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.

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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.

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.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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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.

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.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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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.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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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.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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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.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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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.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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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

• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Twitter
• Facebook
• 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.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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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!

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