) near the center within the frame.
How to set Handheld Assist: Press the [MENU] button. In 8. Image Stabilizer, select Handheld Assist. Select Off (default setting) or On.
The iPhone Pro
Lens Correction. In the Camera Settings menu, there's a toggle for Lens Correction. Make sure that it's on so that your images have less distortion with the wide and ultra wide lenses. If you want distortion for effect, toggle it off.
Reveal Additional Settings While Taking Pictures. Some people never discover the hidden settings menu that includes Night Mode, capture proportions, exposure compensation, self-timer, and more. You can reveal it by tapping on the Angle Bracket that's pointing up at the top of the camera interface. Hide the menu by tapping on it again.
OM Digital Solutions releases OM System M. Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PROYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
The 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO is an autofocus lens that delivers up to 2x macro (or 4x with a 2x teleconverter). Its stabilization system is compatible with the Sync IS system, allowing it to work in conjunction with in-body stabilization of Olympus / OM System cameras.
The lens is constructed from 18 elements, arranged in 13 groups. Its design has two focus groups that act conjunction, allowing very close focus when the focus limit switch is in the 'Macro' position. The lens also has a focus ring that can be snapped back to reveal a focus distance scale and (on Olympus or OM System cameras) engage manual focus.
In addition to the slide to switch between MF and AF, there's also a dedicated IS toggle, an L-Fn (lens function) button for assigning custom functions and a focus limit switch which is split between macro, 0.25-0.5m, and 0.25-infinity. The lens weighs 453g (16oz) and measures 136mm (5.4") long with a 70mm (2.7") diameter.
For very close-up work, the lens has a groove behind all these controls, which should be compatible with the tripod collar from the M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 Pro (though OMDS isn't promoting it as such). OMDS says it has no plans to sell the collar separately but it may be possible to source it from service centers.
The OM System 90mm F3.5 macro IS pro will be available in March 2023 with an MSRP of $1,499.99 in the U.S, and CAD $2,049.99 in Canada.We have a wonderful workshop headquarters reserved that puts you right in the middle of this natural goodness. Not only is it a peaceful place for us to gather and work, but you can walk right out your front door and photograph the amazing diversity of wildlife there.
Controversial AI Program Generates Photorealistic Police SketchesYou can read the entire article Petapixel.com.
Two developers have created artificial intelligence (AI) software that generates photorealistic police sketches using DALL-E. Forensic Sketch AIrtist was made to cut down the time it takes to create a police sketch of a suspect. It was created at a Hackathon event in December 2022 and works by inputting facial features.
"First, the artist collects a description from the witness by using our client," explains the software developers.
"Then the client sends the description to our server where the request is parsed and sent to DALL-E's API. After a few seconds, we have the sketch ready to be sent to the client and, in turn, to the artist.
"After that, the artist can opt to end the drawing process or to download the generated sketch and perform some small corrections to it."
In an interview with Vice, Jennifer Lynch, the Surveillance Litigation Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says that the use of AI in police forensics is "incredibly dangerous."
"The problem with traditional forensic sketches is not that they take time to produce (which seems to be the only problem that this AI forensic sketch program is trying to solve). The problem is that any forensic sketch is already subject to human biases and the frailty of human memory," says Lynch
"AI can't fix those human problems, and this particular program will likely make them worse through its very design."
"If these AI-generated forensic sketches are ever released to the public, they can reinforce stereotypes and racial biases and can hamper an investigation by directing attention to people who look like the sketch instead of the actual perpetrator," adds Lynch.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
Thanks to OM System for the illustration of their 5 axes image stabilization system.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #881, Feb. 7, 2023. Today's theme is "Recording Video to Enhance Your Still Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueMany stills photographers overlook the fantastic movie capture tools built into our cameras. Primarily, because they are not interested in making movies. But what if those ignored features could greatly enhance your photo presentations? Wouldn't that be useful? Find out how on today's TDS Photography Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 881
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Recording Video to Enhance Your Still PhotographyI can tell you why I don't make more movies than I do. It's because I hate video editing. It bores me to tears.
But that doesn't mean that I completely bypass the video features on my iPhone and OM System OM-1. Why? Because many of those settings can record content that vastly improves my photo presentations. Let me show you a couple examples.
Environmental Audio
When your record a movie with your camera, you are capturing both sound and pictures. Those two elements can be separated and used independently.
Here is an example that you can see for yourself. Recently I was scouting for our upcoming Pt. Reyes Photography Workshop. I found a wonderful spot where the geese were talking and the toads were croaking. It was so melodic and peaceful.
I initially captured a few still pictures. But they just didn't do justice to what I was experiencing at the moment. So I set my iPhone to movie mode and recorded the scene. The movie itself is good and does a better job of telling the story than just the still pictures. But what if I could combine the two?
In Photos, I exported the audio only which gave me an .M4A file. I then opened the file in my favorite audio editing app, Fission. I trimmed the soundtrack, added fade-in and fade-outs, and boosted the audio volume.
I added my new soundtrack to my Apple Music library. Then I opened Photos and selected the images I wanted and created a Slideshow Project.
Using the Ken Burns effect to keep things moving, I substituted my "marsh sounds" audio track for the canned Apple music. I've published a short teaser here so you can see for yourself how well it works.
A Few Tips
- Capture Panos - Broad panoramas play really well in slideshows with the Ken Burns effect enabled.
- Get Yourself a Handy Audio App - For the Mac, I really like Fission by Rogue Amoeba for $35. But there are many good ones for Mac and Windows.
- Keep Your Audio Files Organized - You'll find that you'll build up a sweet audio library that you can go to time and time again.
One final note on the value of movie capture. If you camera can record 4K video, you can pull out individual still frames from that footage to fill in gaps in your slideshows. This works really well.
It's worth it to review your recording settings on your smartphone and your camera. They can prove to be very valuable for immersive photo projects.
Two Seats Left for the Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 16-19, 2023Pt. Reyes and its surrounding areas (Tomalas,Inverness, etc.) provide a wealth of landscape and wildlife photography - and we will explore both!
This four-day photography adventure takes you to rugged Northern California coastline, rolling hills, seashore wildlife, Tule Elk, tranquil inlets, and so much more.
This is the perfect getaway to relax, breath fresh air, enjoy the company of your fellow photographers, eat good food, and fill your memory cards with beautiful images.
We have a wonderful workshop headquarters reserved that puts you right in the middle of this natural goodness. Not only is it a peaceful place for us to gather and work, but you can walk right out your front door and photograph the amazing diversity of wildlife there.
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
Go Wide! A look at four top ultra-wide primes for Micro Four ThirdsYou can read the entire article on DP Review.
One of the great things about the Micro Four Thirds system is that it's easy to find a good long lens - including the ones you used to use on your DSLR (remember those?). With its quarter-size sensor the system gives us the reach of a 400mm lens when we've only mounted a 200mm. The downside of course comes when we want a wide angle view, as the 2x crop factor means we need a 10mm lens to get the same view we'd achieve with a 20mm on a full-frame camera.
Fortunately though, we now have a pretty decent array of extreme wide-angle options for the system (including quite a few zooms). For this article I've restricted myself to prime lenses, and have still put together a good little collection to compare. The idea is both to demonstrate what's available and to show what impact slight differences in focal length have on the angle of view of the lens. I've picked four lenses of about the same focal length and within a tight price range, but which have a number of characteristics that lend each a distinct identity. The lenses going head-to-head are:
- Laowa 7.5mm F2 MFT $499
- Meike 8mm F2.8 $399
- Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7 ASPH $498
- Samyang 10mm F2.8 ED AS NCS CS $430
As is often the case now, those looking for ultra-wide options, especially at an affordable price, should consider the many manual focus lenses on the market. Thus only one lens in this comparison offers autofocus and comes from a mainstream Micro Four Thirds manufacturer. I'll be looking at the physical characteristics of the lenses, their coverage, how nice they are to use as well as the quality of image they produce.
In all the following images taken with these lenses, the aperture was set to F8 to help eliminate vignetting as much as possible. All samples were made with a Panasonic Lumix G9. We're including the angle of view in the specs so you can get a better idea of how much of a scene you'll see, something not always accurately reflected by the focal length in millimeters.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #880, Jan. 31, 2023. Today's theme is "Top Gear for Outdoor Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWhen we explore the great outdoors with gear in hand, we require ruggedness, dependability, and usually an extra bit of reach. So among all the different options available today, what are the items favored by experienced outdoor photographers? In today's podcast, we review their recommendations. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 880
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Top Gear for Outdoor PhotographyI found an article titled 10 Best Cameras & Lenses of the Year: OP Editors' Picks 2022 on OutdoorPhotographer.com, and I thought it was one of the better recommendation pieces I had seen in recent history. I particularly liked that it was based on the research and experience of their editors who are top tier nature photographers.
I want to share with you some of their findings because it's already that time of year when we start thinking about our upcoming adventures in 2023. I also have some comments on their preferences.
Regarding the OM-1, Harold Mancusi-Ungaro wrote me: "Coincidentally your email found me in Antarctica photographing penguins with my OM-1. I can tell you that the AI subject AF for birds finds penguins on land as well as swimming and diving long the shores. And with its weather sealing I don't worry about the occasional splash in the Zodiacs. I love the camera."
So lots of good hardware in this segment.
AI-powered watermark removal poses uncomfortable implications for content useYou can read the entire article on DP Review.com.
Artificial intelligence being used to create photorealistic artwork is already causing significant unrest within the photography industry, but a new tool, WatermarkRemover.io, is among the most concerning.
WatermarkRemover.io, which is available for free, uses AI to remove watermarks from images - as implied by its name. While there are some benign reasons to want to remove watermarks from an image, for example, if you own the rights to an image but can't locate a version without the watermark, but it's easy to imagine much more nefarious scenarios in which someone wants to remove a watermark from a photo.
This isn't an article centered around bashing WatermarkRemover.io. It has every right to exist, and the developers aren't completely responsible for whether users download the tool to do something illegal - removing watermarks to steal photos is illegal, at least in the US. However, it's worth considering how the tool fits into an increasingly murky AI landscape.
You can already edit watermarks out of images with photo editing applications like Adobe Photoshop. In some cases, it's very easy to do so. Where AI comes in is making complex tasks, like removing multi-colored watermarks with different opacity values, much easier.
I've Joined MastodonI'm now posting and surfing on Mastodon. I've joined the Medium group there, but I'm available site wide. If you're on Mastodon as well, look me up so we can follow one another.
I polled our Inner Circle Members about Mastodon, and only 14 percent said that they were active on it. 36% knew about it, but hadn't pulled the trigger. And 18 percent said it just wasn't their thing.
We will see...
Follow Up to Mac mini M2 Pro SetupMuch has changed since last week's show on Luma Display and the new Mac mini. Here's an update.
As for the cool little 15.6" full HD display for $99 that I'm using to configure the Mac mini M2 Pro, it's an QQH 15 inch Portable Travel Monitor. And they are currently offering another $10 off if you clip the coupon box on the display page.
Now that I have things dialed in, I'm really enjoying using the Mac mini M2 Pro with the 2017 iMac 4K display.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #879, Jan. 24, 2023. Today's theme is "Will Astropad Luna Display Work for Our Photography?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueAstropad Luna Display is a $119 dongle with supporting software that enables you to turn your iPad or Mac into a wireless secondary display and create a portable dual monitor setup with the devices you already have. It supports Macs, PCs, and iPads in a variety of configurations. But, is it robust enough to use for our photography workflow? I tell all in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 879
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Will Astropad Luna Display Work for Our Photography?Alright, so here's the backstory.
I have a 2017 4K iMac with a gorgeous screen. And it fits perfectly in my studio workstation. But being 2017, its brains are getting a bit laggy with today's software. I don't want to ditch the entire computer just because it needs a new processor.
So, I was thinking, what if I invested the $119 in the Astropad Luna Display, purchased a brand new M2 Mac mini, and used my existing iMac as the display?
This approach would save the iMac from the electronics recycler and save me the $1,600 required for the companion Apple Studio Display. Plus, I would still have the brains of the iMac as a backup computer.
I decided to test the feasibility of this approach by purchasing the Luna Display and testing it with my 2020 Intel 13" MacBook Pro. If using the iMac as a secondary monitor for the MacBook worked, it certainly would suffice with the more powerful M2 Mac mini. Here's what I learned.
- Do not use the WiFi connection for the two devices. It's way too laggy. I'm using the Ethernet cable, and the performance is much better. I tried to get USB-C to USB-C to work, but could not.
- The configuration options are really nice. I'm using the iMac as a secondary screen, and I still have all the screen real estate of the MacBook Pro. Plus, I can use the mouse for the iMac on both the MacBook and the iMac. Both keyboards work as well. Very nice.
- At first I thought the performance was going to bug me, because working in Capture One Pro on the iMac display was a little different than natively on the MacBook Pro. But to be honest, I forgot about that as I became absorbed in my editing. So not as fast, but not bad either.
- A downside is that I'm now using my Ethernet port for the display, making it not available for other uses. I do have a powered multiport connector that would solve the problem. I haven't tested it yet, but I will.
- You can take full advantage of the iMac's 4K Retina Display, but you have to enable Retina in the Luna Display software settings.
- It's fairly easy to switch the iMac back and forth from secondary display mode to native iMac mode. Simply hold down the ESC key to exit Luna Display.
So, what's my bottom line? So, I am going to order the Apple Mac mini M2 and use the iMac as the display. I'm not recommending that everyone do this, because some folks may find it too much hassle compared to a dedicated display, or the performance just a bit short. I will report more once I get all the pieces in place.
Apple announces updated MacBook Pro and Mac Mini models with new high-end M2 chipsetsYou can read the entire article on DP Review.com.
Apple has updated its MacBook Pro and Mac Mini lineups to make the most of its new M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets. The new 14" and 16" MacBook Pro units are available with the company's high-end M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets while the updated Mac Mini is available with the M2 and M2 Pro chipsets.
The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are featured in new MacBook Pro models. The new 14" and 16" MacBook Pro laptops feature the same design as the previous iterations, including the displays, albeit with improved performance and connectivity.
While the general arrangement of ports is unchanged with the new models-MagSafe 3, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an HDMI port-the HDMI port is now HDMI 2.1. The prior MacBook Pro models used an HDMI 2.0 port, a much-maligned decision that limited the MacBook Pro to a single 4K display at up to 60Hz. The new models allow support for up to four external displays, including an 8K display at up to 60Hz and 4K displays at up to 240Hz.
When Apple announced the M2 last summer, many wondered when Apple's popular and affordable Mac mini would receive an update. The wait is over. You can now purchase the Mac mini with the standard M2 or the new M2 Pro chip - the M2 Max is not an option. It's worth noting that the prior M1-powered Mac mini wasn't offered with an M1 Pro or M1 Max. You can purchase the Mac mini with either the M2 Pro chip, the 10-core CPU/16-core GPU version, or the more powerful M2 Pro with a 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU. RAM is configurable up to 32GB.
The M2 version of the Mac mini supports up to two displays, whereas the M2 Pro version can use three displays. The M2 Mac mini supports up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz. The M2 Pro version supports up to 8K resolution at 60 Hz or 4K at up to 240 Hz over HDMI, so the M2 version apparently still uses HDMI 2.0, whereas the M2 Pro Mac Mini has an HDMI 2.1 port.
All versions of the new Mac mini include DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4, USB 4 and USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, a pair of USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, the M2 Pro model includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the M2 model has just two. The prior Mac mini had Thunderbolt 3 ports. Like the new MacBook Pros, the Mac mini supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
Online Printing Workshop Scheduled for March 8, 2023One seat just opened!
This inkjet printing workshop will help you tame your printer, enabling you to create beautiful prints and fine art greeting cards. We'll cover paper stocks, printer setups, project design, and even how to choose the best inkjet photo printer for you. Weekly printing assignments with class support will help you hone your skills.
March 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023 - Two Class Options Each Day. Each class is recorded and made available to participants. Plus, class members will have access to our growing online printing community on DerrickStoryOnline.
You can sign up for the printing workshop ($145) by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
Light Pollution Might Be Worse Than Previously ThoughtYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
It turns out light pollution might be worse than it appears by satellite. The problem has been steadily increasing over the years, which creates added difficulties for night photography.
Satellite data previously estimated that light pollution was increasing at a rate of 2% annually, but new research puts that number closer to 10%, according to a new research article published in Science. The problem in getting accurate numbers, according to the article, is due to LED lights. This is equivalent to a doubling of light pollution every eight years.
"Satellites can measure the light emitted upward, but they are not sensitive to all wavelengths produced by LED lighting or to light emitted horizontally," the article states.
To obtain the new estimates, 51,351 citizen scientists from 2011 to 2022 were shown maps of the sky at different levels of light pollution and selected which maps best matched their views. The gap between the two figures is likely due to the fact that LEDs have become more common and have become a go-to option for replacing older, less-efficient bulbs.
The increased light pollution can have effects on sleep patterns and even agriculture as the light can distract insects, The Verge notes. However, it also presents an issue for night photographers. While a washed-out sky of an urban area will always make for a more difficult canvas for astrophotography than a dark, remote sky, increased light pollution anywhere will require adjustments when shooting at night. There are light pollution filters, and photographers can upgrade their overall gear. PetaPixel's astrophotography guide suggests a number of cameras to check out. Additional light pollution might mean more tweaking of ISO and apertures settings as well before a photographer can take that perfect shot.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #878, Jan. 17, 2023. Today's theme is "The Uncomfortable Reality of AI Generated Images." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIn many ways, Artificial Intelligence is a friend to photographers. This technology makes our cameras smarter and our software easier to use. But there's also an uncomfortable side that creates computer-generated images based on text input. I'll explore some of those issues in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 878
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Uncomfortable Reality of AI Generated ImagesLast week I talked about the popularity of analog photography. In many ways, this could be a response to the relentless march of digital imaging supplanting hand-crafted images.
One surging aspect of digital technology is the AI-generated image. Current software such as Stable Diffusion, Jasper Art, Starry AI, Dream, and DALL-E 2 work by entering a text prompt into a text-to-image generator that produces visuals based on those prompts.
The output ranges from surrealist illustrations to hyper-realistic photos. Much of the artwork I've looked at feels like a really good video game.
Understandably, there has been some concern in the photography community about AI-generated art. Is this something that will eventually replace all of us?
The short answer is no. AI-generated photography will no more replace picture taking than photography replaced painting. They are different art forms.
But that doesn't mean that Artificial Intelligence won't disrupt segments of the photography world. I could see, for example, AI dominating stock photography at some point.
Imagine an art director being able to enter text prompts into a web interface and presented with a variety of options based on those words. That seems quite plausible to me.
I could also see Artificial Intelligence playing a role in social media where people have lots of ideas to communicate, but not necessarily the skills to illustrate them.
But when it comes to documentation, my belief is that photography will still rule the roost. Areas such as real estate photography, education, science, and even portraits will still lean heavily on the tools that we use now.
That being said, there are still some areas of concern for photographers. First of all, where do all those images come from that computers use for machine learning? It is likely that copyrighted work has been used to fine-tune the algorithms that are constantly improving.
And what about distinctive artistic styles? What if a style is learned from a specific photographer, then incorporated into output, but without credit or compensation to its creator? That's troubling.
Here's an interesting anecdote from the article, "Why AI Is a Threat to the Photography Industry" on DIY Photography.
Alex London has worked in Costume and fashion design in New York City for the last ten years. His work is intricate and detailed and a large portion of his work is spent working with Art Directors and photographers on editorial shoots and brand campaigns. He shared with DIYP how he had recently lost a job to AI.
Alex was hired to create some concept work. After agreeing initially to his fee, the next thing that Alex knew was that the company had bypassed his creative ideas and fed a sample of his body of work into the AI. He says that he was shocked at the output that the machine managed to create. "It looked like something that I would have done," Alex says, "which was really surreal," he adds. "Not to put too fine a point on it," he says, "the whole thing feels like yet another way not to pay creatives a fair wage."
There have also been stories in chats online about models being hired for a casting. When they arrived they were shocked to be told that in fact their likeness was being scanned to be used as data for AI software, to help the machines learn as it were. And it's this slightly underhand hiding the truth that is getting people upset. It's one thing to lose work to a computer, but when a whole industry and its related industries crash because of it, we could be in for a world of hurt.
Author Peter Dench expands on these points in his article, The Human Cost of Artificial Intelligence in Photography published in Amateur Photographer.
After less than an hour of my own exploration into image generation I'm frustrated and bored. I can see the potential but ethically it's questionable. Software like Stable Diffusion scrapes copyrighted images from the web, taking aspects from other people's work and recombining them. It's not straight up plagiarism but it feels uncomfortable and certainly doesn't feel like photography.
Mellor is on point. 'One of the interesting philosophical questions about it is that it takes away the eventfulness of photography. When we think about photography you often think about it in terms of someone with a camera who was in some place at some time and they recorded something happening, even if it's a stillness, even if it's nothing, there's a kind of an event of a photograph whereas what these do is they have 'eventless' photography.'
'There never was a time when this was created other than someone like me who has absolutely zero photographic skill, typing in text prompts and pumping out an image.'
I think that clearly some of these issues need to be sorted out. I don't think any of us want to be unwitting contributors to our own professional demise.
While we work through the copyright challenges, there are many AI benefits to our imaging work. I truly enjoy taking pictures with my iPhone and OM-1 mirrorless camera, both of which rely on computational photography.
Using object recognition for search in Apple Photos feels like magic at times. And text recognition is truly useful for fast lookup and information retrieval.
So if we can navigate the potential dark side to Artificial Intelligence in photography, and continue to develop the positives, then we may just survive this latest technology disruption.
NVIDIA's Live Streaming Software Can Digitally Fake Eye ContactYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
NVIDIA Broadcast, the company's tool for live streaming and video conferencing, can now digitally alter a subject's eyes in real-time to make it seem as though they are looking directly into the camera.
One issue with shooting live-streamed video at home for professional use -- and it even crops up in simple video calls -- is that many people are uncomfortable staring directly into the camera instead of either on a script or at other people on screen. While doing so makes the user uncomfortable, not doing so breaks engagement with audiences.
To help solve this problem, NVIDIA has been developing a type of "deepfake" technology that can artificially adjust a subject's eyes to make them appear as though they are making contact with the camera. Called Eye Contact, it improves audience engagement with a subject by simulating eye contact.
"The new Eye Contact effect moves the eyes of the speaker to simulate eye contact with the camera -- achieved by estimating and aligning gaze.," NVIDIA explains. "The eyes retain their natural color and blinks, and there's even a disconnect feature in case you look too far away, to transition smoothly between simulated and real eyes."
Online Printing Workshop Scheduled for March 8, 2023This inkjet printing workshop will help you tame your printer, enabling you to create beautiful prints and fine art greeting cards. We'll cover paper stocks, printer setups, project design, and even how to choose the best inkjet photo printer for you. Weekly printing assignments with class support will help you hone your skills.
March 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023 - Two Class Options Each Day. Each class is recorded and made available to participants. Plus, class members will have access to our growing online printing community on DerrickStoryOnline.
You can sign up for the printing workshop ($145) by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
DPReview Readers' Choice Awards 2022: Product of the YearYou can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
And the winner of our 2022 Readers' Choice Product of the Year award goes to the Fujifilm X-H2S, with 34.7% of the total vote. The X-H2S delivers the highest performance in an X-mount camera, thanks to its 26MP stacked sensor. Its much-improved AF system can track complex motion at high frame rates, and a large buffer makes high-speed shooting very usable.
It's also an impressive video tool: it can capture 4K/60p video (and even 6.2K/24p), includes internal ProRes LT recording, and can capture 14-bit video at up to 30p for slightly expanded dynamic range when using Fujifilm's new F-Log2 gamma profile. There's even an optional cooling fan for dedicated video shooters. It's no surprise that DPReview readers chose the Fujifilm X-H2S as their Product of the Year.
As always, thanks to everyone who voted in our polls. We appreciate your participation and couldn't do any of this without you!
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #877, Jan. 10, 2023. Today's theme is "Is Film Photography Really Making a Comeback?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWe keep seeing the headlines, but do we know what they really mean? And if indeed analog photography is making a comeback, how does that play out in the overall world of imaging? Thanks to my TheFilmCameraShop that I run on Etsy, I'm in frequent contact with those who fancy a fresh roll of Kodak Tri-X, and here's my take on the state of analog photography. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 877
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Is Film Photography Really Making a Comeback?I think a better way to frame this discussion is that analog cameras have become more in demand over the last two years. And I think there are some very logical reasons why.
- Outside of top-end models from Leica and Nikon, no one is making quality 35mm film cameras right now. So like oil and other finite resources, when they're gone, they're gone.
- We're seeing a pushback to the perfection of digital imaging. Some creatives are looking to film to create that artistic, somewhat imperfect look, while others are turning to old digital cameras.
- Film is expensive, but there is a wide variety of options that are truly intriguing. And we are seeing new film emulsions all the time.
- Film photography is easy. I know this sounds weird, but think about it. You don't need a computer, backup system, or have to learn software. Take the picture, send off the roll, and get back finished prints.
- And finally, film photography is cool. Most folks won't give you a second look if you say you like to take pictures. But if you say that you like to shoot film, they are interested.
You know it's interesting, film photography has become part of our cultural DNA. Just go to any used book store and dig around in the old magazine section. When you flip through the pages of Life, Time, and others, it's like looking back through your artistic ancestry. And the fact that we can create pictures like those today has an almost time machine feel to it.
The very first article that I wrote for Medium was Why Film Photography Won't Go Away. For a first effort, it was a hit.
But it wasn't my writing that grabbed the spotlight, it was the subject: Film Photography. People are interested in it, even if they never intend to shoot a single frame of Kodacolor 200.
There isn't a film photography resurgence, it never really went away. It's the fact that it's still here that impresses headline writers.
It feels like the Pentax K1000 should have been buried with 8-Track tapes and shag carpet. But here it is today, alive and well with its audio brother vinyl records.
You don't have to be popular to be good. You just have to be good. And film photography is indeed very good stuff.
New Eco-Friendly Film Lab Lets You Pick Which Photos to Print from a RollYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
The company says that it realized photographers are not likely going to want prints of every photo on a roll of film, which means that every time a photographer asks for prints to be mailed along with developed negatives, a large number of those prints will be discarded -- Analogue Wonderland estimates between 50% and 80%.
"This represents a huge environmental waste -- every one of those prints takes paper, ink, electricity, and shipping -- irrespective of the quality of the focus, colors, and composition," the company says.
"On the other extreme there are photographers who never choose prints, worried about the risk or lacking the confidence to bet that something magical will have been captured. This is an entirely different type of waste -- artistic instead of environmental -- but equally avoidable."
Its new system works like this: photographers order film and scans through Analogue Wonderland. After the film has been processed, customers are emailed a link to view those scans in their account. From there, the photos can be reviewed and the ones that a photographer actually wants to be printed can be selected. When the negatives are mailed, they include only the photos that a photographer specifically denoted as the ones that they wanted.
Analogue Wonderland says that this process is more eco-friendly, results in higher quality prints since its editing team has the opportunity to fine-tune color, contrast, and crop the image before sending it to the printer, and the system is no less convenient than other established methods and there is no requirement to download, change, or reupload images.
Analogue Wonderland is UK based. Hopefully we'll see a service like this in the States before too long.
Online Printing Workshop Overwhelming Favorite for March AdditionI polled our Inner Circle Members about topics for a potential March Online Workshop, and the overwhelming favorite was a redux of the Inkjet Printing Class.
So stay tuned while I pull together some details, and hopefully I can make an announcement next week.
You can sign up for any of our events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
Meet Luminar 100, a new 35mm color film stock made from Kodak Aerocolor IV aerial filmYou can read the entire article on DP Review.com.
As the film revival continues strong, another new color film stock has been released, this time by Montreal-based Popho Camera Company. And unlike other respooled rolls of film, Popho Camera Company comes right out and says what its new Luminar 100 film stock is: respooled Kodak Aerocolor IV 2460, historically used for aerial surveillance.
Popho Luminar 100 is a daylight-balanced color negative film stock that Popho describes as having 'medium saturation and contrast' with 'warm tones, enhanced red sensitivity and a wide dynamic range.' Popho notes the film stock is 'well-suited for landscape and other general photographic applications.'
Kodak, in its data sheet for Aerocolor IV 2460, says the film uses the company's 3.9-mil (0.10mm) ESTAR Base with gel backing for 'flexibility, moisture resistance, high tear resistance, and excellent dimensional stability' and has an 'abrasion-resistant emulsion, an antihalation undercoat, and a dyed-gel backing.' Kodak also says the film doesn't have integral color masking,
Unlike many of the recent film stocks we've seen pop up, Luminar 100 isn't a limited release, meaning it should be around for years to come.
36-exposure rolls of Popho Luminar 100 are available to pre-order for $10.51 each. This isn't a crowdfunding campaign and the first units are produced and will be shipped out (without the paper box) by mid-January 2023. We have pre-ordered a roll and will feature the results once we shoot and develop the film after its arrival.
Limited Ricoh GR III 'Diary Edition' Debuts a New Film-Like Photo ModeYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
Ricoh has announced the GR III Diary Edition, which features a different "warm gray" finish, comes with specially-designed accessories, and debuts a new image mode that provides "a negative-film finishing appearance."
Other than aesthetic changes, the GR III Diary Edition is the first Ricoh camera to receive a new image mode that the company says provides an appearance that is similar to negative-film.
"Based on the visual effects possible only with negative film, this mode produces an exquisite balance between rich colors and the uniquely discolored prints resulting from using negative film," the company says.
This new photo mode will be available for GR III and GR IIIx-series models via a firmware update that is scheduled to be released following the availability of the Diary Edition. At the time of publication, Ricoh did not provide any examples of what photos taken in this mode look like.
The Ricoh GR III Diary Edition Special Limited Kit will be available in late January 2023 from Ricoh's website for $1,149.95. The company says that it plans to sell the camera as a standalone (without the strap, ring cap, hot shoe cover, or case) in the spring.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #876, Jan. 3, 2023. Today's theme is "Shoring Up My Backup System with the Synology DiskStation DS220+" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueIn last week's show I discussed getting what I needed (instead of what I wanted). And now I've done exactly what I should have: shore up my backup system with the Synology DiskStation DS220+. This week, I talk about how I have this $299 workstation setup, and how it's working for my photography. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 876
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Shoring Up My Backup System with the Synology DiskStation DS220+I've made tremendous progress filling the gap in my backup system. As you may recall from last week, my weakness was the immediate backup of working files and photo shoots. I really like the solution I settled on.
I now have running the Synology DiskStation DS220+ 2-Bay NAS Enclosure with a pair of WD 8TB WD80EFZZ Red Plus SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS HDD internal drives.
After initial setup and testing, here are the reasons why I like this solution.
- Good Value for the Money - $299 plus hard drives feels like a good price for what I get.
- Can Run on My Network, But Don't Have To - I could plug the DiskStation directly into my router and use across the network, and even tap via the Internet. But after testing that, I've decided to plug directly in using Ethernet cables (RJ45 included) and the twin Gigabit Ethernet Ports.
- Good Choice or RAID Options - RAID 0, 1, JBOD, Synology Hybrid - I'm using RAID 1.
- Decent Read/Write Speeds - Reads up to 225.98 MB/s and Writes up to 192.21 MB/s.
- Tons of Supported Protocols - CIFS/SMB, CalDAV, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, NFS, SMB 3.0, SNMP, and iSCSI.
- Good Admin Software - Easy to setup and easy to use. Currently I have an iMac and MacBook Pro plugged directly into the DiskStation using RJ45 Ethernet cables. The iMac has an Ethernet port, so that's easy. And I purchased a uni RJ45 to USB C Thunderbolt 3 - Type-C Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter for $16 to use with the MacBook.
I use the Connect to Server > Browse > Synology DiskStation sequence to access the RAID unit. You can get there even faster if you add Network to your Finder Sidebar. Once you're connected, the DiskStation shows up as a Shared Disk on the Desktop.
The Synology DiskStation DS220+ 2-Bay NAS Enclosure is easy to use, relatively fast, and I can have multiple computers connected to it simultaneously, even without getting the router involved. It solved my backup problem perfectly.
52Frames Weekly Photo Challenge: Improve Your Photography One Week at a TimeYou can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Make 2023 a year of creative breakthrough. We all know the key to getting better is consistency. Doing something over and over again will eventually make you better at anything. 52Frames is a photography community that encourages you to improve by prioritizing consistency over perfection: a photo every week for a year. Photography, like any other skill, requires practice. It's like going to the gym: you need a training plan, with clear goals and ways to achieve them.
52Frames is an online community that helps people to engage in creative play and personal growth through a weekly photo challenge.
It is a friendly community of people who want to improve their camera skills in a fun and easy way. There is actually a hidden photography lesson behind each week's challenge. The challenges encourage the photographers (who call themselves "Framers") to feel creative freedom and express their own creative take on their submissions. Week 29 of this year, for example, was "Common Object," which allowed the Framers to take pause during the week and observe the many photographic opportunities around them that they would usually just pass by. Perhaps this is one of the beautiful things about 52Frames: everyone responds to the same brief in a different way. The result is like taking a virtual tour around the world through the album each week.
Each week, 52Frames issues a challenge, which often is a new opportunity to explore outside your comfort zone and learn something new. The challenges may be centered around a technique, like a principle of composition, or it may be something more creative and story-driven, like "Red." Levitation Week inspired the members to learn layer masking in Photoshop. Fast Shutter Speed Week was an opportunity to capture fast-moving subjects and learn to work with your shutter controls. One challenge that stood out to me personally was Portrait of a Stranger. Being a studio photographer, I am mostly comfortable with my subjects. In short, they know why they are there, and I simply need to photograph them. Going out on the street and asking a stranger to take their photograph is a whole different ball game.
The 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Lineup+ Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023. SOLD OUT
+ Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023. SOLD OUT
+ Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023. SOLD OUT
+ Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 16-19, 2023
Pt. Reyes and its surrounding areas (Tomalas, etc.) provide a wealth of landscape and wildlife photography - and we will explore both!
This four-day photography adventure takes you to rugged Northern California coastline, rolling hills, seashore wildlife, Tule Elk, tranquil inlets, and so much more.
This is the perfect getaway to relax, breath fresh air, enjoy the company of your fellow photographers, eat good food, and fill your memory cards with beautiful images.
+ Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023
+ Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023. SOLD OUT
+ Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
Do's and don'ts to building a great portfolioYou can read the entire article on PhotoFocus.com.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #875, Dec. 27, 2022. Today's theme is "Investing in What Your Need, Not What You Want" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWhat I need and what I want are not always the same things. It's wonderful when the two line up. But when they don't, I have to make a decision. Today was one of those days. This week I discuss my final equipment purchase of 2022. And how it was what I truly needed. And how I was able to resist what I really wanted. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 875
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Investing in What Your Need, Not What You Want Back in August with Podcast 854, I discussed our collective backup systems and how many photographers in our community weren't totally satisfied with their systems.
I was among the "somewhat satisfied" group and fading quickly. My two Drobos were still running fine, but their software dashboards were no longer being updated and not compatible with macOS Ventura.
My twin-drive RAID enclosure died. And even though I didn't lose any data, I didn't have a replacement moving forward. I found myself once again cobbling together a backup system based on random hard drives and iCloud. I knew I needed to fix this.
Fast forward to the end of 2022 with no progress. I had a little money left over in the budget and wanted to make a year-end purchase for tax purposes. Here's where it got interesting.
B&H Photo was running some screaming sales. One in particular that caught my eye was the FUJIFILM GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR lens for $499 - a savings of $500! This optic would give me an equivalent of 28mm-55mm for my GFX 100S. I didn't own a zoom for that camera, and especially a zoom in my favorite range. And for only $499!
I left that catalog page open for two days. But I never added the lens to my cart. Why? Because what I really needed was a 2-drive RAID enclosure with a couple of 8TB drives. And yes, that rig costs about the same as the lens.
So you can see my dilemma. What I really wanted was the new lens to play with rather than the new backup drive system.
Finally, today, I ordered the Synology DiskStation DS220+ 2-Bay NAS Enclosure with a pair of WD 8TB WD80EFZZ Red Plus SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS HDD internal drives. Thanks to discounts and PayBoo's "no sales tax," then entire setup cost me $550. Well within my $600 budget.
How did I get to the point of choosing what I should invest in over what I wanted? Here's how:
- Time - Waiting and debating over 48 hours instead of making an impulse purchase.
- Pros and Cons List - This is where I have to be very honest with myself about the true benefits of each product.
- Acknowledging I May Be Able to Get What I Want in the Future - If this lens went on sale once, odds are good it will happen again. And maybe next time I will be in a better position to purchase it.
Photography is the toughest area for me to resist tempting new purchases that I don't absolutely need. But if I stick to my system for vetting potential new gear, I almost always make the right choice. Whether I like it or not.
FILM NEWS: A NEW FILM CAMERA FROM PENTAX?You can read the entire article on JapanCameraHunter.com.
Big breaking news. Over on the Pentax Japan website they have released a statement and a video, a pretty important one at that. Just have a wild guess what it is about? Yes, that is right, calm yourselves. A new film camera from Pentax. Or at least the intention to start earnest work on researching one. Now if that doesn't sound great then I don't know what will make you happy. So let's have a delve into it.
As many of you may know, Pentax and Ricoh are now the same company, and although the announcement was made by the Ricoh CEO Noboru Akahane, it was made under the umbrella of Pentax. Which inevitably leads to a few interesting thoughts. They could have gone with Ricoh, which would have almost certainly meant a compact camera, but with the announcement under Pentax, that opens the possibility of a new SLR or even a medium format camera. This is very exciting indeed. The official title for the announcement is "Film Camera Project", which sounds like music to my ears.
The camera project states there are two initiatives for this project. To begin considering the development of a new film camera, using the experience of veteran engineers to work with young designers and engineers. This could lead to some very interesting ideas, with new and more modern materials and techniques.
The second initiative is work with film fans to find out what they want from a new camera, utilizing social media and events to aid the development. This is a very nice touch, it shows that not only are they listening, but they are open to feedback. This is a breath of fresh air for a traditional Japanese company like Ricoh.
Both Pentax and Ricoh bring a real wealth of heritage and experience to the table. If any company in Japan can make a new film camera it will be these two. When I was asked if a Japanese company ever make another film camera, Pentax and Ricoh were the only ones I really thought that would have the onions to do it. And well, now they have announced that they are going to give it a crack of the whip.
The 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Lineup* Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023. SOLD OUT
* Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023. SOLD OUT
* Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023. SOLD OUT
* Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 16-19, 2023
Pt. Reyes and its surrounding areas (Tomalas, etc.) provide a wealth of landscape and wildlife photography - and we will explore both!
This four-day photography adventure takes you to rugged Northern California coastline, rolling hills, seashore wildlife, Tule Elk, tranquil inlets, and so much more.
This is the perfect getaway to relax, breath fresh air, enjoy the company of your fellow photographers, eat good food, and fill your memory cards with beautiful images.
* Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023
* Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023. SOLD OUT
* Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
Photographer Behind Instagram's Most Liked Photo Doesn't Like The CropYou can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
Getty Images shooter Shaun Botterill took the photo that's officially recorded as the most-liked Instagram post of all time with 71 million likes as of publication.
Botterill says that it's impossible to plan for a trophy lift with so much chaos going on. "It is quite a weird feeling, it's a bit surreal, you go: 'Holy s**t,' he's right there where you want him to be and that doesn't happen often," the photographer says"Even his hands coming up [with the trophy], I think the way he's holding it and smiling, he's definitely got a moment with the fans."
Botterill says that he prefers the original horizontal crop and not the square one that Messi shared on his Instagram. He believes the wider view provides better context and better captures the adulation the soccer legend was receiving.
Botterill doesn't have any social media accounts and initially was unaware that his photo had smashed the all-time record for likes on Instagram. Mark Zuckerberg reposted the photo, confirming that it had taken the record previously held by an egg. "That's the funny thing for me because I'm not on Instagram, I wouldn't even know how to crop an Instagram picture," Botterill says.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #874, Dec. 20, 2022. Today's theme is "What's It Going to Be in 2023?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueJust when I thought I had everything dialed in, 2022 happened. The enclosure for my backup RAID died, Capture One took another step toward a subscription model, and I was banned from Twitter. This seems like a good time to take a step back and reexamine my entire photography ecosystem. And if you're interested in doing the same, listen on. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 874
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
What's It Going to Be in 2023? As I'm planning for the new year that's right around the corner, I thought I'd start with a pros and cons list - what are the aspects of my workflow that are in good shape, and what are the areas that need attention.
I'm dividing my workflow into five areas: Capture, Organization, Processing, Backup, and Sharing.
Pros and Cons
Capture - Good Shape - OM System OM-1, Fujifilm X100V, and Pentax KP. Will see what the iPhone 15 looks like in the Fall.
Organization and Processing - OK for 2023, but not sure beyond - Have a perpetual license for Capture One Pro 23, so I don't have to make any decisions right now. But will be watching this landscape closely because a change might be in the works for 2024 depending on what everyone does. Photos for macOS Ventura is fantastic for my mobile photography work.
Backup - Flirting with Danger - My Drobos are aging and not supported by macOS Ventura and my RAID enclosure died. I do have Dropbox and the 1TB iCloud plan, so I'm not totally screwed. But need to shore this up in 2023
Sharing - Moving Away from Social - The Twitter permanent suspension was a real eye-opener. I had been using Twitter for daily photography updates to the TDS site via a sweet little API. That's gone now, and we're trying to figure out a new solution.
I could go to Facebook, but not a real fan of that platform beyond what we already use it for. And Instagram seems pretty volatile. I'm looking at Mastodon and Tumblr, but not really sure about any of them.
In the meantime, I'm going to put energy into our Nimble Photographer newsletter on Substack, maintain our The Digital Story Facebook page, and keep an eye peeled.
Bottom Line - I definitely have some things to work out this year? Will keep you posted as I navigate through them. But clearly, there's work to be done in 2023.
What Are the Best Alternatives to the Adobe Photographer Plan?You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Adobe ruled the waves for image processing. However, evermore people are jumping that ship in favor of alternative methods. Most have similar functions, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are thinking about changing, here are some alternative combined digital asset management, photo development, and editing options.
This article is a brief introduction to the various programs out there. When choosing what you need, there is a balance to be achieved between cost and functionality. All these packages include DAM (digital asset management) and raw development. Not all include advanced image editing, although most raw developers have some degree of local adjustments and simple tools like spot removal and graduated filters. Some features are common to many programs, but not all: HDR processing, panorama stitching, focus stacking, sky replacement, watermarking, and time-lapse creation. Some come with integrated AI-based noise control and sharpening. Others rely on external plugins to do those functions.
I am also writing this for desktop (or laptop) editors. Consequently, I only concentrate on computer-based programs and not comparing the cloud services that some offer, nor the phone and tablet apps.
I'll mention the unique selling points of each, but this isn't an in-depth review. If you want a DAM program, they all work. If you want raw development, then they all do that too. Some allow advanced image editing, while others require you to open a different program. The workflow of each is unique too. Therefore, making direct comparisons is difficult.
Adobe Made $17.61 Billion in 2022, $10.46 Billion on Creative Cloud AloneYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Adobe's Fiscal Year 2022 earnings have been released and the company achieved a record revenue of $17.61 billion, which represents a 15% year-over-year (YoY) growth. Creative Cloud revenue grew to 10.46 billion on its own.
The financial results for the Silicon Valley-based software company are, in a word, impressive. Adobe achieved revenue of $4.53 billion in its fourth quarter (Q4) of fiscal year 2022, which represents a 10% year-over-year growth. Additionally, record cash flows from operations were $2.33 billion, and the Digital Media segment -- the part of the business that contains all of Adobe's creative applications -- pulled a revenue of $3.30 billion or 14% YoY growth.
Creative Cloud alone represented $2.68 billion in revenue in Q4, representing 13% YoY growth that continues to show that Adobe's choice to switch from a model of annual perpetual software releases to subscriptions has been a massive boon for the company's profits.
Adobe's annual numbers are staggering. The Digital Media segment saw revenue of $12.84 billion, which represents 11 percent year-over-year growth. Within that, Creative Cloud revenue grew to $10.46 billion, representing 10 percent year-over-year growth. Both the Document Cloud and Digital Experience segments also saw double-digit YoY growth, highlighting a set of multiple divisions that saw monumental profits in 2022.
Looking at just the revenue for Adobe Creative Cloud, it's no wonder that Capture One is strongly pushing to shift its business model to subscriptions. Adobe has seen wild, incredible growth basically every year since it did away with the Creative Suite and moved to the Creative Cloud, and any business in this segment is obviously going to look at Adobe's strategy in order to remain competitive.
Photographers can ask for perpetual software until they're blue in the face, but no company is going to turn down this kind of revenue.
The 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Lineup* Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023. SOLD OUT * Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023. SOLD OUT * Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023. SOLD OUT * Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 2023 * Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023 * Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023. SOLD OUT * Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
Just Released! Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential TrainingWith Photos for macOS, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. It's evolved into a powerful, but easy to use imaging application. And it's free!
In this course, I take you on a detailed exploration of how to use Photos for both the Monterey and Ventura versions, plus tips for iOS as well.
I start with an exploration of the interface, then move into the new features. Noteworthy topics include how to remove duplicates from your library, different ways to use Live Text to transform your camera into a personal assistant, how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts and built-in Mac intelligence.
Also included are updates on some of the recent improvements to the importing process, with lots of useful tips for organizing and editing your pictures. (The editing tools are terrific!) Upon completing this course, you'll be working more effectively with Photos for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and iOS.
If you use a Mac and haven't explored Photos for a while, I think you'll be surprised by its power. Take a look for yourself by visiting Photos for macOS Ventura and iPhone Essential Training.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #873, Dec. 13, 2022. Today's theme is "I Am Worn Out by Subscriptions." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueI think a little something inside of me snapped the other day when I read that Capture One was beginning the process of migrating us over to a subscription based model. For some reason, I'm not sure why, it was the final straw. And now I'm standing back and looking at everyone who insist on reaching into my pockets every month in exchange for a service. What I discovered is the lead story on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 873
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
I Am Worn Out by Subscriptions In our last Nimble Photographer Newsletter, I wrote about Capture One moving to a subscription-based service, and how I'm not sure how that's going to effect my future with them.
This topic was already tumbling around in my head. Earlier this month I created a Numbers spreadsheet with all of the subscriptions that I currently maintained.
It's a simple 3-column spreadsheet that has a checkbox in column one, subscription name in the second, and the monthly amount in the third column.
If a subscription is checked, its monthly amount is added to the total. Unchecked, it is not. This allows me to manage my bottom line by checking and unchecking subscriptions.
Currently, my subscription list has 18 items. Most of these are for work, such as the Adobe Photography Plan, Mighty Networks, Vimeo, and Squarespace. Others are personal such as Netflix, Apple TV+, and NY Times.
When I began the exercise, every box was checked for a total of $610 a month for both personal and business subscriptions. If I unchecked the personal items, my business total is $313 per month. That left me with $297 a month in fees for personal subscriptions. That was just too much.
On my first pass, I was able to remove $80 in subs that I just didn't need. I will take a crack at a second pass later this month.
So you can imagine my joy about the Capture One news.
So here's my view on why I like perpetual licenses vs. monthly subscription fees. With a perpetual license, I can decide whether to upgrade on a release by release basis.
Sticking with our Capture One example, If I don't plan to add any new cameras in a given year, and I don't absolutely have to have the latest set of features, I can opt out of the update and stand pat with what I have. And to be honest, I could probably do that every other year.
Capture One had been charging $199 for a perpetual license upgrade. If I updated every other year, that would work out to be far less than the subscription model that forces me to pay on a regular basis.
And I don't mean to be picking on Capture One, because this is happening everywhere. Even new cars want subscriptions for specific add on features.
I understand why businesses want subscriptions. They have our money no matter what. But that seems somewhat uncompetitive to me. They don't really have to earn our purchase anymore with dazzling new features.
In my business, I have resisted subscriptions. The TDS Photography Podcast is free. The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is also free. Online and physical workshops are a set price.
If you want to support the work I do beyond attending a workshop, you can pledge $54 a year through Patreon. I love the folks who do that. Because they recognize that it takes a lot of work to publish a weekly podcast and a weekly newsletter. And they choose to help me keep that going.
Services who constantly reach for customers' wallets for every little thing better be careful. Because at some point customers might just decide to go somewhere else. And that number is 0$ a month in subscriptions.
DxO Offers More Than 1,700 New Optics Modules and FOV Enhancements for PhotoLab 6.1You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Now, DxO is announcing the immediate availability of 1,700 new DxO Optics Modules, consisting of three new cameras and 18 optics, including the highly anticipated Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens. The total number of DxO Optics Modules now exceeds 78,000 camera and lens combinations. These updates apply to the newest edition of Photolab 6.1, which is also available now.
For example, there's the new Canon RF 15-30mm lens at 16mm: DxO says that generic raw conversion software will typically crop 10% or more of the image. For photographers who want to avoid losing precious detail from the edge of the frame, DxO's corrections maximize the lens' field of view while also delivering superior corrections to sharpness and distortion.
The company also claims another unique benefit of working with DxO Optics Modules is the fully automatic correction of lack of lens sharpness uniformity across the entire image. DxO uses an exclusive lens sharpness calibration that delivers tailor-made adjustments and corrections across each lens' field of view. Unlike competitors, sharpening is applied at different levels, specific to a lens' idiosyncrasies. For instance, sharpening might increase towards the edge of the frame to balance any radial softness. This achieves superior results when compared to applying general sharpening across the entire image -- an approach taken in lesser software.
DxO PhotoLab 6.1 (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website at the following prices:
DxO PhotoLab 6.1 ESSENTIAL Edition: $139
DxO PhotoLab 6.1 ELITE Edition: $219
A free 30-day trial is available. Owners of DxO PhotoLab 6 can update for free from within the software.
Also, throughout December, DxO has a special holiday gift: photographers save 30% when they buy two or more DxO software titles.
$71 Coat Makes Wearers Invisible to AI Security CamerasYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Students in China have invented a $71 "invisibility cloak" that hides wearers from artificial intelligence (AI) security cameras. Developed by a team of students at Wuhan University, the "InvisDefense" is a low-cost coat that can be worn day or night to evade detection from security AI camera systems.
To the naked eye, it looks like any other ordinary camouflage pattern coat. However, during the day the coat's customized camouflage prints which is designed through an algorithm effectively blind visible light cameras. At night, the coat's embedded thermal devices emit unusual heat signals to confuse infrared cameras.
"Security cameras using AI technology are everywhere. They pervade our lives," Wei tells Vice World News. "Our privacy is exposed under machine vision. We designed this product to counter malicious detection, to protect people's privacy and safety in certain circumstances."
The 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Lineup* Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023. SOLD OUT * Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023. SOLD OUT * Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023. SOLD OUT * Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 2023 * Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023 * Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023 * Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #872, Dec. 6, 2022. Today's theme is "5 Handmade Photo Gifts that People Will Love." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening MonologueWhen it comes to the holiday season, I say, "Use your talents for good!" And what better way to share your photography than creating memorable gifts for friends and loved ones? Today, I'll share with you 5 great ideas that you can pull together quickly for this time of giving. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 872
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5 Handmade Photo Gifts that People Will LoveHandmade fine art greeting cards by photographer John Hershey.
What do you give people who have everything they want? Something they didn't realize they needed. Photographers are in a unique position to create a variety of holiday treasures. Here are a few to consider for your loved ones.
- A Personalized Family Portrait - Not just any department store group shot, but one in a location that has meaning photographers by someone who knows all the players.
- A Family or Friends Treasure Board - Chances are very good that you have a catalog of images of friends and family. How about creating a framed treasure board with those images that show the history of these folks over the years?
- 2 Hours of Tech Support - This can be an especially nice gift for older family members who just can't get anyone to help them with their phones, computers, or cameras.
- Set of Fine Art Notecards with Blank Interiors - Notecards are wonderful to have on hand for quick thank you notes and special acknowledgements. And if you include matching postage stamps, this gift is sure to wow.
- Hand Me Down Camera - To a budding photographer.
A nice touch to any gift you give is handmade wrapping paper. You can use a number of textured photos and print them in a pattern on lightweight paper. It's a wonderful finishing touch!
Adobe Stock Will Now Let Contributors Sell AI-Generated ArtworkYou can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Adobe has announced that its stock photography service, Adobe Stock, is now accepting illustrations created using generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as those created by OpenAI's Dall-E or Stable Diffusion.
In a blog post, the company says that the choice to allow generative AI onto its platform came after it "deeply considered" questions of ethics and proper use of the technology. The result it that while it is accepting artwork created with AI, it has also created a new submission policy that it believes will ensure generated artwork is used responsibly by creators and customers both.
"While early generative AI technologies have raised valid concerns, Adobe is committed to helping lead the evolution that will come from this technology into tools that empower artists, while never seeking to replace human imagination," the company writes.
"Properly built, used, and disclosed to viewers, generative AI can be a powerful tool to enhance creativity, accelerating the creative process to benefit both consumers of digital assets and the community of contributors who produce those assets."
Pantone Just Announced Its 'Unconventional' Color of the Year for 2023You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Today is the day we learn which color will take the crown as the color of the year for 2023. Are you ready to start seeing the unconventional new shade everywhere?
All eyes are on Pantone, the worldwide standard for color communication, as they announce their hotly anticipated color of the year for 2023. Last year's shade was PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri and chosen in part to reflect the optimism in the air post-pandemic. For 2023, however, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is the color chosen and is described as an unconventional shade for an unconventional time. Viva Magenta is claimed to be able to communicate power and demonstrate strength.
If you're not too familiar with Viva Magenta as a color, think of a bold magenta shade with a pink undertone. While I do appreciate a company declaring a color of the year could look like just another marketing gimmick, Pantone doesn't just pluck a random color out of thin air. Instead, they look to creative industries, from entertainment to fashion, to interiors and design to make an educated guess about what shades will be important in the coming 12 months. For photographers that operate in these creative circles, it can only be a good thing to know what the color of the year is. I know when I've mentioned the selected shade to various art directors, designers, or commercial clients, they have always been impressed I even knew what it was.
The 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Lineup* Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023. SOLD OUT * Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023. * Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023 * Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 2023 * Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023 * Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023 * Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
OM-1 Firmware Update 1.3Update your OM-1 camera's firmware today for these benefits.
- Improved performance of C-AF when shooting still images.
- Improved performance of C-AF when recording videos.
- Stability of other operations has been improved.
Updating for the first time? Watch our instructional video to learn how to update your firmware.
You can learn more here about the update.
Virtual Camera Club NewsThe Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #871, November 29, 2022. Today's theme is "The Secret Lives of Photographers." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
It's true: we love our cameras, taking pictures, and hanging beautiful images on the wall. We are photographers. But many visual artists are also talented in other areas of creative expression. I've learned this over the years during casual conversations at workshops and conferences. And many times I've been impressed with the revelations. This week's podcast is dedicated to the secret (artistic) lives of photographers. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 871
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The Secret Lives of Photographers
Last week I reached out to our community of photographers who follow me on Substack and asked them about their hidden talents. I got some great responses.
Here in the order of most popular talents are what they shared.
- Playing a musical instrument.
- Writing short form essays and articles.
- Graphic arts.
- Painting.
- Songwriting.
- Drafting.
I also provided an "Other" category where readers could list activities that were not included in the poll. I found some of these fascinating, and want to share a few of them with you.
Barb: "Tapestry weaving is a great addition to Photography. They are both about images but the tactile nature of working with yarn has a fulfillment all its own. They both use color and light but the visualizations are wonderfully different and complimentary."
Evelyn: "Watercolor, ukulele, weaving, spinning and knitting are my things besides photography."
John: "Watercolor painting, graphic design, piano playing. All compliment photography and each other."
Karl: "Wood working , wood turning, copper art, driftwood art."
Carl: "I am furniture maker (22 pieces in our home) and wood turner of both open and closed form vessels."
Jim: "Musically I am primarily and organist and pianist, but six years ago, at age 50, decided to teach myself bass guitar just to learn something new. For my full time work, I am a technical writer, but also enjoy some casual writing and blogging for fun."
Clearly we have a talented audience here. Thanks to everyone who voted in the polls and contributed comments. I thought this was a lot of fun.
Sony Will Supply Apple with 'Advanced' Image Sensor for the Next iPhone You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Sony is set to provide Apple with a "state-of-the-art" image sensor for its next iPhone that will supposedly double the amount of light it can capture and give it the ability to clearly capture a face even with a strong backlight.
Nikkei Asia reports that it has learned Sony will supply Apple and "other smartphone makers" with access to the new image sensor, which the company is producing in response to pressure from Samsung Electronics, which also makes smartphone sensors.
According to the report, Sony's new image sensor doubles the saturation signal level in each pixel which allows it to capture more light while also allowing it to reduce overexposure or underexposure in certain settings. As a result, the sensor is capable of not only better low-light performance, but it is better able to meter starkly different exposures, such as a face that is heavily backlit by the sun.
At the time of the announcement and in that detailed presentation in February, Sony did not say when the new sensor would find its way into consumer devices or even when it intended to manufacture the sensors at scale. Those questions appear to be answered now though, as Sony is preparing to be able to provide it for use in smartphones that are expected to be released in the Fall of 2023.
The latest sensor on the iPhone 14 is already extremely impressive, so adding even more imaging prowess to the smartphone will no doubt further close the gap between standalone cameras and mobile devices.
Canon's new 'Pro' webcam software costs as much as just buying a capture card You can read the entire article on TheVerge.com.
It felt like companies were offering some goodwill during the pandemic when they released free software that allowed a camera you already own to work as a webcam, but now, Canon's looking for some of that sweet recurring subscription revenue. A new update to its EOS Webcam Utility software adds a bunch of new features, but only as part of a new Pro tier that costs $5 per month or $50 per year.
Opting to pay gets you new features like streaming up to five cameras at once via USB, wireless single-camera streaming, 60fps support, finer controls for custom scene profiles, watermark insertion, control of your camera settings via the UI, and some further granular tweaks. While much of that sounds nice and may make for a better experience when using the EOS Webcam Utility, the Pro version tops out at just 1080p resolution (the free tier is still stuck with 720p). That seems a little paltry for a paid service utilizing a variety of cameras capable of outputting 4K via their HDMI ports.
Look, I get it: Camera companies are thirsty for recurring revenue streams just like everyone else -- and normally, their only source is a pro service program like Canon Professional Services (CPS). But while some of these new features added to Canon's webcam software seem nifty, I can't shake the fact that basic capture cards are really cheap now, and two years of this service costs about as much as buying an Elgato CamLink 4K for yourself -- which supports the same 1080p / 60p and even goes up to 4K resolution without any subscription. As for all the advanced software control, OBS may be a pain in the ass to learn, but it's free to use.
It's a relief to see that Canon will maintain the free tier for owners who just want the basics and can't be bothered to buy additional hardware for streaming, but now it seems like a safe bet that most new features will be kept behind the paywall.
The 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Lineup * Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023. SOLD OUT * Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023. * Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023 * Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 2023 * Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023 * Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023 * Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #870, November 22, 2022. Today's theme is "Totally Fun Holiday Gift Guide for Photographers." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
There are many accessories and optics that can make a photographer's work more creative and efficient. And sometimes we don't even know that those helpful items can be. But maybe after today's podcast you'll have a better idea. Here are my suggestions for fun and functional goodies for the visual artists in your life.
Digital Photography Podcast 870
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Totally Fun Holiday Gift Guide for Photographers
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Lens Cap Keeper Holder Buckle Kit (52-67mm) $13 - The buckle could be attached on the camera strap. Each buckle holds three sizes of lens caps on opposing sides of the holder. Fits most lens caps. Easily attaches to your camera's neck/shoulder strap/bag strap and no extra modification of your camera or lens cap is required. Avoid losing your lens cap during shooting sessions on the go.
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Everyone's a Photographer Until T-Shirt $17 - Everyone's A Photographer Until Manual Mode designs. Do you or someone you know love taking pictures? Then get this funny design. Photographer will absolutely love this design.
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FanVince Winter Gloves - $17 - With the Unique and Sensitive touchscreen Fingers Capability (touchable thumb and forefinger), all your touchscreen devices, even the smartphone covered with screen protector, can be easily clicked used. Coming with enough silicone particles on the palm, thumb, index finger and middle finger, which effectively increases the grip strength and abrasion resistance of the touch screen gloves.
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Geekey Multitool TSA Friendly $18 - Original Stainless Steel Key Shaped Pocket Tool for Keychain | Bottle Opener, Screwdriver, Ruler, Wrench, Bit Driver, File, Bike Spoke Key | TSA Friendly - Its features include a 3.2/3.3mm Bike Spoke Key, a Screwdriver tip that will fit a #2/3 Slotted, #2 Square Drive, #2/3 Phillips, and #2/3 Combinations (Phillips/Slotted or Phillips/Square) screw all in one bit, Imperial and Metric Closed Wrench, ¼ inch Open Wrench, ¼ inch Bit Driver, Scoring Tip, Serrated Edge, Can Opener, Wire Stripper, File, Imperial and Metric Ruler, Protractor, Bottle Opener, Multi-head fit Driver, and a Lanyard Hole.
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ALPS Mountaineering Classic Trekker $30 - The Classic Trekker quickly locks into place thanks to its high-quality fast locking lever system, making on-the-go adjustments a breeze. Featuring 7075 aluminum construction, the Classic Trekker is both durable and lightweight. You can use the Classic Trekker as a traditional walking staff or trekking pole with the length extension feature. Another bonus feature is you can remove the round wooden top to reveal an accessory mount allowing the Classic Trekker to double as a monopod. You won't want to hit the trails without the Classic Trekker.
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Apple AirTag 4 Pack - $75 - Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology leads you right to your nearby AirTag (on select iPhone models).
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Neewer Photo Studio Lightbox $115 - Shooting Light Tent with Adjustable Brightness, Foldable and Portable Tabletop Photography Lighting Kit with 80 LED Lights and 4 Colored Backdrops. Featuring 80 LEDs, a CRI of 85+, 6000-6500K color temperature, the 20" × 20" × 20" / 50 × 50 × 50cm light box provides bright white light to showcase your products. The brightness adjustment knob on the power adapter allows you to conveniently adjust light brightness. Easily set up the light box with the hook-and-loop fasteners. The foldable design lets you fold it down and carry it wherever you go.
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KODAK Slide N SCAN Film and Slide Scanner with Large LCD Screen $180 - With the new SLIDE N SCAN Digital Film Scanner from KODAK, you can view, edit and convert your old photos, no tech savvy necessary! This easy yet elegant 22MP scanner delivers crisp, clear, beautiful images with the press of a button. Best of all, there's no straining to see. Watch old memories come to life on the large 5" LCD screen with extra wide viewing angle and gallery mode--perfect for previewing pictures, or for using the scanner as a desktop photo frame! Unlike other frustrating scanners that require you to remove the tray and reposition slides each time, our easy-load insert system allows for continuous feeding, speeding up the scanning process significantly. In addition to the main 50mm slide holder, three adapters are also provided for compatibility with 135, 110 and 126mm films. You can finally skip the stressful software and complicated onboard buttons--and simply scan!
Fujifilm Japan is temporarily ceasing X100V orders due to having too many to process You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
Fujifilm announced the release of its X100V APS-C digital camera back in February 2020. Now, nearly three years later, Fujifilm Japan has announced it is having to temporarily stop orders due to having too many back orders, according to a new report from FujiRumors.
In the public notice posted to Fujifilm Japan's website, it reads 'we have received orders that have greatly exceeded our initial plan, and we are unable to keep up with the supply of products, so we will temporarily stop accepting orders from today.'
Based on the public notice being issued only by Fujifilm Japan for now, it appears as though this cessation of new orders will only be affecting the Japanese market. We have contacted Fujifilm representatives to confirm whether or not similar measures will be put in place in other regions.
Derrick Note: B&H posted a Request Assistance button on their site for the camera stating: "Unfortunately, our supplier cannot provide an accurate timeframe so we have suspended backorders for this item. Reach out to our Experts (available via Live Chat or Phone) to find an alternative solution tailored to your needs." and Amazon Marketplace is selling "renewed" cameras for $2,169.
The 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Lineup * Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023. SOLD OUT * Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023. * Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023 * Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 2023 * Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023 * Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023 * Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
The Average US Adult is Hoarding Over $2,000 of Unused Tech: Report You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
New research has revealed that the average U.S. adult is sitting on over $2,000 worth of unused tech -- with the majority of consumers surveyed owning at least one camera in their home that they are not using. According to new data from camera reseller, MPB, alongside research provider CINT, the U.S. is hoarding over $650 billion worth of technological devices they do not use.
In MPB's online survey, which was completed by 13,000 adults, two-thirds of Americans revealed they have at least one piece of unused tech in their home. The average U.S. adult is estimated to be sitting on $2,459 worth of unused tech.
The average amount consumers spend every year to keep up with the latest technology is over $500. And two-thirds of consumers surveyed feel that the cost of technology is too expensive.
According to the survey, millennials and Generation Z are holding on to the most unused tech. Adults aged between 18 to 34 have an average of $3,691 worth of unused tech in the U.S. 56 percent of them have at least one unused camera in their home.
When asked why they had not sold an unused piece of tech, the two most popular reasons consumers gave were that they did not think they would receive much money in return and they or someone close to them might need it one day.
My Twitter Account Now Permanently Suspended Without warning and for no reason.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #869, November 15, 2022. Today's theme is "Scratches, Dings, and Paint Chips." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Most enthusiast photographers go to great lengths to protect their gear. We use high tech camera bags, half cases, aluminum bottom plates, protection filters, lens hoods, and more. But what level of concern is truly important for our equipment? We explore these worries and more on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 869
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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The Story of Kent Porter In Sonoma County, we have a photography legend named Kent Porter, who has worked as a photographer for the Press Democrat for 34 years. During the past five years, he's been concerned with the effects of climate change here in Northern California.
I think you will find his story interesting.
How Front Element Scratches Affect Your Images
You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.
To put it simply, front element scratches will reduce the contrast and sharpness of your images, but nearly exclusively at the point where the scratch is on the element. So will you notice these scratches in your images? Probably not. This is because of how lenses capture light. In general, dirt, debris, and damage will be most evident when it's closest to the focal plane (sensor). At lower aperture values (f/1.4, f/2.8, or f/3.5 for example), a front element scratch will be almost impossible to detect, and dust or damage on the actual sensor (or on the rear element of the lens) will appear as a small shadow or possibly a blurry artifact. At higher aperture values (f/16, f/20, f/22, for example), a front element scratch may be a bit more noticeable, appearing as a place with less contrast and hazier. A rear element scratch or sensor scratch will be much more apparent at higher apertures, appearing as a flare, or in some cases, even a black blob. This is why it's easy to test whether or not you have sensor dust - just set your aperture to f/16 or above, point the camera to the blue sky, and press the shutter. You'll likely see sensor dust pretty easily, as dark spots.
To illustrate this point, we pulled some scratched lenses from our repair department's inventory and did some side-by-side comparisons. Example photos are below, and as you can see, both lenses performed near equally to their undamaged brethren. I doubt you'll be able to see any differences between the scratched and unscratched comparisons.
As you can tell from above, you likely won't be able to see the differences between one image and the other, and scratches will have almost no noticeable changes to your images. However, one place where it can have larger effects is when you have flares in your images, so let's look at how each lens performs when we're intentionally flaring lights.
That said, obviously, regardless of these results, no one wants to put a big scratch on the front of their lens, so, it's important to take means of protecting their lens if they can, so here are some tools that can help protect the front of your camera lens.
The Best Filter System I've Tested: We Review the Kase Wolverine IV Magnetic Filter System You can read the entire article on Fstoppers.com.
The Kase Wolverine IV magnetic system is the best filter system I have ever used when it comes to usability. Nothing comes close to how straightforward and easy this system is.
There are two ways to use this filter system. The first is with a static circular adapter ring that attaches to the lens. This static ring is small, lightweight, and screws on with the filter threads on the front of most lenses. Once it's screwed onto the lens, you can attach multiple circular filters via the magnets in the filters and adapter rings.
The polarizing filter that comes with the pack doesn't have the common dual circular feature that allows it to rotate once attached. Instead, because it's being attached via the magnets, it's never fixed in place and can therefore be rotated to whatever orientation you need.
Additionally, you can attach ND filters on top of the polarizing filter should you need to control the exposure too. In my experience, most people tend to want the ability to shoot with one ND and one polarizing filter. This smaller, static adapter ring offers this ability in what I think is the most user-friendly manner I have ever experienced. It is, without a doubt, the best-implemented filter system I've ever used.
With so many filter systems on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which is best for you. As photographers, many of us have our own personal preferences. Despite this, I find it difficult to imagine anyone disliking this system. Aside from the poor performance of the 6-stop filter, the Kase filter system comes closest to perfect overall.
The polarizer and 10-stop filter system are true standouts amongst many of the options available on the market. Coupled with the fact that this system is incredibly easy to use, it makes for what could be the best option on the market.
The 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Lineup * Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023. SOLD OUT * Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023. * Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023 * Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 2023 * Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023 * Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023 * Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
The 2022 Oregon Coast Workshop a Success
Here's a brief overview of the wonderful time we enjoyed together last week.
What's new in the latest Capture One 23 release You can read the entire article on PhotoFocus.com.
Smart Adjustments - Aimed at portrait, wedding and event photographers, the Smart Adjustments offers consistency in your portraits in just a few clicks with Smart Adjustments. Automatically adjusting Exposure and White Balance to match looks across a series of images. Designed to work where copy/apply could not give consistent results before. Smart Adjustments can be added as a Style getting you closer to one-click editing.
Cull and Import Upgrades - Sort and select images faster with a dedicated function specifically designed for culling. View, rate, tag and browser with zero delays (no preview generation required). View similar images for faster selection on import or with the new dedicated cull view. Specially designed with high-volume photographers in mind, to make finding your best shots faster.
Also: Layers in Styles, Change Capture Time, Improved Performance for Sony Files, and performance enhancements.
My Twitter Account Suspended Without warning and for no reason.
Virtual Camera Club News
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #868, November 8, 2022. Today's theme is "Fujifilm Muscles Up with the New XT-5." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Yes, the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2S are great cameras for those who need those capabilities, but for many of us who are more straight photography oriented, the X Series is what caused us to fall in love with brand in the first place. And now with the announcement of the X-T5, the affairs continues. We'll take a look at the new 40MP wonder, plus more stories, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 868
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Fujifilm Muscles Up with the New XT-5
Let's start with an overview of the specs:
- 40MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI Sensor
- 4K 120p, 6.2K 30p, FHD 240p 10-Bit Video
- 7-Stop In-Body Image Stabilization
- 425-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System
- 3.69m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3" 1.84m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 20 fps E. Shutter, 15 fps Mech. Shutter
- Improved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- ProRes & Blackmagic RAW via HDMI
- 160MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot
From B&H Explora - you can read the entire review here:
All of this is fine, but there are two and a half changes that I really noticed in my week of use. The first is a more robust grip: rather than the gradual slope of the XT-4, the hand rests along a steep wall that may not be much deeper than its predecessor but feels more secure in the hand. It was the first thing I noticed when I picked the camera up, and it's felt good every time since.
The other change is one I'm personally more conflicted about, but it's also something others will undoubtedly celebrate: the removal of the flip-out vari-angle screen. That particular feature is now the exclusive domain of the X-H series, where the functional benefit for video types (like me) will be universally worth the usability downgrade for photo types (like me). I was content to make that trade-off with the X-T4, but I know many resented it, and those folks will be quite happy with FUJIFILM's return to the 3-way tilt mechanism of the X-T3. This means that you can get your high- and low-angle photography without affecting the camera's rotational center of gravity: you don't need to compensate for the additional weight sticking out the left side, and you do feel that in your day to day. Additionally, that third "tilt," where the screen completely detaches on one side from the main mechanism, gives additional flexibility while shooting off-angle portraiture.
The biggest change to the XT-5 isn't visible: The X-Trans 5 looks just like its predecessor, but it is a milestone in APS-C engineering. The 40MP sensor means a massive 53% jump in pixel count, marking the largest increase the line has seen and may ever see. In fact, the X-Trans 5 sensor is the highest-resolution APS-C sensor on the market, period.
I love my X-T4 the same way I loved my X-T3 before it and the X-T2 before that but, once again, FUJIFILM has come out with a camera that's made me take a long, hard look at the credit limit on my Payboo card. Darn it, I think they've got me again.
The Fujifilm X-T5 is scheduled to begin shipping on Nov. 17, 2022. You can preorder it now for $1,699.00 US.
OM Digital Solutions is removing the Olympus name from its entire product portfolio You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
Last year, OM Digital Solutions (OMDS) announced it would gradually transition from using the name the Olympus branding it acquired to its own OM System brand it developed. Now, that transition is getting fast tracked, just a week after OMDS announced the first interchangeable lens camera bearing its new OM System name, the OM-5.
In a press release posted to its Japanese website, OMDS announced will be replacing the 'Olympus' name on all of its current product lineup with 'OM System.' According to the announcement, the change will impact all products in OMDS' lineup, including cameras, lenses, binoculars and accessories. Aside from swapping 'Olympus' with 'OM System,' the affected products will otherwise remain unchanged, with the original specifications and build quality.
This change comes nearly two years after Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) completed its acquisition of Olympus' camera and imaging portfolio under its then-new OM Digital Solutions subsidiary. Ten months after the acquisition, OMDS announced its new OM System brand, which it implied would serve as the successor to the historic brand formerly known as Olympus.
The Olympus name has been on various cameras, lenses and accessories in some form since the 1930s. While the brand and the products bearing its name has seen various owners over the years under the greater Olympus umbrella, this transition to OM System appears to mark the end of a name that's been stamped on cameras of all shapes and sizes for almost a century, including the game-changing OM-1 and its popular Olympus Pen lineup.
The New Nimble Photographer Weekly Newsletter
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
How to Sign Up
You can Sign Up for Free to the Nimble Photographer Newsletter and receive each edition weekly in your inbox.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
Are Modern Photos Too Perfect? You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
We are at a remarkable time in photography: cameras and lenses are more capable than ever, and we can create images that photographers could only dream of a decade ago. And for the most part, that is a great thing. However, there can be a downside to that. Are images too perfect nowadays?
Coming to you from aows, this interesting video discusses the idea of reintroducing imperfection to photos. I think this is an important thing to think about. A lot of photography today places technical perfection at the top of the list of priorities. And no doubt, we should not confuse the idea of deliberate imperfection with not possessing sound technique. Rather, we should reassess if the constant pursuit of technical perfection is hindering us from improving our photos in other ways. After all, there are a lot of photos out there that are clinically sharp, with beautiful colors and crisp editing, and yet, they are often somehow lacking something -- something that makes them compelling, that makes the viewer unable to look away. When our technique is good, it is time to make room for other aspects of image-making as well. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
Virtual Camera Club News Update on the 2023 TDS Workshop Season - We're off to a great start for the 2023 TDS Workshop Season. Workshops are filling up quickly.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #867, November 1, 2022. Today's theme is "Announcing the 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Season." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
From the red rocks of Sedona to the rugged shoreline of Point Reyes, the 2023 TDS Workshop season includes new online and in-person events. And I will share all of them with you today. Plus, the two biggest complaints about the new OM System OM-5, and two favorite things about macOS Ventura. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 867
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Announcing the 2023 TDS Photography Workshop Season
Now that we're back in full swing with in-person workshops, plus a revamped slate of online events, there should be plenty to tempt any enthusiast photographer. Here's an overview of the TDS 2023 Photography Workshop Season.
- Inkjet Printing Workshop for Photographers Online Workshop - Nov/Dec 2022 and Nov/Dec 2023.
- Maximizing Your Micro Four Thirds Camera Online Workshop - Feb. 2023.
- Ultimate B&W Photography Online Workshop - April 2023
- Pt. Reyes In-Person Photography Workshop - May 2023
- Infrared Photography Online Workshop - July 2023
- Sedona Arizona In-Person Photography Workshop - Oct. 2023
- Wine Country in Autumn In-Person Photography Workshop - Nov. 2023
You can sign up for any of these events by visiting our Photography Workshops Page. Inner Circle Members receive a 10 percent discount on all events.
The Two Biggest Complaints About the New OM System OM-5 Camera
The OM System OM-5 mirrorless camera ($1,199.99 US) is chock-full of advanced features such as: High-Res Shot, Live ND, and Composite Modes; 121-Point All Cross-Type Phase-Detect AF; all-weather construction; 30 fps Shooting; ISO 200-25600; and a 20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor. You can take this handsome, compact MFT camera just about anywhere and get the shot.
But there have been two specifications that have universally annoyed OM System fans - 1) using a micro-USB port instead of USB-C for connectivity and in-camera charging, and 2) the none-updated Menu System.
It's interesting how important the basics are. Yes you get Live ND and other computational photography functions in the mid-range OM-5, but if you overlook ports and menus, it doesn't satisfy many customers.
Take note OM System designers!
The New Nimble Photographer Weekly Newsletter
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
How to Sign Up
You can Sign Up for Free to the Nimble Photographer Newsletter and receive each edition weekly in your inbox.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
My 2 Favorite Photography Features in macOS Ventura
Duplicates Management - If you have duplicate images in your Photo Library, macOS Ventura can detect them and merge the duplicate images together. The people album can now be sorted alphabetically, and edits made on one photo can be copy and pasted to another photo.
Lift a Subject from the Background - The ability to copy the subject in Photos is a feature that I'm very excited about. With this, I can copy the subject to my clipboard and paste it practically anywhere.
Note: Hardware Requirements for Ventura -
iMac (2017 and later)
iMac Pro (2017)
MacBook Air (2018 and later)
MacBook Pro (2017 and later)
Mac Pro (2019 and later)
Mac Studio (2022)
Mac mini (2018 and later)
MacBook (2017)
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #866, October 25, 2022. Today's theme is "Putting the AI in ImAge with Aaron Hockley." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Like any disruptive technology, Artificial Intelligence has its share of misconceptions. It's not that it's coming, it's here! To help make sense of what's going on right now, I sit down with photography technologist Aaron Hockley to discuss the role of AI in imaging today. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 866
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
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Putting the AI in ImAge with Aaron Hockley
Aaron Hockley is the author of The Computer Ate My Photos and runs the website, Tech Photo Guy. He sits down with me in the Santa Rosa Studio to talk about how Artificial Intelligence is permeating our daily photography life.
ON1 Resize AI 2022 review
You can read the entire article on LifeAfterPhotoshop.com.
ON1 Resize AI 2022 is extremely impressive, both as an image size upscale for large prints and as a tool for making lower-resolution images from older cameras usable again. Its ability to reconstruct textures is extraordinary and uses the power of AI to work out what it's looking at and what it should look like when enlarged. The results are noticeably better with higher-quality, large-sensor originals to work from, however, and $99.99 does seem expensive. Then again, ON1 Photo RAW 2022 users will get this AI resizing in free update, and ON1 Resize AI 2022 will also be free to those who bought the (non-AI) ON1 Resize 2022 product.
Pros
- Incredible detail rendition
- Works on JPEGs - doesn't need RAWs
- Easy presets for different print sizes and aspect ratios
- Optional output sharpening, cropping, 'gallery wrap' feature
- Resize by pixel dimensions, percentage, megapixels, print size
Cons
- Less effective on small-sensor images or compressed JPEGs
- Quite expensive
I just used it on a project where a family member asked me to scan and restore a 2"x3" B&W print so they could make an 11"x14" metal print from it. After scanning and retouching, I ran it through ON1 Resize AI 2022 to create a file large enough for a big print. The results were impressive, and the software really helped me make this project a success. The detail and sharpness of the final image was impressive.
The New Nimble Photographer Weekly Newsletter
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
How to Sign Up
You can Sign Up for Free to the Nimble Photographer Newsletter and receive each edition weekly in your inbox.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
Adobe MAX 2022: Major updates to Lightroom & Photoshop, plus more on Adobe's AI future You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
The updates to the Lightroom ecosystem make it easier to use masking workflows, remove unwanted elements from images, and utilize AI masks on mobile platforms. More advanced AI-powered masking is available on Lightroom for desktop, Lightroom Classic and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). This time last year, Adobe introduced re-envisioned selective adjustment tools, including Select Sky and Select Subject. Today, Adobe builds upon these tools with all-new Select People, Select Objects, and Select Background. Powered by Adobe Sensei, Adobe's AI technology, retouching portraits is much easier with the new Select People. The software can detect and generate high-quality masks for individuals or groups in any portraits and can select specific body parts, such as face skin, body skin, eyes, teeth, lips, hair and more.
Similarly, Select Objects is 'now the quickest and most flexible way to mask objects in Lightroom,' says Adobe. You paint over the desired object with Brush Select or draw a rectangle around the object with Rectangle Select. The AI will then automatically refine the edges to create a precise mask.
The new Select Background option makes it easier to choose the background of an image. Before, you could use Select Subject and then invert the mask. Now you can achieve the same result in one less step.
On Lightroom for desktop, Lightroom Classic, ACR and iOS/iPadOS, Adobe has introduced Adaptive Presets for portraits. Adaptive Presets aren't new, having been introduced this past summer, but using them on portraits is a new feature, and they're now available on mobile. They were previously exclusive to desktop. Adaptive Presets for portraits allows the user to quickly enhance an entire portrait or target specific features like eyes, teeth or eyebrows.
Across all Lightroom apps, there's a new Content-Aware Remove feature. Based on the same technology as Content-Aware Fill, Content-Aware Remove will adaptively fill in removed 'blemishes' based on the surrounding content. You can also manually select the sampled area for more fine-tuned control.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #865, October 18, 2022. Today's theme is "Why Would You Put a Cheap Lens on an Expensive Camera?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Over the last few months we've seen incredible lens bargains from independent manufacturers. Optics that would normally cost 2-3 times more are available in a variety of focal lengths and mounts. Generally speaking, we know that their quality doesn't match the performance of name brand offerings. So is there any situation when a cheap lens would be a viable option? I weigh in on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 865
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Why Would You Put a Cheap Lens on an Expensive Camera?
One of my favorite rabbit holes to fall into are the comments sections of photography articles where armchair experts lambast other commenters and the post itself. And one topic that's sure to bring the heat is when a new bargain lens is announced.
The latest dustup centered around the post titled, AstrHori announces $289 40mm F5.6 manual lens for Fujifilm GFX cameras on DPReview.com. They wrote:
"The fully-manual lens offers a 32mm equivalent focal length and is constructed of seven elements in five groups. It uses a five-blade aperture diaphragm, has a minimum focusing distance of 41cm (16.1") uses a 62mm front filter thread and uses physical rings for both aperture and focus."
Now I have a GFX 100S with a couple lenses, but I could use a moderate wide. So I was interested in this announcement. Of course I turned to the comments knowing that this should be great fun.
When I checked in, there were 96 comments. Most of them wouldn't consider buying this optic. A few were curious.
Then I watched a video review of the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Tilt lens by Christopher Frost. Tilt-Shifts are really interesting optics, and to be able to score a new one for $200 is an interesting proposition.
Frost showed that the lens isn't very sharp wide open, but cleaned up nicely as it was stopped down. There were 47 comments for the video, many of them willing to give the lens a try because of its unique abilities and that it could perform well at smaller apertures.
So this leads me to my answers to the question, "Why Would You Put a Cheap Lens on an Expensive Camera?"
- The lens has unique capabilities.
- Sharpness isn't the number one priority.
- Creating a unique look.
- It's affordable!
- It fills a seldom used gap in your lens library.
I once had this client that wanted a specific look for their photography. They liked strong backlighting with a bit of flare and very soft backgrounds.
I spent $100 on a Yongnuo lens and put it on my Canon 5D Mark II. I was able to easily create the type of images they wanted. And to tell you the truth, I found them quite appealing myself.
If you put yourself in a box that the pictures your produce must be perfectly sharp, straight, and classically composed, I fear that you may be missing opportunities to create something truly compelling.
Yes, there are times we need our best lenses to meet the requirements of the job. But not every subject demands that. And sometimes a cheap lens on an expensive camera is just what the artist ordered.
FBI Arrests Gallery Owner for Forging Ansel Adams Photos You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
The FBI raided the home of a gallery owner who is accused of cheating clients out of more than 100 rare fine art photographs, including prints by famed landscape photographer Ansel Adams, worth an estimated $1.6 million.
Wendy Halsted Beard, who owned the Wendy Halsted Gallery in Birmingham, Michigan, was arrested on Friday and charged with mail and wire fraud and accused of orchestrating a scheme involving photographs that she received on consignment.
Prosecutors allege that she sold pictures without the owner's knowledge, pocketed the cash, or failed to return unsold works.
According to an affidavit, an 82-year-old victim gave Beard $900,000 worth of fine art photography in 2018 for her to sell on consignment. Included in the collection was a mural-sized photograph of The Tetons and the Snake River by Adams.
Beard agreed to sell the photograph for $685,000 with a 5% commission. Investigators say she sold it for $440,000 but the victim was never notified she had sold it and never received the money.
A second victim, an 89-year-old collector suffering from Alzheimer's disease, consigned photos, including prints by Adams as well as photographers Ion Zupco, Arnold Newman and Jerry Uelsma.
The collection included a signed print of Tenaya Creek shot by Adams in Yosemite National Park in California in 1948 and valued at $4,000 to $5,500.
Investigators say that when the said client's relatives asked for the Adams photos to be returned to them, Beard gave them cheap copies from a gift shop instead of the original, signed photographs.
On Friday, FBI agents raided Beard's home and arrested her. She was released on $10,000 unsecured bond Friday after making an initial appearance in federal court in Detroit on charges punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.
The New Nimble Photographer Weekly Newsletter
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
How to Sign Up
You can Sign Up for Free to the Nimble Photographer Newsletter and receive each edition weekly in your inbox.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
The 2x 'lens' on the iPhone 14 Pro is surprisingly good You can read the entire article on TheVerge.com.
One of the iPhone 14 Pro's big new features is a big new camera sensor. For the first time, an iPhone has a high-resolution main camera sensor -- 48 megapixels to be exact -- and the best thing about it isn't that you can take 48-megapixel photos. You can, sure, but RIP your phone's storage space. Nope, one of this sensor's best features is the 12 megapixels in the middle. Apple has added a 2x zoom mode to its camera app, and all it does is use the central portion of the main camera sensor to crop in and mimic the effect of a 48mm-equivalent telephoto lens. That's it. Simple, but it's actually kind of a big deal.
I wasn't expecting to like the 2x zoom. For starters, it feels dangerously close to digital zoom. That's when you zoom in on a portion of an image without the benefit of extra pixels or optics. Your phone essentially magnifies a portion of the full image, which reduces resolution. In order to get the image back up to the original resolution, it has to make some guesses about information that it's missing, and things get watercolor-y fast.
Digital zoom has gotten better recently by using computational tricks to fill in the gaps, but even so, I'd rather stick with good old-fashioned optics. In any case, that's not what Apple's doing here -- this crop to 2x uses all 12 megapixels at the center of the sensor, so you're getting a full-resolution image, just without the pixel binning tricks that are available when the full width of the 48-megapixel sensor is used. It doesn't need to fill in any missing information because it's all just there.
For subjects in close quarters, especially portraits, I like the 48mm better than either the 1x (24mm) or the 77mm-equivalent 3x lenses. Apple's camera engineers must have figured that might be the case because they made it the new default focal length when you turn on portrait mode, and I think that was a very smart move. It's a common belief among photographers that a 50mm lens has a field of view that's similar to the human eye, so this has that going for it, too.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #863, October 11, 2022. Today's theme is "ON1 Photo RAW 2023, DxO PhotoLab 6, Hit the Streets." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
AI technology is simplifying the workflow across many of our photo editing apps. And the latest release of ON1's Photo RAW 2023 is a great example. For many visual creatives, ON1 software is already a staple in their bag of tricks. This latest release will most likely expand that user base further. We'll take a look why in today's TDS Photography Podcast, plus an overview of PhotoLab 6 as well. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 864
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
ON1 Photo RAW 2023, DxO PhotoLab 6, Hit the Streets
Having just spent a couple editing sessions with ON1 Photo RAW 2023, and can say that the features work as advertised. And there are a number of new tools to work with. Let's review what's been added to this robust image editor.
- Super Select AI Tool -- Applying adjustments to areas in your photos couldn't be easier than the new Super Select AI Tool. Just tap on the areas you want to adjust and then pick an adjustment. Want the sky darker? Click-click-done. How about greener grass? Click-click-done. It's a speedy and natural way to edit that will change how you approach editing your photos for the better.
- Mask AI -- Say goodbye to tedious brushing when you need to mask or target a specific area. Mask AI uses state-of-art machine learning to segment photos, identifying objects like people or animals and regions like the sky, mountains, flora, water, and ground. You can select subjects or areas from the list when masking layers, effects, or local adjustments. Mask AI will create great-looking masks instantly. You can even choose regions to apply filters or adjustments to when you add them, making it easy to get just the adjustment you want.
- AI-Powered Adaptive Presets -- Presets just got even more powerful. They can automatically target common subjects like people, water, skies, and buildings. The incredible new subject-aware presets give you one-click solutions to challenging problems like brightening the subject, darkening the sky, or adding detail to foliage. Best of all, you can create your own subject-aware presets.
- Quick Mask AI -- We've rebuilt the Quick Mask tool to make it faster and more intuitive. The AI segments the photo into regions and objects automatically. Then click on the segments you want to mask, which automatically builds a high-quality mask, no brushing needed.
- Tack Sharp AI -- State-of-the-art sharpening and deblurring is now part of NoNoise AI, your single solution for simultaneously removing noise and sharpening photos. It can detect and remove motion blur as well as save out-of-focus shots. Stop throwing out the perfect shot just because it's a little soft.
- Keyword AI -- No one likes adding keywords, but we do like finding our photos. Keyword AI in Browse uses AI semantics and metadata to suggest keywords for you automatically. It can see hundreds of objects and regions, identify locations, find people, and understand photographic properties. These all become searchable terms to help you find your photos faster.
- Content-Aware Crop -- If you have ever had to crop or level a photo and have lost important details near the edges, the new content-aware crop will be a lifesaver. It can expand the photo canvas and fill the new edges with realistic detail.
- Improvements to Sky Swap AI -- Leveraging the new Mask AI technology, we continue improving the sky's AI detection and masking. We are adding options for adjusting the angle of the sky and for better matching of edges like trees when going from a light to a dark sky.
- Auto Color Fringe Reduction -- Determining the right amount of color fringe removal is a thing of the past. The new auto option detects the color fringe or chromatic aberrations and removes them automatically.
- ON1 Application Manager -- The ON1 Application Manager makes it easier to find and install ON1 Apps and keep them up to date. If you are a subscriber, you can find all your apps, and new apps will be available automatically.
- In-App Notifications -- Learn about new courses, videos, and creative assets in the app with new account in-app notifications.
- Full Screen Preview of Presets -- You can now get a huge, full screen preview of a preset applied to your photo simply by mousing over the thumbnail of the preset. This makes shopping and select the right preset much faster.
- Support for new cameras and lenses -- Added support for GoPro GPR raw format. We will also be adding support for a range of new cameras and lenses, which will be shared as we get closer to the release.
During the podcast I discuss these features plus my overall impressions of using the app.
You can ON1 Photo RAW 2023 for $99.99. It's available right now. If you use my coupon code: THEDIGITALSTORY20 - you will get a big discount and be able to purchase the app for $79.99. That is a lot of photo editing firepower for the money.
DxO announces PhotoLab 6 and ViewPoint 4: More powerful raw editing, new tools and improved performance You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
DxO has announced the latest version of its all-in-one raw photo editor, DxO PhotoLab 6. The French company has also announced a new version of its geometric correction software and plug-in, DxO ViewPoint 4.
DxO PhotoLab 6 - Looking first at PhotoLab 6, it includes numerous new improvements to image quality, editing tools, workflow and performance. PhotoLab 6 includes the new DeepPRIME XD denoising technology to improve image quality. XD stands for eXtreme Details. Compared to DeepPRIME, DeepPRIME XD promises better sharpness and color and less noise. It's ideal for high ISO images and promises an improvement in image quality of about 2.5 stops. This means that if you captured an image at ISO 4000, it would look similar to an image shot at ISO 500, all else equal, in terms of noise, color and clarity.
DeepPRIME XD, like the regular version of DeepPRIME, performs raw demosaicing and denoising simultaneously, which promises better sharpness and less noise than competing software solutions. DeepPRIME XD uses a neural network trained using billions of images and samples.
On the workflow side, PhotoLibrary 6 includes nesting for projects, better support for Exif and IPTC tags and adds color labels. You don't import images into PhotoLab, but rather keep your images in their original locations and point the software toward them. There aren't any catalogs. The color labels are included in .xmp sidecar files so that other apps can also read them.
DxO PhotoLab 6 is available now in Essential and Elite editions. The Essential edition is $139 for new users and $75 as an upgrade for DxO PhotoLab 4 or 5 owners. The Elite edition, which includes the new DeepPRIME XD denoising technology, X-Trans sensor support and more, is $219 for new users and $99 to upgrade. DxO doesn't offer subscriptions, so you purchase a lifetime license for its software. You can download a fully-featured 30-day free trial for PhotoLab 6 by visiting DxO.
The New Nimble Photographer Weekly Newsletter
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
How to Sign Up
You can Sign Up for Free to the Nimble Photographer Newsletter and receive each edition weekly in your inbox.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #863, October 4, 2022. Today's theme is "Inside a Group Photo Presentation." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Have you ever wondered what it's like to have your images projected on a screen in front of a group of photographers? What would they say? Would it be fun or nerve wracking? In this week's TDS Photography Podcast, I bring you inside a group presentation that took place in the Eastern Sierra. I think you'll find it fascinating. All of that, and more, on today's show.
Digital Photography Podcast 863
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Inside a Group Photo Presentation
Audio recorded by Jim Kuzman during a group photo presentation on Sept. 30, 2022.
How Do You Critique Your Own Photos? You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
One of the toughest parts of being a photographer is learning how to be objective about your own work. It is not fun to be brutally honest about photos you have invested a lot of time and effort in, but if you want to grow as a creative and put your best foot forward professionally, it is something you have to master. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced landscape photographer discuss how to go about critiquing your work.
Coming to you from Alister Benn with Expressive Photography, this great video tutorial discusses the topic of learning to critique your own work. No doubt, this is not something most of us enjoy doing, but it is a crucial skill, particularly if you are a professional. Unfortunately, if your portfolio features 20 great images and one questionable one, that single bad photo will stick in the minds of potential clients and sink you. As much as we sometimes get attached to our work, it is important that we be brutally honesty about its quality before we present it to the world. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Benn.
The New Nimble Photographer Weekly Newsletter
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
How to Sign Up
You can Sign Up for Free to the Nimble Photographer Newsletter and receive each edition weekly in your inbox.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
7Artisans announces $150 4mm F2.8 APS-C circular fisheye lens for APS-C cameras You can read the entire article on DPreview.com.
7Artisans has released its new fully-manual 4mm F2.8 circular fisheye lens for APS-C mirrorless camera systems and compatible drones.
The lens, which lacks any sort of communication protocols and requires complete manual control, offers a roughly 6mm full-frame equivalent focal length with a 225º field of view. It's constructed of 10 elements in eight groups, uses a seven-blade aperture diaphragm, has a minimum focusing distance of 8.5mm (.3") and uses a de-clicked aperture ring.
The lens is made of metal and weighs just 201g (7oz). It's available for Canon EOS-M, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-mount camera systems. 7Artisans also notes it can be paired with DJI drones for fisheye images captured from the sky.
The 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 fisheye lens is available for $150 through the company's online shop.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #862, September 27, 2022. Today's theme is "Confessions from Convict Lake." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Monday is a scouting day for the Eastern Sierra Workshop. The word has been that color is beginning to show at Convict Lake, the southern most destination on my itinerary. I began the day in Walker. After two cups of coffee, I head south. And I'm bringing you along for the ride. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 862
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Confessions from Convict Lake
Convict Lake, CA. Photo by Derrick Story. OM System OM-1 with 12mm-40mm PRO II Zoom.
Audio notes from the road.
The New Nimble Photographer Weekly Newsletter
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
How to Sign Up
You can Sign Up for Free to the Nimble Photographer Newsletter and receive each edition weekly in your inbox.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #861, September 20, 2022. Today's theme is "Packing Up the VDub for the Sierra." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Highway 395 between Topaz and Bishop is my favorite stretch of U.S. roadway. The world is a different place on the eastern side of the Sierra. And if you enjoy expansive views, roadside motels, and the freedom of everything you need packed in your car, then there's no better place on earth. And that's where I'll be next week for our Eastern Sierra Workshop.
Digital Photography Podcast 861
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Packing Up the VDub for the Sierra
I want to start with the car when talking about this road trip, because that makes the most sense. One year and three months ago, I drove a 2021 VW ID.4 off the lot and have been exploring the West with it ever since.
It's interesting to read the press about electric vehicles when you own one. They make it sound so hard. I'm going to camp the first night in Coleville on the East side of the Mountain. I'll make one charging stop before that for lunch, top off via the RV hookup in my campsite, and then I have an Electrify America charging station waiting for me in Bridgeport, which is where our HQ for the workshop is located.
People have asked me, "Aren't you nervous taking an EV on a wilderness workshop?" I'm thinking, no radiator, no transmission, no oil pan, no overpriced gas - no problem. Those of you who have road tripped in an EV know what I'm talking about.
Plus, I can seat 5 and all their gear, I have a pull out awning for shade and relaxation, the back converts into a bed for camping, and the car drives like a dream.
Our Beautiful Locations
With a storm passing through right now, we should have great photography conditions, and with luck, some good Fall color. Plus we're going to try a few ambitious shoots.
We're going to photograph Mono Lake twice in one day - first thing in the morning, then last thing at twilight. It's going to be great to see these different shots during the presentation.
I'm saving our Bodie shoot for the end of the day this year. We've always gone in the morning, but this time I want to be there when they close the place down.
In addition too all of the color, we're going to be working with B&W and Infrared Photography. This instantly changes any scene into a completely different look.
And then I have some cool spots down by June lake that are just plain fun to shoot, nice hiking, and very peaceful.
Lab Time is Fun Time
One of my favorite activities of any of our workshops is lab time where we work on our pictures in a group setting. This trip is particularly nice because we get to use the Cain House that's on the premises of the Silver Maple. Built in the 1800s, completely restored, and a lovely place to hang out with our fellow photographers.
The Grand Finale - The Group Presentation
One of the things that make our group presentations so special its that we've developed a group chemistry during the week that carries over to the presentation creating a supportive environment. What a great way to finish the week.
The New Nimble Photographer Weekly Newsletter
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
Cosina is bringing its Voigtlander 40mm F1.2 Nokton, 35mm F2 Macro APO-Ultron lenses to Nikon Z-mount You can read the entire article on DPreview.com.
Cosina has announced it's bringing two of its Voigtländer prime lenses to Nikon mirrorless cameras. According to Cosina, the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm F1.2 Aspherical and Macro APO-Ultron 35mm F2 will be available for Nikon Z-mount cameras systems.
The Nokton 40mm D F1.2 Aspherical was previously only available for Leica M-mount and Sony E-mount camera systems. That will soon change though, as Voigtländer will offer a manual focus Z-mount version that has an integrated chip and electronic contacts for transmitting EXIF data and integrating with Nikon's sensor-shift image stabilization capabilities on compatible cameras.
Like the existing models, the Z-mount version is constructed of eight elements in six groups, including two double-sided aspherical elements. It features a 10-blade aperture diaphragm, has an aperture range of F1.2 through F22, uses a 52mm front filter thread and (although unconfirmed in the information) will likely have the same minimum focusing distance of 50cm (19.7").
Cosina is also bringing its X-mount Macro APO-Ultron D 35mm F2 lens to Nikon Z-mount cameras. As you'd expect from a lens designed for a crop-sensor system, however, this model will be limited to APS-C Nikon Z-mount cameras or full-frame Z-mount cameras when shot in Nikon's DX-format crop mode.
This lens will use the same design as its X-mount predecessor, including an optical construction consisting of nine elements in six groups, including three abnormal partial-dispersion glass elements. The lens features a 10-blade aperture diaphragm, an F2 to F22 aperture range, has a minimum focusing distance of 16.3cm (6.4") and uses a 49mm front filter thread.
As with the Nokton 40mm F1.2, this lens has an integrated chip and electronic contacts for transmitting EXIF data and will work with Nikon's sensor-shift image stabilization capabilities on compatible cameras.
The Macro APO-Ultron D 35mm F2 lens is set to be released in October 2022 for $685.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #860, September 13, 2022. Today's theme is "Shoot and Be Seen." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Ultimately, we take pictures for ourselves. But sometimes it's nice to share them with others. Posting our images online has become a real "hit or miss" endeavor in terms of views and feedback. Today we're going to look at the photo sharing landscape and explore new options for getting our pictures in front of others. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 860
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Shoot and Be Seen
Now that Instagram has gone to the video dogs, and Flickr is feeling longer in the tooth than ever, what are our options for sharing images with others who will actually look at them?
I'll start with a pretty good article titled, 15 Best Social Media Networks for Photographers that was published on photography course.net. It has lots of good details that I won't have time to cover in the show, and I encourage you to go over and take a look.
Social Media Sites They Discuss
- Behance
- Flickr
- Visura
- Fstoppers
- 500px
- Vero
- YouPic
- Exposure.co
- Tumblr
- TikTok
Camera Clubs
If you're lucky enough to have a camera club in your local area, they often facilitate photographer presentations.
Member Only Groups
Sites like DerrickStoryOnline for Inner Circle Members are designed specifically for members and provide a more intimate and ad-free experience compared to most social media sites.
Interview with John Pemberton about F2.8 Press You can visit f2.8 Press to order their first publication and to learn how to submit your work for consideration.
New Nimble Photographer Newsletter!
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Because of this rotating content, you won't see the same layout each time. There will be a certain freshness about The Nimble Photographer Newsletter that you typically don't see with other publications.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is a valuable addition to our existing community benefits that include TheDigitalStory Podcast, The Nimble Photographer website, TheFilmCameraShop, and Derrick Story on Medium.com.
How to Sign Up
You can Sign Up for Free to the Nimble Photographer Newsletter and receive each edition weekly in your inbox.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great content with you.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
Internal Documents Show Instagram Knows Reels Are Failing You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
The document, titled "Creators x Reels State of the Union 2022," was published internally at Meta in August and shows that Reels engagement not only fails to keep up even close to what is seen on TikTok but that it is falling, down 13.6% from the previous month. Even more damning, the report shows that "most Reels users have no engagement whatsoever."
Instagram's Reels issue is apparently one of original content, at least in part. The document notes that nearly a third of the content on Instagram is made somewhere else and reposted to the platform, usually indicated by a watermark in a corner. Meta announced a $1 billion creator payout plan last year to try and bolster original content, but the Journal says that it has only doled out about $120 million of that so far.
Meta spokesperson Devi Narasimhan downplayed the report and tells the Journal that the viewing hours noted in the document were "outdated and not global in scope" and while she declined to disclose other numbers, said that Reels engagement is still up month to month.
For the better part of the last year, Instagram bet everything on a shift to video. Last December, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said that it would put a major focus on video features like Reels into the app in 2022 and up until last month made good on that promise. It began testing turning all video posts into Reels in July, tested a full-screen TikTok-like feed, doubled down on its plan even amid backlash later that month, until just days later walked back those plans as big names on the platform pushed back on Instagram's plans to become a TikTok clone.
But even as Instagram appeared to have curtailed its plans to dump photos in exchange for videos, new trends indicated that Instagram could end up losing both markets to TikTok anyway.
Earlier this month, Mosseri admitted that the company had made a mistake and gone "too far into video." Unfortunately, it might be too late to win back fans who had been pleading with the company to rethink its strategy for the last year.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #859, September 6, 2022. Today's theme is "How to Travel Light and Shoot Creatively." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Your odds of creatively capturing any photo subject increase dramatically when you feel energized and light on your feet. So how do you balance lugging around the gear that you might need with managing ounces, not pounds, of camera equipment. I have some suggestions on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 859
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
How to Travel Light and Shoot Creatively
My approach over the past few years is to find high performance cameras with compact form factors, then add a select few accessories that give me the greatest options with the lightest weight.
In that spirit, I've put together a list of approaches for your to consider, then adapt to your own brand preferences and needs. Let's take a look.
Starts with the Camera Itself
My two favorite cameras for day tripping are the Fujifilm X100V with the Fujifilm WCL-X100II 28mm lens accessory, and the Olympus PEN-F with the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Lens. Both cameras are versatile picture takers with many options both in-camera and via accessories. If you want to go prime lens with the PEN-F, then the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 Lens is a great option.
Filters
I carry two filter in my day tripper kit - A circular polarizer and the Hoya R72 Infrared Filter.
The polarizer is the most versatile including giving me 2 stops of density if I need it, and the R72 allows me to capture B&W IR images on the fly without carrying my whole infrared kit.
Day Tripping Bag
The Peak Design Field Pouch v2 accommodates either the PEN-F or the X100V plus accessories and is very discrete. Plus the build quality is fantastic.
Instant Photography/Portable Printer
The FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO Hybrid Instant Camera is a super creative instant camera that also allows you to print from your smartphone. I've sent pictures from my X100V to the iPhone and printed them on the Mini Evo in just minutes.
Additional Fun and Noteworthy Accessories
- Pedco Ultrapod - $21 - So light and versatile. Removable hook and loop cinch strap secures tripod to posts, tree limbs, railings, pack frames, or any sturdy object. Unique ball and socket mount assembly adjusts to multiple positions quickly and easily without having to remove the device. Comes with a cell phone adaptor to allow for taking selfies or video conferencing.
- Moment MagSafe Mount for iPhone - $39 - Created by the filmmakers at Moment, this is the first mount compatible with MagSafe that includes (2) 3/8 female threads and (3) 1/4-20 female threads. It allows you to mount your phone wherever you want using any 1/4-20 or 3/8 accessory.
- Slim Filter Pouch - $12 - 4 Pockets Lens Filter Case for Filter Up to 82mm (37mm 40.5mm 43mm 46mm 49mm 52mm 55mm 58mm 62mm 67mm 72mm 77mm),Foldout Filter Pouch with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.
- Think Tank Photo Slim SD Card Carrier - $16 - Compact and fits easily in your pocket. Built in business card holder makes for easy identification. Can be attached to clothing with included lanyard.
- Mechanical Cable Release - $13 - FocusFoto 100cm/39 inch Mechanical Shutter Release Cable Cord with Bulb-Lock Long Exposure Control for Fujifilm S9600 X30 X100s X100T X-Pro2 X-E2 Leica M10 M9 M8 NIK0N Df F4 FM2 F3 F80 Film Camera.
Final Thoughts
With just these very few tools, you can travel light and create fantastic, unique images.
Hasselblad teases X system launch event for September 7 You can read the entire article on DP Review.
Hasselblad has posted a teaser on its website for a product launch event on September 7, 2022. The teaser is short on details, but does show off what appears to be an X-series mirrorless camera with a similar design to the company's X1D system.
It also appears as though the lens attached to the camera is new with both an aperture and focus ring. From a cursory glance at the teaser image, the lens has a minimum aperture of F32 and a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (1.5ft).
The livestream event is set to take place at 15:00 CEST (UTC +2) on September 7, 2022. You can set a reminder for yourself on Hasselblad's teaser page.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
TTArtisan's New 25mm f/2 APS-C Compact Lens Costs Just $55 You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.
The company says that it is the "best budget lens" and is making it available for Sony E, Fujifilm X, EOS-M, Micro Four Thirds, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts and is claiming a massive 95% off sale that makes the lens a very affordable $55. For some reason, TTArtisan thinks that it can claim this lens is worth $10,000 and is just significantly discounted.
At any rate, the company says it has an equivalent focal length to full-frame of 37.5mm, which it says is "close to the natural field of human eyesight" and therefore meets the shooting needs of a variety of subjects. More specifically, it has an angle of view of 61-degrees. TTArtisan says the compact design improves its portability and makes it convenient for use every day.
It is constructed of seven elements in five groups and is a fully manual focus lens with no electronic connection with any of the cameras for which it is designed to work. It features a front filter diameter of 43mm and the lens weighs "around 166 to 189 grams" which is a rather wide range, but that's the best that TTArtisan can provide.
The lens is a relatively fast f/2 that TTArtisan says not only makes shooting in low light possible but also produces a "beautiful bokeh" in the out-of-focus areas. It has a full aperture range of f/2 through f/16 via a seven-bladed diaphragm which is, like the focus, fully manually controlled.
The 25mm f/2 has a close focusing distance of 0.25 meters (about 9.8 inches) that TTArtisan says makes it possible to shoot objects at a closer distance for showcasing detail.
Whether or not the $10,000 value on TTArtisan's website is meant to be taken seriously, $55 for a compact lens with a maximum aperture of f/2 is a very good deal even if the lens doesn't perform super well. For new photographers looking to experiment with a new lens, it is a very low barrier to entry at under $60.
The TTArtisan 25mm f/2 APS-C Compact Lens is available directly from the company's website starting today.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 70 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #858, August 30, 2022. Today's theme is "So, Which Filter for What?." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
You'd think that as smart as our current cameras are, they would eliminate the need for adding filters to the front of our lenses. And to some degree, many of our glass versions have been replaced by digital settings. But not all of them! In today's show I will cover when to use which filter for what, whether it be glass or digital. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 858
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
So, Which Filter for What?
We'll start with glass filters today, then move into a handful of digital replacements that many of us have available on our mirrorless cameras.
Protection Filters: Yes or No?
Protection filters are a broad class of types that include pure glass, UV coated, and mild color coating often referred to as Skylight.
Many photographers, myself included, feel more comfortable with a high quality protection filter in front of my expensive pro lenses. I like them because they are much easier to clean in the field using practically any soft cloth from a microfiber to a T-shirt.
The key here is to use a multi-coated, optical glass filter that doesn't compromise image quality.
Polarizers and NDs
A circular 2-stop polarizer is the one mandatory filter in my camera bag. They help reduce glare, saturate colors, and slow down shutter speeds.
A neutral density filter does not have the same polarizing effect, but can be purchased in varying densities to slow down shutter speeds for artistic photography.
Many cameras now include a digital ND Filter setting in the menu system. This is something that you want to look for, because Digital NDs are easier to use and always with you. I prefer this to the glass versions, although you can get more extreme effect with the tradition screw-in type.
Filters for B&W Photography
You can better manage tonal rendering at capture if you understand how digital B&W filters work. Look for them in your camera settings.
Cameras that I use by Fujifilm and Olympus allow me to apply digital versions of: yellow, orange, red, and green filters. These settings simulate filtering the light as a physical glass filter would, changing the camera's response to the scene.
- Yellow Filter - The most versatile of B&W filters. It darkens the sky a bit, sometimes helping clouds "pop" just a bit more, while at the same time lightening greens a little.
- Orange Filter - More dramatic effects on landscape than yellow with darker skies and snappier rendering of plants and flowers.
- Red Filter - Boldly darkens skies and brings clouds forward, plus cuts haze and adds contrast. Red filters are good for robust architecture compositions.
- Green Filter - Helps to lighten up foliage that sometimes can go very dark in non-filtered B&W photography. The effect varies, but worth a look with lots of green in a scene.
The luxury of having these digital filters and previewing their effects in your electronic viewfinder has a wonderful impact on your compositions while standing there before a scene.
Filters for Infrared Photography
Because I have a modified infrared camera, there are six basic filters that I use to create a variety of effects. And even if you don't have a modified camera you can still shoot infrared, but in a more narrow wavelength.
- 550nm Filter - For modified cameras. Allow in the most visible light color in this set. Good choice for those who like intense infrared color shots.
- 590nm Filter - For modified cameras. A pleasing balance of visible light and IR color. The most versatile color filter in the set. Good choice for those who like lots of options for their infrared color shots.
- 665nm Filter - For modified cameras. Less visible light than the other color options in this set. I like it for cool tones and white foliage for color work. Good choice for those who like a bit more constrained color palette for their infrared color shots.
- 720nm Filter - For modified and unmodified cameras. Mostly used for B&W infrared, but the 720 does let in a little color if you want it. You can use it on both modified and unmodified cameras. Good choice for those just starting out with IR photography. A popular version of this is the Hoya R72 Infrared Filter.
- 850nm Filter - For modified cameras. Hard core B&W infrared. Can be very dramatic and pleasing. Good choice for those who like crunchy B&W IR.
For more information about infrared filters, their use, and to purchase them, visit Kolari Vision web site.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of other filters out there, such as graduated neutral density, pro mist, softeners, and more. But getting your head around these will provide you with a great foundation. Then you can take it from here.
Viltrox representative reports Canon told the company 'to stop selling all RF mount products' You can read the entire article on DP Review.
Two weeks ago, DPReview forum member Stig Nygaard made a post in the Canon EOS R Talk forum inquiring why the product page and all accompanying information surrounding Viltrox's AF 85mm F1.8 lens for RF mount cameras was no longer available.
Over the following days, various forum members speculated the reason all mention of the product was removed, with many coming to the same conclusion - that Canon must've told Viltrox to cease selling the product or face some kind of legal consequence. As it turns out, that appears to be exactly what happened, according to a Viltrox representative.
Assuming the information from the representative is true, it's still unclear why Canon would issue such a warning. Past reports have suggested Samyang received a similar notice from Canon after announcing its 14mm F2.8 and 85mm F1.4 AF RF-mount lenses. It's unclear whether third-party lens manufacturers using electronic connections with Canon's RF-mount alone is the issue or whether it's the code, reverse-engineered or otherwise, enabling AF that's causing the issue.
What is clear is that unless Canon reverses course and starts licensing its AF protocol technology to third-party manufacturers, it appears as though any third-party lenses with native RF-mount AF support won't be making it to market.
Interestingly, the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 RF II Lens for Canon RF is still available to purchase from B&H Photo for $399, although it's not clear how much longer you'll be able to purchase it.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
When and where to watch the Fujifilm X Summit on September 8 2022! You can read the entire article on Digital Camera World.
Fujifilm's X Summit events are the thing to watch if you want to find out firsthand about the company's latest product launches. Luckily, the X Summit is usually a global livestream event that can be watched live around the world - wherever you are online!
We already know that the next Fujifilm X Summit will take place on September 8 2022 at 2pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/ 6pm (GMT), in New York. The link for the live stream isn't up yet, but it usually gets added to the Fujifilm X Series YouTube channel (opens in new tab) close to the event day.
The X system has seen some fantastics flagship APS-C cameras since its launch 10 years ago, and the best Fujifilm cameras (opens in new tab) offer specs to suit many types of photographers. With that in mind, where do we think Fujifilm will go next, and what do we know ahead of the Fujifilm X Summit (opens in new tab) on September 8?
What we can't say - because we just don't know - is what the camera will be called. One guess is just simply the Fujifilm X-H2, or, the Fujifilm X-H2R (with the R standing for resolution). We've written more about what we think the Fujifilm X-H2R could hold (opens in new tab), including a high-resolution 40MP version that's said to be in development.
We'll be adding the livestream link to this page as soon as it goes up, so keep checking back to this page for the latest updates. We'll also be blogging live from the next Fujifilm X Summit on 8 September - follow us then, too!
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #857, August 23, 2022. Today's theme is "Slideshows from the Past." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Of all the eye-popping revelations from the dawn of the digital age, multimedia slideshows burned on to an optical disk were one of the most alluring marvels. The ability to assemble digital images, transitions, and music via DVD made us feel like Hollywood talent. But, 20 years later, how do those creations hold up? And do you even know where they are stored. A look back at our digital roots on today's TDS Photography Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 857
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Slideshows from the Past
I reached the pinnacle of my self-produced DVDs in 2002 with the title, Still in Motion.
The disc featured a dozen slideshows divided into categories including: Feature Presentations, Technology Conferences, Weddings, and more.
Most of the images were captured with a Canon G2, processed on a Apple PowerBook G4, and authored using iDVD software. During my studio reorganizing project, I came across the work, and took a coffee break in front of the computer watching the various presentations. During this viewing, five things came to mind.
DVDs are Remarkably Robust - I don't know how much longer I should push my luck with these originals, but they still play great 20 years later. DVDs were a great invention.
I Had a High Tolerance for Image Noise - I was captivated by my Canon G-Series digital cameras. They were far more affordable and portable than their DSLR counterparts. But as soon as the light went below ISO 400, they were noisy buggers. That didn't seem to deter me from shooting in all lighting conditions with them.
The Secret Sauce was Music - It was fun to revisit many of those images, like shots of Jeff Bezos when he still had some hair. But the aspect that made every slideshow enjoyable was the music that went with them. And boy did it sound good via DVD.
The Story Trumps Technology - After a few moments, I forgot about the technical aspects of the images and became entranced by the story they were telling me.
Age Does, and Doesn't Matter - It does matter in the sense of seeing people I know 20 years in the past. Things and people have changed so much in two decades, that these presentations truly feel historical.
Age doesn't matter in the sense of picture quality and production. As I mentioned earlier, I acknowledged the time and tools used to create the pictures, then moved on to the stories themselves.
Final Thoughts
Watching Still in Motion got me wondering, "Are we obsessing about the right things today? Are we putting features and image quality above storytelling and longevity?"
I don't think anyone ever watched a Ken Burns movie with a top of mind thought, "I wished the pictures had a bit more dynamic range."
I think a good exercise is to revisit some of your slideshows from the past, and think about the ones you liked better than others. Maybe there are clues there to help you better understand the work you are creating today.
Canon G9 Review - Vintage Digital
Since we're talking about projects created with vintage digital cameras, I thought I would fire up one of mine and see how it compares to today's compact. I chose the 2007 Canon PowerShot G9. First let me read from what DP Review published in their report in October 2007.
DP Review's Observations (circa 2007)
Until the arrival of the G7 last September the majority of observers had written off Canon's 'prosumer' G range, presuming that the arrival of affordable digital SLRs had effectively killed the market for high-end compacts such as this. Barely a year later the G7 has been replaced by the G9, a relatively minor update that increases the pixel count from 10MP to 12MP and the screen size from 2.5 to 3.0 inches and - more importantly given the outcry caused by its omission from the G7 - the return of raw shooting capabilities. Other minor tweaks include a better grip and the addition of wireless flash capabilities. Everything else; the 6x stabilized zoom, flash hot shoe, classic all-metal design and solid build, expansive feature set and extensive manual control system is carried over from the G7.
- 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7" sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
- 6x optical zoom lens (35mm-210mm) with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
- DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction
- Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
- 3.0" high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
- ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
- Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
- 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
- Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
- Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories
DP Review Conclusion: IQ-wise the G9 is about as good as it gets in a compact camera (at low ISO - once you get to ISO 400 the gap between most decent cameras is very narrow), and physically it puts virtually everything else to shame. But inside, at the heart of the image capture system, sits the same (or an almost identical) sensor you'll find in a Casio, Canon or Sony point and shoot camera, in all it's 12 megapixel glory. When I mentioned giving Canon credit for listening to feedback on the G7 (and boy was there a lot of feedback) I don't remember anyone crying out for even more megapixels. Whatever drove Canon's top brass to look at the G7 and decide 'I know what it needs! More Pixels!' it certainly wasn't consumer demand.
Derrick's Test Drive
First of all, in terms of size, controls, quality of build - this camera is every bit as fine as something you could buy today. If fires up quickly, has snappy response, and plenty of control. And 12 MPs is nothing to sneeze at.
It accepted a 32 GB SD card no problem, and its RAW files can be read by all of my software. At low ISO, the images looked absolutely fantastic and were very editable.
What's lacking compared to today's cameras is high ISO performance (anything above 400 with the G9 is noisy),WiFi, Bluetooth, and close focusing. But honestly, its performance exceeded my expectations for a 15 year old digital camera.
For fun, I shot some B&W at ISO 800 to see how they would look. The monotone was good, but the ISO 800 noise just wasn't pretty. So I would have to tone that down in post.
All in all, however, I had a blast with the Canon G9. I have 3 batteries, a compact charger, and a lovely soft case for it. I think I'm going to leave it out and do some more experimenting.
PS: You can read my original review of the Canon G9 here Oct. 2007.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
Best Cameras Under $300 You can read the entire article on Amateur Photographer.
The main features to consider when looking for a camera under £300/$300 are the ISO range, burst mode capability and video quality. If you're going to be shooting a lot in low light, a larger ISO range will be desirable. If video is a requirement, then check the maximum video recording output. If you want to capture action, then you'll need a camera with a higher burst mode feature. You may need to compromise when shopping on a budget so try to prioritise just one or two features to ensure you can find a camera that ticks both your budget and your needs.
- Fujifilm X-T10
- Canon EOS 6D
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
- Sony A6000
- Nikon D600
- Canon EOS 5D Mark II
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- Pentax K-5 Mark II
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #856, August 16, 2022. Today's theme is "Mastering Your Autofocus." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Like many other advanced features on our cameras, we often take autofocus for granted. These days, it works that well. But it's also quite customizable. And it's worth taking a few minutes to wander through the camera's AF menu to tailor its performance to our preferred way of shooting. We'll take a closer look on today's TDS Photography Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 856
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Mastering Your Autofocus
As our cameras have improved, so has my trust in their AF systems. I wasn't that long ago that I relied on S-AF for all of my work. I had been burned by mis-focused shots in the past, and I couldn't afford for that to ever happen on the job.
But things have changed. And I thought it would be worth a review of the common AF settings that are available to us so we can put this wonderful technology to work for us.
Single Frame Autofocus S-AF - Still the most reliable way to autofocus a camera. Place the target square on your subject, press the shutter button halfway to lock in the focus, compose, and shoot.
A variation on this technique is to Back Button Focus. This allows you to focus independently of the shutter button by pressing the AF button on the back of the camera. On an OM-1 for example, go to Menu > AF 1 > AF by half-pressing(button symbol)> S-AF> No.
Continuous Autofocus C-AF - Every camera is a bit different in its implementation, but generally speaking, once you indicate what you want in focus, the camera will continuously focus and refocus for you. I've been using this a lot for my event shooting with the OM-1, almost always in burst mode. It's a great way to capture moving action.
A variation on this is Tracking Autofocus. This usually narrows the continuous autofocusing to a specific subject. Where it goes, so does the camera's AF sensor, literally "tracking" it across the frame or coming toward you. Canons and Nikons do this particularly well. Canon calls it Servo. Olympus lists it as C-AF+TR.
Face and Eye Detection Autofocus - This works well when you only have one or two subjects. The camera identifies their face and/or eyes, and automatically focuses on them. This had improved a lot over the years with things like "right eye" or "left eye" AF.
A neat trick is to set this up with back button focus to quickly enable it and have the shutter button use sensor focusing.
Subject Detection - Now we're getting into some sweet computational photography. In this mode, the camera will look for the subjects that you've indicated, and focus on them.
With my OM-1, the options are: Cars and Motorcycles, Airplanes and helicopters, trains and locomotives, birds, and mammals such as dogs and cats. This works remarkable well.
Manual Focus - You take over the focusing chores and use the focusing ring on your lens.
Another area that I've increased trust is the number of focusing points that I have active. I used to use a single point for all of my AF work. But now I've gone to a cross pattern that incorporates multiple AF points, and I position it in the frame using the jog stick. This protects me when there is slight subject movements right at the moment of exposure.
Final Thoughts
I'm trusting my camera's focusing decisions much more than I used to. I'm still a little hesitant with face detection in crowded conditions, but I do use Continuous, Cross Sensor, and Subject Detection regularly. And the results have been very good.
Fujifilm confirms X Summit event in New York City on September 8 You can read the entire article on DP Review.
Fujifilm has confirmed its next X Summit event will take place in New York City on September 8, 2022. Fujifilm hasn't shared any details about what all we can expect from the event, but we do know we'll be getting our first glimpse of Fujifilm's X-H2 camera.
After announcing its new X-H2S mirrorless camera at its X Summit event back in May 2022, Fujifilm teased the X-Trans CMOS 5HR, a 40MP CMOS sensor it said would be used inside the company's forthcoming X-H2 camera system. Fujifilm didn't further elaborate on what else we could expect from the sensor and the X-H2 it will be inside, but the tagline for the X-Trans CMOS 5HR is '40MP, beyond the format boundaries.' Compared to the 'stacked layer, ultra fast motion capture' tagline used for the X-Trans CMOST 5HS sensor used inside the X-H2S, it's clear the 5HR - and the X-H2 as a whole - will likely focus on resolution and image quality above all else.
It's unclear if any further announcements will be made beyond Fujifilm's new X-Trans CMOS 5HR sensor and X-H2 camera, but considering Fujifilm's current lens roadmap shows its new XF 56mm F1.2 and XF 30mm F2.8 Macro lens still due for 2022 launches, it's likely we'll see some additional details about these optics.
Whatever the case is, we'll be here providing the latest updates as they're announced. In the meantime, mark your calendar for 6pm UTC for September 8, 2022.
For anybody based in or near New York, Fujifilm is holding one of its 'Fujikina' events in the city on September 10th. This will include demonstrations and talks by a series of photographers and filmmakers, as well as a chance to get your hands on some of the company's latest gear. This is the first time Fujifilm has held such an event outside Japan.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
Not Using Auto ISO? You're Missing Out You can read the entire article on FStoppers.
Auto ISO is one of those features that I ignored for a long time, considering it not much more than a gimmick. It wasn't until recently that I decided to try auto ISO, and I quickly realized that I was missing out on a valuable and practical feature.
As the name suggests, in auto ISO mode, the camera will pick the correct ISO value for the scene being metered. Initially, the idea of letting my camera pick the ISO value seemed not only silly to me, but also like a genuinely bad idea, since I was afraid of winding up with grainy images if the camera chose a very high ISO. I was also firmly entrenched in a film shooter's mentality, since I grew up in an era when using ISO 800 film was pushing the boundaries of grain and typically only used as a last resort. Obviously, the world changed a long time ago, but as many of us know, old habits die hard, especially for us photographers!
The beauty of using auto ISO is in the customization possible. The camera doesn't simply pick any appropriate ISO for your exposure, but gives you a number of other options to ensure you don't wind up with extremely grainy or blurry photos. In this article and video, I explain how these features work using a Canon EOS camera, but the basics will work with any camera that has auto ISO, although the customization levels will vary by brand.
Once you've set your camera to auto ISO, you can tell the camera the lowest and highest ISO it is allowed to use using the "Auto Range" menu. At first, I thought of the auto range as a high-ISO cap, leaving the low ISO at 100 and setting the high cap at around 3200, which I felt was the most grain I would want to see in my images. I quickly realized that this was not the best way to use the feature and now fine-tune it a bit more based on the specific shooting conditions and not just on acceptable grain levels.
By far, the most common way I use auto ISO is when shooting in aperture priority. In this mode, the camera picks the shutter speed and ISO, and I just dial in the aperture that I want. As a portrait photographer, selecting a wide aperture is almost always my main concern, and with two small children, I find this to be one of my favorite ways to shoot. I love not having to worry about the camera picking a shutter speed that is too slow for fast-moving kids or an ISO setting that's so high my images are too grainy. By dialing in my auto ISO settings, I am able to retain creative control in situations where I don't have a ton of time to fiddle with settings, in other words, any situation where kids are involved! I have found myself using Aauto ISO with aperture priority more and more when I leave my studio and work in natural light, whether it's taking some snaps of the kids or a concert in a dimly lit venue.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #855, August 9, 2022. Today's theme is "Comeback Kid - Camera Industry May Have Weathered the Storm." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
What started with the invasion of the smartphones was compounded by the pandemic, supply chain shortages, bad weather, and an expensive shift to mirrorless technology. But it appears that the camera industry catering to enthusiasts and pros are seeing the future cast in a more optimistic light. And regardless of which brand your prefer, this is good news. More detail on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 855
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Comeback Kid - Camera Industry May Have Weathered the Storm
Recent news has had a promising ring to it regarding the camera industry. And the stories are adding up to sunnier days. I thought I'd take you on a stroll down memory card lane and show you a few sites that might just make you smile.
Canon Says the Camera Market Is Looking Up, Shares Plan for DSLRs - FStoppers.
It's no secret that the smartphone has decimated the camera industry for the past decade, but according to Canon, the market may have finally bottomed out, and there might now be reason to look up. It turns out even DSLRs aren't dead just yet.
"Going forward, we expect the professional and advanced amateur segment to expand further and that products will become more highly developed. Accordingly, we expect the overall market to grow from now on."
Furthermore, Canon says they will continue to supply DSLRs as long as demand exists.
Nikon's Q1 results show Imaging Products profits up 48% YoY, revenue nearly matching pre-pandemic results - DPReview.
Nikon has announced the financial results for the first quarter (Q1) of its 2023 fiscal year (FY2023), revealing increased revenue and operating year-over-year (YoY) in nearly every segment, including its Imagine Products Business.
Nikon's presentation materials show the revenue and operating profit of its Imaging Products Business was 61.2B yen and 13.6B yen, respectively, for Q1 FY2023. That's an increase of 22.4% and 47.8%, respectively, compared to Q1 FY2022. Isolated, that's an impressive increase, but Nikon hasn't necessarily had the best couple of years throughout the pandemic, so how does it compare to Nikon's pre-pandemic numbers? Turns out, fairly well.
Financial results aren't necessarily a crystal ball into the future, but Nikon appears to have weathered the brutal economic conditions of the past few years and has set its Imaging Products Business for a sustainable future, even if it's only a fraction of what it was in the peak CaNikon days.
Sigma says its full-frame Foveon X3 sensor 'should be' ready 'sometime this year' - DPReview.
In a recent video interview, published to YouTube, Sigma Corporation CEO, Kazuto Yamaki, confirmed the company is working on a full-frame Foveon sensor that 'should' make its debut - at least in prototype form - by the end of the year.
The 17-minute interview covers an array of topics, including Sigma's strategy throughout the pandemic, its plans to continue supporting DSLR users and other topics. One of the more interesting tidbits, however, comes around the eight-minute mark, wherein the host asks Mr. Yamaki if there's any update on the company's three-layer Foveon sensor.
In response, Mr. Yamaki says 'We are still working on it [...] and are working on the prototype of the three-layer X3 sensor [...] that should be available sometime this year.' He goes on to say 'the Foveon X3 sensor is not a very versatile sensor,' specifically pointing out its low-light performance, 'but if there is a good amount of light, that camera can create very beautiful and impressive photos.'
Panasonic and Leica to Launch Jointly-Developed Mirrorless Camera - Petapixel.
The report comes courtesy of Nikkei, which has found evidence that shows that the manufacture of all small digital cameras has basically ceased across the board. As part of that report, the publication spoke with Panasonic which confirmed that not only has it ceased production of Lumix-branded compact cameras, but that it would also be focusing on the high-end of the market which includes leveraging its partnership with Leica to produce a co-developed mirrorless camera next year.
It is not clear how this new camera will fit in with Panasonic or Leica's current full-frame offerings. The two companies both produce mirrorless L-mount cameras that exist in that high-end space, and whether or not the co-developed camera will replace both lines or be in addition to them was not revealed.
Our Wishlist for the New OM System OM5 - The Phoblographer.
The OM System OM1 broke away from the Olympus name to deliver a list of innovative features in a small package. That list, which includes quad pixel autofocus, IP53 rated weather-sealing, and 50 fps speed, may be exactly what the Micro Four Thirds system needs to remain relevant in an industry now teaming with full frame bodies. But if the OM1 is the company's flagship, what's next for the former-Olympus mid-range bodies?
Early reports suggest that an OM5 is coming in the fall. These reports call for the OM5 to have the same sensor and battery as the OM1, but with a 15 fps burst speed. OM Digital Solutions (OMDS) has not commented on those reports and, as such, those details remain speculation. But, if I could pick and choose what a successor to the Olympus E-M5 Mark III looks like, there are a handful of features I would love to see: a mix of OM1 and E-M5 Mark III features in a smaller, more affordable body.
Final Thoughts
In addition to the stories I've already mentioned, lots more great stuff happening with Fujifilm, Tamron, and others. I feel like mirrorless has been the technology the camera industry needed to spur excitement and sales. And I'm looking forward to a strong second half of 2022 and a wonderful start to 2023.
Peak Design Collabs with Huckberry in Limited Edition Travel Backpack You can read the entire article on Petapixel.
The backpack shares a lot in common with the original Travel Backpack with one major notable exception: the exterior. The collaboration backpack is available in one color -- a yellow called "coyote" -- and is made from what the two brands describe as premium DWR-coated X-Pac material, which is supposedly extremely durable and waterproof.
X-Pac is a lightweight fabric that is made with several layers that are laminated together into one sheet: nylon fabric, polyester mesh (called X-ply, hence the X-Pac name), and a waterproof film. As described by the manufacturer Dimension-Polyant, the resulting material is designed to be both rugged and comes from a business aimed at sustainability.
The use of X-Pac means that the exterior of the Peak Design and Huckberry collaboration bag is waterproof -- not water resistant. While the bag cannot be submerged and stay totally dry on the inside (the water-resistant zippers have a limit to how much water they prevent from seeping through), the bag will often not require the typical rain cover other backpacks need for a majority of wet weather scenarios.
Like the original, the collaboration backpack has dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, has padded shoulder straps that pack away, grab handles at multiple locations on the bag, and fits under an airline seat or in the overhead compartment. It is also built sustainably with a carbon-neutral, Fair Trade Certified manufacturing process.
The Huckberry and Peak Design X-Pac Travel Backpack is available directly from Huckberry (limited one per person) for $260, which is $30 more than the standard $230 30L Travel Backpack.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
THE BEST INSTANT CAMERAS YOU CAN BUY RIGHT NOW You can read the entire article on The Verge.
Even with the ability to take excellent photos with our phones and instantly share them across the world, there's something magical about the old-school instant camera. With just a click of a button, you can capture a moment in a photo that you can see and touch almost immediately. Images captured by an instant camera aren't as pristine or perfect as modern digital cameras, but their soft images and imperfections are often a big part of the allure.
Yet not all instant cameras are the same, and some of them are better suited for different needs and budgets. That's why we tested some of the most popular instant cameras on the market from brands like Fujifilm, Polaroid, and Kodak.
All of the models featured in our best instant camera guide here are enjoyable to use, but each offers a different set of features at a different price point. As a result, some are more appropriate for a child or the budding photographer, while others are more advanced and provide added creative control (for a price). When it comes down to it, though, we consider print quality, ease of use, and affordability to be the hallmarks of a quality shooter. That's why we picked Fujifilm's Instax Mini 11 as the best instant camera for most people, as it ticks all three boxes wonderfully.
If you're looking for more creative control or features like filters, however, the Instax Mini Evo is our choice, one that boasts great image quality and allows you to choose which photos you'd like to print. Other instant cameras, like Polaroid's Now Plus and Kodak's Mini Retro 3, also offer a variety of advanced creative modes for those who desire more.
Other cameras on the list include: FUJIFILM'S INSTAX MINI 11, INSTAX MINI EVO, KODAK MINI SHOT 3 RETRO, POLAROID NOW PLUS, and the POLAROID GO.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #854, August 2, 2022. Today's theme is "One Half 'Somewhat Satisfied' with Their Backup System." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
One thing has led to another, and our ongoing conversation about Peakto has led to a bigger discussion about backup strategy in general. So I presented a poll to our Inner Circle Members, and I'm going to share those results, and some tips, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 854
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
One Half "Somewhat Satisfied" with Their Backup System
In a recent poll of our Inner Circle Members, 54% of the respondents said, "My backup system is a work in progress, but I am more satisfied than not with it." And to add to that, another 28% noted that, "I have a great backup system and am perfectly satisfied with the safety of my data." That means that a whopping 82% of those respondents believe they data is in good shape. I think that's great.
So I thought you might be interested in some of their comments as you're thinking about your own data protection. Let's see what they have to say.
"I have a Drobo 5N, Drobo 5N2 and a Qnap. all have 16 TB with "hot" spare and data redundancy. I keep all 3 in sync. With the news I'm hearing on Drobo I'm glad I put the Qnap into the mix." Richard.
"I have a system where I use very large 3.5" drives in the 16TB range plugged into a "toaster" interface that serves as central backup to all my smaller 2.5" drives. I have duplicated that setup at work so that I have a backup in case of fire. I rely on carbon copy to make the backups. One critical part is to ensure the health of the drives and that the files are copied without errors. I lost a few files due to bit rot. That's always heartbreaking. I am still looking into potentially having a sinology system instead of my toaster ... not completely convinced yet." Arnaud.
Windows guy here. I have an external RAID drive connected to my desktop that has my photos as well as my Lightroom Classic backups folder. I sync my external drive to a Synology 4-disc unit as well as to my Backblaze account. I have another external drive that syncs photos from my wife's desktop via the network. That way, all of our images are on drives local to my desktop and I only need the one Backblaze account. Backblaze doesn't backup network drives.
A word about Backblaze. A couple of years ago, for reasons I cannot explain other than really dumb user error, my wife lost about six months worth of photos from several years earlier. I just happened to be looking for something else when I noticed that the folders were missing (we both use dates to organize our images). I was able to locate the missing files on the BB web interface, but it was too much to easily recover via the web. Fortunately, they have the option where they'll send you an external hard drive with the files you need. You simply need to copy the files over and ship back the drive. No extra cost.
Well worth the $70 per year. Henry
"My MacBook Pro's internal SSD is 1TB. I have a 2TB Thunderbolt 3 SSD always plugged in that holds my Lightroom catalogs, any Final Cut Projects, and (what I call) "On the Road Imports."
When plugged in at home, I have (2) Drobos. One in Thunderbolt2 the newer one is TB3. As a side note the TB2 Drobo failed a year or 2 ago, but the problem was the power supply block. I found a suitable replacement on Amazon." Larry.
Also windows. Currently running multiple external drives and multiple internal drives. I have all my images from many years on an internal drive and my images from the current year on an internal SSD. These are backed up onto two external drives using Backvp 2. This scans any folders I select and everything is backed up on the external drives.
I know I'm missing the 3 in 1-2-3.
I also keep running out of room on my internal 1TB SSD.
As I keep learning and increasing my library, I have changed how I store my photos over the years. I never really tagged them, because I didn't have "that many" to worry about. Now as I shoot more and am putting more thought into my photography, I'm doing a better job of tagging and storing my photos.
I'm looking to get a Synology in the near future so I can stop all this nonsense of having to keep moving libraries from one drive to another. Jeff.
I use Apple Photos. An iMac has a full copy of all files. I use Carbon Copy Cloner to copy the Photos library to a specific folder on a local Synology device. I also have a second Synology at a friend's home in another state. The Synology's are set to sync those specific folders automatically. A little pricy to begin with, but I'm not paying monthly charges to an online company. Steve H.
I use a DROBO 5D with 5 8TB drives set up as a RAID 1, everything including iOS Time Machine backed up with Backblaze, Dropbox for 2TB of important files and iCloud backup for Photos. Since DROBO uses a proprietary software system, I am concerned about future support with newer versions of Mac iOS. I've looked at OSW DAS RAID, Synology NAS RAID and Sandisk G-Drives. None of them seem to have the same flexibility of DROBO. SSD drives seem to be the future but for large amounts of storage, prices are still too high for managing large amounts of storage.
It will be nice to know the path forward with software upgrades and support.
To put a bow on some of these thoughts. A lot of people are using Drobo, myself included, and seem to be having relatively good experiences with them. But in general, Drobo users are nervous about the future.
There were numerous references to Snylogy. These are network-enabled multi-drive systems. A very popular unit is the Synology DiskStation DS920+ 4-Bay NAS Enclosure for $549 (drives not included).
- 4 x 3.5/2.5" Bays | 2 x M.2 2280 Slots
- 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core 4GB DDR4 RAM
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A | 1 x eSATA
- RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, Hybrid, Basic, JBOD
- Sequential Reads up to 225.99 MB/s
- Sequential Writes up to 225.9 MB/s
- AES-NI Hardware Encryption Engine
- Synology DiskStation Manager OS
Another popular system is the QNAP TR-004-44W-US 12TB 4-Bay USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C RAID 5 Array (4 x 4TB) for $649 (drives included).
- 4 x 4TB 3.5" SATA III Hard Drives
- 4 x 3.5" / 2.5" Drive Bays
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Host Interface
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD & Single
- Pre-Configured for RAID 5
- Hardware Controller
- 120mm Smart Fan
- Windows, Mac, and Linux Compatible
And then of course there is some Cloud backup involved, such as Backblaze.
Roll this all up, and that's where many of our Inner Circle Members are right now. I hope you found this useful.
Update on Peakto
I had some correspondence with the Peakto folks that I want to share, especially in regard to the Capture One previews.
Capture One uses an 'obscure' format to store the High Resolution thumbnails. As a result we cannot decode it and we are limited to the small resolution images (we understand how it is built but without C1 engineers involvement we cannot exploit it). Changing the Preview settings in C1 will have no effect. We are trying to convince C1 to help us decode those formats (via a plugin so they can keep their recipe secret) and we now have good contacts with them. Until now, all our demands were rejected. But I am hopeful that we can find a solution.
I'd like, also, to give you a short update on we are currently working on:
- Dramatic improvements on performance when ingesting, especially when dealing with files and folders.
- A free to download trial version (weighting only 120Mb).
- Smart re-ingest (super fast, to ensure perfect sync).
- Smart albums and complex queries.
- Annotation within Peakto.
- A map tool. Peakto Pricing
Peakto is available three ways:
- $9.99 Monthly with Zero Risk 7 day free trial.
- $99 Yearly per seat with 15 day free trial.
- $189 One time per seat with 30 day Money back guarantee.
5 Learnable Skills That Every Professional Photographer Must Have You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
As photographers, we often are bogged down in what gear to buy, what lens to choose, what has better specs, and so on. To everyone's satisfaction or disappointment, these things will only make a marginal difference in most cases. As a photographer, you need to have more skills than gear. I am here to tell you the five most important ones.
Skills you need to have as a photographer might seem like the old list of being able to expose, compose, and remove people from a landscape photo in Photoshop. While there is no denying that these are all valid things you need to do as a photographer, they are very basic, and in order to really gain a competitive advantage and set yourself apart, you need to have more transferrable skills that are not industry-specific. This list is of skills you need to hone repeatedly in order to master photography.
- Learning and Unlearning Fast - One of the beautiful things about having an art career is that there are new things coming out every day. Being able to keep an open mind and unlearn old ways of doing things will certainly help you be a much better photographer.
- Productivity - In an industry where keeping with trends is a method of staying afloat, productivity is key. You need, really need, to hit deadlines on time. No one will wait for you to make it perfect. Done is better than perfect in this case.
- Marketing - There is no way you can be a successful business owner if you can't market your product to customers.
- Business and Accounting - Keeping it to business talk, you need to possess the ability to run a business. This starts from the knowledge of how to register it, how to issue invoices, how to file taxes, and do other paperwork.
- Style - Style is something that can be counted as a skill for me, as it involves a long process of learning, developing, and ultimately being formed and perfected to automation.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #853, July 26, 2022. Today's theme is "The Best Software for B&W Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
As we prepare for our upcoming B&W Photography Workshop, I've been having a lot of fun revisiting some of my favorite software. And the one thing that really jumps out at me is: there is black and white, and then there is BLACK & WHITE! So the first story of this week's show is dedicated to apps that help you create masterful monochromes that dazzle. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 853
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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The Best Software for B&W Photography
I think B&W imagery lives somewhere in our DNA. There's just something about it that draws our attention.
We have many options for monochromes in the digital age. We can use the built-in effects in our cameras. These can be particularly sweet if you shoot Fuji or if you have an Olympus PEN-F.
In any software app, we can totally desaturate an image to create a monochrome. Most apps have a dedicated B&W adjustment panel that does an admirable job. Lightroom, Capture One, and Photos for macOS are all capable of producing excellent monochromes.
But one of the aspects of this type of photography is its ability to withstand "pushing the creative envelope." This tradition goes all the way back to the film days when we would alter the processing recipes to stretch Tri-X from its native ISO 400, to 800 and beyond.
And that's when we step beyond Lightroom presets and Capture One Styles into the uncharted waters of specialized plugins. Let's take a closer look at a few of these.
Nik Software Silver Efex Pro 3 Mac/Windows
I like using Silver Efex Pro 3 DxO PhotoLab 5 that comes bundled with the entire Nik software package. I can point PhotoLab to a folder of images, take care of my basic edits first, then launch the Silver Efex plugin from within PhotoLab.
This plugin also works well with Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. So if Lightroom is your everyday asset manager, you're in great shape with Silver Efex.
Silver Efex is such a fun app to work within. On the left side of the interface you have a column that features 64 magical presets. In all honesty, these are so good that you could pick your favorite for an image, click on it, and be done.
If you want to keep playing, however, on the right side you can tap a cornucopia of adjustment tools that are designed for B&W photography. I particularly like the Film Types panel that has some of my favorite emulsions from the analog days.
You can also use their Control Points technology for selective adjustments, and then use DxO Clear View for a finishing touch. It's really sweet.
If you come up with a magic formula that you like, you can save it as your own custom preset.
The entire Nik Collection, including DxO PhotoLab 5 is $149. There are usually discount codes online that can bring it down to $129.
ON1 Effects 2022 - Mac/Windows
I originally fell in love with ON1 Effects for my infrared photography. But it has a lot of muscle for straight B&W work as well.
Again, I tend to start with the B&W presets on the left side of the interface, the fine tune with the Black & White adjustment panel on the right side. In addition to the usual tonal sliders, I really like the Film Grain panel where I can choose from all the popular analog emulsions, then apply Amount and Size.
I also like the Opacity slider for each panel that allows me to add just a hint of color to my B&W conversions, almost like toning.
There are lots of other great effects to choose from that complement your B&W work, such as Vignette, Vintage, Lens Blur, Photo Filter, LUTs, Dynamic Contrast and more.
Unlike Silver Efex, you can buy ON1 Effects 2022 by itself for $69. It's wonderful for a variety of uses, and it works as a plugin with Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Capture One Pro, and Photos for macOS.
Final Thoughts
Both of these apps will help you elevate your B&W work to the Wow Level. And they are fun to experiment with as well.
Become a Medium Member and Support Independent Writers
The articles that I publish on Medium.com are an important part of our overall ecosystem. That work introduces new members to our community and what we're doing here.
If you enjoy the vast array of great writing on Medium, including the photography articles, consider becoming a member to support me and the other writers there.
Please use this link to do so.
Update on Peakto
There was an update this week that brought us up to version 1.0.2 that smoothed the normal rough edges.
I now have all of my Aperture libraries loaded, spanning images from 2000 to 2014. The performance is particularly good with Aperture catalogs.
I also have Capture One catalogs from 2015 to present in Peakto. The previews from C1P don't look quite as good as those from Aperture, so I am going to check my preview settings on the catalogs themselves to see if I can improve that situation.
Currently Peakto is digesting 897,730 items using 42.26 GBs. Performance remains strong.
Peakto is available three ways:
- $9.99 Monthly with Zero Risk 7 day free trial.
- $99 Yearly per seat with 15 day free trial.
- $189 One time per seat with 30 day Money back guarantee.
Kodak to Use Film Manufacturing Machines to Make EV Batteries You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
Kodak has announced that it is repurposing some of the expensive, high-tech machines used to manufacture its photography film for use on batteries for electric vehicles (EV). The company has invested in Wildcat Discovery Technologies, which makes EV batteries.
Engineers at Kodak have discovered that the "supercell" batteries Wildcat manufactures, require a similar coating and engineering services, like their 35mm film. So, with minimal retooling, these $70 million machines have a new life, producing materials needed to create batteries.
According to a video tour of the Kodak facility by Destin of Smarter Everyday on YouTube, Kodak's current process of film manufacturing , known as ESTAR, requires using polymers to create the film itself. These polymers have replaced the old school acetate base in 35mm film (except for motion picture film) and requires special chemical coatings, which Kodak says is very similar to what is required in Wildcat's Supercell EV batteries.
"[These machines are] probably a $70 million or $80 million machines, and we were selling them extremely cheap, [for less than] $2 million," Jim Continenza, CEO of Kodak, tells the Rome Sentinel. "And it's like, 'No, we've got to put this back to work. This is an incredible piece of equipment.'"
Continenza goes on to say that it was at that moment that he realized, accidentally, that George Eastman made a battery company, he just didn't know it. "It's identical to making film and coating on batteries."
n order to keep the company growing, Continenza and his team have been looking for ways to capitalize on the manufacturing capability of its Advanced Materials & Chemicals business at Eastman Business Park (formerly known as Kodak Park). Since then, Kodak has expanded into making components for pharmaceuticals, health care operations, and chemicals for various lab operations.
With this new vision for Kodak, the company has gone from laying off personnel to cope with a shrinking film industry, to working overtime to fill nearly 100 vacancies. That is a remarkable turnaround.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #852, July 19, 2022. Today's theme is "Finally! Your Entire Digital Catalog in One Place with Peakto." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Photography cataloging software has evolved a lot over the years. And as we move from software to software we often have to leave our older images behind. No more! Thanks to a breakthrough app called Peakto (for Mac), you can browse pictures from Aperture to Capture One, all in one interface, plus leverage the power of AI to search and sort. It's nothing short of amazing, and you'll learn all about it on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 852
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Finally! Your Entire Digital Catalog in One Place with Peakto
I've been testing Peakto 1.0 and currently have it cataloging my Aperture and Capture One catalogs side by side, plus watching a few folders. And I have to say that I'm amazed. Let's start with its basic specs.
Peakto requires macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later and runs well on Apple M1 chips.
Peakto is compatible with:
- Aperture catalogs from version 3.6
- Lightroom Classic catalogs from version 5
- Luminar catalogs from version 4.2
- Luminar AI catalogs from version 1.0
- Capture One catalogs from version 20
- Apple Photos catalogs from version 6 (Big Sur)
- iView Media Pro catalogs from version 3
A working copy of the supported apps (Apple Aperture, Lightroom, CaptureOne, iView Media Pro...) is not required when using Peakto, as Peakto opens those libraries natively.
Peakto gathers tons of existing data from your catalogs, such as EXIF, IPTC, keywords, ratings, geotags, and faces. The faces recognition is particularly impressive. All the faces data from my Aperture libraries were recognized in Peakto.
Working with Peakto
Peakto can pull from a variety of hard drives and keeps track of where everything is. If you edit a photo in one of your apps on one of your drives, Peakto will recognize the change and update the image in its browser.
If you unplug a drive that Peakto is following, you can still browse the images, even when the drive is detached. I've tested Peakto with external SSD, external HDD, and Drobos. Worked equally well with all.
If you have an older version of a catalog, let's say Capture One, Peakto will notify you to update it (by simply opening it in a current version of the app) before it can be cataloged. I'm going through that process now with some of my older stuff.
If you find an image that you want to do more with, Peakto will let you open it for editing in the native app, or it will point you to the location of the originating library in the Finder.
Impressive Use of AI and Organization
Obviously, we don't want to flat browse thousands of images to find what we're looking for. Peakto helps us with this process in two basic ways.
First, it shows us our original catalog organization. You can reveal a second column that shows you the organization from the original catalog, even if it's Lightroom, Aperture, or Capture One. It's amazing.
Next, you have your keywords, star ratings, labels, and faces info that you can use as search criteria as well.
And finally, Peakto uses AI that gathers images in intelligent ways such as by color or visual subject. This part is fun too.
Impact on Computer and Performance
Peakto stores everything in the Application Support folder. Currently it's occupying 10.14 GB for 226,329 items. I'm projecting that I will easily reach 500,000 items soon, guessing that I'll need 20 GBs of storage to manage that. A good deal indeed!
It does take time to register catalogs. This is a multi-phase process that can operate in the background once it gets to a certain stage.
I set up five catalogs last night and went to bed. Everything was completed this morning, probably a good way to go in the beginning.
Clever Trick for Exporting Pictures Out of Peakto
Even if you don't have the host app available, you can export high quality Jpegs out of Peakto. Here's how I did it for images in an Aperture catalog.
- Create an album or reuse an existing album. Note that you can create an album from the current selection easily.
- Put all images to export in the album.
- Choose "Export Album" from the Contextual menu.
- You will be presented with the Export dialog. It is a fairly sophisticated export dialog because we need to handle the presence/absence of large resolution 'previews' for all the images selected.
Peakto will carefully analyze what is available. Take Aperture for example: Aperture usually stores 1:1 image previews for all images. Exporting from Peakto will give you the ability to export those high resolution images.
Lightroom has several options when it comes to preview sizes and quality, and we will analyse what is available and export it.
Peakto Pricing
Peakto is available three ways:
- $9.99 Monthly with Zero Risk 7 day free trial.
- $99 Yearly per seat with 15 day free trial.
- $189 One time per seat with 30 day Money back guarantee.
Final Thoughts
I am wildly impressed with Peakto, and it is going to change my archiving and retrieval forever, and for the best.
Become a Medium Member and Support Independent Writers
The articles that I publish on Medium.com are an important part of our overall ecosystem. That work introduces new members to our community and what we're doing here.
If you enjoy the vast array of great writing on Medium, including the photography articles, consider becoming a member to support me and the other writers there.
Please use this link to do so.
Uh-oh: Cash-strapped storage company Drobo files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy You can read the entire article on PopPhotography.com.
The data storage company, Drobo is facing an uncertain future. Late last month, the brand and its parent company, StorCentric, both simultaneously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in California's Northern Bankruptcy Court (San Jose).
It's sad news for one of the earliest names in both direct- and network-attached storage, but it's not necessarily the end quite yet, as one or both companies could emerge rejuvenated. Should that happen, hopefully, the brand's products will have been reworked to reflect the needs and realities of the current storage market.
In the final weeks of 2018, the new company released its first--and to date, only--new Drobo product, the Drobo 8D. Initially, things seemed to be on the right path, with early reviews proving quite positive. But then in the second half of 2018, the stock suddenly disappeared from shelves right as StorCentric seemed ready to spread its wings. Over the next six months, availability fluctuated before the 8D suddenly disappeared altogether in March 2020.
The newest storage device wasn't alone in vanishing from the company's product listings, as the 5D, 5Dt, and B1200i models were also discontinued around the same time the 8D went AWOL. Five other Drobo models remain listed on the company's website, but all were geriatric, having launched anywhere from five to seven years earlier. By early 2020, only two of these five were still available at retail. (As of today, not a single one remains available to purchase.) Yet Drobo remained silent as to the reasons for its supply issues.
The process both Drobo and StorCentric have entered is for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This indicates an intention to reorganize the companies while under the control of a trustee, with the goal being to resolve debts and return the company to solvency, possibly under the control of the debtors should insufficient funds be available to cover their debts.
At the same time, though, there's no guarantee that Chapter 11 proceedings will reach a successful conclusion.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
How to Go from Garden to Greeting Card in 3 Easy Steps You can read the entire article on TheDigitalStory.com.
Whether you have a window box over the kitchen sink, clay pots on the patio, or a raised bed in the backyard, the flowers you cultivate can live far beyond their vase-life expectancy with the help of your camera and inkjet printer.
Fine art greeting cards are one of the most satisfying print projects, and they are very easy to create. All you have to do is photograph a few of your favorite blossoms, then follow these simple steps.
1 - Prepare the Image
The finish size for our greeting card will be 5" tall and 7" wide. So you'll want to crop your image to 5"x7" so it looks exactly as you want on the front of the card. This is especially important if you're going to print a "full bleed" edge-to-edge picture.
Also, if you're printing on a matte surface paper, I would add a little extra sharpening to compensate for dot spread.
2 - Choose Your Paper
I recommend Red River Paper pre-scored 7x10 60lb. paper for this project. It has a lovely weight, folds easily along the score, and is available in a variety of surfaces.
For this project, I used Item #1058, 60lb. Red River Paper Canvas. Images look terrific on this matte surface, and the card feels absolutely lovely in the hands. There are many other stocks that work wonderfully as well, so have a few on hand. And don't forget to add a box of 5.25"x7.25" envelopes to your order.
3 - Print the Card
You can use any app that supports inkjet printing. I'm currently using Photos for macOS because it's easy and provides good results.
Prefold your card so that it's 5"x7" in dimension and insert it into the printer intake tray. Fold the card as flat as possible to ensure that it feeds smoothly. I print just one card at a time to prevent paper jams. (I know you're thinking that this won't work, but it does on both of my inkjet printers.)
In the print dialog box, set up your job. If you want to float the image on the front of the card, use the settings in the illustration below. (I think this is a handsome pro touch!)
Now all you have to do is enable Print, and within a few minutes your finished card will emerge from the printer. Finish it off by writing a note on the inside and put it in the envelope. You're ready to go!
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #851, July 12, 2022. Today's theme is "5 Great Vintage Lenses for Your Digital Camera." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Creative photography is often about character. How can we create looks that are unique and convey the intended emotion. One of my favorite starting points for this is to adapt a vintage lens to my Olympus PEN-F. Everything changes, from process to outcome. And the images are truly different. In today's podcast, I share 5 of my favorite vintage optics for digital photography. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 851
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
5 Great Vintage Lenses for Your Digital Camera
If you're interested in this technique, there are a few things you will need. First, a mirrorless camera that you like to experiment with, not so much your workhorse. You want to be able to leave the optic on the camera to grab when inspiration strikes.
You'll need an adapter. These are reasonably priced and are specific to the lens mount and camera. I have a small collection of these so I can adapt a variety of optics to my PEN-F and Fuji X100S. And finally, you'll need the lens itself, preferably a prime that is f/2.8 or faster.
As a bonus, I do like to have a film body to go with the lens. Every now and then it's fun to load up a roll of 35mm and experiment further.
OK, so all of that being said, here are five vintage optics that I've really enjoyed using.
Minolta MD Rokkor-x 45mm f/2.0
This is a relatively easy to find optic that is very compact, fast, and produces great images. It's a terrific portrait optic on Micro Four Thirds cameras because the equivalent focal length is 90mms.
I do like the compact primes for this work because even with the adapter, they still look good on the camera and are easy to handle and shoot with.
Backyard flowers captured with the Zeiss 45mm f/2.8 on a PEN-F. Photo by Derrick Story.
Carl Zeiss Tessar T* 45mm f/2.8
This is my favorite vintage optic on the PEN-F. It costs a bit more than the Minolta 45mm, but it is even more compact, and truly looks like it was designed for the camera.
The Tessar is sharp, contrasty, and produces great color or B&W images. I particularly like it with the Mono setting on the PEN-F for contrasty, artistic B&W work.
This lens is an absolute beauty.
SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4
Surprisingly compact for such a fast optic with a beautiful front objective lens. The Pentax is a bit heftier than the Minolta or Zeiss 45s, but you get crazy-fast wide aperture with impressive falloff and creamy backgrounds.
The Pentax 50mm is also relatively easy to find, and also is available and f/1.7 and f/2.0 versions. You won't be disappointed with either color or B&W output.
Nikon Series E 100mm f/2.8
I first fell in love with the Series E 100mm for film work, but then was enchanted all over again when adapted to the Fujifilm X100s medium format camera.
With a crop factor of 0.79, the Nikon becomes a cool 79mm portrait lens on the GFX. And just as a point of interest, the Fujifilm does have a 35mm setting on the camera for this application.
Nikon Series E 35mm f/2.5
This is such a handy lens that works well on a variety of digital cameras. If you mount on a Nikon full frame DSLR, it's a versatile 35mm lens, put it on a MFT body, and it becomes a lovely 70mm portrait optic, and on the GFX medium format camera, it goes wide at 28mm.
The Series E lenses are affordable, but not always easy to come by, so you need to keep your eyes open for when one pops up on the used market.
And then if you want to go for the grand slam, score a Nikon film body too and head out for a little analog street photography.
Final Thoughts
All of these lenses give you a different look from their modern counterparts. But there are other factors involved that contribute to the unique outcome. Manual focus slows you down and often makes for more interesting compositions, and motivation to experiment with other settings on the camera such as Art Filters and monochrome further pushes the creative envelope.
Olympus PEN-F with adapter and Zeiss 45mm f/2.8 vintage lens.
If you're photography is feeling a bit in the rut, a vintage lens might just get you rolling again in the creative fast lane.
Become a Medium Member and Support Independent Writers
The articles that I publish on Medium.com are an important part of our overall ecosystem. That work introduces new members to our community and what we're doing here.
If you enjoy the vast array of great writing on Medium, including the photography articles, consider becoming a member to support me and the other writers there.
Please use this link to do so.
2021 Was Leica's Best Financial Year Ever You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
Leica has announced that 2021/22 was its best financial year in its more than 100-year history. It increased revenue by 16% to 450 million euros.
The financial year was between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022 which resulted in the best business result in the company's history of more than 100 years.
Leica CEO Matthias Harsch says that in addition to these numbers, sales of cameras and sports optics were also up and allowed the company to accelerate international growth despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on supply chains and retail stores.
"We are convinced that our products 'made in Germany' fulfill the strongly growing consumer demand for high-quality sustainable brands and that our new product categories will generate increasing enthusiasm for the world of Leica photography in younger target groups," Harsch says.
The company says that a significant factor in its growth was the expansion of its global sales and retail network as well as the online business sector.
"With the realignment of US business activities and the founding of regional organizations in the Middle East and Scandinavia, the company further consolidated its activities in strategically important premium markets," Leica reports.ctions in camera design.'
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
How to Create a Photography Website and Print Store You can read the entire article on thewanderinglens.com.
Good article that covers the basic considerations for creating a photography website.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #850, July 5, 2022. Today's theme is "The Photography Endgame." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
When you sit back and analyze the world of photography today, it's not unusual to wonder where you fit in. There was a time when making a pretty picture separated us from the snapshooters. But technology has dethroned that king. So why do we keep buying cameras, attending classes, reading articles, and yes, laboring over our images? I will share my theory in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 850
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Photography Endgame
I've been thinking about this for a while, but a few insights came to light during our recent Infrared Photography Workshop. We had a group of seasoned photographers spending time learning new techniques that at times were frustrating and that also involved purchasing new equipment.
The kicker was, ironically, that very few people outside of the group would appreciate the images that we produced. We shared stories of entering IR shots in camera club competitions, showing our work to loved ones, and posting these images on social - all with predictable outcomes: hardly anyone preferred them to our postcard shots of a sunset with an iPhone.
And yet, we kept working. Not because we had to, but because we really wanted to. Each of us wanted to find our own voice in this Stranger Things upside down world of photography. And we loved it.
After our wonderful final presentations, I was fascinated by the entire experience. And it dawned on me that this was an analogy for all of enthusiast photography today.
As I continued thinking about this, I came up with 5 reasons why many of us keep investing time, money, and energy into the pursuit of creative photography, and what our possible endgame is.
Making a Pretty Picture No Longer Matters
I know that I've mentioned in passing that I'm cleaning out and redesigning my studio. A big part of that process is recycling, repurposing, and sometimes throwing away things that I've held on to.
I'm amazed at how many pretty pictures I've taken over the past 5 decades. And for the most part, they bore the hell out of me. What I used to spend hours on I can now accomplish in seconds with my iPhone - and so can everyone else.
Pretty pictures tied to good memories are valuable. But beyond that, they are not a meaningful part of serious artistic photography.
We Now Judged Against a Global Community
When I was a photographer for a local newspaper in my 20s, my world was family, friends, school, and town. In those days, Chino had a population of 10,000. A fraction of those people owned interchangeable lens cameras. I was a big fish in a small pond.
Today, when I post a picture on Instagram, it has the ability to reach practically every corner of the world, and I am compared to millions of photographers.
None of us are going to be the big fish in the vast churning worldwide ocean.
Why We Buy Interchangeable Lens Cameras and Rangefinders
Because pretty pictures no longer matter, and smartphones take pretty pictures. We need tools that allow us to make unusual images that look different than sunsets over the ocean.
In the hands of a creative, a $2,000 kit can bend to our wills of creating something different, imperfect, and yes, at times unattractive. But we made it, not the technology.
As a bonus, we get to use tools that feel good, appeal to our sense of mechanical appreciation, and have an iconic look.
Photography Is Our Creative Voice
The bulk of our life is spent sleeping, eating, doing chores, going to work, and interacting with friends and family.
For most folks, none of that is particularly creative. But for us, photography is our expression. And the possibilities are unlimited.
We can be expressing our creative voice with these tools through every phase of our life to the very end when a nurse tilts our wheelchair on its back to allow us to take pictures of a beautiful cloudy sky.
There are few pursuits in life that offer the creative flexibility or longevity that photography does.
In the End, the Final Picture Doesn't Matter
Yes, every now and then it's nice to turn the laptop to a friend sitting next to us and ask, "So what do you think of this shot?" But their response has absolutely nothing to do with our motivation to continue.
We make pictures because we love the journey. The destination does not matter.
There is no photography endgame. These is pursuit, evolution, pleasure, wonder, surprise, and a love of hardware and software.
Very few things in life deliver the thrill of a decisive moment caught through our lens and nurtured with software on our laptop screen.
Let's face it: much of life is disappointing. But photography is the silver thread that runs through it, that magical path that travels from our heart and mind to the outside world.
No one is going to care about our pictures as much as we do. And that's just fine.
Film Friday: A tribute to the Olympus OM-1 on its 50th anniversary You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
In honor of the 50-year anniversary of the Olympus OM-1, Kosmo Foto founder Stephen Dowling has written up a comprehensive tribute to the camera that redefined what an SLR camera could be by keeping the design simple and compact without sacrificing too much functionality.
As we've covered before, the Olympus OM-1 wasn't the original plan. Olympus designer Yoshihisa Maitani had originally conceptualized and eventually developed a prototype for a camera that we now know was called the Olympus OM-X. This camera was similar in style to Hasselblad cameras, but used 35mm film instead of the 120 rolls its medium format counterpart used.
Unfortunately, that design proved too complicated to produce at scale, so it stopped at the prototype stage. Eventually, Maitani settled on making the OM-1, a camera he had envisioned as an incredibly compact 35mm camera from the get-go. So small, in fact, that he used the Nikon F as the measuring stick and told his engineers that he wanted the OM-1 to be 20-percent smaller in all dimensions and weigh just half of what the Nikon F did.
Although not easy, the Olympus team eventually pulled through with Maitani at the helm, delivering a camera that measured only marginally larger than his original concept. To achieve this, Maitani and his team used new technologies and materials to make the most of every component. While the camera was originally named the M-1, Leica took issue with that due to its own M1 camera, so it was eventually named the OM-1 to minimize confusion.
Eventually, the camera was revealed at the Photokina photographic fair in Cologne, West Germany, in May 1972. The first units started arriving at stores just under a year later in February 1973 and started what Dowling refers to as an 'arms race' amongst the other major camera manufacturers, paving the way for the likes of the Canon A-1 and others.
Dowling concludes the article saying the OM-1 is 'a testament to Maitani's skill at finding new directions in camera design.'
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
How Much Does Image Quality Really Matter? You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.
Modern cameras and lenses offer remarkably good image quality -- levels that were only dreamed of even just a decade ago. And with those increased capabilities have come increased standards and expectations. But at this point, how much image quality do we really need? This interesting video poses the question and examines a scenario where getting the shot might take precedence.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this thought-provoking video examines the question of how much image quality we really need.
I'm reminded of one of my first headshot sessions. At that time, I would automatically remove any image where I didn't absolutely nail the focus. The client was not especially satisfied with what that left and asked me where many of the photos in which he knew he was smiling had gone to. I explained my reasoning, but he asked to see them anyway, and he was immediately far more pleased. He ended up selecting one where I had barely missed focus; a little extra sharpening got it plenty close enough. It was then that I realized there is a way a photographer sees images and a way a client sees them, and it is important that we understand both, because technical perfection is far from everything.
Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alejandrino.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #849, June 28, 2022. Today's theme is "And Yet, Things Still Go Wrong." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
As I see it, a major difference between the analog age and modern digital times, is there are more ways to screw up today than ever. Whether it's a flagship mirrorless camera, state of the art Apple watch, or an all electric SUV, their amazing powers at times seem to hang in a delicate balance. On today's TDS Podcast, I share a few recent examples. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 849
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And Yet, Things Still Go Wrong
No RAWs in Slot #1
I'm still not sure how this happened, but I came away from an important shoot with only Jpegs.
Snap Out of Focus
I pulled the camera out of my bag to grab a quick shot of a decisive moment only to have 5 frames of fuzz.
Power Misalignment
On the same day, I misaligned my Apple Watch on its recharging stand and my iPhone on its wireless pad.
All Systems Not Go
I get into my EV and it promptly tells me that the system isn't working properly and that I should contact the dealer. I turn off the car, count to 10, and power up again. Everything is fine. Sound familiar?
The Internet is Broken!
So often when I'm in public spaces, my iPhone tells me that it can't connect to the Internet, even though I have 4 bars on my cellular. But instead of using that, it decides to connect to some bogus WiFi network that is a bridge to nowhere.
So, while all of this is going on, back at the house my Timex quartz is ticking away, my Pentax LX still has a half a roll of film and is patiently waiting for me to finish it off, and the Audi A3 has 8 gallons of premium petro ready to blast off.
I'm beginning to think that to survive in today's world, enjoy the convenience of digital when it's working, but it doesn't hurt to have an analog backup -- just in case.
Free, Open-Source Photo Manager DigiKam Gets a Big Update You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
DigiKam, the free open-source multi-platform digital photo management application, has released version 7.7 for Windows, macOS, and Linux that adds new features, support for more cameras, and fixes a bunch of bugs.
The update to the free professional photo management software comes just a few months after the last major feature release that brought support for the AOM AV1 image file format as well as adding and updating the read/write support for the JPEG-XL image format in all supported bundles.
The 7.7 update brings support for the Olympus OM-1 mirrorless micro four-third system allowing the new camera and lens combinations to be recognized by the application, bringing the number of supported RAW cameras up to more than 1180.
Version 7.7 also includes 84 crash, bug, and maintenance fixes to improve the overall experience and performance, including better support of the HEIF images from the various iPhone cameras, updated operating system support (Windows/Mac/Linux), and adds features like Pinterest exporting, Picasa 3 migration, and the ability to export PSD files to Google Photos.
Apple explains how it's making your iPhone a full-fledged webcam for your Mac You can read the entire article on The Verge.
Apple software engineer Karen Xing spent some time explaining how the new Continuity Camera feature for macOS Ventura will actually work at WWDC 2022 -- and it sounds seriously impressive. It could make your iPhone a full-fledged camera for Mac, one that does most everything you'd expect and more.
macOS will detect your iPhone as a camera and microphone, period, so every camera app should work. While Apple only showed off FaceTime and mentioned Zoom, Teams, and Webex during the big WWDC 2022 keynote, developers shouldn't need to do anything to their apps for them to work.
You get Portrait Mode, "Studio Light," and Center Stage options regardless of the app, too. They're in a Control Center dropdown menu, alongside your iPhone's battery.
FaceTime isn't the only app that'll "magically" switch to your iPhone when you plop it down. Xing demoed that with Zoom, and Apple's offering up an automatic camera selection API that other apps can use, too. macOS Ventura will automatically switch to your iPhone if it's mounted on a stand and either plugged in via USB or detected as "nearby" using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
There's an API for Apple's nifty Desk View mode, too. Apple figured out a way to bend and crop images from the iPhone's super-ultrawide lens to let you show off things on the surface of your desk without moving your phone. That's available for app devs, too, and Xing showed it off as a way to present in Zoom.
Unfortunately, none of this works with those old iPhones you've got sitting in a drawer. Continuity Camera requires iOS 16 in addition to macOS 13, Xing revealed -- and unfortunately, the iPhone 6S, 7, and first-gen iPhone SE and earlier won't be getting the iOS 16 software update. That's a shame because it feels like it could be a great way to make use of an older phone that doesn't have resale value. Still, there are other ways to turn an old spare phone into a webcam.
DPI vs PPI You can read the entire article on theWanderlingLens.com site.
There's a lot of good info in this article about printing. And one gem deals with DPI, which stands for Dots per Inch regarding ink droplets on paper, and PPI, which stands for Pixels per Inch and refers to resolution of digital images on screens.
When printing, the standard is 300 dpi.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #848, June 21, 2022. Today's theme is "5 Tips for Photographers Who Shoot with iPhones." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
I think it's safe to say that photographers approach their iPhone cameras just a little bit different than everyone else. And they are more likely to tap the software's advanced features. In that spirit, I have a show just for you, nimble photographer, who realizes the value of photography with any device, even the one in your pocket. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 848
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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5 Tips for Photographers Who Shoot with iPhones
A One-Handed Selfie Shot captured with the front camera of an iPhone 12 Pro Max using Portrait Mode with a depth of f/2.8. Photo of Derrick Story by Derrick Story.
In my latest Medium article titled, My Favorite iPhone Portrait Tricks, I tell the story of me showing up at a family gathering without any of my mirrorless cameras. So I felt a little sheepish when asked to make a couples portrait.
Fortunately, I've had plenty of practice with my iPhone 12 Pro Max. And thanks to that knowledge, I pulled it off.
That got me thinking that this might be a good time to share some of my favorite techniques with you. So let's get right to it.
- The Back Tap Camera Wake - A photographer's eye often detects decisive moments before others. To ensure that your camera reacts as quickly as you need, set up the Back Tap Camera Wake. Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. There are lots of options here. I use the Double Tap for the Camera, and the Triple Tap for the Flashlight.
- Angle Bracket Pointing Down - There's an angle bracket at the top of the camera interface, and it is usually point upward. Tap on it to angle it downward, and it will reveal an entire row of camera settings right above the shutter button, including proportions, flash controls, exposure compensation, self timer, and filters. If you're in Portrait mode, you can set the Depth f/stop here. In Time-Lapse, you can adjust the exposure there.
- One-Handed Selfie Shot - Use the Volume Down button on the side of the phone to take a one-handed selfie shot. Start by switching to the front camera, then grip the phone in one hand with your thumb on the volume down button. Direct your eyes to the glowing green dot (that's where the camera is), then squeeze your thumb to take the picture.
You can use this technique in Portrait Mode, which is really cool, especially around f/2 for the Depth. Also, this is much easier with the case removed providing easier response from the volume button. * Lens Correction - The Ultra Wide Lens gets even better when you enable Lens Correction in the Camera Settings. You also have many other useful option here sun as View Outside of the Frame and Preserve Settings. * Long Exposure Trick - My all time favorite. Enable Live Photo, hold the camera steady right before, during, and after exposure. Then open the image in Photos, and choose Long Exposure fro the "Live" menu. You can also use this technique creatively by moving the camera before and during exposure.
I also recommend that you read my My Favorite iPhone Portrait Tricks on Medium.com. There's a really nice portrait workflow in that article that can serve you well in a pinch.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
Senators Want US to Follow EU and Adopt a Common Charging Cable You can read the entire article on ThPetaPixel.com.
A group of United States senators has written a letter to the U.S. Commerce Department advocating that the country should follow the European Union's decision to force all electronics manufacturers to adopt a common charging cable.
Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) authored the letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to argue for a standardized charging system. The three Senators say that the consumer electronics industry's largest players have hurt consumers by failing to establish a uniform charging accessory standard and forcing them to frequently change their charging accessories instead.
"This planned obsolescence is expensive and frustrating for consumers, and drives the proliferation of electronic waste," the senators write.
"The lack of interoperability standards for charging and other device accessories also results in e-waste and environmental damage. As specialized chargers become obsolete with the introduction of new products, or as consumers change the brand of phone or device that they use, their outdated chargers are usually just thrown away," the senators continue.
"When electronics are not disposed of properly, e-waste can spread toxins in water, pollute soil, and degrade the air we breathe. In 2019, humans generated a staggering 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste, and only 17 percent of this waste was recycled. Chargers that are discarded or never used create more than 11,000 tons of e-waste annually. This is a global issue, with a lasting impact on our environment and public health.7 The U.S. government must respond."
The three argue that the European Union (EU) has recognized this in the passing of legislation that requires manufacturers to adopt a common charger for electronic devices.
Tool Panel Redesign in Capture One Pro 15.3 You can read the entire article on TheDigitalStory.com.
One of my favorite aspects of the new 15.3 update to Capture One Pro 22 is the Tool Panel Design. I used this fresh look as motivation to clean up my entire Tools area.
Start by Removing Tool Tabs You Don' Need
First you want to clear up a little space at the top of the Tool Tab by removing any Tool Tabs that aren't part of your daily workflow. In my case, the Tether Tab is the first to go. I rarely use is, and I don't need it taking up valuable real estate.
Go to View > Customize Tools > Remove Tool Tab and select from the list the one you want to take off the top of the column. Keep in mind that this Tool Tab isn't deleted, just repositioned.
Also note that you can customize the tools within any tab. So if you want to remove the Refine Tab, but want Sharpening easily available, you could add that tool to another tab such as the new Quick Tab.
Customize Within the Tool Tabs
Once you get your basic categories set at the top of the Tools column, you will probably want to customize a few of the Tools within each tab. Open the Tab you want to modify, then go to View > Customize Tools > Add Tool to [selected] Tab. You can also remove tools as well to tailor each Tab exactly to your liking.
If you want to reorder the Tab icons at the top of the Tools column, hold down the Command key and drag the icon to its new location.
Save Your Workspace
It's a great feeling to get your Capture One Pro house in order. Now is the time to save your Workspace so you can return to it at any time. This is particularly handy if you have different workspaces for different workflows, or if you have multiple photographers using the same computer.
Click on the three vertical dots at the top of the Tool Tab column. Save the Workspace, and you're set. This is also where you can move the Tool Tabs column from one side of the interface to the other.
Top 10 E-M1X & E-M1 Mark III Menu Secrets You can read the entire article on the GetOlympus site.
Here's one in particular that I liked, and it works with the OM-1 as well!
Low ISO Processing - On Custom Menu E1. Exp/ISO/BULB (E-M1 III and E-MX) you will find a feature called Low ISO Processing (on OM-1 it's Camera Menu 1, Low ISO Processing) with two options called Detail Priority and Drive Priority. A quick explanation is that when shooting at low ISO's, if we set this option to Detail Priority, the camera will prioritize image resolution and reducing noise, and in Drive Priority it will focus on frame rate (the number of images per second). So, for my camera bodies and/or custom modes that are set for landscape and macro photography, I choose Detail Priority since frame rate is generally not critical. For wildlife photography, I choose Drive Priority since frame rate is more critical and I am not always shooting at a low ISO.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #847, June 14, 2022. Today's theme is "Cropped Sensors Aren't Going Anywhere, Nor Should They" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
"Mine is bigger than yours" seems to permeate every crevice of the male psyche. We compare the size of our trucks, houses, paychecks and practically anything else that can be measured, quantified, or weighed. We even do it with the girth of our lenses and size of our sensors. And yet, after multiple predictions of their demise, APS-C and MFTs are not only still here, but thriving. A closer look on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 847
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Cropped Sensors Aren't Going Anywhere, Nor Should They
What do the Canon EOS R7, Fujifilm X-H2S, Canon EOS R10, Nikon Z fc, Sony a6400, OM System OM-1, and Panasonic GH6 all have in common? None of them have a full frame sensor.
The Canon R7, R10, and Fujifilm X-H2s are new releases that we're waiting for to land on store shelves, the a6400 is just now going back into production. Nikon Z fc is suddenly a golden child. And it isn't very easy to get your hands on the new OM-1, which seems to be always out of stock.
If the smaller cropped sensor camera is so inferior to their larger siblings, why is Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, OM System, and Panasonic investing so much in them?
The short answer is (get it?) that people like 'em. And here are five reasons why.
- They tend to be smaller and easier to carry around.
- Thanks to today's technology, the image quality is fantastic.
- You can get smaller, lighter lenses that still have amazing optical quality.
- They generally cost less.
- And yes, sometimes you want a little extra depth of field.
On pro photo assignments, I stand shoulder to shoulder with my full frame brothers and sisters. My shoulders are less tired. And I get hired just as often as they do. (And I'm spending far less on my gear.)
Believe me, cropped sensor cameras aren't going anywhere.
Tell a Friend
I was thinking the other day about how people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts, which I appreciate!
Then, I started thinking, we should be telling our friends about The Digital Story podcast. It's available on every service that's commonly used: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, and on and on.
If each or our regular listeners told just one friend about this podcast and encouraged them to listen, those should be substantial numbers.
So let's try it! Tell a friend about the TDS Photography Podcast.
TikTok is Convincing People to Scratch Their Camera Lenses with Rocks You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.
Some photographers on TikTok are trying an unconventional technique for unusual results: taking a rock to the front of their lenses, scratching the glass, and destroying them in the process.
Photographer Illumitati posted a video of her using a rock to mortally wound her Canon 50mm f/1.8 in response to a viral video made by Andres Videography where he appeared to do the same to his lens.
However, Andres didn't actually scratch his lens; eagle-eyed viewers will notice that he was actually scratching a lens filter placed on his Sony 85mm.
But in Illumitati's case, she actually takes a rock to the front element of her 50mm. Speaking to PetaPixel she explains what happened.
"I saw another person do it with a filter, and my intrusive thoughts told me to try it on the lens for real," she says.
"This came up on my 'for your page' and as a photographer, I'd never cringed harder in my life," Illumitati says in her TikTok video.
"But then I was so curious to see what a photo from that camera would look like I actually destroyed one of my lenses," she continues. "Then I set it down and got ready to take a couple of portraits and to my surprise, it actually gave it this glow. I don't recommend doing this to your lenses but hey, it's kind of cool."
When asked by PetaPixel, the portrait and fashion photographer seemed to have no regrets over the video.
"I really did scratch it, and the photos were actually not bad at all. The lens is really not great in the first place so I don't think I'd use it," she says.
Leica announces $20,000 M-A' Titan' set featuring titanium film camera and lens You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.
Leica has announced a new limited-edition film camera and matching APO-Summicron-M 50 F2 ASPH lens. The Leica M-A 'Titan' set is Leica's sixth limited-edition camera with a titanium exterior. The first titanium exterior Leica was the Leica M6 TTL' Titanium,' released in 2001. The high-end, limited M-A 'Titan' camera and lens are milled from solid titanium, a material known for its durability. The titanium also gives the M-A 'Titan' set a distinct, striking look.
The Leica M-A is a purely mechanical camera, relying on no power or data connections. Leica writes that the M-A is 'the epitome of Leica's philosophy to concentrate on the essential: a return to photography in its purest form.' The Leica M-A doesn't even include a light meter, unlike the Leica MP. The special edition version includes the classic 'Ernst Leitz Wetzlar' script on the top plate.
The matching APO-Summicron-M 50mm F2 ASPH lens, whose external components are built using titanium for the 'Titan' set, is modeled after the first 50mm Summicron-M lens, introduced in 1956. To maintain the special aesthetic, the lens' included round lens hood is made of solid titanium.
The Leica M-A 'Titan' set doesn't come cheap. The set is limited to just 250 units worldwide and will set you back $19,995. The camera and lens are engraved with special-edition serial numbers, and the set comes in a special presentation box lined with black silk.
If the idea of a purely mechanical Leica film camera is up your alley, but the M-A' Titan' is too expensive, you can purchase the Leica M-A in black chrome or silver chrome for $5,965. The Leica M-A works with a wide of Leica M lenses, ranging from 16mm to 135mm.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #846, June 7, 2022. Today's theme is "It's Official: Capture One for the iPad in June" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Capture One users and those thinking about migrating to the robust photo management app finally get the news they have been waiting for: the iPad version will be released this month! Our lead story will look at what's included and what isn't. Plus a few top of mind thoughts on the new MacBook Pro 13" M2, and more. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 846
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
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It's Official: Capture One for the iPad in June
"No wine will be released before its time," and such is the case with Capture One software as well. But finally they are confident enough in the iPad version to share it with the world.
Cost and Availability
The software will be available on June 28 at 1 PM CEST, will cost $4.99 a month, and will be available through the App Store.
Version 1 Features
More will be added to C1P iPad in the future, but for starters users can expect:
- Import from camera roll, files, a plugged-in camera or an SD card - Create albums - Sort and filter.
- Culling with Star rate and Color tag.
- Quick Editing with styles and presets - Create styles and presets - Import styles and presets.
- Crop and Rotate.
- Editing: White balance (wb & tint) - Exposure (exposure, contrast, brightness, saturation) - Dynamic Range (highlights, shadows, whites, blacks) - Clarity and structure - Dehaze (auto and manual) - Basic color editor, with color picker - HSL - B&W conversion - Vignetting - Sharpening (amount, radius, threshold, halo) - Noise reduction (luminance, details, color, single pixel) - Film grain (modes, impact, granularity) - Moiré - Histogram.
- Before/After - Undo/Redo/Reset - Display basic metadata - Copy and apply (selective adjustments).
- Add album to the cloud, to be imported into CO Pro desktop - Export jpgs (predefined recipes) - Export EIPs - Watermark (text-only) - Share to any relevant app, including cloud storage ones, or save to files - Airdrop.
Upcoming Features
Tethering, Masks and Layers, Cloud improvements for file transfer and ultimately, synchronization.
Understanding Their Approach
Capture One iPad app is not intended to be a replacement for the desktop app, but instead its best companion. Even though the iPad app works perfectly well on its own, it is built to be a part of an ecosystem where you can work smoothly across devices to get the most out of your time, money, and images.
With the Capture One iPad app you can plug your camera directly into your iPad, import hundreds of photos, organize them and get to culling. See your images in all their glory on the iPad screen, quickly swipe through them, and rate or color tag them. Filter your best ones and start editing using either Styles or manual adjustments.
Once you are done editing, you can show your images directly on the screen to team members and clients when together on location or by exporting them as JPEGs. If you would like to refine your images even further when you get home, upload your album to the cloud, import it into Capture One Pro on desktop, and continue working exactly from where you left off.
The 2022 TDS Workshops Update We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event) - Sold Out
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online) - Sold Out
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical) - Sold Out
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
What the Heck Was Apple Thinking with the New 13" MacBook Pro?
Since I'm still working with all Intel processor Macs, I was hoping that the M2 MBP 13" would be the computer that I could upgrade to. I guess I'll have to keep waiting.
First, let's start with the basic specs:
- 13.3-inch Retina display
- Apple M2 chip
- Up to 24GB memory
- Up to 2TB storage
- Up to 20 hours battery life
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 Ports
- One Headphone/Mic jack
- Starting price: $1,299 - Available in July.
Those are nearly the exact same specs as the new MacBook Air that starts at $1,199, but includes a slightly bigger screen and a MagSafe power port. The new Air doesn't include the TouchBar (that practically nobody cares about) and gets 18 hours of battery life compared to 20.
So tell me, what is Pro about the 13" MacBook Pro? Only 2 Thunderbolt ports (one of which has to be used for charging since there is not a MagSafe port), no SD card slot, and no other ports period.
I guess we'll see what happens next time.
Fujifilm announces X-H2S high-end APS-C stills/video hybrid You can read the entire article on DP Review.com.
Fujifilm has announced the X-H2S, a high-end stills/video APS-C mirrorless camera. It's built around a stabilized 26MP Stacked CMOS sensor that lets it shoot at up to 40 frames per second with full AF. It can also shoot 4K video at up to 120p in a wide range of codecs.
The X-H2S uses its fast-readout sensor and new X-Processor 5 chip to add subject recognition AF (Humans, Animals, Trains, Planes, Motorbikes, Cars and Birds), and more sophisticated AF tracking even with subject-detection disengaged. This combines with the ability to shoot at up to 40fps and a buffer that allows up to 184 JPEG or 175 Raw files at this fastest rate, and over 1000 JPEGs or 400 Raw images at 15fps using its mechanical shutter.
On the video side of things the X-H2S can capture DCI or UHD 4K at up to 60p using the full width of its sensor to give footage sampled from 6.2K width. It can also shoot 3:2 6.2K footage using its entire sensor area or 4K at up to 120p from a 1.29x cropped area. Footage can be recorded in a choice of 8-bit H.264, 10-bit H.625 or ProRes 422HQ, 422 or 422 LT with the option of ProRes Proxy capture in parallel. 4K at up to 120p can be output over HDMI or a Raw stream for encoding as ProRes RAW or BRaw using external recorders.
The Fujifilm X-H2S will be available from early July at a recommended price of $2499.
Virtual Camera Club News
Have you been unsubscribed? A number of listeners have let me know that they were unceremoniously unsubscribed from the show. If that happens to you, just go back to the app and click on subscribe.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #845, May 31, 2022. Today's theme is "Capturing the Joy of Celebration with Photography" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
We certainly have had our share of images filled with heartbreak and anguish lately. Mass shootings, war, and disease fill our newsfeeds. But the month of June can help balance those emotions. The sense of accomplishment captured in graduation ceremonies, Father's Day and the debut of summer activities can brighten our spirits. And if we get out our cameras and capture those moments, we can help spread the joy. More about that on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 845
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Capturing the Joy of Celebration with Photography
For the first time in months, I welled up during a photo shoot. I was standing in the middle of a post-graduation ceremony at Santa Rosa Junior College watching a family converge on a young woman in a cap and gown holding her certificate.
Mom was crying, dad was beaming, and the siblings were looking up in admiration at the accomplishment of their oldest sister. Against the odds of the pandemic, assured financial challenges, and demanding course work, she was graduating and ready for the next chapter of her life. The top of her cap was decorated in sequins that spelled UCLA. She was on her way.
I was there with my camera drinking in every life-affirming drop of joy. Finally, something beautiful.
June is here and it's time to add some balance to my life. I have gatherings planned with friends and family, photo assignments on the books, workshops on the calendar, and as much nature as I can squeeze in between.
I'm tired of reading the newsfeed on my phone that emphasizes the darkness in our world. I know it's here. I know it's real. But I also know there is light. And I'm ready for the brightness of summer.
When I capture one of those moments that warms my heart or makes me smile, not only do I get to experience it live, but get to relive the joy countless times afterward via a well-crafted photograph. This is the magic of photography.
I bring this up because these moments are available to any of us. A playful pet, wondrous child, a little league homerun celebration, a quiet sunrise - these moments are everywhere, especially this time of year.
And when we get tired of celebrating those quiet moments on the bright side of life, our social media feeds will still be there - just in case you get tired of the light.
The 2022 TDS Workshops Update We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event) - Sold Out
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online) - Sold Out
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical) - 2 Seats Available
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Photographer Teaches Posing to Prove Anyone Can Be Photogenic You can read the entire article at PetaPixel.
A posing coach and portrait photographer has a mission to help people who believe they aren't photogenic. David Suh, from Sacramento, California, runs a course entitled "How to be Photogenic in 30 Days," as well as sharing quick and easy tutorials from his TikTok page.
The 26-year-old has posted dozens of clips where he explains how to pose properly for different kinds of photos. He offers tips on how to "level up" Instagram selfies, how to pose for graduation photos, and explains the best outfits for photo shoots.
Suh's overarching philosophy is based confidence and authenticity, but he has specific poses that he likes to teach such as leaning against a wall.
"Kick the hip out a little bit away from the wall, then lean into the wall. Then use natural hand placements from grabbing the jacket button to grabbing the fingers," he says in a YouTube video.
While this is a standard pose, Suh then likes to direct the subject to a more "fashion" pose by doing something more unusual against the wall.
"I love putting an editorial and magazine twist to my portraits. I don't want it to look too traditional of a LinkedIn headshot kind of vibe," he explains.
"Something you can do is stand further away from the wall and lean with your shoulder. What makes this have that fashion look is the fact that we don't do this every day. A lot of fashion poses are meant to be striking so it captures the viewer's attention so doing an exaggerated move is what gives that fashion look."
Another pose Suh likes is using a flight of stairs, a common feature in cities.
"One of my favorite things to do is give a strong masculine look by sitting wide-legged. You can go for various leans forward while keeping your chest forward. Opening up your energy towards the camera is what gives off a commanding badass energy."
"You can also very easily turn this around and make it a softer look by turning to the side slightly and doing a leg crossover instead. As we turn our energy away from the camera we have a softer look. Turning to the side can also have a slimming effect."
Master Your Craft: Why you should re-edit older photos using new skills You can read the entire article on Imaging-Resource.com.
Much like your photography skills improve with time and practice, so do your editing skills. Over time, you acquire new editing skills, software improves, and you develop new and different styles. What happens when a professional photographer like Pye Jirsa of SLR Lounge re-edits a photo he captured more than a decade ago?
When Jirsa started doing wedding photography in 2009, his editing style was very different. The image in question is HDR-esque with a lot of contrast and high saturation. I'm sure we all have images like this, especially from when we started photography or learned specific new techniques. The video shows why keeping your original raw files is so important. You never know how your style and taste will change over time. It's always good to have an original file that you can edit again rather than be stuck with a processed file that you no longer like.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #844, May 24, 2022. Today's theme is "How Much Fill Flash Do You Really Need?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Fill flash is a fundamentally sound practice that improves portraits in many situations. But some photographers shy away from it because they don't want to carry a cumbersome hotshoe flash. But is there a nimble option that provides the desire results without adding bulk to your kit? There is, and that's the first story on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 844
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How Much Fill Flash Do You Really Need?
Fill flash used for this outdoor portrait. Photo by Derrick Story.
Believe me, no one dislikes excessive bulk more than me. And I got rid of my clumsy hotshoe flashes years ago. But I do carry a shirt pocket Metz 26 AF-2 that has saved my bacon time and time again.
How? By providing just enough fill light for backlit people when working outside. That's the beauty of fill light. You can hold on to some background tonality while still rendering a pleasant exposure on the main subject.
The thing that I've learned over time is that I only need a little fill light for this magic to work. And that has allowed me to rely on pop-up flashes and shirt-pocket sized accessories.
The magic begins by shooting everything in RAW. In contrasty situations, the fill does help balance the lighting, but it can still be a bit overpowered by the background. Shooting in RAW gives me the extra latitude I need to get all the tones balanced.
Next, raise the ISO. There's a world of difference in flash output at ISO 1600 compared to 200. If I'm not getting the results that I want at the lower ISOs, I have no problem increase the sensor's sensitivity. Today's cameras shoot beautifully at ISO 1600.
And finally, work with a short zoom lens to ensure you stay close enough to your subject. Most of my fill flash shots are between 28mm and 50mm. Not only do you get a more personal vibe at these focal lengths, you're close enough for your pocket-sized flash to reach.
The Metz 26 AF-2 is a good example of a nimble fill flash.
The Metz 26 AF-2 has been discontinued. What a shame. But the MEIKE MK-320P Mini Flash is available for $69, and it too is super nimble.
- Fit panasonic and Olympus or other M43 mount camera
- Supports manual, ttl, optical slave(s1,s2),stroboscopic mode ,front/rear curtain-sync,overheating protection,automatic sleep mode
- Built-in LED auxiliary lighting ,external USB interface
- Weighs only 150g , small and easy to carry
- Metal hot shoe , support ON-Camera and OFF-Camera Flash Triggering
You can also use the pop-up flash on your camera. And Olympus users receive a nifty, super-portable hotshoe flash in the box with their camera.
If you haven't been using fill light outdoors because you didn't want to carry a bunch of extra gear, give one of these options a try. I think you will be very please with the results.
The 2022 TDS Workshops Update We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event) - Sold Out
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online) - Sold Out
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical) - 2 Seats Available
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
The Nine Volt AirCap Camera Body Cap Hides an Apple AirTag You can read the entire article at PetaPixel.
Camera and computer accessory brand Nine Volt has created a camera body cap that on the surface looks normal, but secretly hides a slot to hold an Apple AirTag so that photographers can always locate their equipment.
In major cities, cameras are often targeted by thieves because of how quickly and easily they can be flipped for large sums of cash. In San Francisco, the problem is so rampant that some thieves not only target photographers in broad daylight (stealing from PetaPixel contributor Jefferson Graham and even local news crews) but they also have been caught breaking into cars while they're stuck in traffic.
A recent report showed that stolen equipment is often separated from bags and luggage within a few minutes of being stolen, so hiding an AirTag in the lining of a camera bag or Pelican case will only work for a very short amount of time. Nine Volt, a computer and camera accessory brand, recognized this problem and has come up with a solution.
Nine Volt says its AirCap is a carbon fiber composite camera body cap that is made to keep a photographer's camera sensor protected like a standard body cap, but it also includes a hidden rear compartment within the cap that holds an AirTag. The company says that the hidden compartment shows no obvious signs that it is removable and is secured with four strong neodymium magnets. To access the hidden compartment, a photographer needs to twist the inside of the AirCap to release the magnets and then invert the cap.
Nine Volt manufactures the Air Cap for Canon RF, Fujifilm GFX, Sony E, Nikon Z, Phase One XF, and PL mount. Each cap retails for $49 and the AirTag is not included. While similar-looking caps for lenses are visible in Nine Volt's Instagram video, the company doesn't seem to offer lens caps with an AirTag compartment.
The TIPA World Awards 2022 You can read the entire article at the TIPA website.
Founded in 1991, the Technical Image Press Association, TIPA, is composed of many member publications in the photo/imaging field published in print and online. These publications cover the full range of the industry, including consumer, professional, business-to-business, and fine art photography and imaging.
Member magazines and their online presence have wide reach and readership in many languages and cover markets around the world in Europe, Asia, Australia and North and South America.
Editors and their staff make up a global panel of knowledgeable experts who have earned a reputation for honest and trustworthy appraisal of photo and imaging products. Their magazines and websites have built a loyal following among their readers. Each member publication is engaged in the selection and final vote in the TIPA WORLD AWARDS process to name the Best Photo and Imaging products of the year.
- Best MFT Camera: OM System OM-1.
- Best APS-C Camera: Nikon Z fc.
- Best Full Frame Expert Camera: Sony Alpha 7 IV.
- Best Full Frame Professional Camera: Nikon Z9.
- Best Camera Innovation: Canon EOS R3.
- Best Rangefinder Camera: Leica M11.
- Best Professional 4K Hybrid Camera: Panasonic LUMIX DC-GH6.
- Best Medium Format Camera: Fujifilm GFX 50S II.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #843, May 17, 2022. Today's theme is "The Camping Gear Special for Photographers." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Camping and photography are the peanut butter and chocolate of outdoor actives. It's an understatement to say they go together well. And over the years I've learned that the more comfortable I am in nature, the better my pictures turn out. In that spirit I'm sharing with you some of my favorite camping gadgets and tips to help you maximize your experiences. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 843
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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The Camping Gear Special for Photographers
Before going forward, let's step back for a minute, quite a ways back. I remember the very moment that I decided that I needed to buy a camping vehicle. It happened during a frosty October morning in the Eastern Sierra when the ground was as hard as concrete.
I struggled a bit to get my jeans on in the two-man tent, crawled out the front opening on my hands and knees, and staggered toward the camp stove to begin a cup of coffee. As I stretched the kinks out of my back, I thought to myself, there has got to be a more comfortable way to do this.
One month later I bought the VW Vanagon with fold out double bed. And my outdoor life has never been the same.
The Vanagon has moved on to a new owner, but my camping life continues to improve. These days, I'm sleeping soundly, eating well, and brimming with creativity as I work outdoors.
A few carefully selected items have mad all the difference. And the totality of them fit easily in the electric SUV. I thought you might enjoy learning about the gear that has transcended my wilderness mornings from creaky to comfortable. Here are my recommendations.
Clean, Convenient Fire
Fire is at the heart of any camping experience. It cooks your food, adds glowing ambience to the evening, and helps warm the bones. Let's start with the most essential item: the camp stove.
Coleman 2 Burner Grill/Stove $89 - If you don't like washing dishes and pots while camping, and you want to keep packaging waste to a minimum, then a grill is definitely the way to go.
This Coleman combo works great, is easy to clean, and includes a regular burner as well for that pot of breakfast coffee. Even though the stove is affordable, it has held up well over time for me.
Tip: an 11" x 11" griddle fits perfectly over the grill making it easy to cook pancakes and eggs for breakfast.
Ignik Refillable Gas Growler Deluxe 5-Pound Propane Tank $149 This refillable propane tank is quite compact, yet it replaces 5 Coleman bottles that end up in the landfill.
The kit comes with a 5-Pound tank, adapter hose for your propane stove, and a carry case. It all zips up nicely and fits in the back of your vehicle without taking up much room. So much better than disposable 1-lb bottles, and far more compact that a full size tank. And enough fuel for days of camping.
Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit Outdoor Firebowl $135 - Sitting around a fire ring is fun, but the smoke and mess isn't. You can still tell scary stories around a fire with a propane-powered fire pit.
This is a perfect match for the propane growler tank I mentioned earlier. It's compact, easy to set up, smoke free, and you don't have to worry about hazardous embers. And yes, you can make s'mores over its flames.
Turning Your Car into a Home
SlimShady Awning OG $249 This lightweight room-mounted awning transforms your car campsite into a homy patio. You'll get the best price directly from Yakama, but you will need crossbars for your roof rack if you don't have them already.
You can set it up solo in about 15 minutes, but it's much easier with 2 people. I like the 6.5' awning that's comfortable for a couple chairs and a table. Be prepared to answer a few questions from others in the campground, because people seem to really like this rig.
Breathable Mesh Car Window Shades - I sleep much better in the back of my VW ID.4 now that I have mesh screens for the rear windows. This allows me to have cross ventilation at night which is both refreshing and eliminates condensation inside the car.
The most important thing is that they fit your window snugly so you don't have to worry about pests entering the cabin at night. They also help keep your car cool during the day because you can leave the screens in place and roll down the rear windows all the way.
Camco Aluminum Side Table $17 - These portable side tables fold flat taking up very little storage space, but provide great utility in camp.
I recommend getting a couple of them. One to serve as a side table for snacks and drinks while lounging in your camp chair, and a second as an ottoman to raise your feet. I clip a braided placemat to the top to make it even more comfortable for my legs.
Bessport Camping Blanket $32 - Lightweight camping blankets come in so handy around the site. Great for draping over legs as the sun goes down, using as a morning cape while brewing coffee, or adding an extra layer of warmth to your bed. I keep one in the VW at all times, but use it most in the campsite.
RoverTac Camping Accessories Gear Tools Multitool Hatchet Survival Gear Axe $21 - Great for pounding in tent stakes, chopping up tinder, and dozens of other uses.
Bonus Item
Bisquick Shake 'n Pour Pancake Mix - Remember my quest for no messy dishes or bowls? Just add 1 1/2 cups of water to the Shake n Pour container, shake for 30 seconds, and pour the batter on to a hot griddle. In just a few minutes you will have delicious, fluffy pancakes.
Makes enough for four with egg and fruit side dishes, or plenty for two with just the cakes. Once the batter is gone, recycle the container, wipe off the griddle, and you're done.
Bonus Tip: I use paper plates for my camping. All I have to wash are my utensils.
Final Thoughts
These little comforts make a big difference during the outing. Not only will you be more comfortable, but I'm betting more creative as well.
The 2022 TDS Workshops Update We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event) - Sold Out
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online) - Sold Out
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical) - 2 Seats Available
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
OM System OM-1 review You can read the entire review at Preview.com.
The OM-1 excels in situations such as wildlife shooting, where its power and compact telephoto lenses mean it's able to offer an unmatched combination, but it can also be a pretty capable sports camera or a general, everyday photographers' camera expected to shoot a bit of everything. So, while it can't generally match a comparably priced full-frame camera for image quality, but there's nothing else that offers this level of all-round capability (shooting speed, AF performance, IS performance, weather sealing) in such a small package.
The OM-1 brings speed, improved AF and more detailed video to a system that already offered great image stabilization and small and light camera/lens combinations. This makes it a powerful all-rounder with particular strengths for wildlife. That compactness comes as a trade-off for absolute image quality but a series of computational multi-shot modes can help close the gap in certain circumstances. It's a lot of capability for the money.
Overall Score: 87 percent with a Silver Award. More than 1,600 comments.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #842, May 10, 2022. Today's theme is "The Bias Against Teleconverters and Conversion Lenses." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Photographers tend to like their cameras clean and their lenses lean. Anything that might compromise image quality such as teleconverters, conversion lenses, and sometimes even filters is frowned upon. But how legitimate are our concerns? I re-examine my biases in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 842
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
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The Bias Against Teleconverters and Conversion Lenses
My concerns about teleconverters and conversion lenses stretches all the way back to the film days. I can still remember the disappointment I felt when I got my prints back from the lab after using a $20 2X tele converter on my 70mm-210mm zoom lens. The pictures were so soft they were almost fuzzy.
And that letdown happened after suffering through the picture taking process where I could barely focus my camera because the viewfinder was so dark from the 2 stops loss of light.
I also experimented with low-cost conversion lenses that extended the range or allowed me to get closer with my standard optic. Again, the results were far from satisfying.
And so I swore off optical enhancers all together. If my lens could get the job done natively, then I would either have to go without or buy another lens that met my needs. And like so many other scenarios in photography, the opinion I formed years ago remains with me today. Or at least it did.
My first modern breakthrough was the Olympus MC-14 M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter that I use with my 40-150mm PRO zoom. Now granted, the Olympus teleconverter is matched to their own optics, and it costs $349, not $29. And the performance is every bit as good as with a native zoom.
My latest breakthrough is the FUJIFILM WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens for my X100V. I had been using a DIY rig that I cobbled together, but I finally saved up and got the matched optic from Fujifilm. And what a joy it is.
It is handsome, compact, smart, and provides excellent image quality. And it costs $349.
I've started to change my opinion about these accessory optics, and a few of the reasons are:
- Mirrorless Cameras and AF End the Focusing Problem - Thanks to great AF systems and electronic viewfinders, we no longer pay an "ease of focusing price" with teleconverters.
- Matched Optics Are Better than Generics - When I buy Olympus for Olympus or Fujifilm for Fujifilm, those optics are designed for specific lenses and not just generic magnifiers.
- More Expensive Does Mean Better - The coatings and construction for my FUJIFILM WCL-X100 II are on par with the lens it fits over. These are real optics, not toys.
- Match Features Enhance User Experience - Niceties such as automatic viewing frame adjustment and correct EXIF data readout feel very much like an interchangeable lens camera.
- More Compact than a Full Size Lens - This is especially true with the teleconverters, but even with the wide angle conversion lens.
So then it comes down to image quality. And as I look at my shots at 100 percent magnification in Capture One Pro, I see sharpness, detail, and good color. There certainly may be a tradeoff compared to an expensive prime lens, but considering the other benefits combined with very good image quality, it's hard to argue against these optical accessories for light-packing nimble photographers.
The 2022 TDS Workshops Update We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event) - Sold Out
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online) - Sold Out
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical) - 2 Seats Available
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
My Favorite Adventure Series - Helicopter Flight Over Hoover Dam
This idea came out of a group conversation that we had in the Humboldt Redwoods where the guys were interested in some of my big assignments from the past. We kiddingly nicknames these stories, "Back in the Day."
I decided to take them up on their suggestion and run semi-regular spots highlighting really cool photography adventures that I've been lucky enough to experience. Here's another one.
I had a chance to shoot with a preproduction model of the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 at PMA in January 2008. The "TZ" stands for travel zoom, and this is a terrific "on the go" camera.
Starting with the 10X Leica DC Vario-Elmarit optical zoom (28-280mm equivalent), the little compact can handle a variety of shooting situations. The image stabilization works wonderfully, and having the option of choosing among aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, or 16:9) is a creative plus. This latest version provides HD movie capture at 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps. The accompanying audio is recorded with an onboard mic, so it isn't as good as the visuals, but still a great option to have while traveling.
The picture of Hoover Dam that I shot with the TZ5 is featured on the fourth page of The Digital Photography Companion across from the credits. I was able to add the image just as we were going to production.
Shooting from a helicopter is tricky business. You have to photograph through glass that is often curved and full of reflections. Unlike with other through-glass shooting, you can't put your camera lens up against the surface because of the rotor vibration while flying. I was dealing with all of these factors while capturing this image of Hoover Dam with Lake Mead in the background at the Arizona/Nevada border in Southwestern USA.
So here's how I did it. I used a Panasonic LUMIX TZ5 (just announced at PMA) in aerial scene mode. What that does (and what you can do on your own) is activate image stabilization and "warm up" the white balance to offset the coolness of shooting from above. I then looked for a patch of clean glass and held the camera as close to it as possible without touching it. I watched the reflections as the pilot maneuvered, and shot when the reflections weren't apparent.
You can increase your odds of success by wearing dark clothing (that doesn't reflect in the glass as much) and bringing a polarizer filter. Both help minimize reflections in the glass. If you're using a compact, bring one that has as wide a focal length as possible. The TZ5 goes to 28 mm, which helped considerably for capturing big scenes.
ProGrade Digital announces $460 512GB V90 UHS-II SDXC Cobalt series memory card You can read the entire story> on DPreview.com.
ProGrade Digital has announced a 512GB version of its Cobalt UHS-II SDXC memory card, which offers maximum read and write speeds up to 300MB/s and 250MB/s, respectively.
This new 512GB Cobalt SD card offers V90 performance, guaranteeing the minimum write speeds never drop below 90MB/s, an important specification for times when you're recording high bit-rate video directly onto the card. ProGrade Digital, which was founded by industry veterans from Lexar and SanDisk, says each component of the card is tested 'down to individual memory chips' to ensure the best performance and reliability possible.
The 512GB Cobalt SD card is both X-ray and shockproof, and capable of operating between -25ºC (-14ºF) and 85ºC (185ºF). It also features built-in error correction that detects and corrects data write and data transfer errors.
The ProGrade Digital 512GB UHS-II SDXC memory card is available to pre-order for $460, which amounts to roughly $.90/GB. There are also 256GB, 128GB and 64GB models available, but those have been available for well over a year now.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #841, May 3, 2022. Today's theme is "Mother's Day and Other Great Family Photos" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Some folks will be spending time with their family this weekend thanks to Mother's Day on Sunday. Generally speaking, Moms don't like having their picture taken. But I have a few tips for you in today's show that will not only help you get her in front of the camera, but will also ensure she looks great in the picture. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 841
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Mother's Day and Other Great Family Photos
Here are my 5 tips for great Mother's Day photos.
- No Solo Portraits - Very few moms will stand for a solo portrait. But if you get the kids involved, she will gladly pose with them. And that's the secret: small group photos with those she loves.
- Work Fast - Whatever trust you gained with the group photo approach, you can just as quickly lose if you take too long to complete the picture. Before the gathering begins, set up your camera so it is ready to go and all you have to do is compose, focus, and shoot.
- Use Fill Flash Outdoors - There's a reason why so many wedding photographers use fill flash outdoors: it is flattering for the subject. Bringing light from the front softens textures and adds a twinkle to the eye.
- Bring an Instant Printer - Making prints on the spot is a hit. And you can let people take their favorites with them when they return home. I use a FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO Hybrid Instant Camera ($199) for this purpose. I send the pictures from my camera to the iPhone, crop and edit as needed, then send the image to the Fujifilm camera/printer.
- Email Photos to Everyone - If you establish a track record of following through and sending everyone shots of the day as promised, you'll find that they will more eagerly pose for you during family events.
And finally, those of you lucky enough to spend time with your Mom and other family members this weekend, take a moment to appreciate the gift you are receiving. And to all the moms listening, Happy Mother's Day, and thank you for everything you do.
The 2022 TDS Workshops Update We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event) - Sold Out
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online) - Sold Out
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical) - 2 Seats Available
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150MM F4.0 PRO REVIEW You can read on amateurphotographer.com.
OMDS says the lens is, in effect, a scaled-down version of the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO, with an optical formula derived from its larger-aperture sibling. This is likely to be a good thing, given that the 40-150mm f/2.8 gives excellent image quality. However, like the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm F4.0 PRO and the aforementioned 20mm f/1.4, the new lens also employs a simplified physical design, with neither a programmable L-Fn button on the barrel, nor a focus ring that can be snapped back towards the camera to engage manual focus.
At £799, the 40-150mm f/4 neatly occupies the middle ground between its £1099 f/2.8 sibling and the entry-level M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R, which costs around £210. It's clear that OMDS views it mainly as a travel-friendly option that should nicely complement small cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, rather than an action-friendly option for E-M1 or OM-1 users. But how does it stack up in practice?
In many respects, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4 PRO delivers nicely on its promise. Like the 12-45mm f/4, it adapts the optical design of its larger, more expensive f/2.8 sibling to deliver lovely crisp images from a small, lightweight package. Indeed, it's remarkably small for a 300mm equivalent lens with premium optics. You don't even have to go searching for a sweet spot in terms of focal length and aperture, as it delivers plenty of detail at f/4. The real trick is not to stop down too far.
There are, however, some compromises to accept in return for the compact size. Naturally the f/4 maximum aperture isn't great for blurring backgrounds, while autofocus isn't quite as good at keeping up with fast-moving subjects compared to more expensive optics, either. But I suspect many users will happily accept these drawbacks in return for the lens's sheer portability.
Overall, then, the 40-150mm f/4 is a fine little lens that neatly fills a gap in the M.Zuiko line-up between the entry-level and f/2.8 Pro zooms that cover the same range. It's a particularly good match for compact Micro Four Thirds bodies such as the E-M5 Mark III, but is just as good a choice for E-M1/OM-1 users looking to travel light. It would make an excellent companion for either the 12-40mm f/2.8 or 12-45mm f/4.5 standard zooms.
Recommended - 4.5 Stars
Dorothea Lange Words and Pictures You can read on LensCulture.com.
"All photographs can be fortified by words," Lange wrote. For her, words could extend the power of an image, not just causing an emotional response but also urging the viewer to not only see but to read, to listen carefully. She wrote that her image captions should carry "not only factual information, but also added clues to attitudes, relationships and meanings," calling these captions "connective tissue." Some of her image titles exhibit a matter of factness, a dry wit, On the Road to Los Angeles, California (1937) features two men walking down a dirt road towards a billboard advising to take the train next time. An image of men in front of a building is titled Six Tenant Farmers Without Farms, Hardeman County, Texas (1937).
The power of words also extended beyond image titles, to encompass the voice of her subjects. Whilst photographing, Lange took copious field notes on her assignments recording where, when, and who she was depicting and what they had to say. The exhibition shines a light on these collections and how in pairing the photographs with the subjects' own words, Lange empowered their voices. The endpapers of her book An American Exodus, which she worked on with her husband, the agricultural economist Paul Taylor, hold the words of her subjects. Upon entering the gallery, these words feature prominently, as an introduction to the images on view, giving voice to the protagonists of her work.
Throughout the show, wall text enriches the images with fragments of Lange's own notes and extended quotes from those she photographed. This combination of words and pictures hits both head and heart; the photographs touch the viewer but the words allow them to do more than that, they shine a light on the injustices of the wider world through experience and fact. They also illuminate the inner thoughts and methods of a photographer committed to bringing change to the world with the tools at hand.
Even through the show has come and gone, the book from it is available on Amazon.com.
Virtual Camera Club News
Will return with another installment from My Favorite Adventure Series.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #840, April 26, 2022. Today's theme is "Time for a New Personal Project." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Photography is most interesting when we continually challenge ourselves. And the best way to do that is through personal projects that take us just a bit out of our comfort zone. Now that we're well into 2022, it's time to find that next personal project for you, and that's the top story in today's TDS Photography Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 840
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Time for a New Personal Project
I'm in the business of reinvention. That wasn't my intention, but it certainly has worked out that way. So I'm very familiar with personal projects that help open new doors.
I'm talking about endeavors that you may have had an interest in, but until this point, stayed on the sidelines. What kind of projects could those be? Let's take a look at 5 possible examples.
- Portraits - The pandemic has certainly confined most of us to our corners. But maybe it's time we start working with people again, and even more creatively, begin making portraits. There are so many different types, outdoors with fill reflectors, natural light window, flash and soft boxes. Pick one and shoot a series.
- Macro - Very few subjects garner attention like a beautiful macro photo of an insect or flower. We often have the tools already, but never really got serious about taking our close-up work to the next level.
- Action - Fast cars, horses, and even kids playing soccer present their own unique challenge, both technically and artistically. I'm not talking just any old action photo, but one that is beautiful and captivates the viewer.
- Infrared - This was my 2020 personal project, and it has lead to a series of satisfying online workshops, with our next installment beginning in May. IR has so many facets, both technically and artistically, and it's a true challenge to merge the two camps together into an image that is at once unique and beautiful.
- Analog - So you think you're a good photographer? Load up a roll of color film and see how you feel when it comes back from the lab. My guess is that you will find it humbling. But don't stop there. Challenge yourself to create a series that satisfies you technically and appeals to others artistically.
If you have additional ideas for personal projects, please send them to me or post them on our Facebook page in the comments sections for this podcast. I may just share them in a future show.
Good luck with your project. I hope you helps you expand your photography boundaries.
The 2022 TDS Workshops Update We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event) - Sold Out
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online) - 2 Seats Available
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical) - 2 Seats Available
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
My Favorite Adventure Series - A Small Wedding in Iceland
This idea came out of a group conversation that we had in the Humboldt Redwoods where the guys were interested in some of my big assignments from the past. We kiddingly nicknames these stories, "Back in the Day."
I decided to take them up on their suggestion and run semi-regular spots highlighting really cool photography adventures that I've been lucky enough to experience. Here's another one, the 2006 Photoshop Lightroom Adventure in Iceland.
The iPhone 14 Pro to Have a Much Larger 48MP Main Camera: Report You can read on Petapixel.com.
The iPhone 14 is reportedly set to receive a camera that has four times as many megapixels as the current version that is expected to be released in less than six months.
According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the iPhone 14 will get the pixel upgrade but the improved camera will only be available on the Pro model of the phone in order to tempt buyers to upgrade to the more expensive model. Gurman has a particularly good record when it comes to Apple rumors and leaks, including most recently correctly predicting the Mac Studio as well as the other products announced during the last Apple hardware event.
Not much more is known about the camera, but the 48-megapixel camera upgrade has been rumored for over a year now and if correct, Apple's 2022 phone will be able to deliver more detailed images.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #839, April 19, 2022. Today's theme is "Camera Bag Odd Couple: GFX + MFT." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
I'm planning a couple outdoor preflight camping trips in preparation for our upcoming Eastern Sierra Workshop, and I had to laugh when I looked down into my camera bag. What I saw was the photography version of the Odd Couple. How did I end up here? Stay tuned for the first story on today's TDS Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 839
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Camera Bag Odd Couple: GFX + MFT
I've owned the Fujifilm GFX 100S for about a year and the OM System OM-1 for just over a week. The GFX is a handsome medium format mirrorless camera with an impressive sensor. The OM-1 is a svelte micro four thirds body that is a nimble little minx. And funny enough, they make a great tandem.
Fujifilm GFX 100S Medium Format Camera
To be honest, I didn't warm up to the GFX right away. I only had one lens for it, a hefty GF 80mm f/1.7 that was amazing for portraits, but not so good for lightly exploring the world.
Everything changed however, when I purchased the GF 50mm lens. With a full frame equivalent of 40mm (a focal length you know I like), weather resistant design, fantastic aperture ring with 1/3 click-stops, and very smooth focus for both AF and manual, I suddenly fell in love with the camera.
The call the 50mm a "pancake," but that's relative to medium format. And what it did was make the 100S feel like a very sophisticated full frame camera (about the same size), but oozing of Fuji magic and an amazing sensor.
I used the camera exclusively in the Humboldt Redwoods, and I just love many of the images I came home with. Honestly, the most beautiful greens I've every captured. After that trip, I decided that the GFX100S with the 50mm lens belongs in my travel camera bag.
My default settings are Aperture Priority (using that wonderful aperture ring on the lens), Velvia film simulation, auto white balance, and processing the RAW+Jpegs in Capture One Pro.
OM System OM-1 MFT
The OM System OM-1 is my camera for everything else. First, there are the lenses.
- 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II.
- 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO Lens.
- M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 Lens.
- Rokinon 7.5mm f/3.5 Ultra Wide-Angle Fisheye Lens.
And then all of those wonderful features such as Live ND, Starry Sky, and fast burst rate. All packed into a compact package that perfect for a hike or a stroll to dinner.
When Do I Use What?
Here's when I use the Fuji, and then here's when I use the OM-1.
The 2022 TDS Workshops Update We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event) - Sold Out
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online) - 3 Seats Available
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical) - 3 Seats Available
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
My Favorite Adventure Series - The 2008 Beijing Olympics
This idea came out of a group conversation that we had in the Humboldt Redwoods where the guys were interested in some of my big assignments from the past. We kiddingly nicknames these stories, "Back in the Day."
I decided to take them up on their suggestion and run semi-regular spots highlighting really cool photography adventures that I've been lucky enough to experience. Here's one today.
New Podcast Studio Online
I've really missed my old recording studio during this renovation of my photography studio. And to some degree, I bet you have too. Thank you for your audio patience while I've been in transition.
But now I have the new setup online, and we can get back to consistent audio quality, that is, except when I'm on the road. This is the first podcast with the new setup. Time to celebrate!
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #838, April 12, 2022. Today's theme is "OM-1 First Impressions and Workshop Expressions." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
At last, the OM System OM-1 Digital Camera is in my hands. Of course there's a story behind that. And I'm back from the Humboldt Redwoods Workshop with lots of pictures and memories. But the thoughts I'm going to share are from the participants themselves. Yes,so much to cover today. So let's get to it. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 838
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OM-1 First Impressions
The Awkward Arrival
The Empty Battery
First Impressions
- Better menus
- Bluetooth and WiFi with new mobile app
- Fantastic viewfinder
- A level readout that makes sense
- Fast autofocus
- Beautiful LCD
- Super solid build
- Tons of features and options
- New 12-40mm lens is a joy
- Still has all the good stuff that I liked before.
Final Thoughts
Workshop Expressions
Here are some thoughts from those who attended the TDS Humboldt Redwoods Workshop.
Timo - "HDR can look pretty good, oval gradient masks can be rotated, and everyone loves Steve Martin."
Scott - "From Bob, about the Nikon Z cameras and what it's like to move from ND to LA as a teenager.
From Steve, how to bring the right tools for the job and how to ask good questions.
From Fred, how to persevere and get the job done.
From Timo, about street photography, art, architecture, and Finnish-Americana.
From Harold, about infrared photography, history, and Italian culture.
From Jim, about medium format cameras and having a good sense of humor."
Bob - "One of the best learning opportunities for me was the presentation at the end of the workshop. It was great to be able to see the work that the guys produced and the ways it was different from my own even though we were shooting in the same area. I really appreciated the chance to see other people's work and hear their thoughts on it. The interaction among the group on the different photographs was thought provoking and is causing me to look at my own work in new ways."
Steve -"The back and forth regarding Timo's cemetery photo was very interesting. I can see both sides. While thinking about it on the nine hour drive home, I decided that the photo is something that should be shared to everyone. The reasoning behind this is because the photo evokes a very strong emotional response that all or most people can relate to, oppose to a violent, shock response, i.e. a human body ripped in half.It is definitely an intimate photo but it is also relatable to most everyone. I believe you had mentioned that one of the subjects was an "everyman". THAT, is a GREAT word to justify the sharing of the photo. Just my two cents on the subject."
Jim - "One major take away for me was shooting the beach scene in midday. Using the 1000X ND and converting to B/W was out of my usual workflow. Having the challenge of doing this, added another arrow to my quiver."
Harold - "So, what did I learn from another attendee? #1 stay away from logs in the water #2 Make sure your foreground is level, or the first thing to do when editing is level the photo and correct the parallax."
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Capture One Pro 22 (V. 15.2) Release Capture One 22 (15.2.0) is a feature release containing new functionality, quality-of-life improvements, performance improvements, new camera and lens support, and important bug fixes.
Major Changes
Keystone Tool redesign (including Auto Keystone)
General User Experience Improvements and tweaks
- Apple Silicon (M1) performance improvements - Preview generation is up to 100% faster.
- Improved Auto Rotate - The algorithm behind Auto Rotate has been improved, providing more accurate results on images where clear lines are visible. This makes it more valuable with, for example, landscape images with clear horizons.
- Crop Aspect Ratio behavior - Changing the Aspect Ratio from the Crop Tool will now immediately apply this ratio to the selected image. This makes it easier and more intuitive to work with different aspect ratios, as you don't have to make a change to the crop for the new ratio to apply.
- Easier access to drop-down menus - Drop-down menus that were previously only accessible by long-pressing their icons are now easier to open. Most icons have gotten a downwards arrow that will open the menu, and all menus can be opened by right-clicking their icons.
- New default collection sorting option - Collections will now sort by Date instead of Name by default. This default can be changed in General Preferences, where both the sorting criteria and direction can be customized. This only affects new collections.
Other
Support for macOS 12.2
Capture One Fujifilm/Sony/Nikon subscribers converted to Pro
Auto Keystone
Let Capture One detect and correct the perspective automatically. By pressing the 'Auto' button in the Keystone Tool, lines in the image(s) are automatically detected, evaluated, and used for the correction. The result is a swift automatic correction with high precision.
By default, Auto Keystone will correct Vertical Keystone. This can be changed by simply selecting one of the other two guide modes to activate the cursor tool. The icon within the 'Auto' button will change accordingly and pressing it will instantly apply the desired correction. Auto Keystone works on batches of images.
Auto Keystone can also be triggered from the regular Auto Adjust functionality in the main toolbar. To do this, tick Keystone in the drop-down menu of Auto Adjust. Note that only Vertical Keystone is available from Auto Adjust.
If Capture One is unable to detect suitable lines in the image, pressing 'Auto' will have no effect.
Bits and Bobs
Only one new camera - Phase One iXM-GS120. A handful of new lenses supported.
You can download this version now!
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #837, April 5, 2022. Today's theme is "5 Cool Gadgets for My Upcoming Road Trip." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
I am so excited to be loading up the car for a photography road trip. So much has changed over the last couple years for me, and those differences are playing out in my preparations for Humboldt. You are probably planning a roadtrip or two yourself. So let's compare notes on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 837
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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5 Cool Gadgets for My Upcoming Road Trip
I think many photographers enjoy preparing for road trips as much as the adventure itself. A real feeling of satisfaction comes from being prepared to address practically any situation during the journey, and being able to do so efficiently and with great nimbleosity.
In that spirit, here are some changes I've made for the Humboldt workshop.
- The Solgaard Carry On Closet - This is not just any old luggage. This award-winning Carry-On Closet suitcase is engineered with a patented built-in shelving system, USB charging port, and an indestructible polycarbonate shell. The Carry-On Closet will keep you organized anywhere your travel takes you. Other features include Frictionless Wheels That Barely Make a Sound, TSA Approved Three-Digit Lock, and saves 229 plastic bottles from the ocean.
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 - Yes, I have an electric car that can charge anything, but I can't park it in my room or around a campfire. The Jackery Explorer 300 is the ideal power station for short camping trips and power outages because of its compact size and functionality. With a 293Wh power capacity, it can power small appliances and charge up to six smart devices at once. On the road, it's great for pumping up air mattresses, recharging device batteries, and even powering portable music amplifiers.
- Lectron - Tesla to J1772 Adapter - This one is for electric car buffs, but there are going to be more of you each passing month. Our workshop HQ in Fortuna has EV chargers for customers, but they are Tesla Destination units. No worries for the rest of us how drive other brands because of this nifty adapter that allows us to "fuel up" with Tesla units. The adapter doesn't work with SuperChargers, but everything else. And it going to make my life much easier for this event.
- lebogner Car Eating Tray - This is the best $12 I've ever spent. This sturdy, but lightweight tray hooks over the car steering wheel and allows me to enjoy a meal like a civilized human being while on the road. I use mine all of the time. It's perfect for enjoying my lunch when charging the VW, or a roadside break on a long trip. I can also use it as a laptop tray that makes work so much easier in the car. Once you have this tray, you'll never be able to live without it.
- Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle with Two Lids - A good water bottle is invaluable for modern adventure life, and one with a sipping straw makes hydrating while driving much safer. I can keep my eyes on the road at all times, even during a water break. This Thermoflask is a great size (24 ounces) fits in the car cup holder, and keeps your drinks deliciously cold.
Small accessories can make a big difference on the road. I'll be using these as I head north to the Humboldt Redwoods Workshop.
Dan Rubin: Film Photography and Scanning Tips You can read the entire article on AmateurPhotographer.co.uk
Dan Rubin is a well-known name in the film photography community; as well as being an accomplished film photographer and teacher who works with Ilford, Leica and other big names, he's well established as a top digital creative who was there right at the beginning with Instagram (he currently has nearly 700,000 followers).
AP first met this affable and eloquent Anglo-American photographer on a film photo walk he organised with Ilford at The Photography Show, so we're keen to share his practical and inspiring tips for film photographers - particularly in the sphere of scanning.
When it comes to shooting film, there are some key considerations to get your head around. With digital you are often slightly underexposing in order to protect the highlights; with film you often want to overexpose slightly to get a thicker negative, with a rich range of detail tone and contrast. I found this mental adjustment hard at first, especially when using film and digital cameras together. Your brain has to look at the same light and think about it in two different ways.'
Dan reckons the biggest mistake people make with film photography, whether they be beginners or 'born again,' is not working more closely with film development labs - particularly when ordering digital scans of negatives. 'Understanding the scanning process in terms of resolution and setting your preferences can really help,' he explains.
'Don't just rely on the lab's default scanning procedure - you need to talk with them to discuss how to get the best results, and most will be happy to have this conversation.'
One immediate practical tip is to stick to high-resolution scans, even though this can be more expensive. 'I was comparing lower-res 8-12MP scans with images from my high-resolution Sony Alpha camera, and of course they weren't as detailed. I was also letting the lab decide everything in terms of contrast and white balance on the scans.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Grand Teton Axes Controversial Plan to Require Portrait Photo Permits You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
Grand Teton National Park has canceled its plans to require permits from photographers looking to shoot any kind of portrait for clients in the Wyoming park. The changes had been met with criticism from both photographers and First Amendment lawyers.
Park authorities had originally planned to implement new photography policies this summer in response to increased visits from photographers, particularly those shooting wedding photos. Jackson Hole News&Guide reports that wedding permits more than doubled from 150 in 2020 to 325 in 2021, and that complaints had grown as well -- wedding parties were reported for things such as bringing non-native plants into the park as well as asking other visitors to leave the area.
One of the proposed changes that sparked controversy was new permitting requirements for photographers seeing to provide "portrait services" to clients. Those photographers would be required to not only pay $300 for a permit for photo shoots but also send at least 3% of all their earnings in the park back to the park, wear an identifiable uniform during the shoot, and limit their shoots to within half a mile of roads or established trails.
Four prominent photography organizations -- the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), Professional Photographers of America (PPA), North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), and the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) -- responded to the proposed changes by voicing their concerns and sending a letter to Grand Teton National Park to protest the plans.
"This new policy directly violates federal law regarding when a photography permit may be required in national parks and is a violation of the First Amendment," the letter reads before it goes on to explain how the changes would violate established law and freedom of speech.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #836, March 29, 2022. Today's theme is "A Pat on the Back and a Slap in the Face." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
The four days leading up to Sunday's Academy Awards was a deep dive into great filmmaking as I covered the Sonoma International Film Festive as a photographer for SIFF. In what should have been the crowning finish to the week sank awkwardly to the bottom with a sad display of toxic male behavior. Here's more about the people I met in Sonoma and my thoughts there after.
Digital Photography Podcast 836
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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A Pat on the Back and a Slap in the Face
Before I take you back to Thursday morning with my first assignment of covering the now award-winning film, Rosie and Frank, I want to say that my understanding of the law is that it is not justifiable to assault another person based on something they say. So, do not count me among those standing in ovation of Will Smith.
OK, let's get to the other side of the coin.
Rosie and Frank
I arrived at Andrews Hall at 9:15 Thursday morning to cover my first film of the festival, Rosie and Frank. In attendance was co-director Peter Murphy and the lead actress. For the next 115 minutes I was transported to a small town in Ireland where a grieving widow (Rosie) finds her footing again with the help of a stray dog (Frank).
The movie provides insights about community, loss, inner strength, compassion, pettiness, and sacrifice. Afterward, the filmmakers shared their insights about the challenges of the project.
And as I left the theater, my faith in humanity and respect for independent filmmaking were glowing. On Sunday afternoon, Rosie and Frank earned the audience award for Best Feature.
Blind Ambition
I saw four more films before returning to Andrews Hall on Friday morning for the screening of the documentary, Blind Ambition, where a team of Zimbabwean refugees turned sommeliers shake up the international wine establishment when they compete in the World Wine Tasting Championships.
Directors Warwick Ross and Rob Coe show us the grit determination, undying optimism, and ultimate triumph of four young men who reinvent themselves before our very eyes. There are no excuses in Blind Ambition. But there is ample display of belief in self and emotional intelligence as these men build a new life for them and their families.
After the movie, co-director Warwick Ross clearly communicated his respect for his film stars and his love of the project.
Blind Ambition went on to win the Audience Award for Best Documentary.
Pretty Problems
Five more movies at different venues before I returned to Andrews Hall on Saturday afternoon for the screening of Pretty Problems. Fresh off a win at SXSW, this crew of young filmmakers had created a comedy that follows a flailing couple on a getaway trip with affluent strangers: down the rabbit hole, and into the most unhinged weekend of their lives.
Word was circulating about the movie after its first screening, and there was a line out to the street to attend the second showing. Most were turned away because the house was already full.
The director, writers, and many cast members were there to watch to audience laugh and sometimes grown as the stars of the movie wrestled with the notion that money does not buy happiness.
After the standing ovation, they stood before the glowing audience clearly moved by the success of their hard work. Big smile, misty eyes, and the revelation that they had a real shot at success in the craft that they all loved so much.
As the photographer covering the story, I try to keep a professional relationship with my subjects. But afterward, I couldn't resist approaching the movie's screenwriter and commending he and his team for such a wonderful movie.
He shook my hand and said, "My name is Michael. What is yours?" Then he thanked me, sincerely, for expressing appreciation for their work. Michael stood outside and interacted with every person who wished to speak with him, and did not leave until folks had had their say.
Pretty Problems went on to win the Jury Award for Best English Language Feature.
Overall Impressions of Thursday through Saturday
I met artists who had been in the business for 40 years and others celebrating their first recognized feature film. When I headed home late Saturday night, I was glowing with pride and respect for a community of artists who represented themselves and their craft quite well.
Sunday Night
Coming off the film festival, you can imagine how excited I was to see the Academy Awards on Sunday night. I had seen nearly all of the nominated films. My personal favorites were Belfast, Coda, and MacBeth.
One of the first things I noticed that night was the biting humor. Some of it was funny, but some was not. I was uncomfortable with the "COVID Test" bit where male actors were brought up on stage as part of a man-hunk bit. They looked uncomfortable as well. This was quite different than my previous three days.
But the ultimate downer was the immature display of male toxicity that transpired between Will Smith and Chris Rock. I might add, Best Actor nominee and ultimate winner Will Smith. It was foul and disgusting.
I'm sure as Jane Campion watched this unfold before her, she much have thought that her movie nailed an aspect of our culture. There is was, a real life Phil Burbank before her very eyes.
I think that it's ironic, that for me in this crazy whirlwind of a week immersed in filmmaking, that I saw the best and worst of its community.
The best in acceptance speeches by Troy Kotsur (Coda), Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), Kenneth Branagh (Belfast), and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson (Summer of Soul). And the dozens of filmmakers that I met in Sonoma who open-heartedly shared their struggles and triumphs.
Photographers and filmmakers are kindred spirits in many ways. We can learn a lot from one another. And my view is let's not reward those few bad apples whose actions tarnish the integrity of our craft.
Keep an eye out for the movies that I mentioned here. They represent what I respect in filmmaking.
Mac Studio Teardown Reveals SSD is Upgradable, But Blocked By Apple You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
According to a pair of recent YouTube videos from Max Tech and Luke Miani, the M1 Ultra Mac Studio might actually be upgradeable, but only by Apple. The SSD is removable, but upgrades appear blocked on a software level.
Though this practice has become expected, YouTubers Max Tech and Luke Miani discovered a few surprising things after opening up a new Mac Studio to address concerns that it did not appear easy to access the interior of the new computer to clean the fans, as spotted by The Verge and DPReview.
After opening up the computer, which Apple apparently did not make an easy process, they discovered that there is an extra SSD port visible after removing the first layer of components and casing of the device. After just removing the rubber ring on the bottom of the machine and the screws for the very bottom case, the extra SSD port was clearly visible in the corner of the device. The two determined that this meant that if a buyer opted to not max out the storage when placing an order for a Mac Studio, it would theoretically then be possible to add a new SSD in this extra slot at a later date.
In the continued teardown, it is shown that Apple wastes no space with its design, but diving deeper, Miani discovers that even with the extra port, the device still cannot be upgraded as it appears to be blocked by Apple on a software level.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Best Enthusiast Mirrorless Cameras for Around $2000 in 2022 You can read the entire article on ImagingResource.com
In this article, we're going to provide recommendations for excellent enthusiast-class mirrorless cameras from several manufacturers. However, we're also breaking up our list of suggestions into two categories. The first one will focus on enthusiast mirrorless cameras priced under $2000, which is a popular price ceiling that many camera buyers are likely to limit themselves. However, when assessing the field of potential cameras to recommend, we noticed that several options are just above that $2000 mark, and it would be a shame to leave them out. Therefore, we have a second list of recommendations with a few remaining options priced a bit higher than $2000 but still within this same general "Enthusiast Mirrorless" territory.
- Fuji X-T4
- Nikon Z6 II
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
- Panasonic S5
- Sony A7 III
- Sony a6600
- Canon R6
- OM System OM-1
- Sony A7 IV
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #835, March 22, 2022. Today's theme is "6 Camera Bags (and no more!)." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
The process of thinning out one's gear is not an easy one, especially when it comes to camera bags. But I am determined to whittle down my collection to 6 essential carrying solutions. Today, I will share the list of my leading contenders, and why I'm hanging on to them. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 835
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
6 Camera Bags (and no more!)
As I've mentioned in the show a few times, I'm in the process of reorganizing one of the rooms upstairs at the studio. This has been a slow, arduous project that is tapping new depths of my patience.
When it's completed, I will be thrilled. But I have a ways to go, and my current challenge is thinning out my extensive camera bag collection. It hasn't helped that I've worked for both Lowepro and Think Tank over the years. But I can no longer justify the wall of bags, many of which are no longer used.
I've used a few guidelines to help my prune. First, if I haven't used a particular item in a couple years, it needs to find a new home. If there are multiple variations of a style, only one can stay. And if it's not in great shape, it's time for a new home.
I then determined the best bag for six different activities: event photography, business travel, family vacation, street photography, workshops, and day hikes. And here are the six survivors to this point.
- Event Photography - Think Tank Spectral 10 - When I first scored this mid-sized shoulder bag, I never dreamed it would be my go-to for events. But it holds everything I need (2 bodies, lenses, flash) without any wasted space. And it looks just as good today as the day I got it.
- Business Travel - Tenba Cooper 13 Slim - This wonderful travel bag was in competition with the Think Tank Vision 13 (which I also really like). The Cooper 13 slides over the handle of my roller bag and looks fantastic. Has a back zippered pocket for my laptop, padded, removable insert for my camera gear, and plenty of accessory pockets. It looks just as good in a business meeting as it does in the airport lounge.
- Family Vacation - LowePro Photo Hatchback 18L AW - This is truly a fun bag that can be used for casual day hikes, afternoon car trips, and chillin' on the plane. It can accommodate both my iPad mini and the 11" MacBook Air (my vacation laptop). It has two large mesh side pouches for water bottles. Plenty of accessory pockets. And it's beautiful blue color reminds me that I'm on vacation.
- Street Photography - Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 25i - There is a lot of competition in this category including the Think Tank Urban Approach 5. But I like the bread loaf dimensions of the Mirrorless Mover that isn't too deep and is just the right amount of wide. My iPad mini fits wonderfully in the inside sleeve. The clever dividers have storage pockets, the top flap can be zippered for security or secured lightly with a magnetic latch (no velcro). Plus handy little side pockets, handsome hardware, rain cover, and a belt loop in the back.
- Workshops - Classic Tamrac shoulder bag - Even though this canvas-styled shoulder bag was made bag in the film photography days, I love it. Big top flap with a removable "film pouch" in the lid, spacious interior that's not too big or small, leather-trim top handle, big front pouch, and securable by both buckles or zipper. I just love the classic design, and it's very functional.
- Day Hikes/Adventure - Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW - In some ways, this is my most dependable backpack. Access pockets on both sides, top, and back. Suspended laptop sleeve inside the bag for ultimate protection, tactical loops on the outside for accessories such as additional pouches, water bottle, or straps for tripod and hiking sticks. Interior is high configurable, grab handles on top and bottom, and built-in all weather cover. If the going gets tough, this is the backpack that I want to protect my gear.
So there you have it: two backpacks and four shoulder bags. It's going to be difficult for me to let the others go. But I have a feeling that I will be just fine.
Video: Mac Studio teardown gives us a close look at M1 Ultra and reveals SSD storage is upgradeable You can read the entire article on DP Review.com
The new Mac Studio is a great computer. In our review, we called Apple's new M1-powered desktop 'The Apple desktop we've been waiting for.' The new desktop computer looks like a Mac mini on steroids, and it can be configured to extreme, pro-oriented specifications. The new desktop can be built to include an Apple M1 Ultra with a 20-core CPU, 64-core GPU and 32-core Neural Engine, plus 128GB of RAM and 8TB of SSD storage. That option will set you back $7,999. The base model starts at $1,999.
Gone are the days of being able to order a base model of an Apple computer and upgrading it later as you see fit. The Mac Pro, which still comes with Intel processors, is unique in Apple's lineup for its user-replaceable components. Or is it? A new Mac Studio teardown video by Max Tech shows that the Mac Studio is, in fact, upgradable by the end user. Sort of. The computer is not designed to be opened. Max Yuryev of Max Tech decided to disassemble the Mac Studio by pulling up the rubber ring on the machine's bottom. With the rubber remove, you can see four screws. With the bottom of the case removed, there are more screws to remove. Lo and behold, visible without taking the computer itself apart is a port to put additional SSD storage. If you don't max out the storage when you buy the Mac Studio, there will be an empty storage slot available.
On the Apple Store, Apple recommends users to configure the Mac Studio with enough storage because it's not 'user accessible.' However, as we can see, storage is user accessible. Granted, it's not super straightforward, but it isn't that complicated either. RAM, of course, is not user-upgradable because Apple Silicon is system on a chip (SoC). The RAM is built right into the M1-series chip that you purchase. Of course, that hasn't stopped a Chinese engineer Yang Changshun from doing it on an M1 Mac. Of course, compared to that incredibly difficult and risky maneuver, upgrading the SSD on the Mac Studio seems like a walk in the park.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Still No OM-1 Shipment Here's an update about receiving my shipment of the OM-1 with the new 12-40mm Pro zoom
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
I did get the gig at the Sonoma International Film Festival later this month, as I discussed in last week's podcast. Later this week we begin the job. Will provide an update during next week's show.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #834, March 15, 2022. Today's theme is "Putting Together Your Back Pocket List." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Sometimes when you make things too big, they don't happen. Take for example our photography bucket list that includes exotic destinations such as Africa and India. Great stuff, but we don't want to sit idle while we wait for them to happen. So in the meantime, you can build your back pocket list. What is that you ask? Keep listening to today's TDS Photography Podcast to learn more. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 834
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Putting Together Your Back Pocket List
I've been thinking about the place where we are in 2022. We're able to move about with quite a bit more freedom, but things aren't exactly back to normal yet. We're in this intermediate zone.
And even though I'm not quite ready to get on a plane and fly to Africa right now, I do want to get out. I want to take pictures.
So I was thinking about this concept that I call the Back Pocket List. It's like a bucket list, but much smaller and more attainable. It contains locations that you can reach in an afternoon or on a day off - accessible, but still beautiful.
I started building my Back Pocket List of five places that I like in Sonoma County. And I've set the goal of visiting and photographing each one before the end of the year.
To give you a better idea of what I'm talking about, here's my Back Pocket List:
- Armstrong Woods - There are some wonderful redwood groves in Northern California (we're going to one of the best in a few weeks for our workshop), but Armstrong Woods is in my backyard, only a 30 minute drive away. I've already crossed this one off my list.
- Fort Ross - Was once a true Russian Fort, well preserved, with great ocean views as well.
- Duncans Landing, Bodega Bay - One of my favorite ocean views in all of California (and that's saying something). A great place to bring a picnic lunch.
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park - Wonderful place for overnight camping, day hikes, and mingling with forest nature. Lots of deer, fox, birds, and more.
- Ferrari-Carano Winery, Dry Creek - A spectacular building paired with superb gardens. Plus, once you've finished taking pictures, you can sample their excellent wine.
So, what photo opportunities do you have within a few hours drive? Consider building your own Back Pocket List and revisit these sites.
And if you happen to have a new camera, oh what fun to test it out and add to your library of favorite shots.
Don't Use iCloud for Long-Term Photo Backup You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com
My friend Bill just returned from a family vacation in Costa Rica and shot lots of photos and videos on his iPhone, including some killer shots of breakfasts with local monkeys.
No surprise that once he got home, he checked his iPhone storage and found that it was 98% full. Just a few more snaps and he'd be totally out of storage space.
His solution? "I'll just put them all on iCloud, and then delete them off my iPhone," he told me.
"Backing up" on iCloud and then deleting the photos locally on the iPhone is actually the worst thing Bill could do to free up space. Because once they're uploaded to iCloud, the next time it scans his phone for an automatic backup, it will notice that the Costa Rica pix are gone and in turn delete them from the cloud backup as well.
Ever notice the fine print when you try to delete a photo? "This item will be deleted from iCloud Photos on all your devices."
For pure long-term photo backup, because of these weird, arcane rules, Apple's iCloud is about the worst place to go because it is not designed for that. Apple's help support reps told me over several calls that iCloud is meant for backup of your devices, not just your photo library, and as a way to have the same data available on all your Apple devices, not just the iPhone.
As Apple puts it: "Automatically upload and safely store all your photos and videos in iCloud so you can browse, search and share from any of your devices." Notice the word backup doesn't appear there anywhere?
So Here's What I Recommend...
First, I get the largest capacity iPhone I can afford. Then, second, I choose Optimize Storage on all of my devices. Optimized versions are created for your device, while the masters are stored (and are available) via cloud storage.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
How to Pose Hands for Better Portraits You can read the entire article on ThePhoblographer.com
I had no desire to be a portrait photographer when I started learning photography in college. The amount of work it takes to connect with people, pose them, and take a powerful image felt daunting. A few years later, I realized being an empathic human was an optimal job skill for portraits. Connecting with people came very easy once I leaned in and felt the energy in the room. The challenge was knowing how to direct them into a natural-looking pose once we developed a rapport. An even more significant obstacle was learning how to pose hands in a way that makes sense.
As it turns out, hands are a challenge for people on both sides of the camera. Everything can be going right in a portrait image. However, if the hands are stressed or don't make sense, that's the only thing viewers will see. An easy solution is to have the hands at the sides or hide them in pockets. This quick fix can also leave a lot on the table. Knowing how to work with hands in ways that make sense can elevate your portrait work.
More often than not, hands will be soft regardless of where they're positioned. Any stress in the hands will translate as tension. Below are a few tips that to make posing hands easier.
Then the author goes through the following poses and talks about hand positioning for each of them. Here are the poses:
- Sitting in chair
- On steps, stool, apple box
- When standing
- Utilize surroundings when standing
- Have them doing something
- Beauty photography
Very useful stuff!
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
I did get the gig at the Sonoma International Film Festival later this month, as I discussed in last week's podcast.
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #833, March 8, 2022. Today's theme is "Inside a Photo Assignment for Hire." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
On Saturday morning I climbed in to the ID.4 and plugged the address for the Fire Department Training Center into CarPlay. Fifteen minutes later I was redirected to an overflow parking lot that required a hike back to the event. Undeterred, I grabbed by camera bag, a cap, and shades an headed to the day's assignment. What happened before this moment, and what transpired afterward is the topic of today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 833
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Inside a Photo Assignment for Hire
I know that some of you are curious about the photo assignments that I work for clients. It's an important part of my job because they keep me in touch with the demands of real world photography.
So I thought it would be fun to take you through the timeline of an assignment that I just completed.
Before I do that, however, I want to tell you a little bit about this event because I think it's very cool and important.
Women's Public Safety Day will provide young women ages 15 to 20 with a hands-on public safety learning experience. This immersive day will be led by local women from EMS, police, and fire departments sharing what it's like to be a woman in public safety, both on and off duty.
OK, now on to the timeline.
- Friday, Feb. 11 - I received an email from the SRJC Communications and Marketing Coordinator stating, "Are you available to cover the Women's Public Safety Day on March 5th? I respond, "Yes, indeed!".
- Friday, March 4 - I receive a follow up email with the scheduled events, onsite contact, and suggested shot list. I prepare my camera kit, charge batteries, and made sure everything was ready for the next morning.
- Saturday March 5 - I depart for the event with an estimated arrival 15 minutes before my scheduled start. Good think, because the overflow parking set be back 15 minutes.
Now, in the podcast I describe the sequence of events that happened for the next 3 hours.
- Sunday, March 6 - I began culling pictures during my first cup of coffee. At this point in the morning, only me and Sylvester the cat are awake. I captured 325 photographs. I whittled down the shoot to 100 images that I thought told the story well.
- Monday, March 7 - I individually adjust each of the 100 shots, output them to full size resolution Jpegs, and upload them to the shared Dropbox with the client. I received word a few hours later that everything looked great, and a big Thank You!
One of the big differences that I noticed compared to the other photographers covering the event was that I use much short lenses and get closer to the action.
'Peek Performance' odds: Every Apple event rumor ranked You can read the entire article on Macworld.com
Apple's first event of 2022 has certainly piqued our curiosity. While we usually have a pretty good idea about what's going to be released at this point--the only real surprise at the "Spring Loaded" event was Apple Card Family--Apple has done a good job keeping its "Peek Performance" event under wraps. So if you're playing along, here's what we're most likely to see on Tuesday.
- iPhone SE (A15 chip; 5G connectivity): 100%
- iPad Air (A15 chip; 5G connectivity): 95%
- M1 Pro/M1 Max Mac mini (M1 Pro/M1 Max model to replace current Intel version): 75%
- M2 Processor (the oldest M1 Macs are nearly 16 months old): 50%
- MacBook Air (if M2 processor is announced): 45%
- Standalone Display (27-inch, cheaper than current Pro display): 40%
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (with M2 chip): 30%
- iPad Pro (with M2 chip): 30%
- iMac Pro (27" version): 20%
- Mac Pro: 15%
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
The New OM-1: Impressed by the Specs? Here's my Hands-on Review of the Camera. You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com
Author Ivor Rackham wrote:
I first trained in an engineering background. Consequently, I have always had a penchant for well-made precision instruments. When I lifted this camera from the box, my very first realization of the OM System OM-1 was how well it fits that bill; it looks and feels like a high-quality device, making it a pleasure to hold and use.
What He Liked
Firstly, I enjoy learning, and there is a lot to learn with the OM-1.
Next, there is a big leap forward in image quality; the increased dynamic range and operating speeds are noticeable in the real world, thanks to that new sensor and powerful processor that enable all the unique features mentioned above.
Third, I am glad that OMDS chose to listen to the Micro Four Thirds users and make improvements where they were needed, and not chase more megapixels, as dictated by the big brand marketing departments. I don't need bigger files.
Then there is the menu improvement. That will make it much more accessible for new users. It's color-coded and the sub-menu names are better. Although a different layout from its predecessors - I liked the previous version - it is still familiar enough to not seem completely alien. Furthermore, the four custom modes, and the customizable "My Menu" means that delving into the depths of the menu system is usually unnecessary. What is more, if something is grayed out, on the press of the Ok button, a dialog box can tell you why.
Fifth, I find the camera comfortable to use, and the buttons easy to reach, and its name is much less of a mouthful than its predecessors. It also feels really well made too. Plus that new EVF is crystal clear.
Sixth, the computational photography features are useful in the real world, and not gimmicks like fake bokeh. This is a serious photographer's camera.
What Could Be Improved
There is only one area of improvement that struck me: I wish the removable-battery charger had been included in the box. The USB-C charger and in-body charging is great, but I prefer to have my camera safely stored while I charge batteries. I also try to avoid long-term use of sockets and body covers to prevent wear. Plus, in some circumstances, I want to charge one battery while I am using the other. Consequently, the additional battery charger is on my shopping list. But that's a tiny gripe; I know photographers who are happy with in-body charging.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #832, March 1, 2022. Today's theme is "My Favorite Tiny Lenses." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
A compact sensor doesn't make much sense unless you have a few great pancake lenses to go with it. After all, that's where the nimbleosity comes in, with the glass! Today I'm going to share 5 of my favorite tiny lenses. These are the optics that lighten my load without compromising quality. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 832
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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My Favorite Tiny Lenses
Even though I ordered the new OM System Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II Lens ($999) to go with the new OM-1, it will be used primarily for my professional work, inclement weather, and landscape. When I'm just banging around, I'll have the incredible Olympus Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Lens ($299) on the camera most of the time.
You might think to yourself, "Why would you buy a flagship pro camera body and put a $299 optic on it?" Answer: because it's that good. And I'm not the only one that thinks that.
Digital Camera World just published an article titled, Olympus M.Zuiko 14‑42mm f/3.5‑5.6 EZ review - The best pancake zoom lens ever!. In their verdict they give it 5 Stars and say:
"The Olympus M.Zuiko 14‑42mm f/3.5‑5.6 EZ is, in our opinion, the best pancake lens ever. In full frame terms it covers a 28-82mm focal range in an impossibly small form factor - not only is this a genuine feat of engineering, but its optical performance punches way above its weight. This is the kind of lens that's only possible on Micro Four Thirds, making it an absolute travel and everyday essential for Olympus / OM System and Panasonic shooters."
I couldn't have said it better. And when I put that zoom on my PEN-F, OM-D E-M10, or even the new OM-1, I have a sophisticated camera with a wonderful 28-84mm zooming range that fits in my jacket pocket. Isn't that why we shoot Micro Four Thirds?
But Wait, There's More!
Here are four more favorite tiny lenses that I adore.
- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH. Lens ($267) - Characterized by its slender profile, the Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH. is a compact, slightly wide 40mm equivalent prime for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. Its bright f/1.7 maximum aperture offers notable control focus for working with shallow depth of field techniques and also benefits working in difficult lighting conditions. The optical design incorporates a pair of aspherical elements to suppress spherical aberrations and distortion for high sharpness and accurate rendering, and individual elements have also been multi-coated to control surface reflections and flare for improved contrast in strong lighting conditions.
- Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) Lens ($296) - The NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) from Nikon is an ultra-compact and lightweight FX-format prime lens with a traditional Nikon heritage design. This Special Edition lens inherits its design from the classic NIKKOR lenses released around the same time as the Nikon FM2 film SLR camera, with features that faithfully reproduce the designs of that time, such as knurling, and a prominent control ring. With an f/2.8 max aperture, this fast, bright lens offers beautiful details at a standard focal length. Complementing the optical design, a multi-focus system, which employs two stepping motors, helps to realize impressively fast, accurate, and quiet focus performance, along with full-time manual focus override, to suit both stills and video needs. Additionally, a programmable control ring can be set for intuitive adjustment over a variety of camera and exposure settings. It makes for a great carry-around lens for spontaneous moments at any time of day.
- Fujinon Super EBS23mm f/2 II Lens ($1,399, comes with the Fujifilm X100V camera) - An updated Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens features a revised optical design that now includes two aspherical elements for improved sharpness and clarity through the reduction of spherical aberrations and distortion. This lens's 23mm focal length is equivalent to 35mm, making it a comfortable wide-angle prime that is well-suited to a variety of shooting situations. The bright f/2 design also suits working in various lighting conditions and affords greater control over depth of field to help isolate focus on subjects. Additionally, a Super EBC coating has been applied to suppress lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.
- Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited Lens ($496) -- This lens is the reason I will never sell my Pentax KP DSLR - "The black HD Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited Lens from Pentax is a prime portrait-length lens providing a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 105mm. This short-telephoto 23° angle of view is well-suited to portrait and landscape shooting as well as general long lens applications. A high-grade multi-layer HD coating has been applied to lens elements to help minimize flare and ghosting for enhanced contrast, clarity, and color fidelity and a nine-blade diaphragm contributes to an aesthetic out-of-focus quality to benefit shallow depth of field imagery. Additionally, an SP Protect coating has also been applied to the front lens element to effectively protect it from dirt, oil, and finger prints."
I have used every one of these lenses, and they shine both in image quality and compactness. What more could you want from an everyday optic?
Panasonic Plans to Continue to Support 'Full Micro Four Thirds Lineup' You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com
During an online event called Creators Live with Lumix GH6, Panasonic indicated that it plans to continue to support a wide range of Micro Four Thirds cameras and not restrict its development just to high-end products. Spotted by DCLife and 43Rumors, the company's marketing manager Tomonori Nakanishi seems to commit to bringing new versions of cameras from across Panasonic's lineup.
*"We believe in the diverse possibilities of Micro Four Thirds, and we are developing such diversified products," Nakanishi says, machine-translated by Google. "In today's world where full-size machines are becoming more popular in a sense, it may be a unique approach to develop the full-size lineup in-house and at the same time to develop the Micro Four Thirds lineup in full-scale. However, I believe that this approach will allow the 'GH6' to establish a very sharp and unique position in the world at this moment."
A Panasonic representative told PetaPixel that as popular as full-frame cameras are (and it has developed full-frame cameras as a response to that demand), there are certain things that the company can do with Micro Four Thirds that are not possible with larger sensors, at least not yet. These include specific metrics on pricing and performance that Panasonic's leadership thinks are important and have put at the forefront of its development cycle for many years.*While the photography community tends to belittle or downplay Micro Four Thirds, Panasonic regularly assures fans of the format that it has no plans to ever abandon the system.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Acknowledging Our Friends at Skylum, MacPaw, and the Sovereign Nation of Ukraine
Recently, Ivan Kutanin, Skylum CEO posted this on LinkedIN: "IMPORTANT NEWS! Friends, partners, and loyal Skylum friends, I need to inform you that Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air, and sea, confirming the worst fears we've had. As many of you know our development and core center is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and at this strange time, we can not guarantee on-time support requesr answers and timing of updates to Luminar Neo.We strive for excellence in everything we do and make sure to further develop and improve Neo and we'll keep you updated on any news.
*In these scary times what you can do is share this post to spread more word about what is happening in Ukraine right now, so that your local governments can impose sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine with defensive weapons.
You can also support the Ukrainian army by donating to the "Come back home alive" fund - https://lnkd.in/ebBxp_jt or to the National Bank of Ukraine fundraising account -https://lnkd.in/eciswuCx*Stay safe there and pray for Ukraine!
My friend, Julia Petryk then posted this: "Every morning I wake up in fear in a bomb shelter. Though I could hardly call that state a sleep. The first thing we do is checking how our relatives are doing in other parts of Ukraine. The whole country is on fire.
Russia invaded Ukraine bombing the territory of the sovereign state.No tears left. No mercy for the enemy. We will win 🇺🇦✊♥️
My thoughts about our friends in Ukraine...
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #831, Feb. 22, 2022. Today's theme is "Lightroom vs CP1 with a Dash of Neo on the Side." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
For the longest time, Fujifilm photographers have heard that Capture One Pro is the best Raw processor for their files. But is that true? We review a head to head test with Lightroom to find out. Oh, and Luminar Neo is now available. How does it standup against Luminar 4 and AI. All of this and more on today's TDS Photography Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 831
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Lightroom vs CP1 with a Dash of Neo on the Side
In the FStoppers article, Which Program Handles Fujifilm Raw Files Better, Lightroom or Capture One?, they pit the two premier RAW processors against one another with Fujifilm files. Some of their findings were quite interesting. Here are some excerpts from the article:
With Fujifilm medium format cameras, there is virtually no difference in how each of the film simulations are rendered. There is some back and forth between how Lightroom and Capture One work, however, for the most part, there's no clear winner.
On the other hand, it's quite a different story when it comes to Fujifilm APS-C cameras. Lightroom seems to have some problems with X-Trans sensors. Also, there are subtle differences in how the film profiles are rendered too.
Capture One has slightly more saturated red tones in the skin. This appears more pleasing in comparison to the Lightroom file, which leans more into the yellows tones. This is, of course, a matter of preference; however, the point is that for Fujifilm X-Trans cameras, there is a difference in how the film profiles are rendered.
The first thing to notice is that the Capture One image appears to have more contrast and vibrance. Due to these subtle differences, most people may likely prefer the results from Capture One. Also, Lightroom does do a better job at managing the vignette, but once again, some may prefer the darker corners.
Additionally, Lightroom seems to have a problem when it comes to rendering green tones from an X-Trans sensor. In the previous image, the blue and yellow tones were perfectly fine in how Lightroom rendered them; however, green seems to cause a lot of problems.
From the images that have been tested over the last month, it seems Lightroom mostly struggles with the color green. All of the other images tested did not demonstrate any issues. Effectively, this worming issue is going to be a problem if what you photograph contains a lot of green tones, for example, landscape photography.
If you're a landscape photographer, you will likely come across this issue in your images. If you're creating content for social media, then this may be a forgivable issue. If you're a professional photographer, it may be wise to avoid Lightroom and use Capture One instead.
Final Thoughts
In this series of articles, we covered Canon, Sony, and now Fujifilm. With Canon and Sony, the choice between Lightroom and Capture One was entirely down to personal preference. There was no clear way to determine a winner because both programs produced great results. With Fujifilm, there are objective differences that cannot be ignored.
If you shoot with medium format cameras such as the GFX 100S and the new GFX 50S II, then the differences are negligible. Capture One and Lightroom perform admirably with Fujifilm medium format cameras. This may also be the case with some Fujifilm APS-C cameras that use a Bayer sensor. However, with Fujifilm X-Trans cameras, it's clear that Capture One is the better choice.
Luminar Neo
What is Luminar Neo? Have you ever wanted to achieve more with your images? Luminar Neo is an innovative image editor powered by AI technologies of the future that simplifies complex editing routines and enables creators to bring their boldest ideas to life. And enjoy it.
- Get speed and flexibility in your editing with our brand-new core engine and layers workflow.
- The new engine we built for Luminar Neo is based on all the best solutions from our combined and evolved experience for maximum performance and creativity and is developed for achieving complex creative results.
- Adjust the light in your photo for creative control over the lighting in a scene. You can control the exposure of an image based on the distance from the lens to independently adjust the background and foreground exposure.
- Automatically remove spots on your images caused by dust and dirt on your lens and sensor.
- Clean up unwanted power lines from the skies in your cityscapes.
- Experiment with infinite creative possibilities by effortlessly combining two or more images in a shot.
The new technologies and innovative user experience in Luminar Neo make creative image editing simple and fun.
How Do You Listen to the TDS Podcast?
Here are the Poll Results from our Inner Circle Members.
- Apple AirPods
- Car Audio Speakers
- Using the Built-In Speakers on My Laptop or Mobile Device
- Wired Earbuds
- Over-the-Ear Headphones
- Home Audio System
Some comments included:
"The car was always my favourite place for podcasts, but I don't commute now, so it's starting to move more to playing it in the house on HomePod. Occasionally, I will listen on a walk with AirPods but it has to be cold enough to wear a beanie or they won't stay in my ears!" - Andrew
"I almost always listen while driving. If I do listen at home, It is usually when doing yard work using over the ear heradphones. If I try to just listen, usually get so distracted with something that I never actually listen and have to go back and listen again." - Jeff
Transistor Radio was not an option... - John
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Free Battery + 3-Year Extended Warranty with Purchase of OM-1! You can read the entire article at on the Olympus Site.
To celebrate the introduction of our newest flagship camera, the OM SYSTEM OM-1, we're happy to provide you additional peace of mind through our special extended warranty offer. Simply complete your product registration and we'll give you a complementary 3-Year Extended Limited Warranty on the OM-1 body, which stretches your limited warranty coverage to four years from the date of your original camera purchase!
- Preorder the OM SYSTEM OM-1 or OM SYSTEM OM-1 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II kit from your favorite OM SYSTEM retailer.
- Receive an additional OM SYSTEM BLX-1 Battery for free with your OM-1.
- Register your OM-1 camera at GetOlympus.com/register within 45 days of purchase.
- Receive an email confirmation of your Three Year Extended Limited Warranty. Hold on to that email confirmation; you'll need it along with the valid receipt from your camera purchase as proof of your extended warranty if you ever need assistance.
Offer valid from February 15, 2022 to March 3, 2022 for OM-1 preorders made in the US and Canada.
If you're going to order from B&H, please use this link.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #830, Feb. 15, 2022. Today's theme is "How the New OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Camera Stacks Up." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
As I predicted, OM-System has released a new flagship system camera titled the OM-1. This mirrorless will succeed the popular E-M1 Mark III and includes a raft of improvements. Plus, it starts shipping in early March. So let's dig in to how the latest Micro Four Thirds release stacks up to its predecessor. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 830
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
How the New OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Camera Stacks Up
In this segment of the show, I will compare the new OM-1 to the E-M-1 Mark III. You can preorder the Olympus OM-1 for the $2,199 and it ships in early March. Preorders will receive an extra battery and 3 additional years of OM System warranty. Offer ends March 3, 2022.
Western Digital to lose out on 6.5 exabytes of flash storage following production line contamination You can read the entire article on DP Review.
Western Digital has announced that two of its manufacturing facilities in Japan were contaminated, which has affected production and will result in a shortage of 'at least 6.5 exabytes in flash storage availability,' according to Reuters. For context, one exabyte is equivalent to one billion gigabytes.
Western Digital doesn't specify what products will be affected by this shortage, but its flash storage options include hardware under its SanDisk Professional (formerly G-Technology), SanDisk and WD brands.
Western Digital didn't specify how the contamination of its facilities happened, but says it will be working alongside Kioxia to get the facilities up and running as quickly as possible. As recent as last year, Western Digital and Kioxia were in talks to merge, according to Reuters, but nothing has come of the negotiations yet.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
These are the 10 most complained-about cameras amongst Twitter users You can read the entire article at on DigitalCameraWorld.
Would you believe that the GoPro Hero8 Black is the most complained about camera on Twitter? That's according to Electronics Hub, which carried out its own research into negative tweets across a broad spectrum of electronic devices.
Here's the full top 10 with the percentage of negative tweets about these cameras.
-
GoPro Hero8 Black: 8.6%
-
GoPro Hero9 Black: 6.4%
-
Ricoh GR III: 5.7%
-
Polaroid Now: 5.5%
-
Nikon Z7 II: 5.1%
-
Sony A6600: 5.0%
-
Sony A7R IV: 5.0%
-
Canon EOS 90D: 3.8%
-
GoPro Hero10 Black: 3.8%
-
Sony A7 IV: 3.7%
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #829, Feb. 8, 2022. Today's theme is "All Photography is Good Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
This is not a show about everyone is a winner and every picture is good. We know better on both counts. We also know that some people do bad things with their cameras. They're not included here either. What I mean when I say, "all photography is good photography," is that working with a camera and creating an image is good for your craft, regardless of the camera. I'll explain more on today's TDS Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 829
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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All Photography is Good Photography
In the past year, I've worked with a variety of cameras and formats. A list that named a few, but not all, would include: Olympus PEN-F, Olympus OM-D E-M-10 Mark III IR converted, Pentax KP APS-C digital, Pentax LX 35mm analog, Fujifilm X100V APS-C digital, Fujifilm GFX 100S medium format digital, Nikon D610 Full Frame digital, Nikon Lite Touch 35mm analog compact, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Olympus TG-4 Tough, and Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid.
During that time, I've captured images of flowers in the garden, my car charging off some lonely highway, my family joyous then gripped with grief, desolate stretches of Interstate 5, Maui sunsets, my cat sunbathing just hours before she passed away, an old barn that caught my eye, my boys filling their plates at a Christmas taco bar, and me, just thinking about what it all means.
In addition to light and color, pictures represent thoughts, feelings, and activities. They remind us things we may have otherwise forgotten. They help us see the beauty in everyday life. And for many of us, the more we take pictures, the more alive we become.
This is why it's important to keep embracing new aspects of photography. So that we want to take pictures. Because once we're engaged and have that camera in our hands, life becomes just a little more alive.
Keeping an open mind to analog, infrared, black & white, instant, portraits, still lifes, action, macro, large format, small format, and anything that records light and color and life is good for us.
If you're not taking enough pictures right now, you need to do something about it. And fast. Because photography is an important part of your life. And you need to make it one of your priorities.
CP+ goes online-only as Covid-19 disrupts the Yokohama trade show for the second year in a row You can read the entire article on DP Review.
Japan's Camera & Imaging Products Association has cancelled the physical element of its globally significant CP+ 2022 camera show with just two weeks to go before the doors of the Pacifico exhibition Centre in Yokohama, Japan, were due to open. Organizers cite the high number of Omicron infections and the fact that there is unlikely to be a drop in cases sufficient to make people feel safe before the show opens. As has been the case for the previous two years, the show will be held as an online-only event. It had been hoped that the show would have been able to take on a hybrid online and in-person format this year.
The show's management says that it gives top priority to the safety and security of visitors, exhibition staff and all those involved with the event, and says too that a tight supply of antigen test kits isn't helping the situation.
The CP+ show is considered especially important now in the absence of any other major international camera shows since both the PMA show and Photokina stopped running. Historically the show was more of a domestic Japanese affair but in recent years it has gained prominence abroad and has become an important launch pad for camera and lens makers from both inside and outside of Japan.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Understanding the Fujifilm Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera - A Review You can read my review at on The Digital Story.
When I was contemplating buying my first instant camera in decades, I did a little research on the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid camera. Some reviewers thought that the instant film side was good, but the digital specs were lacking. I mean, who puts a 1/5" sensor in a camera these days?
Now that I have the Mini Evo, I understand what Fujifilm was thinking, and what some reviewers missed.
It's not supposed to be a digital camera. The hybrid functions are designed to give us more flexibility with the instant shots. So instead of pressing the shutter and waiting for the print to emerge, we can take as many pictures as we want, then choose the best of them on its 3" LCD, output that and leave the rest as digitals. Not only is the Mini Evo clever, it's efficient.
The camera is available now for $199.
Fujifilm Cameras Have Serious macOS File Issue, Firmware Fix Incoming You can read the entire article on Petapixel.
Fujifilm has issued an "important notice" to photographers using Fujifilm cameras and macOS computers, warning that a firmware incompatibility found in several popular that may cause issues with accessing files and a risk of file loss in macOS. The company says a firmware fix is in development.
In a news article titled "Important notice for consumers processing FUJIFILM digital camera files using macOS," published on February 2nd, Fujifilm shares that it has managed to track down an issue to its camera firmware. "FUJIFILM Corporation has identified a firmware incompatibility between specific X and GFX series cameras [...]," the company writes. "This incompatibility can result in macOS users being unable to directly access files if they were initially saved to SDXC memory cards in-camera.
"To address this anomaly, Fujifilm is creating a firmware patch, which is expected to be available for free download by X Series and GFX System users soon.
Fujifilm says a number of its popular X Series and GFX System mirrorless camera models have been found to have the firmware incompatibility with macOS.
The following list of cameras is affected by the issue regardless of firmware version:
GFX100
GFX100S
GFX50S II
X-Pro3
X-T4
X-S10
Fujifilm X-E4
X-T30 II
X100V
Fujifilm says the issue can arise when a photographer using an affected camera saves photos shot in-camera to an SDXC memory card and then tries to directly access those photo files using a Mac running macOS -- Windows users are not affected by this issue.
"While the current firmware versions allow these X and GFX series cameras to internally write and store 9,999 frames to a single folder, it has been observed that if more than 4,000 files are written in-camera to a single folder on an SDXC card and directly accessed using macOS," two issues could occur.
First, the photographer could be unable to access the files they are looking for.
"Some files on the memory card may become inaccessible if the card has been connected to the computer through an internal or external memory card reader and directly accessed using macOS," Fujifilm says.
Second, and likely more worrying to photographers, there could be a chance of file loss if the memory card is not properly ejected. Do not remove the card without ejecting first and/or while your Mac is in sleep mode.
"If the memory card is not ejected correctly from a computer using macOS, there is a likelihood that data may be lost if the same card is directly connected and accessed a second time using macOS," Fujifilm says. "However, risk of data loss in this situation can be prevented by following proper ejection procedures for macOS operating systems.
"If the proper procedures are followed, no data will be lost. However, files will still remain inaccessible when attempting to directly access the data on the memory card using macOS.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #828, Feb. 1, 2022. Today's theme is "Some Excitement about the CP+ Show." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
CP+ begins on Feb. 22 in Yokohama, Japan. Typically, this is a terrific trade show for Japanese photo gear manufacturers. But this year there's an additional layer of excitement because of the possible announcements that may be timed in concert with the event. We will gaze into our crystal ball this week and hope for the news that many of us have been waiting for. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 828
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Some Excitement about the CP+ Show
CP+ 2022 will be both an online and physical event this year. But I'm particularly interested in those companies showing up in person. Why, because I think they have the best odds of announcing something new that we would want to experience firsthand. I explain why in this first segment.
How to Update Your Camera's Firmware You can read the entire article on Petapixel.
If you are a digital photographer, it is a good idea to make sure your camera's firmware is up to date to ensure you have a reliable device with the latest features and fixes. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through updating your camera firmware.
The main reason I'm discussing this article is so that you have something to share with those you advise in your camera community (and as a reminder to you that maybe your firmware needs updating as well).
The article covers the basics nicely and has links to the update pages for: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus, Leica, and Hasselblad.
It's a pretty good reference post!
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO Hybrid Instant Camera - If You've Been Waiting for Instant, Now Is the Time You can learn more and order the Instax Mini Evo here.
I've been following this camera since its announcement and have read favorable and lukewarm reviews about it. But now that its release date is here, Feb. 1, I'm going to chime in on why I bought it. First, a little marketing copy.
This innovative hybrid instant camera features 10 lens effect options and 10 film effect options, giving you up to 100 different ways to instantly create your own unique 2 x 3" photographs. You can experiment with vivid colors, add softness to the focus, adjust the exposure, alter the white balance, and even select a macro mode when the situation calls for a close-up.
- Hybrid instant camera combines convenient digital image capture with traditional instant film output. This method allows you to shoot freely and print whenever desired or reprint an image as many times as desired.
- Accepts INSTAX MINI instant film to produce 2.4 x 1.8" images on a credit card-sized, 3.4 x 2.1" sheet.
- Fixed 28mm-equivalent lens offers a versatile wide-angle perspective and the f/2 aperture is well-suited for working in a variety of lighting conditions. The lens also has a 3.9" minimum focusing distance for working with close-up subjects.
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery is used to power the camera and supports printing up to approximately 100 images per charge. It can be charged via USB in approximately 2-3 hours. Internal memory holds approximately 45 still images and a microSD/SDHC memory card slot can be used to expand storage capacity.
- Direct Print: Print pictures from your smartphone Save Printed Images: Printed pictures from the camera can then be transferred and saved to your smartphone with an INSTAX frame Remote Shooting: Use your smartphone as a remote control and wirelessly release the camera's shutter from the app.
- Measures 4.8 x 3.4 x 1.4" and weighs 10 ounces.
- Metering: Multi, TTL 256-Zones; ISO: Auto, 100 to 1600; EV Comp -2 to +2 EV; 1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Auto Mode; 2/10-Second Delay; mini-SD card plus internal memory; Rear 3.0" 460k-dot LCD screen for live view compositions, menu navigation, and print selection.
And here's why I spent the $199 to buy the camera.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #827, Jan. 25, 2022. Today's theme is "The Forgotten Magic of Fill Flash." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Our smartphones and many of our digital cameras have built-in flash capability. And to some degree, when to use this feature is counter-intuitive. As a result, millions of pictures that could be improved with fill flash never receive that beneficial burst of light. Hopefully that's going to change after today's TDS photography podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 827
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Forgotten Magic of Fill Flash
There's nothing new about fill flash. It's a technique that was popular in the film days that balanced a front-facing burst of light with ambient lighting. It's especially effective for outdoor portraits that can be unflattering due to harsh sunlight from above.
Yet, working with fill flash is counter intuitive for some folks. Generally speaking, I turn on the flash when there is bright light from above, and I turn off the flash in low light situations when it would artificially render a scene.
No Fill Flash - Photo by Derrick Story.
Fill Flash Turned On (Fujifilm X100V).
The principal of fill flash is that for portraits, front facing lighting is more flattering than side lighting. Front light softens wrinkles and imperfections. Side lighting increases the appearance of texture.
On modern cameras, fill flash is the best of both worlds for candid portraiture. It present a flattering front light for the subject while the ambient lighting is balanced by the camera with the flash. The result is a wonderfully exposed image for both the subject and the background.
If you leave your smartphone or digital camera on Auto Flash, your device will never tap this technique. Because the camera reads plenty of overall lighting for the scene, even if is terrible for the subject. So you have to tell the camera to enable the flash.
On an iPhone, for example, tap the upward arrow icon at the top of the interface to reveal the camera settings. Flash will be to the far left. If you tap on it, you will see three options: Flash Auto, On and Off. If you turn it to on and stand relatively close to your subject, the camera will fire the flash and balance that exposure with the ambient lighting.
On my X100V, I have additional options such as TTL, manual output (1/4. 1/2, and full), and flash exposure compensation for the flash (different than for the camera's metering system.) So I don't have to dig through the menu system when I want to enable fill flash, I assigned the flash control menu to a function button.
The most natural looking fill flash portraits outdoors use flash exposure compensation dialed back 1/3 or 2/3 of a stop. Most viewers won't even realize that a fill flash was used. I leave mine set on -1/3.
I like digital cameras better for fill flash than smartphones. The flashes are more powerful, you have better controls, and the ability to balance ambient lighting with the flash looks more artistic.
Regardless, fill flash for outdoor portraits will separate your candids from the rest of the pack. If you haven't been using it lately, give it a go.
Tokina announces new 500mm F8 Reflex telephoto lens for six APS-C, full-frame camera systems You can read the entire article DP Review.
Tokina has announced its new SZ Super Tele 500mm F8 Reflex MF lens, a new manual focus super telephoto reflex lens that will work with six different full-frame and APS-C camera systems using a T-mount adapter system.
The fully-manual lens is constructed of seven elements in seven groups, uses a 72mm front filter thread, has a fixed F8 aperture and has a minimum focusing distance of 1.7m (5'7"). The base lens measures 74mm (2.9") in diameter, 89mm (3.5") in length and weighs 310g (10.9oz). As with its other reflex telephoto lenses, Tokina has included a T-mount system (pitch 0.75mm, thread 42mm) on a base lens and will pair that with adapters for various full-frame and APS-C camera mounts.
At launch, the lens will have mount options for Canon EF, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F, Nikon Z and Sony E mount camera systems. As with all Reflex lenses, you can expect the 'donut-shaped' bokeh from this 500mm F8 lens.
No pricing information for this lens has been announced at this time.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- March 2022 - Writing for Online Publishing (online) Was toying with changing this workshop to Hybrid Instant Photography, Both Analog and Digital, but our Inner Circle Members were not crazy about the idea.
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Digital Camera Scanning Is the Best Way to Digitize Film You can read the entire article FStoppers.
For film photographers, digitizing film is arguably the most important part of the workflow. For me, there is no longer a debate of what is the best approach. Using a digital camera to digitize film is the only way.
Brought to you by Kyle McDougall, this video goes through Kyle's process and experience of digitizing film using a digital camera. More specifically, he is using his Fujifilm X-T4 equipped with a 7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II. The film is secured by the (expensive) VALOI 360 film advancer and holders.
In this day and age where the overwhelming majority of photographs live exclusively on our phones and occasionally make it to social media and an even more select few get printed, digitizing film has never been more important. That said, the actually digitizing process can be a real pain. The gear and process can easily get more expensive and time-consuming than any other part of your photography. I used to be a real fan of the Epson V600 (review of it can be found here); before I stopped using it, I had crossed the 2,500 scans threshold. Nowadays, however, I have exclusively been using pixl-latr (the review of which can be found here). The time it takes to digitize any one negative is now a fraction of what it takes with a flatbed or a designated 35mm scanner, and the results, in my opinion, are just as good or better. True, you have to clean the dust off of the scans, but that was already a task required for black and white film.
I expect someone will say that drum scanning is the absolute best way to digitize. And sure, drum scans are now and will continue to be superior in their quality, but they are inarguably impractical for 99% of what the typical photographer needs digitized.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #826, Jan. 18, 2022. Today's theme is "Lessons in Composition - A Visit to the Banksy Exhibit." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
The Art of Banksy is touring in San Francisco right now, with its next stop in Denver. I spent the morning sharpening my eye admiring the work of the famous street artist. In addition to just downright enjoyable, there were many takeaways for my street photography as well. I'll share those thoughts on today's TDS Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 826
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
Lessons in Composition - A Visit to the Banksy Exhibit
The Art of Banksy exhibit is currently showing at the Palace of the Fine Arts in San Francisco through February 27th. Attending it is a win/win for street photographers.
"No Ball Games" by Banksy. Displayed at the Art of Banksy exhibit in San Francisco, CA.
First, you have the location itself. The grounds at the Palace of the Fine Arts are spectacular with many opportunities for candid photographs. Then you have the works of Banksy that are provocative, humorous, and stimulating for those looking to create engaging urban art. And then if that wasn't enough, you would wander off into The City itself for a day street photography.
From the Art of Banksy exhibit in San Francisco, CA.
I came away from the show with some excellent reminders for my camera work. Here are my top of mind takeaways.
- The Power of Simple Compositions - Banksy works are immediately accessible, but you can linger on them at length as well.
- The Judicious Use of Color - Most Banksy works are black plus one color, and that color is used with great care.
- Humor and Satire Turbocharge the Effect - Not only are the images visually appealing, but then they stimulate other parts of the brain with their humor and satire.
As a photographer, thinking about this work helps us ask the question before we press the shutter button, "What is this picture about?" Trying to create a clean composition with intelligent use of color and having it tell a story are excellent goals to help us improve our pictures.
The Art of Banksy exhibit is runs in San Francisco through Feb. 27, 2022, then opens in Denver on April 14, 2022.
Apple AirTags for Photographers
Over the years, I've stashed business cards in my camera pouches in case I left gear behind (which I've done) in the hope that an honest person would contact me if found. Now, thanks to AirTags, they will "call" me if I wander too far away from my devices. This is a remarkable improvement.
I have a 4-pack of Apple AirTags. I've put two of them to use, and I'm still contemplating how to use the others. Currently, one of the active units is in my everyday backpack, and the second one is in my Peak Field Pouch 2 that I use for urban photography with the Fujifilm X100V. And after a couple weeks of use, I can tell you that I'm never going back to life without them.
I particularly like an AirTag in the Field Pouch because I'm more likely to accidentally leave it behind if I get distracted at a coffee shop or set the bag down on location. Did I leave it at the studio? Is it in the car? Maybe it's at home?
I can find the answer to these questions instantly by opening the Find My app on the iPhone and tapping on the Items tab at the bottom. Both of my AirTags are displayed on the screen, each with their current location. (I've grayed out the actual address that would be displayed on my phone.)
And I've taken it a step further by configuring them to notify me if too great a distance comes between us.
The tag in my Field Pouch fits snugly in one of the memory card sleeves. I never have to fiddle with it. It's never in the way. The battery is replaceable, so this is a quality investment that will serve me well for years. And they work really well!
I have instructions for setting up AirTags here.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- March 2022 - Writing for Online Publishing (online) Toying with changing this workshop to Hybrid Instant Photography, Both Analog and Digital.
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Magic iPhone Photo Trick -- Soften the Background, After the Shot! You can read the entire article on CodeX.
This is one of my favorite iPhone techniques, and I will explain how to use it in this segment of the show.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #825, Jan. 11, 2022. Today's theme is "The Joy of Everyday HDR." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Thanks to the ease of HDR merging in both Lightroom, and now in Capture One Pro 22, leveraging the advantages of high dynamic range photography doesn't have to be a special occasion activity. You can use it whenever you want a little more tonal range. How to easily do that is the first topic of today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 825
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Joy of Everyday HDR
Here, for example, is how I've been using it with my Fujifilm X100V and Capture One Pro 22.
Start by capturing three Raw files at -2.0/0/+2.0 exposure bracket. On my X100V, I press the Drive button, scroll down to BKT, choose AE BKT, then press the OK button. I don't have to worry about the bracket range because I've already set that by going to Menu > Shooting Setting (camera icon) > AE BKT SETTING > FRAMES/STEP SETTING. I choose +_ 3 Frames and 2 Step.
Since the camera will remember the Frame/Step Setting, I only have to go to Drive to slip into HDR mode, then Drive again to return to regular shooting.
The last thing to keep in mind is that you want to work in Aperture Priority mode. You want to frames bracketed by shutter speed, not aperture. By going to Aperture Priority mode, you set the f/stop and it remains constant forcing the camera to adjust shutter speed for the bracket. This will help keep your images sharper.
Import the images into Capture One Pro. Select all three images in the bracket, then right-click on one of them and choose "Merge to HDR" from the popup menu. A second popup menu will appear allowing you to auto align and auto adjust. I typically select both. The auto adjust presents you with a very nice merged DNG file right out of the gate.
The workflow is so easy, and I find myself merging to HDR more often now. I set my X100V to auto bracket at the -2/0/+2 range, and fire off a sequence whenever I feel a scene could use a little bit more dynamic range.
Make sure you record your files in Raw. C1P won't merge Jpegs.
Because this workflow is so easy with both Lightroom and C1P, you can capture an HDR sequence whenever you have a scene that you want to play with in post. No big deal. Just everyday shooting!
Remove Power Lines with Ease, Thanks to Luminar Neo You can read the entire article on PhotoFocus.
In the new Luminar Neo, Skylum has added some great new tools to help save you time. One of these is the ability to remove power lines from images.
You can find this tool in the Erase tab, located under the Essentials tools. Then, you can click Remove Powerlines under the Objects Removal section.
To test out the tool, I found an old photo of a NASA rocket. I wanted to see if the AI would remove the cables holding the rocket. I simply clicked the Remove Powerlines button.
After about 5-10 seconds of the AI working, the cables were successfully removed. This is certainly an efficient feature! The clouds, blue patches, overexposed areas and painted lines on the rocket did not confuse the software.
You can buy a preliminary release of Luminar now for $79, and the final version will be made available to you in February. I'll be testing it soon and will share my initial impressions. Stay tuned.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- March 2022 - Writing for Online Publishing (online)
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Nikon, Panasonic Absent from Japan's Best Selling Cameras of 2021 You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.
BCN+R, a large retailer and holder of one of the largest databases of electronic sales in Japan, has published the top ten cameras sold in 2021. Notably absent from the list are Nikon and Panasonic.
BCN+R regularly publishes trend and sales reports across multiple electronics markets, including cameras. While it shouldn't be taken as the end-all of Japanese sales reports, the company does command about 40% of the Japanese sales market which does make it a very solid indication of what products are popular. For what it's worth, no such ranking like this exists in the United States as no retailer or dealer is willing or able to share its sales data publicly. So while it's not the best data, it is some of the only data that those interested in industry trends tend to get.
And as noted by Imaging Resource, it's important to keep a couple of things in mind before taking a look at the results. First, the camera market in Japan is extremely different from that of North America or Europe. Japanese sales regularly show smaller compact cameras tend to be extremely popular, while the larger and more "professional" bodies that sell well in the United States are not nearly as sought after. Also of note is that BCN+R's list includes multiple variations of the same product through kits, standalone cameras, or even color options. As a result, these numbers might be skewed a bit.
Below are BCN+R's top-selling cameras of 2021:
- Sony A6400 Double Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
- Canon EOS Kiss M2 Double Zoom Kit (White)
- Canon EOS Kiss M Double Zoom Kit (White)
- Sony A6400 Double Zoom Lens Kit (Silver)
- Sony ZV-E10 Power Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
- Canon EOS Kiss M2 Double Zoom Kit (Black)
- Canon EOS Kiss M Double Zoom Kit (Black)
- Fujifilm X-A5 Lens Kit (Silver)
- Olympus PEN E-PL10 EZ Double Zoom Kit (White)
- Fujifilm X-A5 Lens Kit (Brown)
Obviously, the aforementioned repetition of products is obvious here. Sony and Canon both have products that show up twice, which potentially squeezes out the potential for the two camera companies that are notably absent here: Nikon and Panasonic. Both companies released cameras that would have theoretically been popular in Japan last year: Nikon released the Zfc while Panasonic launched the GH5 II. Both companies could be absent from this list for a few reasons.
One other thing to note is that not a single full-frame camera made it to the top-selling cameras in Japan list, which further highlights the difference in the eastern and western camera markets. That said, Imaging Resource reports that the Sony A7 IV, Sony A7 III, and Canon EOS RP have all made the top-selling list of cameras from BCN+R last month, so it's possible that the transition to full-frame is coming along in Japan, albeit slowly.
Photos for macOS Monterey and iPhone Essential Training
You can view the course here on LinkedIn Learning.
With the free Photos for macOS software from Apple, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. In this course, photographer, author, and educator Derrick Story takes you on a detailed exploration of Photos for macOS.
Derrick gives you a tour of the interface and the headline new features, then goes into detail on the ways you can use Live Text to transform your camera into your personal assistant. He shows you how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts.
Derrick walks you through the improved importing process and gives you some useful tips on organizing and editing your pictures directly in Photos. Plus, he shows you where to find more tips and techniques for working with Photos for macOS.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #824, Jan. 4, 2022. Today's theme is "Honoring Two Golden Girls" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
On December 31, 2021, the world lost two Golden Girls: Betty White and my mother, Lynn Story. I was at mom's bedside with family when we heard the news about Betty White's passing. Hours later, Mom followed. They had much in common, including love of family, tolerance of differences, and care for animals. I wish I had an interview of Betty White to share with you because I so admired her. But I do have a chat with Lynn Story from December 2018 that I'm going to play. There is much to learn from her words. They resonate even more now in 2022. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 824
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Honoring Two Golden Girls
When asked, Betty White said the key to her happiness is that she works to "always find the positive" in her life. "I got it from my mom, and that never changed," she said.
I was thinking about how Betty White and Lynn Story had much in common, and thought it would be good to revisit some pearls of wisdom from Lynn that she shared in a 2018 interview.
Lynn Story photographed in 2018, Huntington Beach, CA. Photo by Derrick Story.
One of the things that I've noticed in people who appear to be happy is the notion of, "appreciate others rather than judge them." This idea of appreciation was certainly a theme in my Mom's life.
As an example, I stayed in her apartment on Thursday night while she was in the hospital. I wanted to take care of her kitty and get a little bit of sleep before heading back.
I noticed an envelope on her bed that read, "For my hardworking housekeeper and waiter." Even though she was in independent living, she did have weekly housekeeping and help if needed. The envelope contained a thank you card with a gratuity. This was something she did time and time again with practically everyone who contributed to her life.
There's a reason why some people go directly to heaven. Caring for and respecting others is at the top of the list.
The 2022 TDS Workshop Season We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:
- March 2022 - Writing for Online Publishing (online)
- April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
- May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
- August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
- Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
- Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)
You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Samsung's New TVs Let You Buy, Sell, and Display Photography NFTs You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.
As part of a series of announcements it made for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Samsung unveiled that it would be adding an NFT marketplace into its smart TV system that would allow users to browse, buy, sell, and display art on Samsung TVs.
The introduction of the NFT Platform marks the first time a major television manufacturer has decided to support non-fungible tokens in any capacit and provides a more tangible way for NFT owners to enjoy their purchases.
The company's NFT aggregation platform is built into this system and allows users to browse, buy, sell, and display NFT art directly through a compatible Samsung television. The company says that the NFT platform it built features an intuitive, integrated platform. Any art bought or displayed is supported by the aformentioned Samsung Smart Calibration feature that automatically adjusts the display settings "to the creator's preset values" to assure that how it appears is exactly, or as close as possible to, how the artist intended. The Verge compares the idea to Dolby Vision or Netflix Calibrated Modes as an example of how this might work.
The NFT Marketplace feature will be supported on the company's 2022 lineup of MICRO LED, Neo QLED, and The Frame television models. Samsung says that the platform is an aggregator, and as such, it is assumed that the platform isn't just supported by one NFT marketplace, but several. The company hasn't specified which marketplaces it will support, but that information should become more available leading up to the commercial availability of the televisions.
Photos for macOS Monterey and iPhone Essential Training
You can view the course here on LinkedIn Learning.
With the free Photos for macOS software from Apple, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. In this course, photographer, author, and educator Derrick Story takes you on a detailed exploration of Photos for macOS.
Derrick gives you a tour of the interface and the headline new features, then goes into detail on the ways you can use Live Text to transform your camera into your personal assistant. He shows you how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts.
Derrick walks you through the improved importing process and gives you some useful tips on organizing and editing your pictures directly in Photos. Plus, he shows you where to find more tips and techniques for working with Photos for macOS.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #823, Dec. 28, 2021. Today's theme is "What Are You Going to Do in 2022?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
For essentially 2 years we've had the opportunity to retool, learn new things, and break away from old habits that may not have been as productive as we wanted. Now, as we stand on the precipice of 2022, it's time to put our "new normal" into action. We are going to take a closer look at the pending possibilities on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 823
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
What Are You Going to Do in 2022?
Here are the things that I'm discussing in this segment:
- Set goals for 2022. Mine include bringing back physical workshops, adding new topics to the online workshops, resume publishing on TheNimblePhotographer.com, reorganizing the studio, and more.
- Plan activities that are inline with your goals. For example, we will have a variety of online and physical workshops, set aside time to research and learn online, and spend time with others who have shared interests.
- Add organization to the mix. It's one thing to say you're going to do something, it's far better to build a plan with milestone dates.
- Build a budget. I like to create a separate account for projects and equipment that I want to fund.
- Make 2022 a "springboard year." Take all the adjustments that you've made over the past two years, shape them into goals that will further your growth, and fuel them with organization and capital. The net result can be personal growth that you haven't experienced in years.
In terms of workshops, I've updated our TDS Workshops page on thenimblephotographer.com. You might want to take a look. (Inner Circle members will receive discounts for all 2022 activities.)
How Infrared Photography Can Create Stunning Sci-Fi Night Photos You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.
Infrared photography is mostly used to create alternative and dreamy landscape pictures during bright days, giving nature specific hues from clear white to vivid yellow or red. But this technique has also a high potential in urban photography too, moreover at night.
Infrared photography requires specific gear such as a full spectrum camera (which sensor has been modified to bring back its initial sensitivity from ultraviolet to infrared light), an infrared filter, and a compatible lens. When it comes to shooting cityscape at night, a tripod is also required to deal with long exposure.
At this step, my advice is to choose an infrared filter with a low cut-off wavelength, like 550nm or 595nm. This way, the exposure time will not be too long (at night, infrared emission is only due to urban light and is far less important than IR sun emission) and you will observe a large range of colors in the different lights caught.
Personally, I use a full spectrum Canon RP, a Laowa 15mm f/4.5 shift, and a Kolari Vision 550nm filter in a drop-in mount. This association allows me to create large panoramas without any hotspot and with a reduced amount of flare.
This step is not specific to infrared photography, but if you are looking for futuristic pictures, you will need futuristic places. Modern financial hubs are full of buildings, headquarters, and offices made of glass and steel with impressive design. At night, they emit a lot of light and their look totally changes.
Do not hesitate to visit these places during the day: it will be easier for you to find interesting points of view and to test compositions that you will reproduce at night.
As infrared light will come from urban lights, road and subway networks are also great subjects to integrate into your compositions: at night, long exposures will create colored light lines in them.
Can the Cheapest MacBook Pro Keep Up With Professional Demands? You can read the entire article on Fstoppers.
Apple's M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pros are mightily impressive, but their prices can grow quite quickly as you add more features and capabilities, with the top model tipping the scales at over $6,000. On the other hand, the base model comes in at less than half that price. Can it keep up with the demands of professional photographers and filmmakers, though? This great video review puts it through the paces to find out.
Coming to you from Potato Jet, this excellent video review takes a look at how the base model of the new 16-inch MacBook Pro performs under the demands of a professional creative, and no doubt, it looks like even the M1 Pro model with 16 GB of unified memory is a remarkable step forward over previous generations, providing performance that easily handles heavy loads that would have bogged down even tricked-out older models. What impresses me all the more is the computer's long battery life, even during these demanding editing sessions, making it easy to work on large projects no matter where you are. It is also nice to see that the base models come with 512 GB SSDs, ensuring you have plenty of storage. Check out the video above for the full rundown on the new model.
Photos for macOS Monterey and iPhone Essential Training
You can view the course here on LinkedIn Learning.
With the free Photos for macOS software from Apple, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. In this course, photographer, author, and educator Derrick Story takes you on a detailed exploration of Photos for macOS.
Derrick gives you a tour of the interface and the headline new features, then goes into detail on the ways you can use Live Text to transform your camera into your personal assistant. He shows you how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts.
Derrick walks you through the improved importing process and gives you some useful tips on organizing and editing your pictures directly in Photos. Plus, he shows you where to find more tips and techniques for working with Photos for macOS.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #822, Dec. 21, 2021. Today's theme is "5 Reasons Why I Still Carry a Digital Camera." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
It's true, we live in the age of the smartphone. Then why am I so happy to pull my digital camera out of my backpack on a regular basis? I just returned from a road trip to Southern California where I used my X100V a number of times. I'm going to share 5 of them on todays TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 822
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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5 Reasons Why I Still Carry a Digital Camera
Don't get me wrong, I used my iPhone all the time on a recent trip to visit my mom, including a fun selfie of the two of us sitting in her living room.
But man o man am I glad I had my digital camera with me too. Here are 5 reasons why.
- Digital Cameras Make the Best Webcams - I had a couple of workshop classes I had to lead while down there, and boy am I glad I had the X100V to serve as my webcam. The image looked great!
- Digital Cameras Save Your Back and Knees - When I want a really low angle shot, which seems to be often, that flip up screen on the X100V is invaluable.
- Crop, Crop, Crop! - Sometimes I don't find the best composition until way after the shot when I'm working on the MacBook. With a 26 MP sensor, I can crop, crop, crop and still have plenty of resolution.
- Did Anyone Say Film Simulations? - Let's face it, the filters in the camera app for the iPhone suck. And compared to what I can get on the X100V with those lovely film simulations, they really suck.
- True Flash Photography - Not only does the built-in flash on the X100V blow away that wimpy LED unit on the iPhone, but I can attach a true hot shoe flash as well.
There are also lots of other little things that I notice over time, such as real RAW files, click-stop aperture ring, more comfortable ergonomics, and more.
iPhones are great, but digital cameras rock my world.
And for a bit more about using a smartphone and digital camera together, take a look at Ditch the Bag, not the Camera on TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Tokina's second-generation 400mm F8 mirror lens is available in eight mounts for $260 You can read the entire article on DP Review.
Tokina has announced an updated version of its 400mm F8 mirror lens that tweaks the optical detain and adds a T-mount system that Tokina says improves the performance of the lens and enables the lens to be used with eight different camera mounts.
The Tokina 400mm F8 N II S mirror lens is a successor to the 400mm F8 N S mirror released back in July 2020. The updated lens is constructed of six elements in two groups--a departure from the six elements in five groups used in the original version. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 115cm (45.3"), has a 67mm front filter thread and measures between 82-112mm, depending on whether you get the SLR or mirrorless mount versions, as the mirrorless versions have a longer adapter to account for the short flange distance of mirrorless cameras.
The 400mm F8 lens is fully manual and features an integrated T-mount that uses the standard male 42x0.75 thread; by using various adapters, which are place on the lens before being shipped out, the lens will work with Canon EF, Canon M, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Pentax K and Sony E-mount camera systems. Naturally, the T-mount means the lens can easily be adapted from one mount to another with a different mount adapter.
As is the case with all mirror lenses, this lens features the signature 'donut' bokeh, which is usually considered less aesthetically pleasing than the bokeh of conventional optics, but is the price paid for getting longer focal lengths in a relatively small body. Below are the only two sample photos Tokina has provided at this time:
The Tokina 400mm F8 N II S mirror lens Is currently listed on Tokina's website for around $262, but it doesn't appear as though it's possible to actually place an order at this time. The first orders, when they go live, are expected to ship starting December 24, 2021.
Mastering Capture One Pro Online Workshop - Jan. 12, 2022
Jan 12 - Feb. 2, 2022
Are you ready to move to one of the best RAW processing digital asset managers available today? If yes, then this online workshop is for you.
Over the course of four sessions, you will learn to organize, process, enhance, and share your images with Capture One Pro 22, the state-of-the-art photo management platform for professionals and serious enthusiasts. This application runs on both Mac and Windows platforms, with an iPad version scheduled to be available in January as well.
You will also have access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline, where you can ask questions, share techniques, and show off your work. Your membership to our online community extends pass the workshop itself, so you can continue to share notes with those who share your particular interests.
Our weekly meetings during the workshop itself are via Zoom, with AM and PM sessions available so you can match this event to your busy schedule. Plus, we record each session and make them available to participants future reference.
This is exactly the type of learning environment that will accelerate your mastery of this powerful application. I hope you can join us!
You can sign up today at TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Attention Inner Circle Members: Be sure to visit our Patreon site for the discount code that will save you $15 for this very affordable online workshop.
Pixelmator Photo is a Powerful AI-Driven Photo Editor for iPhone You can read the entire article on Petapixel.
Pixelmator has announced Pixelmator Photo for iOS, what it calls the most powerful editor ever designed for a mobile device. The company even goes so far as to call it "basically Aperture for iPhone."
Pixelmator Photo has been launched for iPhone (in addition to iPad) and features desktop-class color adjustments, support for over 600 RAW image formats -- including Apple ProRAW -- deep integration with the Photos app and iCloud Photos, tools powered by what the company calls groundbreaking machine learning technologies, and more.
The company says that Pixelmator Photo contains a collection of over 30 desktop-class color adjustments that allow editors to adjust the colors in a photo in a variety of ways. The app also features classic photography essential tools like White Balance, Exposure, Highlights, and Shadows adjustments, to more advanced tools like Selective Color, wheel-based Color Balance, photographic Grain adjustment, and others.
Pixelmator says that all the adjustments were designed using advanced image processing techniques that it says will preserve color quality and eliminate image posterization artifacts even when making "extreme" edits. All adjustments made in the app work directly and nondestructively with over 600 RAW image formats, including Apple ProRAW.
The app has what the company calls deep integration with the Photos app and iCloud Photos. To edit photos, users have to open it in the browser of the Pixelmator Photo app and when edits are finished, changes automatically sync with the photo library.
The app is free for existing Pixelmator Photo users but is available for $4 for new users (it will eventually increase to $8) It requires iOS 14 or later, and full iPhone requirements can be found on the company's website.
Photos for macOS Monterey and iPhone Essential Training
You can view the course here on LinkedIn Learning.
With the free Photos for macOS software from Apple, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. In this course, photographer, author, and educator Derrick Story takes you on a detailed exploration of Photos for macOS.
Derrick gives you a tour of the interface and the headline new features, then goes into detail on the ways you can use Live Text to transform your camera into your personal assistant. He shows you how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts.
Derrick walks you through the improved importing process and gives you some useful tips on organizing and editing your pictures directly in Photos. Plus, he shows you where to find more tips and techniques for working with Photos for macOS.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #821, Dec. 14, 2021. Today's theme is "The Ultimate Holiday Gift." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
How could a blank picture frame be the ultimate holiday gift? Well, it depends on what you put in it. On today's show I'm going to share an idea with you that just might make that special someone in your life very happy. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 821
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
The Ultimate Holiday Gift
As photographers, we have the unique ability to make others very happy. Not only do we know how to make beautiful images, we understand how to present them as well.
All of this can come together as a wonderful gift for someone you care about. Here's the basic set up:
- Find a nice picture frame that can accommodate an 8.5"x11" print. Preferably this frame would look great on its own with nice mats and finish.
- On a fine art card, write a note that will accompany the frame. It can be something like: "This frame can hold any picture that you want. It can be a group shot of you with your children, a portrait of you and your pet companion, or a revitalized old family picture that you always wanted to hang on the wall. You tell me what you want in that frame, and I will make it happen for you."
- Wrap the frame and include the card. Ideally present the gift when you have a little time to talk with the recipient about what they want to go in the frame. At a favorite coffee shop over a peppermint mocha latte is ideal, but you may not get that chance. You get the idea however. The conversation, if possible, is part of the gift.
- Follow through on the gift as quickly as possible. If you're restoring an old family photograph, get to work. If it's a portrait session, get it scheduled.
The blank picture frame gift can be very special for the recipient, and gives you the opportunity to share your unique set of skills.
Happy Holidays!
Capture One Pro 22 Released
Capture One Pro 22 includes a very nice performance update for Windows users and wireless tethering for Canon users, but the headliners are panorama stitching, HDR merging, and AI-driven auto rotate.
As for the built-in pano stitching and HDR merge, I have a couple tips for you to improve your experience. The ideal overlap for panorama stitching with C1P is 30 percent. You don't need any more than that. Also, C1P is multi-row stitching capable. You can build an extremely high-resolution image in all directions, giving you a huge DNG file to work with that's fully editable directly in Capture One.
And for HDR merge, 3 frames will do it, exposing at -2.0, 0, +2.0. You don't need 5, 7, or more frames for a good merge.Then edit the resulting DNG file as you would any other RAW.
Test out Capture One 22 for yourself with a 30-day free trial; even if you've tested out Capture One before, you can still take a new trial round of Capture One 22. Get full access to all the latest features and see how it can transform your photography and enhance your storytelling.
The upgrade price for a perpetual license is $199, or $179 for a year's subscription.
Mastering Capture One Pro Online Workshop - Jan. 12, 2022
Jan 12 - Feb. 2, 2022
Are you ready to move to one of the best RAW processing digital asset managers available today? If yes, then this online workshop is for you.
Over the course of four sessions, you will learn to organize, process, enhance, and share your images with Capture One Pro 22, the state-of-the-art photo management platform for professionals and serious enthusiasts. This application runs on both Mac and Windows platforms, with an iPad version scheduled to be available in January as well.
You will also have access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline, where you can ask questions, share techniques, and show off your work. Your membership to our online community extends pass the workshop itself, so you can continue to share notes with those who share your particular interests.
Our weekly meetings during the workshop itself are via Zoom, with AM and PM sessions available so you can match this event to your busy schedule. Plus, we record each session and make them available to participants future reference.
This is exactly the type of learning environment that will accelerate your mastery of this powerful application. I hope you can join us!
You can sign up today at TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Attention Inner Circle Members: Be sure to visit our Patreon site for the discount code that will save you $15 for this very affordable online workshop.
Photos for macOS Monterey and iPhone Essential Training
You can view the course here on LinkedIn Learning.
With the free Photos for macOS software from Apple, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. In this course, photographer, author, and educator Derrick Story takes you on a detailed exploration of Photos for macOS.
Derrick gives you a tour of the interface and the headline new features, then goes into detail on the ways you can use Live Text to transform your camera into your personal assistant. He shows you how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts.
Derrick walks you through the improved importing process and gives you some useful tips on organizing and editing your pictures directly in Photos. Plus, he shows you where to find more tips and techniques for working with Photos for macOS.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 48 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #820, Dec. 7, 2021. Today's theme is "The Pictures that Matter Most." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Most of us have thousands upon thousands of images in our photo libraries. And when life is normal and rolling along, they all seem relatively important. But at some point, for everyone of us, the world takes a turn. And often the most important things that remain are our memories and the pictures that accompany them. I'm going to share one such story on today's TDS Photography Podcast.
Digital Photography Podcast 820
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The Story of Dibs the Cat
Those of you who follow the podcast may recall some of the many mentions of Dibs the cat who lived here at the TDS Studio. Her story is quite remarkable, and I'm so thankful that I documented it with photographs over the years. Here's why.
Photos for macOS Monterey and iPhone Essential Training
You can view the course here on LinkedIn Learning.
With the free Photos for macOS software from Apple, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. In this course, photographer, author, and educator Derrick Story takes you on a detailed exploration of Photos for macOS.
Derrick gives you a tour of the interface and the headline new features, then goes into detail on the ways you can use Live Text to transform your camera into your personal assistant. He shows you how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts.
Derrick walks you through the improved importing process and gives you some useful tips on organizing and editing your pictures directly in Photos. Plus, he shows you where to find more tips and techniques for working with Photos for macOS.
Photo Geotagging is Magic You can read the entire article on Medium.com.
From the article:
When I step back and think about this, I'm amazed by the technology. The iPhone in my pocket is triangulating my position on planet earth via satellites far above my head. It then wirelessly communicates that information to the digital camera in my hands so the data can be written in realtime to the picture I just captured.
You may have to experiment a bit with the settings to get them working just right. But it's worth the effort.
Mastering Capture One Pro Online Workshop - Jan. 12, 2022
Jan 12 - Feb. 2, 2022
Are you ready to move to one of the best RAW processing digital asset managers available today? If yes, then this online workshop is for you.
Over the course of four sessions, you will learn to organize, process, enhance, and share your images with Capture One Pro 22, the state-of-the-art photo management platform for professionals and serious enthusiasts. This application runs on both Mac and Windows platforms, with an iPad version scheduled to be available in January as well.
You will also have access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline, where you can ask questions, share techniques, and show off your work. Your membership to our online community extends pass the workshop itself, so you can continue to share notes with those who share your particular interests.
Our weekly meetings during the workshop itself are via Zoom, with AM and PM sessions available so you can match this event to your busy schedule. Plus, we record each session and make them available to participants future reference.
This is exactly the type of learning environment that will accelerate your mastery of this powerful application. I hope you can join us!
You can sign up today at TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Attention Inner Circle Members: Be sure to visit our Patreon site for the discount code that will save you $15 for this very affordable online workshop.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 48 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #819, Nov. 30, 2021. Today's theme is "2021 - My Most Challenging Year of Photography." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
In large part, 2021 seemed like a year of talking about photography rather than actually taking pictures. But just like with any important relationship, anything that you can do to keep the embers glowing is worthwhile. Today I'll take a look back at the past 11 months and look forward to what could be different in 2022. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 819
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2021 - My Most Challenging Year of Photography
I just spent some time looking back over my calendar for 2021. There was a lot of recording, 3 LinkedIn Learning titles, many Zoom meetings, and very few photo shoots.
I didn't buy any new cameras in 2021, nor new lenses either. I did purchases lots of accessories, in part because the photography took on more of a personal DIY approach. So I bought things like IR filters and lens adapters.
To stay motivated for my own personal work, I embraced infrared and black & white photography. Most of my photo shoots were local, inside Sonoma County, and often within walking distance from my house or studio.
I also noticed that I broadened my interests outside of photography. I became very involved in learning about electric vehicles. My music listening shifted to more Jazz. I bought vinyl records and relished the tactile experience of handling album jackets and putting the records on the turntable. I watched a lot of Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV. And there were many home improvement projects including thinning out and cleaning two garages.
In late summer, the tide began to change a bit. I had sold the VW Vanagon and replaced it with the new VW ID.4. I was able to go camping again. Some of my physical photo work returned and I pulled gear out of mothballs to shoot commercially. And best of all, the Oregon Coast Workshop was right around the corner, my first physical event in 20 months.
Now, as I sit here in December looking toward the new year, I have some clarity about what has happened, and what I may expect in 2022. I thought you might be interested in those observations.
- Photography is a diamond with many facets. When we can't do what we normally love with it, explore other areas that are available to us.
- Zoom turned out better than I thought it would. I have been pleasantly surprised at how personable and connective our online workshops have been. Zoom has been a lifesaver in 2020.
- Gear and activity really are tied together. I've noticed that as I am shooting less, my desire to acquire new equipment has really decreased.
- My appreciation for the iPhone has grown. I've always like mobile photography, but my iPhone 12 Pro Max has become my favorite back up camera.
- We still need the physical events mixed in with the online classes. The Oregon Workshop in early November clearly demonstrated that we need a balance of events to keep our community happy and healthy.
This leads us to a very interesting 2022. Our core activities will continue to be the foundation of the community - weekly podcast, Inner Circle, and Facebook group. We will continue to explore the different facets of photography through our online classes. And we are going to have physical workshops as well, knowing that we can conduct them safely, even as the pandemic drags on.
I'm OK with all of this. I've come to terms that my portrait room is now a zoom studio, and that it probably will never go back. I realize that I will have to seek out more personal projects to help fill the gaps of my commercial work.
And once again, it's clear to me that adaption and reinvention will be the keys to a successful 2022 for our community.
Digital Camera Demand Booms in China as 'Live Commerce' Explodes
You can read the entire article on PetaPixel
Buying a new camera is about to get even harder, as exploding demand in China led by "live commerce" has led to increased supply issues on a system that already cannot meet demand.
Exports out of China have slowed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and, as a result, domestic sales through what is called "live commerce" have exploded. To support it, the need for better quality cameras has followed suit.
Live commerce is the practice of demonstrating or selling products through live-streamed social media such as TikTok or Instagram. Mostly dominated by influencers who sell cosmetics, clothing, and bags, the method is now being leveraged by factory employees who sell anything from housewares to cars.
Typically, live commerce does not require significant effort to be put behind the quality of footage and generally relies on the front-facing cameras on smartphones. However, because certain products have fine textures that smartphones can't render properly or items simply look better in streams when a higher quality camera is used, dedicated digital cameras are growing in popularity. Most live commerce content creators realize that better footage has a direct impact on better sales. Nikkei reports that demand for cameras has leaped 20% in 2021 over the previous year, and manufacturers have not been able to keep up with demand -- an unfortunately familiar story.
In the West, camera availability has been a sore subject in 2021. Manufacturers have been struggling to keep cameras on shelves amid a boom in demand that coincided with the chip shortage that has brought most of the tech industry's ability to manufacture down to a trickle. With huge demand now growing in China and with that market expected to command hundreds of billions of dollars, it is very likely that camera companies will shift their focus to meet that demand given the potential profit to be made. While good news for the camera industry, it's not necessarily so for those who have been hoping to see cameras become more widely available.
Mastering Capture One Pro Online Workshop - Jan. 12, 2022
Jan 12 - Feb. 2, 2022
Are you ready to move to one of the best RAW processing digital asset managers available today? If yes, then this online workshop is for you.
Over the course of four sessions, you will learn to organize, process, enhance, and share your images with Capture One Pro 22, the state-of-the-art photo management platform for professionals and serious enthusiasts. This application runs on both Mac and Windows platforms, with an iPad version scheduled to be available in January as well.
You will also have access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline, where you can ask questions, share techniques, and show off your work. Your membership to our online community extends pass the workshop itself, so you can continue to share notes with those who share your particular interests.
Our weekly meetings during the workshop itself are via Zoom, with AM and PM sessions available so you can match this event to your busy schedule. Plus, we record each session and make them available to participants future reference.
This is exactly the type of learning environment that will accelerate your mastery of this powerful application. I hope you can join us!
You can sign up today at TheNimblePhotographer.com.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 46 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
Product Links and Comments
There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #818, Nov. 23, 2021. Today's theme is "Holiday Gifts Under $40 for Photographers." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Photographers aren't the easiest folks to buy for. They're picky about their gear, they already have more stuff than anyone realizes, and what they don't have usually costs a lot of money. But there are always a few hidden treasures that are bound to delight, and those goodies are the focus of this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 818
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Holiday Gifts Under $40 for Photographers
I have 7 very cool gifts for photographers, each one costs less than $40.
Haida Anti-Fog Belt / Lens Heater $20 - Haida has recently introduced an inexpensive USB-powered Anti-Fog Velcro belt that wraps around the exterior of a lens and keeps it warm, therefore preventing it from fogging as the temperature dips.
Think Tank TT737 Photo Lens Case Duo for DSLR/Mirrorless Lenses Cruz V2 Fresh Foam, 5 $21 - I've been using these for a couple years now, and I just love them. They come in different sizes, I like have the variety myself. This one is for mirrorless.
Moment iPhone 12/13 Multi-Threaded Cheese Plate Mount with MagSafe $30 - Increase your mobile mounting options with this iPhone 12 Multi-Threaded Cheese Plate Mount with MagSafe from Moment. The thin machined aluminum plate attaches to any iPhone 12 model, with or without a MagSafe-compatible case, via a strong (M)Force magnet array. When mounting without a case, the padded surface helps to prevent scratching. On the other side is a cheese plate with 5 threaded female connections. You get two standard 3/8" and three standard 1/4"-20 connections. This provides increased freedom in mount positioning, and in the types of tripods and mounts you can attach your iPhone to.
FRDM Vigor Lightweight Liner Gloves Touchscreen Hiking Running Fishing Photography Outdoor Activities, for Men and Women $30 - Touchscreen compatible e-tips and convertible slip-thru instant index finger and thumb access allows you to text, take the perfect photo, or adjust your music without removing your gloves.
Peak Design Travel Packing Cube (Medium) $36 - I'm already a huge fan of packing cubes, and these are the best I've seen.
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Pole - Carbon Fiber Monopod Walking or Hiking Stick with Accessories Mount and Adjustable Quick Locks $39 - The Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Monopod is the perfect tool for amateur or professional photographers and hunters who seek adventure in the great outdoors. The carbon fiber shaft is lightweight and durable, making it easy to pack without dragging you down.
Gift Certificate from Local Camera Shop - If you're lucky enough to have a camera store in your town, purchasing a gift certificate is a great way to support them during the holiday season. Not only can you provide maximum flexibility for the gift recipient, you're helping to support local business.
FotoMagico 6 Makes Pro Slideshows a Snap
You can read the entire article on The Digital Story
Boinx Software has released FotoMagico 6, the latest version of their top-drawer slideshow authoring software. The bundle includes applications for both the Mac and the iPad, plus tons of extras including templates and royalty-free music tracks.
FotoMagico 6 features professional Image Effects that allows you to quickly customize the appearance of a frame or frames in the presentation with color correction, monochrome, and more. You can apply similar enhancements to words with Text Effects.
Plus you have iPad integration via iCloud so that you can start a project on one device, then continue working on it with another. All of your changes are saved regardless of where you made them.
And there are new templates and music tracks as well.
But my favorite new feature is Map Assist that lets you plot and animate your journey for a travel slideshow.
Availability and Pricing
You can download a free trial from the FotoMagico website and try out all the new features I covered here. If you want to purchase the software, it is available in the Mac App Store or directly from Boinx for $7.99 a month subscription or for $79.99 for a year.
If you want to create professional presentations for publishing online or in person, this is the most powerful and easy to use software available.
How Many Camera Bags Does a Photographer Need?
You can read the entire article on fStoppers.
Every photographer needs a camera bag. Preferably one that not only protects the equipment, but is also comfortable to use. It has to carry at least a camera and a couple of lenses, along with the necessary accessories. Unfortunately, there is not one camera bag that is perfect for every situation.
Camera bags come in all shapes and sizes. Every now and then a Kickstarter project comes up with a new bag that is said to be the ultimate solution for carrying your equipment. But what I discovered over the years is, that a perfect bag for every situation doesn't exist. What's perfect depends not only on the situation you're in, but also on personal preferences.
First of all, don't go cheap on a camera bag. Remember, it will carry the expensive equipment you own. It has to protect your camera and lenses while transporting it or during travels. The material has to be strong enough and durable. It doesn't mean a cheap bag is a bad bag. Just be careful when choosing one and don't get fooled when a perfect bag for everything is presented; It doesn't exist.
The author then goes into detail about the different kinds of camera bags.
So, how many camera bags does a photographer need? I think most photographers need at least two bags. One backpack and one shoulder bag. Do you agree?
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 46 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
Product Links and Comments
There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #817, Nov. 16, 2021. Today's theme is "So, How Did It Go?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
When you've been away from them for a while, it's easy to forget the joy of an in-person workshop. That is, until you're all gathered there in a parking lot at a beautiful location getting your gear together for a short hike and a shoot. Then it all comes roaring back. This week we're going to look at the adjustments required, and the resulting rewards, of a physical workshop. And look ahead to 2022. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 817
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So, How Did it Go?
I rolled in to Florence Oregon about 5 pm the night before our event began. I had the VW packed with food for breakfasts and lunches for the first two days, plus my outdoor gear and cameras.
Our headquarters had a great kitchen with a large island that we used to prepare and pack our lunches each day before heading out to a beautiful location.
In order to keep everyone as safe as possible, we had to wear masks when entering HQ and working in the kitchen. The first order of business was to wash hands every time you entered. If you were closer than 6' to another indoors, masks were required, including for all car rides.
I know it sounds like a lot, but it was easy, especially compared to what we got to do together. We shared breakfast every morning at HQ, ate our sack lunches in the field during our shoots, and even had a dinner bash on Thursday night with food provided by Mo's Seafood and Chowder there in Florence. And yes, the chowder was delicious.
We had rain everyday. But we were totally prepared for it and the result was dramatic photography that we shared with one another during the final presentations.
For vehicles, we had a Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and the VW ID.4. We took turns riding in the different cars.
After it was over, I gathered a couple of our Inner Circle Members, Dave and Michael, plus a few new folks, Cindy and Bill, to join Scott and me for a quick recap. Here's what they had to say.
Insert voice snippet from charging stop here.
On our TDS Facebook page, Kim added: "It was an awesome workshop, awesome fellowship, and awesome to be 'tested by the elements'!"
The thing that really jumped out at me was, how much I miss working with others in person. And now that we've got one under our belts, I'm ready to move forward with more in 2022.
So here's a preview of what I'm working on. I should have the schedule finalized by early December.
Humboldt Redwoods in April 2022 is a go.
Lassen Volcanic Park in July is going to be replaced with another physical event due to the extensive fire damage to the area.
Oregon Coast in October/November 2022 is a likely go at the moment. I'll know more about that in the coming weeks.
Patreon Members, stay tuned for an opportunity to suggest a location to replace the July workshop and possibly for a fourth event during the year.
We're also going to maintain a full slate of online events in 2022. That schedule will also be updated in December with new events added to our existing popular ones.
I am very excited about the prospects for the coming year for our photography community.
Nikon's new firmware updates for its Z50, Z5, Z6 and Z7 cameras improve AF performance
You can read the entire article on DP Review
Nikon has released minor firmware updates for nearly its entire Z mount mirrorless camera lineup. The Nikon Z6 and Z7 receive firmware version 3.40 while the Z5 and Z50 receive firmware versions 1.20 and 2.20, respectively.
Each of the firmware updates improve autofocus (AF) capabilities across the board, but the updates for the Z5 and Z50 aren't as substantial as those for the Z6 and Z7. For the Z5 and Z50, Nikon says both Face and Eye Detection autofocus modes have been improved when using a flash unit. The Z6 and Z7 receive that improvement, as well as improved eye detection performance when shooting with 'Auto-area AF' or 'Wide-area AF(L)' autofocus modes, and an increased refresh rate for the focus point displayed in the EVF when using face/eye-detection and subject-tracking autofocus modes.All of the firmware updates also add support for Nikon's new FTZ II mount adapter and NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens. The updates are available to download today for their respective cameras.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 46 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
Product Links and Comments
There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #816, Nov. 9, 2021. Today's theme is "Can Electric Vehicles Cut It for Photo Road Trips?" I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
Those of you who have been following the story about my transition from the VW Vanagon to the EV ID.4 for our official workshop transport, this is the week where the rubber hits the road. Is it too early to switch from ICE to EV? Tune in to this week's TDS Podcast to find out. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 816
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
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Can Electric Vehicles Cut It for Photo Road Trips?
It is 561 miles from Santa Rosa, CA to Florence, Oregon, the location of our Oregon Coast Photography Workshop that begins Tuesday morning. Adding in travel to destinations during the workshop itself, total mileage for the week will be more than 1,300 miles.
In the Audi A3, that would work out to around 54 gallons of gas. That car requires premium, which is over $5 a gallon throughout California. The bill for fuel alone would be at least $270, and probably more if I had to fill out in remote locations.
Using my free account with Electrify America for the long hauls, I will only have to top off in Florence, which I can do for $4 a session at the public utility. That should mean a $12 fuel bill for the entire trip.
Now the question is: will the car make it? And if so, how long will it take?
Going back to the Audi and gas, the estimated driving time for the trip is 9 hours, plus two 30 minute stops for refueling, bathroom, and leg stretching. 10 hours total if everything goes well.
Let's tackle the second question first. Based on my recent 900 mile road trip to Southern CA and back, I estimate I have to add an additional 15 percent for time with the ID.4 if things go as planned. My best guess is that it will extend my journey to around 12 hours.
As for the first question, will the car make it? Absolutely yes. Thanks to its room cabin, comfortable seats with massage, and advanced travel assist technologies, road tripping as more comfortable than ever. The car literally drives itself.
So it all comes down to recharging. Let's tune in to a refuel stop.
As for the viability during the week itself? I'll get some comments from workshop participants and share those in next week's show.
But on paper, here's what I'm looking at. 30 cubic feet of storage space in the back while seating 5 passengers. There's no floor hump, so the back floor is perfectly flat for the person sitting in the middle.
There are dual charging ports in the back as well as the front, providing a total of 4 USB-C outlets for passengers. Side door storage for everyone, plus dual pockets on the backs of the front seats. There's 38" of leg room and head room in the back, and even more of both in the front.
And finally, there is a full length panorama glass room on top with power sunshade if necessary. I think this will be a wonderful transport vehicle for participants.
Wish me luck. More on how it went next week.
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm f/1.4 PRO Lens
Olympus just announced the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm f/1.4 PRO Lens for $799 due to be released in December.
Highlight features include:
- 40mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
- 11 Elements in 10 Groups
- 1 Super ED, 3 ED, 2 Super HR Elements
- 2 Aspherical Elements
- ZERO Zuiko Extra-Low Reflection Coating
- Movie & Still Compatible AF System
- Weather-Sealed Construction
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Includes lens hood and lens wrap cloth
One feature that it's missing, that would push me closer to purchase is the snap focus option that allows the photographer to pull back the focusing ring to reveal a traditional distance scale with hard-stop infinity. This lens would be perfect for that, and why it's missing befuddles me.
If you don't already own the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7, this is a lens to consider.
Why I'm Not Packing Olympus in Oregon After last week's podcast, some listeners asked me why I wasn't taking my Olympus kit to Florence. Here's the back story on that.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 46 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
Product Links and Comments
There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
This is The Digital Story Podcast #815, Nov. 2, 2021. Today's theme is "Preparing for an Inclement Photo Shoot." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
In just a few days I leave for the Oregon Coast to co-lead a weeklong workshop. There are preparations on many fronts including travel route, photo gear, and apparel. As part of that process, I've noted that the long range weather forecast predicts plenty of precipitation. This definitely has an impact on my packing, and today I'm going to discuss how I prepare for a wet-weather photo shoot. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 815
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Preparing for an Inclement Photo Shoot
When I first started thinking about this workshop, I was leaning toward an entirely different backpack full of gear. But now that I see that rain is in the forecast, I've rethought all of my initial plans. Here are my priorities now.
Scale Back - Bad weather makes me want to travel even lighter than in good conditions. I want fewer moving parts a and smaller bag. As a result I'm taking much less.
Weather Resistant is King for the Backpack - Everything has to be able to take the rain. I'm starting with the relatively compact Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW that is weather resistant to begin with, plus has a built-in rain cover if conditions worsen. There is fast access on both sides and top so I don't have to open the entire bag to retrieve a camera or lens. So I can grab one thing and everything else stays dry.
Going with my Toughest Camera - My best bad weather camera is the Pentax KP with a handful of weather resistant lenses. I don't like working with rain covers and prefer just to have the camera in my hands, even in the rain. Pentax cameras are amazingly tough and reliable, as are their WR lenses. I put protection filters on everything so I can wipe them off quickly and often.
Absorbent Cloths and Big Microfibers - One of the most important things I learned shooting in Iceland was that you need extra cloths to wipe down your gear. Everything gets soaked fairly fast, so backups are required over the course of the day.
Appropriate Clothing - Start from the bottom up with shoes that provide great footing and are water friendly. I'll be sporting a pair of Merrell Men's CHOPROCK Sieve Water Shoes that have Vibram MegaGrip rubber outsoles with water-friendly mesh and woven uppers. Working upwards with rain repellant pants and layered uppers with an Eddie Bauer rain jacket with hood and ventilated sleeves.
Pack an Extra Baseball Cap - I wear one cap so that the hood doesn't go down over my eyes, then a second baseball cap in my bag to put over my camera when it's sitting on the tripod. Of all the covers I've tested over the years, a simple baseball cap is easiest to use.
Start a Week Ahead of Time - Over the course of time, you'll continue to remember little things that you want to add to your bag, such as a small first aid kit, rubber bands, headlight (with night-vision red), for example. Allow yourself the time to remember these.
Trekking Sticks to Help Maintain Balance - You want to feel confident to explore areas where great images may be waiting for you. In addition to proper shoes, I recommend a trekking stick that will help you maintain balance and can serve as a monopod if you get one with a camera mount. A nice one, for example, is the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Pole - Carbon Fiber Monopod Walking or Hiking Stick with Accessories Mount and Adjustable Quick Locks for $39.
One of my favorite sayings is: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing," by Alfred Wainwright. So true for photographers! Starting getting your gear together and get out there in the rain to make some wonderful images.
Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer
Live life WIDE The exciting INSTAX LINK WIDE Smartphone Printer has landed. Creating the largest prints in the INSTAX product line-up, this wide-format Smartphone Printer is overflowing with 'must-have' features to make sure nothing is lost.
Connect your Smartphone to the printer wirelessly via Bluetooth, and you're able to add text to your photos, resize, apply a filter, play with the contrast - the options are endless. Swipe up on your Smartphone photo and print. Select your image preference. You can choose between two image color modes - INSTAX-Rich mode for rich colors and INSTAX-Natural mode for a natural image quality.
Personalize your photo and choose from over 30 editable templates to create greeting cards, invitations and much more. Apply a QR code to your photo to link to a URL, hear sounds you recorded and view secret messages and locations - just by scanning the QR code with your Smartphone. And that's not all! Be creative with the Sketch, edit & print feature to import text and sketches as you customize your photos. With the Collage Print feature, add multiple images together to create fun collages. Also, choose from over 1,600 "stickers" in the app to apply to your photo! Available in Ash White and Mocha Gray. Live life Wide
Note: The Link Wide printer is also compatible with Fujifilm's X-S10 mirrorless camera from last year, allowing you to print directly without a phone. Of course, you can print photos taken with other cameras by uploading them to your phone and then to the Instax Link app.
The Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer that prints 3"x5" photos is available now for $149.
Nikon and the Z9 Are the Photo Industry's Comeback Story of the Decade You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.
When the Sony Alpha 1 was announced, I remember being really impressed but not surprised. Sony had been the brand to beat and had been continuously pushing the envelope. What Sony did was impressive, but not shocking. The Nikon Z9 has shocked me.
Nikon, the company that had been in third place behind Sony and Canon in the full-frame mirrorless market (and it wasn't a close third place), has not only caught back up but has outright passed them technologically by a considerable margin. My expectations for the Z9 were to at least compete, to just bring Nikon back up to par. That would have been good enough.
But the Z9 reads like a camera where "good enough" was not good enough. No, Nikon wanted to send a statement with the Z9 and that message has been received.
It's hard to fathom how Nikon did this, given how slow it was to shift from DSLRs to mirrorless all while Sony was dedicating huge resources to developing its own expectation-shattering cameras. It felt like Sony was driving an F1 and Nikon a Honda Civic, and Sony got to have a head start as well. That kind of gap is monumentally difficult to make up ground on, let alone surpass, and yet here we are.
Nikon and the Z9 are without question the comeback story of the decade in the camera industry. There is a new top dog, and for Nikon, it's a return to a seat that the company has not occupied for some time. Canon and Sony will see what Nikon has done and have to work just that much harder. Sony won't just sit idly by as Nikon surpasses them, and neither will Canon. The race is back on, and I could not be more excited.
Virtual Camera Club News Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 46 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
Product Links and Comments
There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
