This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Photos for OS X Gets Update with El Capitan, Conflicting Reports on the State of the Camera Industry, Free Film Emulator - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Sony rides wave of US Mirrorless sales surge". DP Review reports: "Mirrorless sales in the USA are rising, with sales values up 16.5% over the past year, says market researcher NPD Group. Sony highlighted the figures while celebrating its own success: with the success of the a7 series helping it generate 66% more income from mirrorless sales over the last twelve months. NPD Group says DSLR sales values fell 15% over the same period. Sony also points out that the Consumer Electronics Association has recently chosen 'Mirrorless' (short for Mirrorless Interchangeble Lens Camera) as its approved term for the class of cameras, with ILC as an umbrella term for Mirrorless and DSLRs."

In other news... "April numbers show 40 percent increase in DSLR shipments, stagnant for mirrorless" Imaging-Resource reports: "Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) has published the numbers for April camera shipments. According to the publication, DSLR shipments have increased roughly 40 percent, a surprising stat when you take into consideration DSLR sales declined steadily over the past few years. Also revealed in the numbers is the continuing trend of stagnant mirrorless camera shipments. Since early 2013, mirrorless shipments have been been all but flat, with a few dips, both up and down, in Fall of 2013 and Winter of 2014, respectively."

Story #1 - "Photos for OS X Gets Minor Update with El Capitan" - If you scroll down a ways on the El Capitan Preview Notes, you'll see two notable items:

• New editing extensions let you go further with your photos
  OS X El Capitan supports third-party tools that will be available from the Mac App Store and accessible right in the Photos app. Use multiple editing extensions from your favorite developers on a single photo, or use a mix of extensions and the editing tools built into Photos. From adding subtle filters to using beautiful texture effects, you can take your photo editing to a whole new level.
• Everything in its place
  Photos has been fine-tuned to make it even easier to manage your library. Now you can add a location to a single image or to an entire Moment. Naming your favorite people in Faces is faster with a streamlined workflow. You can also sort your albums -- and the contents inside them -- by date, title, and more.

Story #2 - "Free Online Film Emulator"

This is really cool. I first learned about Film Emulator from a PetaPixel article. So I had to try it myself. All you have to do is point your browser to http://29a.ch/film-emulator/, upload an image, and play with a variety of presets and adjustments. I do recommend turning on "Show advanced controls" in the Settings window. Also, in my testing, the downloaded image needs a name and a .jpg extension. Fun stuff!

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Foundations of Graphic Design History with Sean Adams. We wander off a bit from the photography path this week, but it's an interesting look at graphic design history.

You can watch Sean in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Sean's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).

Virtual Camera Club News

Eastern Sierra Workshop This Weekend - We have a great crew congregating at the Silver Maple Inn in Bridgeport, CA for the debut of the TDS Bodie and the Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop. I'll have images and reports for you in the next podcast.

Show Off with SizzlPix

Do you want to blow away friends and family with your photography? Then hang a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix on the wall at home. You won't believe the comments.

Give it a try. They'll send Digital Story listeners and readers a free mini-proof before production; just put "proof first, TDS" in the comment space on the SizzlPix order page.

Red River Paper Discounts

Did you know that Red River Paper has a Discounts and Clearance page? Ink, paper, greeting card stock, all at big savings.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show - MP3 Version

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (29 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Canon 50mm STM Hands-On Review, Google Photos Hits the Streets, 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Collapsable Reflector, Father's Day Gift Ideas - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Google Photos Offers Free and Unlimited Storage and Sharing of Your Memories". PetaPixel reports: "The new Photos service lets you store unlimited, high-quality photos and videos for free. The free storage covers photos of up to 16MP in original resolution and videos of up to 1080p HD. Google will store higher-resolution files as well, but they'll count toward your Google account's 15GB of free storage."

In other news... "Mary Ellen Mark, a legend among photographers, sadly passed away on May 25th, 2015 at the age of 75." A nice write up about here on DIY Photography. I met Mary Ellen at the LOOK3 festival in 2011. I had been a fan of hers ever since I first saw her book Streetwise, which is one of my all time favorite photo books. She worked a lot for LIFE magazine, which was the dream job for me as a kid. Her passing is a great loss for the photography world.

Story #1 - "Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Hands On Review" - This is a fun $125 prime optic from Canon. In this segment of the show, I cover its pros and cons after field testing. Those include:

Pros

• Terrific STM motor that's definitely more quiet than its predecessor. Performed well for movie recording, focused fast and quietly.
• Updated design looks good on current Canon DSLRs.
• Metal lens mount nice update from previous plastic model.
• Improved manual focusing ring. Manual focusing only works when camera is on, however, thanks to the STM system. In fact, if you want to retract the lens barrel all the way in, you need to turn on the camera to do so.
• Manual focus override when half pressing the shutter.
• Seven aperture blades for smoother bokeh (compared to 5 blades before).
• Reasonable minimal focusing for close up photography.
• Optional bayonet mount lens hood available (and yes, it does reverse.)

Cons

• Confusing metadata listing: "Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 or Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II"
• Green chromatic aberration visible at wide apertures. Canon 70D says: "Correction data not available, cannot correct."
• Lens not super sharp, but does capture a pleasing rendering of scenes.
• Wish it performed just a little better wide open. I found myself stopping down to f/2.2 or f/2.5 to better control CA.
• Along those lines, it tends to underexpose at f/1.8.
• No image stabilization. I think it would have been a real coup to add IS to this lens, even if it increased the price a few dollars to do so.

The bottom line is that this is a good lens for the price, and it yields pleasing images with terrific autofocusing.

Story #2 - "5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Collapsable Reflector"

• Reflectors don't require batteries or power cords. They're always on.
• They collapse into very compact packages that are easy to tote. Plus, when they're in their round carrying cases, they make a great place to sit on the ground while waiting for the model to finish her hair.
• 5-in-1 reflectors provide you with a variety of lighting options, from cool fill light to super-coppertone-bronze. No messy lotions required.
• Reflectors a great for budding friendships. You can ask a nice person to lend a helping hand during the shoot, thereby creating a captive audience for your delightful banter.
• Reflectors are super inexpensive. You might not be able to afford a new dedicated flash, but everyone can scrape together the scratch for a reflector.

Story #3 - "Safari West Truck Confirmed for the TDS Fall Workshop," Oct. 23-25, 2015. Here's why Safari West our way is so much fun... If you want a reservation form, visit TDS Workshops Page and use the Send Me Info form. This workshop is listed in the popup menu.

Story #4 - "5 Father's Day Gift Ideas"

• Vanguard Havana 21 Shoulder Bag - Mirrorless Daytripper $39
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens $125
• Mefoto DayTrip Tripod Kit (Titanium) ($99)
• Gariz Genuine Leather Camera Hand Strap for Mirrorless ($29)
• CowboyStudio 43" Photography Photo Portable Grip Reflector 5-in-1 Circular Collapsible Multi Disc Reflector with Handle $29

Virtual Camera Club News

The SizzlPix Challenge

For a sensational surprise gift, or for yourself, pick out your favorite image, and order the spectacular new 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix at the same prices, unchanged in 5 years. If you don't agree, it's better than any print you've ever had, return it for a full refund.

They'll send Digital Story listeners and readers a free mini-proof before production; just put "proof first, TDS" in the comment space on the SizzlPix order page.

Bargain Page for Paper

Did you know that Red River Paper has a Discounts and Clearance page? Ink, paper, greeting card stock, all at big savings.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show - MP3 Version

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (30 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Dropbox and Carousel for Photographers, Wrist Strap vs. Neck Strap, Do You Have DSL-ARM? Epson P600 Review - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Fight DSL-ARM with a New Olympus Micro Four Thirds Body". Intense research and product development have led to the cure for DSL-ARM - the OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Capture amazing images without the bulk and weight of a DSLR. Don't you think you've suffered long enough? You can combat DSL-ARM and enter to win a new Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II by visiting the DSL-ARM Symptoms page.

In other news... "Adobe Calling It Quits on Photoshop Touch" Petapixel reports: "After a three year run, Adobe is retiring Photoshop Touch, its current horse in the mobile photo editing race. The company announced today that the iOS and Android app will be removed from app stores on May 28th. The software will still be usable on your device if you've downloaded it already, of course, but there will be no further updates." That doesn't mean that Adobe is bowing out of this space. They're working on a new, more focused app that we should hear about before the end of the year.

Story #1 - "Dropbox's Carousel Is Coming of Age" - Dropbox has steadily been improving its tools for photographers. The $99 annual plan with 1TB of space is far more useful than the free storage that Flickr is giving away. In part, you can do so much more with Dropbox, and its integration into your workflow across devices is exceptional. And now that its photographer-friendly interface, Carousel, is maturing, Dropbox presents a compelling argument to photographers seeking cloud backup and sharing.

Story #2 - "Wrist Strap vs Neck Strap" - Mirrorless photography has changed so many things for me. But one area where it has introduced a dilemma is the choice between using a neck strap or a wrist strap. I explain in the second story on today's show.

Story #3 - "Dates Set for the Moving from Aperture to Photos or Lightroom" - The 2-day workshop begins Friday, August 7 and ends on Saturday August 8, 2015. If you want a reservation form, visit TDS Workshops Page and use the Send Me Info form. This workshop is listed in the popup menu.

Story #4 - From the Screening Room - Portrait Project: Fixing a Distracting Background with Chris Orwig. Chris loves portrait photography. And as such, he's encounter just about every challenge imaginable, including distracting backgrounds. He draws from his experiences in this terrific lynda.com title.

You can watch Chris in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Chris' movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).

Virtual Camera Club News

Red River Paper Reviews the New Epson SureColor P600. My favorite reviewers of inkjet printers have spent some time with Epson's latest photo printer. They've posted their review, in large part comparing it to the excellent Epson R3000. If you're in the market for a new 13" photo printer, you've got to check this out.

News from SizzlPix! Last week for the TDS exclusive 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix. Only TDS listeners and readers can get the new 5k in time for June weddings, anniversaries, Fathers Day, graduations and birthdays. Just write TDS or The Digital Story in the comments field, and your order will be upgraded for free.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show - MP3 Version

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (31 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: The Fujifilm X-T10 Mirrorless Digital Camera, Mobile Lightroom Without a Creative Cloud Subscription, Dates Set for the "Moving from Aperture to Photos or Lightroom" Workshop, and the Five-Step Creative Process - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "The New Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7" is on its way. Let's see what's in store for us.

• 16 MP Live MOS Sensor
• Venus Engine 9 Image Processor
• Micro Four Thirds System
• 2.36m-Dot OLED Viewfinder
• 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
• 4K UHD Video Recording at 30/24 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Up to 8 fps Shooting with AF & ISO 25600
• DFD AF System, 4K Photo Modes
• 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 POWER O.I.S. Lens

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 should be available by the end of June for $1,097.99 with zoom lens.

In other news... "The New Fujifilm X-T10 Mirrorless Digital Camera" debuts also, the little brother to the X-T1. But check out these features.

• 16.3 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor EXR Processor II
• 0.39" 2,360k-Dot 0.62x OLED Viewfinder
• 3.0" 920k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Intelligent Hybrid AF with 77 Areas
• Up to 8 fps Shooting and ISO 51200
• Film Simulation Mode, Electronic Shutter
• Built-In Pop-Up Flash

The Fujifilm X-T10 should be available by mid-June for $799 (body only) or $899 (with kit zoom lens).

Story #1 - "Mobile Lightroom Without a Creative Cloud Subscription" - If you prefer the perpetual license to a Creative Cloud subscription, there are options for serving a Lightroom catalog to mobile devices and other computers. I provide an overview in today's first feature story. And if you want to try it for yourself, read my article on how to set up this system on ct-digiphoto.com.

A note from the publisher of c't Digital Photography Magazine: May is National Photo Month, and to celebrate c't Digital Photography is offering its biggest discount of the year - 50 percent off newsstand price (for a limited time).

Story #2 - "MP3 vs M4a for the TDS Podcast" - Some of you may have noticed that I switched from MP3 to M4a for the weekly podcast format. For most of you, all this means is higher quality audio in a comparable file size. For those of you with older MP3 players, here's how you can still get the MP3 format version of the show.

Story #3 - "Dates Set for the Moving from Aperture to Photos or Lightroom" - The 2-day workshop begins Friday, August 7 and ends on Saturday August 8, 2015. If you want a reservation form, visit TDS Workshops Page and use the Send Me Info form. This workshop is listed in the popup menu.

Story #4 - From the Screening Room - Five-Step Creative Process with Stefan Mumaw. Creative problem solving is an important part of our work. Stefan Mumaw shows us how to improve this process in just 5 steps.

You can watch Stefan in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Stefan's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).

Virtual Camera Club News

Red River Paper for Ink. I just ordered a handful of replacement cartridges for my Epson R2000 printer. It's so easy to do this at Red River, and our discount code STORY10X worked for ink as well as paper. It's much easier than dealing with those large online retailers!

News from SizzlPix! Introducing 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix photographs for the wall, stunning in their clarity, resolution, depth, luminance, and vibrancy. Unlike traditional prints, new 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix defy intuition by appearing even more realistic and vibrant, the closer you look.

TDS listeners are the first to be able to purchase a 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix, and for the same price as the original SizzlPix. Just write TDS or The Digital Story in the comments field, and your order will be upgraded for free.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show - MP3 Version

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (33 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Interview with a Book Author from our Virtual Camera Club, Understanding the Photography Rules on Private Property, New Canon 50mm (for $125), Flickr 4 - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Flickr for iOS update brings camera roll look and feel" - "The new version of the app also emphasizes the auto upload feature, trying to convert Flickr from an image-based social network into everybody's go-to photo app and directly competing with services like Dropbox or Google Plus Photos. When you launch the app for the first time you are asked if you want to activate the feature. If your answer is yes, images are uploaded automatically but set to private, though you can easily make your favorite ones public. Flickr offers 1TB of free storage, so you shouldn't have to worry about running out of space anytime soon, even with auto upload activated." And on a related note: Bernardo Hernandez, chief of the photo sharing service since 2013, has left his position at Yahoo. (Source: DP Connect)

In other news... "Canon patent reveals potential update for its EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens" - "The design of the overall lens doesn't appear to change much, but as Canon Rumors notes, this update could very well be meant to incorporate Canon's stepping motor (STM) to better suit video needs over Canon's Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology." And on a related note, Canon has announced an update for its 50mm f/1.8 "nifty 50" that includes a metal mount, STM focusing motor, and a more compact size. (Source: Imaging-Resource.com)

Story #1 - "The Rules Change on Private Property" - After a recent lunch meeting in the Metreon, Doug Kaye and Frederick Van Johnson, and I want to snap a quick group shot of the three of us. Before the first click of the shutter, we were informed by security that we were on private property, and that photography was not permitted.

I was reminded of this again when I read the article titled, Yes, Airlines Can Legally Ban Photography, And Some Are Doing Just That on PetaPixel. This quote sums it up nicely: "You can't prohibit photography in public," attorney and photography rights' expert Daniel Greenberg tells the Post. "But the prohibition of photography on private property is legitimate. That decision is up to the property owner. If you don't want to follow the carrier's rules, don't get on the carrier's plane." I discuss this topic in today's first story.

Story #2 - Interview with Craig Tooley, co-author of "Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year - The fascinating world of nature on the Mendocino and Sonoma Coast." Craig talks about the book project, that has since won a silver medal at 2015 Benjamin Franklin Awards competition in the category nature and environment held in Austin Texas, and at the 2015 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS a bronze metal under regional awards. We now carry signed copies of these books in the Nimble Photographer Store.

Story #3 - "Reservation Forms Have Been Sent for the TDS Fall Color/Safari West Photo Workshop" - The event begins on the evening of Friday Oct. 23, and it concludes on Sunday Oct. 25th in Sonoma County, CA. If you were on the reserve list, you should have received a reservation form. If not, please contact me. If you want a reservation form, visit TDS Workshops Page and use the Send Me Info form.

Story #4 - From the Screening Room - Introduction to Photo Compositing with Julieanne Kost. As I've remarked before, Julieanne is one of the best Photoshop instructors ever.

You can watch Julieanne in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Julieanne's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).

Virtual Camera Club News

News from SizzlPix! Introducing 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPixTM, photographs for the wall, stunning in their clarity, resolution, depth, luminance, and vibrancy. Unlike traditional prints, new 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix defy intuition by appearing even more realistic and vibrant, the closer you look.

TDS listeners are the first to be able to purchase a 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix, and for the same price as the original SizzlPix. Just write TDS or The Digital Story in the comments field, and your order will be upgraded for free.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show - MP3 Version

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (35 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Delicious Monochromes from Your Digital Camera, Shining a Light on the Canon T6 Sensor Issue, Lightroom CC Tip, and One-Step Film Developing (that isn't Polaroid) - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Canon T6 Sensor Issue" - Roger Cicla writes, "... 4 of the Canon T6s and 2 of the T6i cameras we received had to be sent back because of a defect in the sensor stack (the layers of filter glass over the sensor). This is out about 10 copies of each; the others were absolutely perfect.

The affected cameras all had a dramatic pattern that at first we thought was oil or dust on top of the sensor glass." (Source: LensRentals.com)

In other news... "Developing your film in one step" Photography startup New55 has released R3 Monobath, a new photochemical that makes developing film a one step process. Monobath films have been used in instant film, which could be a leading reason New55 is working on a monobath developer -- New55's existence is driven by the desire to bring back to life the aesthetic of the no longer produced Polaroid Type 55 film. (Source: Imaging-Resource.com)

"Warriors Fan, Oracle Arena" by Derrick Story.

Story #1 - "Delicious Monochromes from Your Digital" - I've talked about film simulation modes in the past, but some cameras allow you to build your own B&W profiles. I was "street shooting" again at Oracle Arena on Sunday, but this time in B&W using my own formula.

On my OM-D E-M10 (with Panasonic 20mm f/1.7), I began by going to Shooting Menu 1 and choosing Picture Mode. I then navigated to the Monotone option, where I could set parameters for Contrast (+1), Sharpness (+1), B&W Filter (Yellow), Picture Tone (Neutral), and Gradation (normal). I then shot in RAW+Jpeg. The results were beautiful!

Story #2 - "National Photography Month" National Photography Month was officially recognized by Congress in 1987. The month-long observance includes photography contests and other activities throughout the country. Rocky Nook is celebrating by offering $35 eBook Bundles on the following topics:

• Travel Photography
• Bird Photography
• Landscape Photography
• Beginner Photography
• Bruce Barnbaum Complete Set
• Candid Moments Photography

You can learn more by visiting the Rocky Nook web site.

Story #3 - "Reservation Forms Have Been Sent for the TDS Fall Color/Safari West Photo Workshop" - The event begins on the evening of Friday Oct. 23, and it concludes on Sunday Oct. 25th in Sonoma County, CA. If you were on the reserve list, you should have received a reservation form. If not, please contact me. If you want a reservation form, visit TDS Workshops Page and use the Send Me Info form.

Story #4 Lightroom CC Tip - Get to Know the New Filter Brush - I've been using the graduated screen much more since Adobe added the Filter Brush. Once you add the screen, click on Brush (in the same box), click on Erase (at the bottom of the box), and paint away the areas you don't want affected by the screen. This is perfect for buildings and trees that stick up into the sky you want to darken.

Virtual Camera Club News

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (30 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Hands On with the Yongnuo 35mm f-2.0 lens for Canon, Olympus Camera Grip ECG-2 with Built-In Arca Swiss Plate, SF Street Shooting Workshop Notes, Compositing Photos on a Tablet - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Ricoh unveils Pentax K-3 II with Pixel Shift Resolution mode" - It uses an improved image stabilization system that drives a new Pixel Shift Resolution feature, designed to reduce false color. Retaining its predecessor's 24MP sensor, 27-point AF system, and durable construction, the K-3 II offers sensor-shift IS with a claimed 4.5 stops of shake reduction. Also included are built-in GPS, an improved AF algorithm, gyro-sensor-based panning detection and automatic horizon correction. Something that's no longer included is a built-in flash. The Pentax K-3 II will be available in May for $1099.95. (Source: DP Review)

In other news... "American Photo Magazine Stops Publishing, Readers Switched to Pop Photo" Pop Photo editor-in-chief Miriam Leuchter writes that American Photo has discontinued publication effective immediately, and that existing subscribers will automatically be receiving copies of Popular Photography instead. If the reader is already subscribed to Pop Photo, their two subscriptions will be combined into one longer subscription. In 2015 that American Photo had a total print circulation of 100,000 and audience of 1,092,000. The brand will now live on solely through the American Photo website, which Bonnier says has an average monthly readership of 100,000. (Source: PetaPixel)

Story #1 - "Hands On with the Yongnuo 35mm f/2.0 lens for Canon" - It's about the size of the Canon 50mm f/1.8, and it was selling on Amazon for $122 (that's what I paid). But when I went to check the Yongnuo 35mm f/2.0 catalog page, it said that it's currently out of stock and "We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock." And on eBay, it's now selling for $280. I provide my hands-on review of this suddenly rare lens in today's first story. 

Story #2 - "SF Street Shooting Workshop Notes" I just returned from spending a few days in San Francisco with 8 fantastic photographers. Here are a few of the takeaways from the experience.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Creating Photo Composites on Smartphones and Tablets with Seán Duggan. Sean uses a variety of apps, including Photoshop Touch.

You can watch Sean in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Sean's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).

Story #4 Hands on with the Olympus External Metal Grip ECG-2 for the OM-D E-M5 Mark II. This handsome all-metal grip also serves as an Arca Swiss adapter plate. Plus you have access to the battery compartment without removing the ECG-2.

Virtual Camera Club News

News from SizzlPix: For April, We'll make it easy to delight your friends and relatives with SizzlPix of your or their favorite photographs with a Digital Story exclusive! Take a 20 percent discount; 25 percent on 2 or more shipped together. Just put "TDS April" in the comments space on the SizzlPix.com ordering page.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (34 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until May!

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Lightroom 6 (and CC) Ready for Primetime, Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 V2 Hands On, OM-D E-M5 Mark II Firmware Update Makes for a Faster Start - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Apple buys camera-technology company LinX" - The acquisition would indicate that Apple is planning to do more of the imaging hardware development in-house. Currently the iPhone range uses image sensors supplied by Sony. An implementation of the LinX technology in future iPhone generations could not only mean improved image quality but also a whole new range of features. (Source: DP Review)

In other news... "NY State Police lock down campus for suspicious package that contained developing supplies" - After a full lockdown of the campus and immediate evacuation of the building containing the suspicious package, it was discovered via an X-ray machine that the package was nothing more than an abandoned container filled with supplies used for photographic development." (Source: Imaging-Resource.com)

And finally... "Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Firmware Update 1.1" - Various fixes include: Audio can be faded out of movie files created with My Clips editing. Speed at which information is displayed when the camera is turned on has been improved. The issue of noise appearing in images captured while shooting with High Res Shot has been corrected. (Source The Photography Blog.)

Story #1 - "Lightroom CC Debuts" - Creative Cloud customers now have a brand new version to work with. The box version (Lightroom 6) is available too, but at a price. Highlights include:

• New Photo Merge for both HDR and panoramas.
• Facial recognition.
• Advanced video slideshows.
• Filter Brush: Precisely control which parts of your image are affected by the Graduated or Radial filters. Now you can use a brush to edit the filter's mask, adding or subtracting filter effects wherever you want.
• Increased performance using GPU support (Mac OS X 10.9 or 10.10 only).
• New camera profiles including: Canon 5Ds, Nikon D5500 and 7200, Olympus E-M5 Mark II and SH-2, Lumix GF-7, Fujifilm X-A2 and XQ2, and Samsung NX500.
• Lots of new lens profiles.

Requires Mac OS X v10.8, 10.9, or 10.10 or Microsoft® Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1.

I have an eBook titled, "HDR and Panoramas with Photo Merge in Lightroom CC" that's published by Rocky Nook and that's available at this URL for the price of an email address.

Story #2 - "Hands on with the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 II. This gem weighs in at only 3 ounces and measures 2.48" x 1.00". Its fast aperture and natural 40mm effective focal length make it a wonderful street shooter. More about it in today's second story.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Photo Restoration Techniques: Damaged Black-and-White Images with Neil Rhodes.

You can watch Neil in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Neil's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).

Virtual Camera Club News

News from SizzlPix: For April, We'll make it easy to delight your friends and relatives with SizzlPix of your or their favorite photographs with a Digital Story exclusive! Take a 20 percent discount; 25 percent on 2 or more shipped together. Just put "TDS April" in the comments space on the SizzlPix.com ordering page.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (34 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until May!

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: LinkedIn Buys lynda, Is the Canon XC10 the Camera of the Future?, Snapseed 2.0 - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Snapseed hits version 2.0 with new tools, filters and more" - The latest update adds a new way to view your edits with Stacks. Stacks allow you to see a list of filters that you've applied to an image that can be re-edited or copied over to another image. Snapseed 2.0 also includes new filters, brush and spot repair tools, and more. Available now for iOS and Android. (Source: iMore)

In other news... "Review: Photos for OS X is faster than iPhoto, but less powerful than Aperture" Photos for OS X is now official with the release of Mac OS X 10.10.3. On the same day (last Wednesday), Jeff Carlson publishes a review for Macworld Magazine stating, "Photos is a big step up for iPhoto users, with better speed and editing tools. Power users of Aperture will probably want to stay with Aperture or switch to another pro-level app like Lightroom." (Source: Macworld Magazine)

And finally... "Olympus Price Reduction on the OM-D E-M10 Premium Kit" - This kit that includes an E-M10 made from special high quality materials, 14-42mm EZ Zoom, and special edition leather neck strap and lens cap. Was available only in the UK, and for about $1,300 US, is now available for $875. And it's gorgeous! Go to http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/omd/e-m10.html to learn more.

Story #1 - "lynda.com to join LinkedIn" - As part of the announcement, authors (such as myself) were sent an official FAQ about the deal. Here's what lynda has to say about this giant acquisition.

Story #2 - "Opinion: Why the Canon XC10 is a big deal" by Dale Baskin of DP Review. Dale writes, "The XC10 represents an important step on the path to convergence between the still and video imaging worlds, though it's important to recognize that it's an early step. Canon tends to be very deliberate in its product development and has smartly aimed this camera at a category of users (such as media) for whom the combination of features, specs, and physical size make a lot of sense. It may not be the camera that enthusiast stills photographers are looking for, but it might be the best example yet of a 'convergence' product that facilitates both still photography and video with equal emphasis on both."

Basic feature highlights: "12MP stills from a 1-inch sensor won't set the enthusiast photographic market aflame, but 5-axis image stabilization (a digital effect in HD video capture mode only), a maximum ISO sensitivity of 20,000 and a built-in, optically stabilized 24-240mm equivalent zoom (27-273mm for movies) should appeal greatly to multimedia professionals who increasingly need to focus on both stills and video capture."

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - iPhone and iPad Photography with iOS 8 with Seán Duggan. If the iPhone or iPad are your primary image capture devices when you're on the go, Sean can help you get the most out of them.

You can watch Sean in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Sean's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).

Virtual Camera Club News

News from SizzlPix: For April, We'll make it easy to delight your friends and relatives with SizzlPix of your or their favorite photographs with a Digital Story exclusive! Take a 20 percent discount; 25 percent on 2 or more shipped together. Just put "TDS April" in the comments space on the SizzlPix.com ordering page.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (26 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until May!

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Street Photography Ethics with Gordon Lewis, Travel Photography in London with David Hobby, Nikon 1 J5, and the Phhhoto App - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Meet Phhhoto" - If you haven't heard of the app Photo you're certainly not alone. Phhhoto is a mobile GIF/cinemagraph/image sequence creating and sharing platform that was released last year on iOS and will be coming to Android in the future. As of this week it now has over a million registered users and is really starting to take the world by storm.(Source: Fstoppers)

In other news... "Nikon 1 J5" The Nikon 1 J5 mirrorless camera has been announced as the latest member of Nikon's mirrorless lineup. It offers a more traditional shape and feel with a contoured grip and secondary command dial. Its 1"-type 20.8MP BSI-CMOS sensor - which does not have an anti-aliasing filter - offers a boost in resolution over its predecessor, and is also capable of 4K video capture at 15 fps. Intact from the previous model is a 171-point hybrid AF system with 105 phase-detect points. Also included is built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

The Nikon 1 J5 will be available in late April in several kit options: with the 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom for $499.95, with 10-30mm and 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 for $749.95, and with 1 Nikkor 10-100mm f/4-5.6 for $1049.95. (Source: DP Review)

And finally... Issue 19 of c't Digital Photography is out. In-depth articles include: Stills from 4K Video, Samsung NX1 vs Canon 7D Mark II, How to Digitize Slides, 10 Shoe Mount Flashes Compared, and everything you need to know about Food Photography. We have a Spring Offer for TDS listeners only: 30 percent off subscription price (over 40 percent off the newsstand). Go to http://bit.ly/ds1530 to sign up. Special price expires 4/13/15.

Story #1 - "Street Photography Ethics with Gordon Lewis" - If you like street shooting you're probably going to love this conversation. Gordon has a new book, Street Photography: The Art of Capturing the Candid Moment, and you can win a copy by clicking on this link.

Story #2 - From the Screening Room - The Traveling Photographer: London with David Hobby. Long time photojournalist and "Strobist" David Hobby takes you to the streets of London and talks shop.

You can watch David in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of David's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).

Virtual Camera Club News

News from SizzlPix: For April, We'll make it easy to delight your friends and relatives with SizzlPix of your or their favorite photographs with a Digital Story exclusive! Take a 20 percent discount; 25 percent on 2 or more shipped together. Just put "TDS April" in the comments space on the SizzlPix.com ordering page.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (45 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until May!

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.