If I've learned nothing else over the years, I've grasped the concept that photography is an evolving medium. I think this is a good thing because it encourages us, as individuals, to grow too.

I just read 22 Things You Can Do Today to Change Your Photography Forever. There are many good ideas in this article worth considering. Try one or two yourself. It might provide that little kick-start you're looking for to go to the next level.

The Digital Story on Facebook -- discussion, outstanding images from the TDS community, and inside information. Join our celebration of great photography!

I learned about Going Candid: An Unorthodox Approach to Street Photography (PDF download, 8.6 MBs) via a post by its author, Thomas Leuthard, on Google+. I downloaded the eBook and have enjoyed both the images and straightforward approach to street photography described by Thomas.

If you're interested in candid photography in general, or street shooting specifically, I think you'll find these nuggets of wisdom useful in this free download... and share it with your friends!

The Digital Story on Facebook -- discussion, outstanding images from the TDS community, and inside information. Join our celebration of great photography!

It's been a while since we've had a visit from the Nimble Photographer, so I thought after being on the road for a couple weeks would be a good time for a check in. I review some of my favorite iPad photography apps, talk about a sweet camera bag that's soon to be released, and chat up the virtues of nimbleosity. Recorded from my hotel room in Ventura, CA.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (34 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Reflection is the August 2011 Photo Assignment. You can read more about how to submit on our Member Participation page. Deadline for entry is August 30, 2011.

TDS Nov. Aperture Workshop

I'm considering adding an Aperture Workshop on Nov. 12th and 13th. If you want your name on the reserve list, or just more information, drop me a line.

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

Red River Paper -- The $7.99 Sample Kit is back! And with free shipping.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Need a New Photo Bag? Check out the Lowepro Specialty Store on The Digital Story and use discount code LP20 to saven 20% at check out.

I always have a few model releases in my camera bag in case I capture a great portrait on the fly. One thing I've learned over the years is that you have to get the signed release on the spot. If you wait to exchange emails at a later date, the odds of you getting the release diminish substantially.

Since I always have my iPad in my camera bag, I can now use Photographers Contract Maker (for iPad and iPhone) instead. It comes with four templates: photo shoot, model release, copyright release, and 2nd shooter work for hire.

After a little practice, I was able to complete a model release in just a couple minutes, then have the PDF emailed to me and the model right on the spot. The model signs the release using the touchscreen.

Photographers Contract Maker is available in the App Store for $2.99. Don't leave home without it!

The Digital Story on Facebook -- discussion, outstanding images from the TDS community, and inside information. Join our celebration of great photography!

Adobe has created a CS5 Hidden Gems channel, hosted by Bryan O'Neil Hughes. Via a series of short videos, Bryan demonstrates helpful, interesting techniques for Photoshop.

You can learn how to straighten images with ease, restore old photographs, remove a wire, and more. Plus, Bryan will be adding more hidden gems to this channel, so you might want to subscribe to it.

The Digital Story on Facebook -- discussion, outstanding images from the TDS community, and inside information. Join our celebration of great photography!

"Sharing a View" by Derrick Story. Click on image for larger version.

Who says that man and animal have different sensibilities? In this case, everyone seems to be enjoying a late morning view of the ocean waves.

Captured with a Canon 60D, 15-85mm E-FS zoom, polarizer, and processed in Aperture 3 with Silver Efex Pro.

The Digital Story on Facebook -- discussion, outstanding images from the TDS community, and inside information. Join our celebration of great photography!

"Junior Lifeguards" at San Clemente Beach, CA. Photo by Derrick Story. Click on image for larger version.

These junior lifeguards are lining up for a run on the beach in San Clemente, CA. I love the kid with the shades near the front of the pack.

The Digital Story on Facebook -- discussion, outstanding images from the TDS community, and inside information. Join our celebration of great photography!

Olympus announced today that the Olympus E-PL3 will be available in September 2011 for $699.99 (with redesigned 14-42mm zoom lens).

They also add a new accessory to its PEN Micro Four Thirds system family today with the introduction of the compact VF-3 Electronic Viewfinder. Priced at $179.99, the VF-3 attaches to any Olympus PEN model with an accessory port, as well as the Olympus XZ-1, for eye-level convenience.

I have the VF-2 viewfinder, and I love it...

Also, News About the Olympus E-P3

The Digital Story on Facebook -- discussion, outstanding images from the TDS community, and inside information. Join our celebration of great photography!

Bee in Cactus Flower: Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo by Derrick Story. Click on image for larger version.

This bee climbed into the cactus flower and disappeared in a pool of pollen. After a few minutes, he emerged, seemingly intoxicated. I captured him in his euphoric state with a Canon 60D, 15-85mm E-FS zoom, and a polarizer filter.

Google+ has great appeal for many photographers, and causes concern with others. After a few weeks of testing, I give my first impression on this latest social networking effort from Google. I also talk about balancing photography with community when traveling. How do you get your shots while still maintaing harmony with family and friends? And finally, SizzlPix is looking for an Evangelist. Are you the right person for the job? All this and more in this week's podcast.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (31 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Smoke is the July 2011 Photo Assignment. You can read more about how to submit on our Member Participation page. Deadline for entry is July 31, 2011.

TDS Nov. Aperture Workshop

I'm considering adding an Aperture Workshop on Nov. 12th and 13th. If you want your name on the reserve list, or just more information, drop me a line.

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

Red River Paper -- The $7.99 Sample Kit is back! And with free shipping.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Need a New Photo Bag? Check out the Lowepro Specialty Store on The Digital Story and use discount code LP20 to saven 20% at check out.