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Reuters TV Gets iPhone News Right

I've been watching Reuters TV for over a week now on my iPhone, and it is hands down the best news service I've followed to date.

Reuters TV

Reuters builds a video news show for me based on the length I've specified (15 minutes in my case). I can see the story lineup, jump from topic to topic, or just let the show play as assembled, which is my preference. Reuters does a great job of adding segues, title screens, intros and outros.

Turn the phone sideways for full screen viewing. Leave it in portrait mode to see the story line up. Nifty. And when you first open the app in portrait mode, the sound is muted until you turn the phone sideways. Now that's thinking.

The free version includes a couple ads during the newscast. But even they are top notch and presented well. If you don't want the ads, you can subscribe for $1.99 a month. The entire production is tasteful and professional.

If you'd like to keep up on daily events, and don't have a lot of time to do so, Reuters TV may be just the solution. It's available for both iOS and Android. And it's terrific.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Top 10 Things I Like with the iPhone 6S, Zenfolio for Working Photographers, My iPhone Upgrade Program Experience - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - DP Review reports: Phottix launches Laso Transmitter and Receiver for Canon flashes: "Phottix has launched its Laso Flash Trigger System today for the Canon RT Wireless radio flash system and the camera maker's non-radio E-TTL flashes. The Laso Transmitter can be used with up to 15 radio flashes in five groups, while the Laso receiver enables the setup to be used with non-radio E-TTL flashes. The Phottix Laso Receiver is available now for $99.95 USD from B&H Photo.

The Laso Transmitter can be used to trigger non-radio E-TTL flashes with the Laso Receiver; photographers can also use the Canon ST-E3-RT flash transmitter or similar devices instead of the Laso Transmitter if desired. The transmitter supports a variety of flash modes, including Manual, Ext.A, MULTI, Linked Shooting and E-TTL II/E-TTL. The receiver, meanwhile, supports studio lights in addition to non-radio flashes for incorporating them into a triggering system. The Phottix Laso Transmitter is available for $159.95 USD."

In other news, "How the iPhone 6S Camera Compares to All Previous iPhones" Petapixel reports: "One of the big improvements in the new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are the new camera modules, which now shoot 12-megapixel photos. If you'd like to see how the new camera stacks up to its entire line of predecessors, Camera+ co-founder Lisa Bettany has published a series of side-by-side comparison images showing the same scenes captured with each camera."

palace-fine-arts-iphone6s.jpg The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Image captured with an iPhone 6S, automatically saved to Photos and backed up in iCloud. Image by Derrick Story.

Story #1 - "Top 10 Things I Like with the iPhone 6S - My Review"

I've upgraded from an iPhone 5S to 6S, and the differences between the devices are distinct. Here are the things that have jumped out at me.

  • Improved screen. Larger size 4.7" or 5.5", 3D Touch, different resolutions (Display Zoom) - the viewing experience is better than ever.
  • New 12-megapixel iSight camera with A9 processor. (Beautiful pictures!) Every pixel in the sensor has been reengineered to prevent crosstalk between the sub pixels, meaning we could fit a lot more pixels in the sensor for a sharper photo that has less noise and truer color.
  • Live Photos. Some might call this a gimmick, but I really like it. Water shots are the coolest.
  • Touch ID that really works.
  • Low Power Mode.
  • Selfie Flash via Retina Display
  • 4K Video - have to turn it on. 1080p is the default.
  • Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video.
  • AirPlay faster and more responsive than ever.
  • iPhone Upgrade Program - unlocked phone plus AppleCare.

Story #2 - Zenfolio for Working Photographers

Zenfolio is a new sponsor of The Digital Story, and I want to introduce you to them today. They are a portfolio and online client proofing website. Based on my testing, you can be up and running in 30 minutes. The service is perfect for photographers shooting weddings, senior portraits, and business events. The tools and design are fantastic.

One of the coolest features is the Photo Moments app for Android and iOS. It allows your clients to instantly gain access to their digital photos, view them in a beautiful presentation, download to their device and share with others. Users simply open the app, add their gallery, and their images become instantly accessible for client viewing--anytime, anywhere. Sophisticated features include: Option for the photographer to disable photo downloads for extra protection, gallery password protection, gallery expiration dates, watermarking options, and plenty more.

You can learn more about Zenfolio by visiting their site, www.zenfolio.com. You can sign up for a 15-day free trail. And if you like what you see, prices start at only $60 a year. If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit Zenfolio today.

Story #3 - iPhone Upgrade Program

For this iPhone, I made an appointment with my local Apple Store so I could enroll in the iPhone Upgrade Program. Here's the story of how it went.

The details look like this: iPhone 6S 64GB ($749) plus two years of AppleCare ($129) Sales tax ($65.54). Total $943.54

My first installment plus tax is $102.12. Then after that, it's $36.58 a month for 24 months. 0% interest. I can upgrade when the next iPhone comes out. Or I can pay off the 6S and keep it. The phone is unlocked. AT&T has acknowledged the new phone, and I don't see any additional charges for going this route.

Virtual Camera Club News

A Word from SizzlPix

The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

Note from Red River Paper - Red River Paper is proud to be exhibiting at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, October 22-24, at the Javits Center in New York City, and we hope to see you there. Look for them in booth 1158. And if you don't have a Expo pass yet, you can get one for free from RRP.

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

Zenfolio If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit www.zenfolio.com today.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

The Beauty of Ring Light Portraits

There are days when I enjoy playing with multi-light setups for portrait shoots. But every now and then I meet a subject who needs nothing more than a ring light. And I'm reminded of how good that lighting can be.

P9268864-ringlight-portraits.jpg

My setup is simple. I put an Orbis Ring Flash Attachment Kit on a light stand that I can move up and down, connect the camera via a dedicated extension cord, then position the lens through the "doughnut" opening to take the shot. That's all there is to it.

I certainly would not use ring lighting for every portrait. But it's wonderful for certain subjects who have a model qualities. It's definitely something to keep in mind for your studio portraits.

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LCD Protectors are a Good Investment

Whether you pay $7 for a GGS Optical Glass 3" LCD Screen Protector or $29 for a Phantom Glass high quality custom protector, taking care of your camera's LCD is good business.

phantom-glass-lcd.jpg The Phantom Glass LCD Protector for a Canon 70D.

In addition to maintaining your enjoyment while using your favorite DSLR or mirrorless body, you're helping to retain the highest resale value possible for your camera. One of the first things people look at when considering a used body is the LCD. Even faint scratches can cool off a prospective buyer.

LCD protectors are particularly important for those who carry their cameras around their necks. Shirt buttons and zippers can mar a screen, despite your attempts to avoid contact. Scratches tend to "just appear."

My approach is to keep a stock of inexpensive 3" protectors on hand for immediate application when I first start using the camera. Then, when I have a chance, I'll research a custom cover that's higher quality. That way my screen is never vulnerable to the nicks and dings of the world.

The bottom line is to keep that LCD pristine, for both enjoyment and to help maintain the highest resale value possible.

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

Screen Shot 2015-09-23 at 8.02.47 AM.png

If you use Gmail with the Chrome browser, there's an easy new way to send and share photos. The Chrome extension, Dropbox for Gmail, only takes seconds to install, and adds a Dropbox icon to your composed emails allowing you to quickly attach photos.

Even though this doesn't initially sound like ground-breaking technology, in use it's quite handy, especially if you're using Dropbox to backup your mobile photos. The workflow goes something like this.

file-attachment-dropbox.jpg

  • Capture images with your smartphone, tablet, and camera. They all flow into Dropbox if you're using automatic backup.
  • Install the Dropbox for Gmail extension, then compose an email.
  • Click on the Dropbox icon in the bottom left corner of your composed note. Browse your images and find what you want to attach.
  • Send your note. The recipient will receive the image that can be downloaded, plus a link that opens the picture in the shared environment in Dropbox. Here, comments can be added to the picture.

In my tests, I found the feature very easy to use. And since I do use Drobbox backup for my mobile images, I always have the latest pictures at my fingertips.

More Dropbox Tips and Techniques

If you want to dig into Dropbox, take a look at my lynda.com training, Dropbox for Photographers. For those who want to learn more about Photos for OS X, I also have the title, Up and Running with Photos for OS X.

Previous articles on The Digital Story about Dropbox include:

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

The Phoblographer reports that Lowepro has added shoulder bags to the ProTactic brand. I used the backpack for my assignment in Cuba and loved it.

lowepro-shoulder.jpg

The design is robust and practical, providing the feeling that you can go anywhere with your gear. You can check out the entire lineup yourself at the Lowepro website.


Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Tips for Better High School Senior Portraits, Pentax Full Frame DSLR Coming this Spring, It's Time to Reinvent the Wedding, Free Photo Plus Expo Pass from Red River Paper- all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - Petapixel reports: New Pentax Full Frame DSLR Teaser Site Says Camera Coming in Spring 2016: "Ricoh has put up a new teaser page for its upcoming full frame Pentax DSLR. Back in February 2015, Ricoh announced that the camera would arrive by the end of the year. It looks like that date got pushed back a bit, as the website now says the debut will happen in Spring of 2016."

In other news, "Reports State Canon Working on a New 24-70mm f2.8 L IS Lens." The Phoblographer reports: "Canon's lineup of lenses currently includes both a 24-70mm f4 L IS and a 24-70mm f2.8 L USM-but no f2.8 version with IS built in. There were rumors being passed about this for a while now due to a patent, but Canon Rumors and Photo Rumors are saying that it's a very strong possibility that we may see one in the near future. With Tamron, Tokina and Nikon all having their own version, it just makes sense."

Story #1 - "5 Tips for High School Senior Portraits"

Personally, I really like shooting high school senior portraits. I learn stuff from these kids. The ideas they bring to the photo shoot help me become a better photographer. And in return, I can help capture this important moment in their life. Here are five tips to help you get the best shots possible.

  • Find the right location
  • Insist on wardrobe options
  • Get your lighting act together
  • Help them with posing
  • Capture a variety of poses

bridal-poker-chip.jpg

Story #2 - Reinvent the Wedding

You may have noticed a new tab on The Digital Story nav bar labeled Weddings. What's up with that? Well, I've stepped back and had a close look at wedding photography. And this new site, Reinvent the Wedding is a refreshed approach to capturing the pinnacle of social events. I discuss the details in today's second feature story.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Creating Black-and-White Landscape Photos with Lightroom with Taz Tally.

You can watch Taz 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 Taz's movies, plus every other title in the library.

Story #4 - Rocky Nook Evangelist Program

You can read all about the new program on the Evangelist landing page. Highlights include: early access to eBooks and 5 free print books per year. Plus other goodies such as T-Shirts and coupons. What you need to bring to the table is an online community to share your reviews with. If you have that, then take a look at this cool new program.

Virtual Camera Club News

A Word from SizzlPix

The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

Note from Red River Paper - Red River Paper is proud to be exhibiting at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, October 22-24, at the Javits Center in New York City, and we hope to see you there. Look for them in booth 1158. And if you don't have a Expo pass yet, you can get one for free from RRP.

Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

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 (37 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! - 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.

There's a difference between documenting key moments in our lives and selfies. I'm thinking about the distinction because I just finished helping one of my boys move in to his dorm room at Santa Clara University.

move-in-scu.jpg Move In Day, SCU - With the help of a SCU student volunteer, we emptied the car into these large roller bins and went up to the 5th floor of Max's new home, a residence hall on campus.

Not once during the day did I pull out my iPhone, grab my boy, and force a self portrait of the two of us. This event wasn't about me. It was Max's moment. Along with hundreds of other great kids, he was leaving home for the first time and starting the next chapter of his life. My job was to help him do that.

Along the way, I did quietly take pictures. I documented the event as a story. I have him packing the car, standing in the middle of a disheveled dorm room, and wandering the aisles of Target getting a few last minute items we forgot.

I didn't make a big thing about the images. I captured them as I would a reporter on assignment, trying not to interfere with the event itself.

These photos are important to me. And I hope that some day Max will find them interesting too. Maybe after he's well along his career path and raising a family, he'll want to see images from his first day away from home.

I have nothing against selfies. We shoot them all the time. We have a family selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower that is one of my favorite shots on the fireplace mantle.

But there's a time and a place for everything, and this applies to photography too. And yesterday, the story was about Max, not his dad. And I hope that my pictures reflect that.

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

Gear Up for High School Senior Portraits

Zach-RR-Square.jpg

It's that time of year when 17-year-olds all across the country need to schedule a photo shoot for their senior portraits.

You may already have a few appointments on the books. Or maybe you're thinking about adding these shoots to your freelance repertoire. Either way, I have some helpful information to help you prepare.

5 Tips for Shooting High-School Senior Portraits

I just published this post on the lynda Article Center that covers location, wardrobe, lighting, and posing. There are a few things you need to understand about working with teens, and this piece will help.

I Have Movies Too!

Take a look at this video titled, "Shooting a portrait, starting with natural light" from my lynda.com training, Photographing High School Senior Portraits with Derrick Story.

The senior portraits title is one of my favorite all-time lynda productions, and I think you'll learn as much from watching the teenagers as you will listening to me. There are a handful of free movies you can view right now.

I enjoy capturing portraits of teens. I hope this information will help facilitate a great time and beautiful images for your shoots too.

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: Sony Alpha a7S II, Custom White Balance, Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 for M4/3, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Hands On - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "The Mitakon Speedmaster 25mm f/0.95 Lens: "An ultra-fast prime lens that provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 50mm for the MFT system. A maximum aperture of f/0.95 makes it perfect for low light conditions without flash. The lens weighs 0.51 pounds and is 2.5 inches long. Despite the light weight, the optic incorporates 11 elements in 9 groups, including 1 Extra-low dispersion element, 4 Extra-high Refractive Index elements, and 2 High Refractive index elements. Also, 11 aperture blades."

Note however, that the manufacturer warns that this optic is not compatible with the Olympus E-PL6, E-PL5, E-PM2, and OM-D E-M5 Mark I (Mark II is compatible). Set price is $395 from the manufacturer's site with free shipping, which should start in late October.

sony-a7s-2-front.jpg

In other news, "Sony Alpha a7S II records 4K internally, shoots up to ISO 409,600." DP Review reports: "Sony has introduced the Alpha 7S II, a second iteration of its video-centric Alpha 7S. The a7S II adds a wealth of videography features, including the ability to record 4K footage internally with full pixel read-out. Its full-frame 12MP sensor features an expanded ISO range of 50 up to 409,600 (100-102,400 native). Sony's in-body 5-axis image stabilization has also been added, introduced with the Sony a7 II." Other features include:

  • 2.36m-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF
  • 3.0" 1,228,800-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
  • Up to 5 fps Shooting and ISO 409600
  • Fast Intelligent AF, 169 AF Points
  • Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC

The price has gone up $500 from the previous model to $2,999 for body only. It's scheduled for release on Sept. 17, 2015.

Story #1 - "Custom White Balance"

Because I've started streaming images from the camera to my iPad for immediate review and posting, color accuracy has become even more important than before. I review some of my tips for capturing the best color possible in-camera.

Story #2 - Hands On with the OM-D E-M10 Mark II

I've had the camera in hand for a week now, and it is a different experience compared to the original E-M10. Aside from the enhanced feature set that I discussed earlier, the physical interaction has changed considerably. Here's what jumped out at me.

  • Right side grip makes it easier to shoot with one hand.
  • Mode dial is now on the right side. I don't see an advantage to that.
  • Fn3 function button added to the left side.
  • Power on switch now on top deck, left side.
  • Raised shutter release button is more comfortable, but it's also easier to accidentally change the exposure compensation.
  • Playback button moved to the lower right of the back panel.
  • Battery remains the same size and with good life.
  • Overall looks a bit more stylish.
  • Frame rate refresh needs to be set to High in the Mark II for an equivalent experience.
  • Flash popup lever is now part of the power switch.
  • The OM-D E-M10 Mark II is available now for $649.

    Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Lightroom CC Essential Training (2015) with Chris Orwig.

    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.

    Story #4 - Rocky Nook Evangelist Program

    You can read all about the new program on the Evangelist landing page. Highlights include: early access to eBooks and 5 free print books per year. Plus other goodies such as T-Shirts and coupons. What you need to bring to the table is an online community to share your reviews with. If you have that, then take a look at this cool new program.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    A Word from SizzlPix

    The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

    SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

    Idea from Red River Paper - Do you know a Scrapbooker? Red River Paper has a page dedicated to those who love making scrapbooks, including a link to their Scrapbooker's sampler for only $14.99.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    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 (35 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! - 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.