This is The Digital Story Podcast #924, Dec. 5, 2023. Today's theme is "The Reluctant Portrait and FindMySnap." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

It's practically impossible not to take pictures during the holidays. If you're lucky, there are plenty of photo subjects in bright, colorful settings. But most folks don't like how photos of them look. Here's how to make them happy. Plus, I'll introduce you to an exciting new iOS app called FindMySnap. All of that, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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The Reluctant Portrait

The reason why most folks don't like their picture taken is because they don't like the way they look in the photo. I can totally understand that.

Holiday snapshots are notorious for bad looks - unflattering expressions, bad angles, and poor lighting. But if you overcome these obstacles, it's a brand new ballgame, and one that most people would be happy to participate in. Here are my 5 favorite tips to overcome reluctant portraits.

• Candids Can Be Cruel - Unless you're a toddler, the adorable family dog, or just unnaturally handsome from all angles, candids typically do a disservice to the subject. Forget about spontaneity and go for pleasing.
• Find Good Lighting - Nearly every home and venue has an area or two where the lighting isn't ghastly. Scout these areas out, then use them to your advantage. One of my favorites is diffused window lighting.
• Get Permission, then Work Your Magic - Tell the subject that you have a great idea for a shot and that you think it's going to be fantastic. Even reluctant participants will go along with something that seems well thought out.
• Show Them the Picture! - We have these fantastic LCD screens on the back of our cameras - use them! Once you get a good shot, show it to the subject. Nothing relaxes and builds confidence like success. Chances are this will buy you a few more opportunities.
• Share Only Flattering Pictures After the Event - People remember who makes them look good. Dispense with the awkward and only share the pleasing. You work at the next gathering will be much easier.

When we look back on holiday photos, we want to see our subjects clearly and in a good light. With you intervening to create good photographs instead of just indiscriminately snapping away, you will capture memories that people will enjoy for years to come.

And finally, don't forget the group shot! It is the single most important image of the gathering.

Happy Holidays!

Find Photos Lightning Fast with FindMySnap

You can learn all about it at CYME

How many pictures do you think you have on your iPhone? I'm guessing alot! In my case, I have about 31,000.

And one of our favorite things to do during a conversation about travel, or anything else, is to pull out our smartphone, and find that picture that we can show the other person.

Easier said than done, right? Not anymore with FindMySnap.

This AI-Powered app indexes your entire photo library, then provides lightning-fast results when you query it.

Search phrases I've used include: Mom Christmas, Cat Window, My Sons, and so many more. The results are truly amazing.

Plus the app has a bit of fun built in as well.

• Save and Cherish Your Photo Collage: Adore the set of images you rediscovered? The app auto-generates a photo collage, which you can save to favorites.
• Show Off Your Best Shots: Easily craft and share your standout images across Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more!
• Craft Your Perfect Photo Album: Turn your themed photo collections into stunning albums right within Apple Photos!
• Language Friendly: Whether it's English, Spanish, French, or more, just ask Find My Snap to help you out in your preferred language.

You can download and try the app for free. If you love it, you can purchase it for $1.99 a monty, $6.99 a year, or $34.99 for a lifetime license. It works beautifully on both iPhones and iPads.

The 2024 TDS Photography Workshop Season

Gift Certificates are available for all of our workshops! Just send me an email at dstory@gmail.com, and I'll send you a personalized certificate right away.

You can see all of the workshops and reserve your spot at thenimblephotographer.com

I've just announced six new workshops for next year - 3 online, and 3 in-person on location. All events are open for registration right now. Here's what's going on.

Photo Critique and Building Your Portfolio - Online - Feb. 2024

Spring in Sedona, AZ - In-Person - April 2024

Infrared Photography - Online - June 2024

Inkjet Printing for Photographers - Online - August 2024

Durango, CO and Mesa Verde National Park - In-Person - Oct. 2024

Safari West and Wine Country Experience in Sonoma County - In-Person - Nov. 2024

Reserve Your Spot Today

Most of our workshops currently have open seats. But typically that doesn't last for long. So if you want to join us in 2024, and I hope you do, visit the Nimble Photographer Workshops Page and reserve your spot. I hope to work with you in 2024!

Harman Photo's Brand New Color Film is Called Phoenix 200

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com

Harman Photo, the company that manufactures Ilford-brand film, has announced a new color film: Harman Phoenix 200. The limited edition film, which has been teased by the company on social media for weeks, is a 36-exposure, ISO 200, designed for 35mm SLR cameras, and was made entirely in Harman's Mobberley factory in North West England. "We are so well known for our black and white films that we are regularly asked why we don't make colour films," says managing director Greg Summers. "We always believed this wasn't feasible, but I'm delighted to say we were wrong!"

Harman says the film produces high-contrast photos with "visible grain and punchy, vibrant colours," which is backed up by the example photos shared by the company. The DX-coded cassette can be rated between ISO 100 and 400 but Harman believes it performs best at ISO 200 in "good, consistent light, with the possibility of halation."

"We think this is unlike any other colour film on the market," says Giles Branthwaite, Harman's sales and marketing director. "As it is our first, we also recognise it is not perfect, but the film community is crying out for choice when it comes to colour, and we want them to know we are listening."

"This is just the beginning of Harman's colour journey," adds Branthwaite. "Sales from this film will allow us to further invest, refine, and improve our formulations, coating capabilities, and colour technology. Our aim is that each new colour film we produce is an improvement on the previous."

The film is available now, and you can find links in the Petapixel article.

And, if you want to learn more about the film ecosystem, including the Harmam announcement, be sure to check out the article, A Film Photography Revival? by John Pemberton on Live View.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #923, Nov. 28, 2023. Today's theme is "An Alternative to Black Friday Gifts." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I'm not against Black Friday or Cyber Monday. But the last thing you probably need from me is another list of sale items and doorbusters. So I'm going to hang a U-turn and take you down a different road. I have this great idea for a gift that doesn't require your credit card, and it's one that could be cherished for years. And I'll tell you all about it on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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An Alternative to Black Friday Gifts

Before we pull out of the garage, let me explain a bit of what I've packed for the trip. You see, we're going to need some pictures. Not just any old snapshot, but images that take us back one, two, even three decades.

After last week's podcast, I'm hoping that you've been thinking a bit about the files you've backed up and how you might be able to retrieve them. If they are not readily accessible because of old hardware or propritary software, you might want to read my article titled, The Rescue Mission. You can read the story for free using this link. I think it might get your problem-solving juices flowing. If you already have access to those archives and friend and family photos from the past, you're ready to begin.

The concept is to cull a batch of family photos and create a keepsake to give as a gift. A common approach is to print those images as 4x6s, then arrange them in an album. This is a good way to go for a single gift.

I would consider special touches however such as "lick & stick" photo corners, and additional memorabilia such as report cards, certificates, and graduation programs to round out the photos.

But what if you want to produce more than one gift with this content? How can you practically do that?

My first suggestion is a hanging calendar with each month a featured photo from your family archives. This also works great for lifelong friends. Imagine the joy produced by a well-designed walk down memory lane. And once it's designed, you can produce as many as you want.

Another approach that I think is really cool, is a set of fine-art greeting cards with great photos from the past featured in the collection. You should include envelopes with the set. But don't be surprised if one or two of the favorites end up in frames.

Speaking of frames, digital photo frames have really improved over the years. You could load it up with an initial set of images, then add a new batch every month. Many of these frames allow you to do this via WiFi.

And finally, I know it sounds corny, but you can make custom commuter mugs and coffee cups with these shots. We have one in our family that's nearly 20 years old, and it still makes me smile every time I see it.

Family photographers are historians as well. And if we combine some of this great content we have in storage, with a little creative output, we can warm a few hearts this holiday season.

The 2024 TDS Photography Workshop Season

You can see all of the workshops and reserve your spot at thenimblephotographer.com

I've just announced six new workshops for next year - 3 online, and 3 in-person on location. All events are open for registration right now. Here's what's going on.

Photo Critique and Building Your Portfolio - Online - Feb. 2024

Spring in Sedona, AZ - In-Person - April 2024

Infrared Photography - Online - June 2024

Inkjet Printing for Photographers - Online - August 2024

Durango, CO and Mesa Verde National Park - In-Person - Oct. 2024

Safari West and Wine Country Experience in Sonoma County - In-Person - Nov. 2024

Reserve Your Spot Today

Most of our workshops currently have open seats. But typically that doesn't last for long. So if you want to join us in 2024, and I hope you do, visit the Nimble Photographer Workshops Page and reserve your spot. I hope to work with you in 2024!

PopPhoto is Dead, Again

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com

After shuttering in 2017 and reviving in 2021 as an online-only magazine, Popular Photography -- colloquially known as PopPhoto -- has let go its last staff members and is effectively dead once again. The last of PopPhoto's staff has been let go from the publication this month, PetaPixel has learned. While the website is still available to peruse, the most recent story was published several weeks ago (the Black Friday deals story was published well in advance of the popular shopping day). Sources say that no current dedicated staff members are contributing to the site, although some maintenance may be taking place with help from its sister site, Popular Science.

After shutting down in 2017, PopPhoto was revived from the dead in December 2021 by Recurrent Ventures, a digital media company that operates online publications such as Futurism, Popular Mechanics, Dwell, and The Drive, among others.

Recurrent relaunched Popular Photography behind former DPReview editor Dan Bracaglia who left the then Amazon-owned publication to lead the revival.

"This relaunch marks the introduction of a new editorial team, a refreshed design, and more. The new popphoto.com will include regular coverage of smartphone photography and social media, how-to's for all skill levels, cultural commentary, and reviews of new and used cameras and gear--all with an eye towards accessibility and affordability," Recurrent wrote in 2021.

According to social media, Bracaglia remained at PopPhoto for just one year as Recurrent began to rein in its investment in the once-renowned publication. It then operated the site with a bare-bones team that focused on deals and reviews over the next year. The previous commitment to "regular coverage" was pulled back significantly.

At its peak, Popular Photography magazine -- which was owned and operated by the Bonnier Corporation until it was closed the first time (and which now focuses its efforts on fishing, boating, motorsports, and hunting magazines) -- had a circulation of nearly one million. When the physical magazine shut down, that number had fallen to 320,000 according to the most recent media kit at the time.

In related news, Popular Science will no longer publish a printed version of the magazine for the first time in its 151 year history following a series of layoffs that left around five editorial staff members and "a few" others on the commerce team, Axios reports. Recurrent will transition PopSci to a fully digital strategy behind a new CEO -- the third in three years.

The Battle Against AI Imagery: Sony Gets Closer to New Crypto Signature

You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com

As AI imagery becomes more realistic and the barrier to entry for AI image creation gets lower, the need to authenticate whether an image is real or fake is imperative.

While fake imagery has always been an issue in the world of photojournalism, AI imagery and the like have made things drastically worse. Because while manipulating images is one thing, creating images from nothing but a thought and selling them as real is an entirely different story. And this is the problem that Sony aims to solve with its new In-Camera Authenticity Technology.

This technology aims to combat the problem by applying a machine-based digital signature to image files at the point of capture. Because the signature is applied inside the camera, it removes any opportunities for images to be manipulated between capture and delivery.

While this may seem similar to what Leica recently announced with its new M11-P, the difference is that the Leica technology currently uses a dedicated processor for the signature to be applied. The technology that Sony is using is built off current hardware, not only making it easier to implement in future cameras but also making the technology backward compatible with certain older models via firmware updates. So, while the Leica version of authenticity is still a great thing, the Sony version makes everything more accessible, giving it a chance for wider implementation.

Although this technology has not been fully released or finalized, plans are for the Crypto-Signature to be accessible on the new Sony a9 III as well as the older Sony a1 and Sony a7 III via firmware update.

Kodak's new Super 8 film camera is actually coming out

You can read the entire article on TheVerge.com

Kodak is gearing up to actually sell the Super 8 film camera it announced way back at CES 2016. It's updated the camera's product page with a new "sign up to buy" button to allow potential customers to register their interest. Kodak's global managing director for motion picture, Vanessa Bendetti, tells The Verge that the company expects the camera to go on sale in limited quantities in the US on December 4th, before releasing in Canada, the UK, and other European markets.

When it goes on sale, the camera will cost a whopping $5,495. That's not just expensive when you consider that, as 404 Media notes, vintage Super 8 cameras can generally be had for a few hundred bucks -- it's also expensive compared to Kodak's previously announced pricing. When the Super 8 camera was first announced in 2016, Kodak said it hoped to charge between $400 and $750 for it, and by 2018 it had already increased the potential price to between $2,500 and $3,000.

If the idea of shooting on film appeals, and you can stomach the price tag, Kodak is inviting interested customers to sign up to receive more details via this reservation form (which it says you need to fill out even if you're already on the previous reservation list). One final word of warning for anyone who hasn't shot on real film before: 404 Media notes that one $35 Super 8 film cartridge can only shoot roughly two and a half minutes of 24fps footage. Pick your shots carefully.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #922, Nov. 21, 2023. Today's theme is "Bad News Backup." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

The task was simple. All I had to do was gather a few images from 2005 that were stored on one of my twin Drobo drives. No, it's not what you think. The Drobos were fine. But unbeknownst to me, the images on them were trapped. And what I thought was the key to unlock them no longer worked. On today's TDS Photography Podcast, I tell the story of the Bad News Backup. 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

Bad News Backup

Author's Note: I've published a detailed account of this story on Medium.com titled, The Rescue Mission. You can read the story for free using this link.

Quietly humming on my desk right now is a white-plastic 2009 MacBook laptop running Mac OS X El Capitan. It's connected to a 2012 Drobo 5D hard drive array with a flickering activity light. They are working together on a very important project.

No, I am not a time traveler. Nor am I so nostalgic that I would nurse along decades-old hardware.

I am on a mission. I'm determined to retrieve images from my life 20 years ago. To help me, I've enlisted the help of a few unlikely characters, a band of aging old has-beens.

Apple has long since stopped supporting plastic MacBooks. Drobo isn't even a company anymore. And the captor of my images, Aperture, was jettisoned in 2015.

I had never worried much about the safety of those memories because Apple had promised an escape key: Photos for macOS (Aperture's replacement). If I wanted to peer into an Aperture library, all I had to do was connect the Drobo to a current computer and open the catalog with the Photos app. That was the deal. Or was it?

Here's what happened next...

The 2024 TDS Photography Workshop Season

You can see all of the workshops and reserve your spot at thenimblephotographer.com

I've just announced six new workshops for next year - 3 online, and 3 in-person on location. All events are open for registration right now. Here's what's going on.

Photo Critique and Building Your Portfolio - Online - Feb. 2024

Spring in Sedona, AZ - In-Person - April 2024

Infrared Photography - Online - June 2024

Inkjet Printing for Photographers - Online - August 2024

Durango, CO and Mesa Verde National Park - In-Person - Oct. 2024

Safari West and Wine Country Experience in Sonoma County - In-Person - Nov. 2024

Reserve Your Spot Today

All of our workshops currently have open seats. But typically that doesn't last for long. So if you want to join us in 2024, and I hope you do, visit the Nimble Photographer Workshops Page and reserve your spot. I hope to work with you in 2024!

Photographer Switches to JPEG and Is Impeached by Local Club

You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com

Seattle, WA: Local photographer Wyatt Jones recently decided to switch from shooting in raw to JPEG format in an effort to spend less time editing images. However, he soon discovered he was spending even more time explaining his decision to horrified fellow photographers who were developing negative opinions.

"I figured JPEGs would be quicker - just shoot and share!" said Jones. "But when I told my camera club friends, you'd think I just kicked a puppy. They kept asking if I had gone insane."

Outraged photographers immediately began cropping up, inundating Jones with reasons he must shoot raw: white balance adjustments, exposure recovery, the ability to re-edit years later, and most importantly, better shadow recovery.

"Eric went on a 15-minute diatribe about how shooting JPEG was 'destroying your creative potential'," said Jones. "He said I may as well just be shooting on a Polaroid. But they're my family photos, not the next Avengers movie!"

The pleas to switch back to raw fell on deaf ears. Later, Jones proudly posted a JPEG photo to his photography forum titled "The Raw Truth." He hoped his unprocessed image would develop into an interesting discussion.

The horrified responses poured in, critiquing the color, noise, and lack of flexibility. "This would have been easily adjustable if you had the raw file," remarked one commenter. "I could have recovered at least 2-3 stops of shadows from the raw data," contributed another. "Your children must be so ashamed to be in this picture," said one particularly rude commenter.

After spending four hours defending his artistic choice, Jones finally admitted that perhaps he had acted in haste. The next day, he sheepishly swapped his camera settings back to raw, hoping to regain positive exposure among his peers.

But the photography club was still fuming over the debut of Jones' undeveloped JPEG image. They asked him to resign as President and charitably offered to only reduce his membership level from Gold to Silver status.

"It's like they had a personal vendetta just because I shot one lousy photo without raw," complained Jones. "I thought artists were supposed to be open-minded!"

When reached for comment, Jones said only: "Next time, I'll just hire an editor to handle all the developing drama."

Lowest Price I've Ever Seen for the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod - Save $180

Photographers looking for a beautifully designed tripod with a great strength-to-size and weight ratio will appreciate the Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod from Peak Design. Architecturally inspired, and weighing only 2.8 lb, this innovative tripod reduces folded volume thanks to legs that store closer together than traditional tripods.

It's currently available for $419 as part of a Black Friday Sale - that's $180 off regular price.

Lightweight carbon fiber construction that folds down to 15.5", and weighs only 2.8 lb. Includes soft case, mobile mount, hex wrenches, and bushing removal tool. Arca-Type Compatible. Mobile Mount Stores Inside Center Column.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #921, Nov. 14, 2023. Today's theme is "The 2024 TDS Workshop Season, Plus the Sony a9 III Global Shutter." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

The marque feature of the Sony a9 III is the global shutter. I interview Zach Sutton from Lens Rentals to discuss its significance. Then we roll right into the just-announced Photography Workshop Schedule for 2024. It's an exciting lineup of both online and in-person events. And you're going want to hear what we're up to. All of this on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

The Significance of the Sony a9 Global Shutter

The Sony a9 III is an amazing camera. And at the top of the feature list is the global shutter. I interview Zach Sutton, the editor of the LensRentals.com Blog, and we discuss the importance of the shutter and the new camera.

The 2024 TDS Photography Workshop Season

You can see all of the workshops and reserve your spot at thenimblephotographer.com

I've just announced six new workshops for next year - 3 online, and 3 in-person on location. All events are open for registration right now. Here's what's going on.

Photo Critique and Building Your Portfolio - Online

February 2024 - It's difficult for photographers to find constructive feedback for their images. And it's even more challenging to determine their strongest work on their own. In this workshop, participants will be able to present images each week to be reviewed by the group. Plus there will be tips on building a strong portfolio, entering photo competitions, and more.

Spring in Sedona, AZ - In-Person

April 2024 - TDS photographers return to Sedona, AZ, but this time during the Spring to view the landscape in a whole new way. We will explore iconic locations, picturesque landscapes, mysterious vortexes, and towns frozen in time from the mining days. What a great way to kickoff our 2024 workshop season!

Infrared Photography - Online

June 2024 - Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging. Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.

Inkjet Printing for Photographers - Online

August 2024 - This inkjet printing workshop will help you tame your printer, enabling you to create beautiful prints and fine art greeting cards. We'll cover paper stocks, printer setups, project design, and even how to choose the best inkjet photo printer for you. Weekly printing assignments with class support will help you hone your skills. If you're tired of being baffled by the fine art output process, and are ready to start creating artwork that you can physically share with others, this workshop is for you.

Durango, CO and Mesa Verde National Park - In-Person

October 2024 - Autumn in Colorado. This workshop will combine the beauty of Durango, located in the Animas River Valley and surrounded by the gorgeous San Juan Mountains, elevation 6,500 feet, with the archaeological wonder of Mesa Verde National Park. During the workshop, we will photograph stunning landscapes, explore ruins, and immerse in the town that features hotels, restaurants, and railroads dating back to 1887.

Safari West and Wine Country Experience in Sonoma County - In-Person

November 2024 - Referred to as the Sonoma Serengeti, Safari West is located on 400 rolling acres in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains and is home to hundreds of African animals, including exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles. We will explore this habitat in a private tour designed for photographers. We'll be driving through large open areas with unobstructed views of the creatures we discover. But the adventure does not end there. During this workshop, we'll enjoy a private wine tasting led by a wine educator, and stand on the cliffs of the rugged Sonoma Coast for stunning landscape work. A true adventure indeed!

Reserve Your Spot Today

All of our workshops currently have open seats. But typically that doesn't last for long. So if you want to join us in 2024, and I hope you do, visit the Nimble Photographer Workshops Page and reserve your spot. I hope to work with you in 2024!

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #920, Nov. 7, 2023. Today's theme is "How Lightroom Desktop Saved the Day." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Like most of you, I have the $9.99 a month Adobe Photography Plan that includes Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Lightroom Desktop, and Lightroom Mobile. And even though Lightroom isn't my primary photo management app, at times, I find it very useful. Over the last month was one of those times, and on today's TDS Photography Podcast, I'll share with you why. I hope you enjoy the show.

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How Lightroom Desktop Saved the Day

For the last few years, I've been using a combination of Capture One Pro and Photos for macOS to manage my pictures. Photos is great for my iPhone shots, and Capture One Pro works well for my professional assignment work. But I also maintain my Adobe Photography Plan because there are times I find it very useful.

That became even more the case with the recent Lightroom Desktop update, V7.0, that allowed images to be stored locally, as well as in the cloud. I like Lightroom Desktop because it has most of the tools I need in an easy, uncomplicated interface. But having to wrestle with my Adobe Cloud account hindered its usefulness for me. When Adobe allowed for local storage as well, that thrilled me.

Now I can point Lightroom Desktop to my organized picture folders on my hard drive without worrying about exceeding my Cloud storage limit. I can use its cool tools such as the new AI Denoise or Lens Blur for any RAW file on my hard drive. I was really thrilled. But, a turn of events made this even more important.

RAW Files from the Nikon Zf

When I was testing the Nikon Zf for my published review of it, of course I needed to see how its RAW files performed. At first, Capture One couldn't read them. I was using 16.2.2. Then I saw an update was available: 16.2.5. Right on! I downloaded it and added my perpetual license key. The updated version would not accept it and insisted that I needed to pay $200 for an upgrade to 16.2.5. Pay for an update to a dot release!

I trashed the new version and went back to 16.2.2. And I decided that I was going to use Lightroom for working with the RAW files for the Zf.

One of the really good things about Adobe is that they are on top of RAW file updates. This is really important when you test new cameras as I do. And since Lightroom Desktop was more flexible than before, this became my workflow for the Zf.

I have 20 GBs of Cloud space to work with as part of my Adobe Photography Plan. Lightroom Desktop now allows me to load all of my Zf files locally, then decide which ones, if any, I send to Cloud storage. I do this for my favorites because then I can view them, and tweak if necessary, using Lightroom Mobile on my iPhone. It's the best of both worlds.

Adobe Decoding of Nikon's RAW Files

Over the last week, I was covering our Wine Country Photography Workshop with the Zf. We were in wine country at the peak of color, and it was amazing. The Zf did a great job of recording all of that beauty, and Lightroom Desktop decoded those files accurately.

One of the things I really appreciated in Lightroom was the Profile options. I could go with the Adobe versions: Adobe Color, Adobe Landscape, Adobe Vivid, etc., or, under Camera Matching, I could tap the Nikon profiles that were in my camera: Nikon Flat, Nikon Landscape, Nikon Portrait, etc., plus I had all three Nikon Monochrome profiles available there too. If you don't know about these settings, you have to try them.

Once I decided on the best profile for the images at hand, I used the Adobe adjustments to get the most from those RAWs. The editing was fast and effective.

I was able to confidently report on the image quality of the Nikon Zf thanks to Adobe Lightroom Desktop.

Some photographers might not realize the comprehensive tool set in Lightroom Desktop, items such as Content-Aware Remove that work really well. And now that the app allows for local storage, as well as cloud storage, it can be a life-saver... especially when you buy a new camera and need to work on its RAW files.

Really Right Stuff's New Universal L-Bracket Fits Almost Any Camera

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com

Really Right Stuff announced a new L-bracket called the MC-LS that is designed to work on basically any camera with the classic SLR design with a perfect fit thanks to five levels of adjustment.

The MC-LS is described as a premium universal L-plate that can securely accommodate "most" camera body sizes used by photographers. Really Right Stuff says that the MC-LS offers five levels of adjustment through its sliding L-Component (it has a side-port access window width of 28.1mm and a forward and back slide capability of plus or minus 5mm), reversible Anti-Twist Flange Plate (a minimum of 2.95mm and a maximum of 29.89mm), and fore-to-aft positioning on these elements, which allows it to perfectly adapt to a specific camera's shape. Really Right Stuff adds that the camera socket to the L-component can be adjusted between 43mm and 76.2mm.

"The MC-LS, or Multi-Camera L-Set, is designed to be the one plate that seamlessly fits your camera. It is the ultimate choice for photographers who demand the utmost in versatility, durability, and performance. Whether you're a professional photographer or an avid enthusiast, the MC-LS is here to elevate your photography to new heights, providing unparalleled confidence in every shot," Really Right Stuff says.

While it probably won't fit on any camera, it should reliably adapt to any camera that uses the classic SLR design that has become basically the unspoken "standard" for photo and hybrid cameras. Really Right Stuff shows it attached to cameras as small as an a7C to as large as a Fujifilm GFX medium format body. Of note, the company stipulates that it doesn't work on cameras like the Nikon Z9 as taller bodies like it would have their ports blocked by the bracket. The same can be said for cameras equipped with a battery grip.

Once on a camera, it can attach to a wide range of Arca-style accessories (like tripods, gimbals, and monopods) thanks to its use of the Really Right Stuff Dovetail Standard. The MC-LS L-bracket is designed and manufactured in the United States and is available directly from Really Right Stuff for $140.

How to Find and Use the Advanced Computational Features of OM System Cameras

You can read the entire article, on FStoppers.com..

The OM-1 and OM-5, and their Olympus predecessors, have many unique functions. Here are some common ones, where to find them, and what they do.

In a recent article, I wrote about the advantages of the Micro Four Thirds standard and why there is such a large migration of people to it. OM System cameras, in particular, have unique and unusual innovative features that set them apart from other brands. Although most people who migrate to the OM System do so because of the size and weight advantages, it's also those other distinctive features that make the cameras stand out from the crowd. Most of these are due to something that is overlooked by camera reviewers and photographers alike: the powerful processor. That, combined with the faster speeds of the smaller, especially the stacked BSI Live MOS Sensor of the OM-1, enables the cameras to offer functionalities that are not currently possible with other models, or are being adopted years later.

Here are the features covered in the article:

• The Fastest Raw
• Never Miss the Action With Pro Capture
• Live Time and Live Bulb
• Live Composite Mode: Adding Solely New Light (LiveComp mode is a real boon for those who enjoy light painting, or shooting fireworks, star and light trails, and lighting.)
• Live ND, Leave Those Filters at Home
• In-Camera Focus Stacking
• Using In-Camera HDR (High Dynamic Range)
• High Resolution (Hi Res) Mode
• Starry Sky Autofocus for Nighttime Landscapes (Starry Sky AF focuses on the stars and then moves the focus forward to get both the stars and as much of the landscape in focus as possible.)
• The Best Weathersealing and Built to Survive (OM System Cameras and the M.Zuiko PRO lenses are weather-sealed to the IP53 standard.)

It's amazing the technology that is available in cameras today, and it is good news for the entire industry that the OM System is so innovative and leads the way, introducing new technologies that other brands adopt later. It's good news that Canon and Nikon now have their equivalent of Pro Capture, and it would be great if they made it available across their entire range and not just in the top-end models.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #919, Oct. 31, 2023. Today's theme is "Connecting a Camera to Your Smartphone: Has It Got Better?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Our smartphones and tablets have such beautiful HD screens and are so powerful. They are a natural companion to our mirrorless cameras. Yet, despite Bluetooth and WiFi, the whole process has been an exercise in frustration. Has it got any better? Find out on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Connecting a Camera to Your Smartphone: Has It Got Better?

There are so many situations when I just want to see a photo on my iPhone or iPad without having to remove the memory card, put it in a reader, launch an app, and go through the entire uploading process. And I shouldn't have to.

Every modern device has Bluetooth and WiFi. This should be easy. But it hasn't. Have things changed?

With my iPhone 15 Pro Max in hand, I've tested the apps from Nikon, OM System, and Fujifilm. This should be a fairly good sampling of where we stand. So let's get to it.

Nikon SnapBridge with a Nikon Zf

Grade C - When everything works as it is supposed to, I can remotely control the camera with the iPhone, download pictures in a variety of resolutions from the Zf to the iPhone, automatically geotag pictures, and more.

The Bluetooth side of the equation works well. Once you set up Auto Link and pair the devices, they find each other nearly instantly. This is particularly important when you want to automatically geotag pictures captured with the Zf.

Things start to break down for remote photography and downloading images because those require a WiFi connection, which the Zf has a hard time maintaining. In fact, the WiFi can gum up the works so badly that you sometimes have to turn it off to use the Bluetooth.

Once reestablished however, everything works really well. Nikon needs to make the WiFi side of the equation more stable. Once they do, this app could be rise to an A grade.

O.I. Share with OM System OM-1

Grade B+ - The O.I. app has evolved steadily over the years, and its current version is the most stable and functional to date.

Setup is fairly straightforward, having the smartphone scan a QR code on the camera back. Once the connection is made, you can remotely control the camera, import photos, including RAWs, edit pictures with all of the Art Filters available in post), add geotags, and even update the firmware for the camera and Olympus lenses.

The Bluetooth and WiFi connections are stable. It does take a little time to fire up the WiFi when you want to download pictures or remotely control the camera, but once established, the connection is solid.

The realtime geotagging has very much improved. One you turn on the feature in O.I. Share, you don't even have to launch to app for geotagging to engage. You can confirm that BT and geotagging is active via the icons on the camera's LCD.

This tandem has really improved, and it deserves a solid B. Speeding up the WiFi connection process would move it to a grade of A.

Fujifilm Xapp with X100V

Grade B - Fujifilm photographers were not happy with the previous version of their smartphone app. So the software engineers went back to the drawing board and created an entirely program: Xapp.

The Xapp provides a variety of functions including geotagging, importing pictures, remote control, backing up camera settings, and firmware updates.

The Bluetooth connection works great. All you have to do is launch the app with the camera on, and the two see each other right away. Again, this provides fairly seamless geotagging of the camera images.

WiFi is required for importing pictures and remote control. This works fairly well, but I have had to initiate the connection more than once to enable. I would say it's definitely more stable than with the previous app, but it does have its wobbles.

Overall however, Fujifilm has improved this experience with Xapp. And if they can further streamline and stabilize the WiFi connection, they would deserve an A grade.

Final Observations

One thing that I noticed with all three camera apps is that the more I use them and connect, the better they seem to work. So I think it's worth it to fire them up on a regular basis.

In the case of the iPhone, all of the imported images are shared with Photos for iOS, and as an extension, iCloud. This is very handy and it makes post production and backup seamless.

I think it's worth tapping these apps for the automatic geotagging alone, which is also the best functioning. And when you do want to import wirelessly, most of the time it goes well with little hassle.

Indeed, times have improved.

Join Us for the Next Online Inkjet Printing Workshop

Nov. 29-Dec. 20, 2023

Just in time for the holidays, this inkjet printing workshop will help you tame your printer, enabling you to create beautiful prints and fine art greeting cards.

We'll cover paper stocks, printer setups, project design, and even how to choose the best inkjet photo printer for you.

Weekly printing assignments with class support will help you hone your skills.

If you're tired of being baffled by the fine art output process, and are ready to start creating artwork that you can physically share with others, this workshop is for you.

You can Sign Up Here for the workshop. And remember, Inner Circle Members get a 10 Percent Discount.

Canon is actively conducting market research on a "retro" style camera body

You can read the entire story on CanonRumors.com

Back in August, we spent a bit of time reading between the lines about a "retro" influences Canon camera from comments made by a Canon executive. This topic was brought up in response to the hype around Nikon's Zf retro camera body.

Now it appears Canon is actively asking customers which of their most iconic camera bodies customers would like to see again, but with a modern take.

According to The Federation of Independent Photographers, Canon has been officially conducting market research through multiple channels getting feedback from Canon shooters about which camera they'd like to bring back.

The top 4 choices for a retro inspired EOS camera are the Canonet QL17, Canon P, Canon F-1 and the top selling Canon AE-1.

While there are a few "Debbie Downers" out there that are on the ol' "who cares what a camera looks like?" high-horse, we have seen a lot of excitement on the possibility of Canon paying homage to at least one of their iconic camera bodies.

1,000 Off Canon's Flagship Camera

The Canon EOS R3 is now $4,999, which is $1,000 off its normal $5,999 price tag.

The full-frame 24MP BSI CMOS sensor has an updated DIGIC X processor, which helps boost the overall speed for up to 30 fps continuous shooting with an electronic shutter, 6K 60p raw and 4K 120p video recording, plus intelligent Dual Pixel CMOS II autofocus with Eye Control AF for intuitive focus point selection.

The R3 is also the first EOS R-series camera to feature a built-in vertical grip, making it an ergonomic choice for long shooting times and for seamlessly switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations. The rugged body design also incorporates a high-resolution 5.76m-dot OLED EVF and a 3.2" vari-angle touchscreen LCD, along with dual memory card slots, wireless and wired connectivity, and an updated Multi-Function Shoe design for expanded accessory compatibility.

If you've been waiting to pull the trigger on this flagship Canon, now seems like a good time.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #918, Oct. 24, 2023. Today's theme is "A Scary Night Out with the Nikon Zf" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I'd been testing the Nikon Zf for a week when I landed the ultimate low light torture test: Opening night publicity shots for a commercial haunted house. When we were working out the details of the assignment, the client warned me, "It's going to be dark, very dark." With the Zf in hand, I replied, "Bring it on!" What happened on that frightful night is the lead story in this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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A Scary Night Out with the Nikon Zf

Captured with the Nikon Zf at the Blind Scream Haunted House in Santa Rosa, CA. Photo by Derrick Story.

Most people would probably think I was insane. Who in their right mind would accept a virtual darkness photo shoot with a brand-new camera and only a few lenses? I must admit, I was a bit nervous beforehand. But as you know, I always am.

I was armed with the Nikon Zf mirrorless camera and 40mm f/2.0 lens. I also had the FTZ II adapter that allowed me to use my AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G that came with my Nikon D610, and the AF-S 24-85mm G zoom.

I only had one battery that came with the Zf, that is, until I tried the Lithium from the D610 and discovered that it worked. Now I had two batteries. I was ready for action.

In the podcast, I tell the story of how the haunted house shoot unfolded.

If you want to read my full review of the Nikon Zf, it includes lots of detail and plenty of pictures.

Canon Japan formally discontinues the last EOS-M cameras, saying goodbye to EF-M

You can read the entire article on DPReview.com

Well, the writing has been on the wall for a while, but Canon's Japanese website has finally confirmed the end of the EF-M system. Or, at least, is describing all the EOS-M camera models as being discontinued.

Canon USA told PetaPixel, "At present, sales of EOS M series cameras and EF-M lenses vary from region to region depending on user needs," but the confirmation that sales have stopped in Canon's home market, where the EOS-M models sold particularly well, tells a fairly clear story.

The EF-M system, Canon's first foray into mirrorless cameras, was a compact APS-C mirrorless system that could use EF and EF-S DSLR lenses via adapter, but its own lenses could only be used on EF-M bodies.

The range extended from some of Canon's smallest, most affordable beginner-friendly ILCs up to the enthusiast-focused M5 and M6 models. The relatively small lens range reflected this focus, with a handful of variable aperture zooms supplemented by three relatively compact primes.

The arrival of the RF mount undermined confidence in the future of the system and the launch of APS-C RF models essentially spelled the end for EF-M. The R cameras sacrifice some of the compactness of EOS-M modes and currently have fewer APS-C (and APS-C appropriate) lens options, but give buyers the confidence that Canon is committed to the lens system. To some degree, anyway: Canon doesn't have a great history of fleshing out its APS-C systems, perhaps in the hope of up-selling people to its full-frame cameras and, unlike with EF-M, has been actively blocking third parties from doing so.

But, regardless of where we stand or how we got here, it seems that, after eleven years, Canon has turned a page on the first chapter of its mirrorless camera story.

Ricoh makes official statement on its film camera project. It's not what we expected!

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com

It turns out that film photography lovers may not be getting quite as spoiled as was previously thought.

It was recently stated by a Ricoh employee that four new Pentax film cameras are coming next year, including two SLRs. However, this timeline might not come to fruition as Ricoh has now made an official statement that will put water on this new film camera fire.

"We found information on several websites regarding our film camera development," reads the statement. "This included two compact film cameras for Spring 2024 as mentioned by a colleague working for Ricoh Imaging Europe.

"This is not our official remark, nor is it based on any fixed information. We are indeed challenging the development of a compact film camera; however, we have not yet decided whether or when we will launch such a product."

While this news does leave a big question mark for me, and clearly there are some communication issues, and although this could have been a blunder... it does raise suspicion over the whole project. Which we haven't really had a substantial update on since May 2023, which is 5 months as of writing this article.

Who knows what the future will hold for the Pentax and its reveal of film cameras, but if you're in the market for a new-to-you film camera then we highly recommend checking out our best film camera guide and while you're there take a look at our best 35mm film or best 120 film guides to keep your film supply in stock.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #917, Oct. 17, 2023. Today's theme is "Nervous Before a Photo Shoot? Me Too." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

You'd think that after doing something professionally for decades, dealing with nerves would be a distant object in my rearview mirror. The fact of the matter is: I still get anxious before a big photo shoot. But I've learned how to channel nervous energy into creative output. And I'll share those tips with you on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Nervous Before a Photo Shoot? Me Too.

The driving force behind every photo shoot is to deliver the best images possible to the client. When I focus on that, everything else seems to fall into place. But that desire for excellence also creates pressure. And that first 10 to 15 minutes of the job include a bit of anxiety.

What I've learned over the years is that bit of pressure actually helps me focus. Even though I must appear confident and relaxed to help the client feel at ease, inside I'm laser-beamed on figuring out the best way for us to start the session. In the end, both parties are relieved and happy with the results. Here's my approach.

• Conversation First - Before the actual photo shoot, have a phone conversation or Zoom call with the client. This is important to begin building rapport, and to find out expectations. This information will help you build your gameplan for the job.
• Prepare Your Gear Ahead of Time - Use the information from the client discussion to determine the gear needed for the job. Begin this process 48 hours in advance. Why 48 hours? Because you will initially forget to include important items, wake up in the middle of the night remembering them, then still have time the next day to add them to your kit.
• Plan for Backup Scenarios - You will build your ideal plan, and hopefully that will work. But also construct a Plan B incase the wheels fall off the wagon. Having a great backup plan will greatlyt decrease your anxiety.
• Plan to Arrive Early - This will give you time to scout, contemplate, test shoot, and get comfortable. Nothing creates tension like arriving late to a photo shoot. Make sure you're early.
• Put the Subject at Ease - I know this seems counterintuitive when you're nervous yourself, but you'll discover that your efforts to help the subject feel calm and confident will have the same effect on you.
• Don't Start with Your Best Option - Everyone is going to need to warm up. Begin the shoot with your second or third favorite option. Once things get rolling, then you can go to your first choice.
• Keep it Moving - This is where your preparation pays off. By keeping the shoot moving at a snappy pace, everyone will feel like it's going well, and will relax even more.
• Share a Few Pictures from the Back of the LCD - Once the subject sees how well he/she looks, their confidence will grow and they will relax even more.
• Keep Those Complements Flowing - Praise feels good, especially in the middle of a photo shoot.

By this point, everyone should be feeling pretty darn good. And thanks to your being prepared, generous, and focused, everything else will fall into place.

Adobe MAX 2023: Here's what Lightroom users need to know

You can read the entire article on DPReview.com

At its annual Adobe MAX event, Adobe rolled out new versions of its flagship applications, including the Lightroom ecosystem that encompasses Lightroom Classic, Lightroom desktop, and mobile Lightroom apps. They can now simulate shallow depth of field using existing depth maps or by creating new ones, edit in greater dynamic range on HDR displays, add a new Point Color tool for adjusting specific colors and more.

Lightroom Classic 13.0 and Lightroom 7.1 for macOS and Windows are available starting today to Creative Cloud subscribers via the Creative Cloud app, while the Lightroom 9.0 mobile apps for iOS, iPadOS and Android are available in their respective app stores.

Here are the key features.

• Lens Blur - The new Lens Blur tool is characterized as being in Early Access but is available to all subscribers. If the photo already includes device depth information, Lightroom uses that as the depth map; if not, Lightroom analyzes what's in the scene (such as a prominent subject) to determine which areas should be out of focus.
• HDR output and editing - The new HDR mode reveals the full dynamic range within an HDR-captured photo (which includes many Raws), extending the histogram and the Tone Curve tool to account for the added values. You can visualize which areas are beyond SDR and the capabilities of your current computer monitor.
• Point Color - In previous versions of the Lightroom apps, it's been possible to manipulate colors by adjusting their hue, saturation and luminance in the HSL/Color tool. However, that was limited to 8 main colors. The new Point Color tool makes color selection more granular by sampling pixels in an image using an eyedropper.
• Lightroom desktop goes local - Until now, the desktop version of Lightroom (not Lightroom Classic) has been tightly tethered to the cloud. By default, every image you import gets synced to Creative Cloud and made available to Lightroom on other devices. Sometimes, though, you may want to open an image and use Lightroom's tools to edit it without adding it to your cloud library (and taking up cloud storage). Now, a new Local option in Lightroom lets you browse your storage and edit images locally without any cloud involvement. If you do decide to sync one with the rest of your devices, you can copy it to the cloud, where it becomes part of your regular library.

A Couple Comments from Sedona

The TDS Sedona Photography Workshop is now in the books, and I've returned to Santa Rosa. But I received a few emails from participants that I thought you might enjoy.

Tim wrote: "Well, that was fun. Thanks to all for helping "break me in" to this whole photo workshop thing. It was the opposite of intimidating, as a result of Derrick's relaxed style and the good humor and openness that each of you brought. I'll take loads of good memories and some ok photos as well from this week! Thanks again everyone, and safe travels!

Michael wrote: "Thanks again for another great workshop! Great people, great scenery, great learning experience. And also, great weather! (Florence #1 is still fresh in my mind.) This really works as a destination. You'll be doing it again, but I don't think you can improve on it. I hope the same group reassembles next year someplace -- we look forward to advising on options."

As for me, I talked a bit about the workshop in the Nimble Photographer Newsletter, and I included some pictures as well. And in case you're curious, I'll be returning to Sedona in 2024, plus we'll have new exciting locations too. Keep an eye out for an upcoming podcast with the entire workshop schedule for next year.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #916, Oct. 10, 2023. Today's theme is "Ride Shotgun on Photo Scouting Mission." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

If you want to have half a chance of a photo workshop running smoothly, you have to get out there and scout ahead of time. There are so many things that just don't show up on websites. Today, I'm going to invite you along for my final day of exploration before the Sedona Photography Workshop begins in less than 24 hours. 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

Ride Shotgun on Photo Scouting Mission

Join Derrick as he explores the Northern Arizona countryside the day before his workshop begins.

Astrophotography in October 2023: what to shoot in the night sky this month

You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com

Tuesday, October 10: Conjunction of the crescent moon and Venus - Rising in the east a couple of hours before sunrise will be an 18%-illuminated crescent moon displaying 'Earthshine' - reflected sunlight from our oceans onto the lunar surface. Just below it will be Venus, itself only 42%-lit, but very bright thanks to its closeness to Earth. Between the two is Regulus in Leo, one of the brightest stars in the night sky at just 77 light-years away.

Saturday, October 14: 'Ring of Fire' annular solar eclipse - Today almost everyone in North, Central and South America will see a partial solar eclipse, with any special location's distance from a 125 miles wide central path determining how much of the sun will appear to be blocked by the sun. Only those within that path - which goes through the US Southwest, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia and Brazil - will be able to photograph a 'ring of fire' around the moon as it eclipses up to 91% of the sun. To photograph this you'll need to use solar filters at all times and only watch it through the LCD screen on the back of your camera. The U.S. states the central path runs through - and from where the 'ring of fire' will be visible - comprise Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.

Saturday, October 21: Orionid meteor show - Up to 20 'shooting stars' are expected from the peak of the Orionids peak, which will occur in the early hours. Meteors will appear to emanate from the constellation Orion, though they can appear anywhere in the sky. The best way to photograph them is to leave a camera with a wide-angle lens on a tripod in continuous mode in the hope of catching one. Go for 30-second exposures.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #915, Oct. 3, 2023. Today's theme is "How to Go Carry-On Only for a 10-Day Photo Trip." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I'm on my way to Sedona, AZ for our upcoming photography workshop. We will be working in a variety of beautiful settings, and I plan on coming home with plenty of pictures. And since a lot of my gear has to be packed in my suitcase, I'm going super-nimble and will be carrying on both of my bags. How could such a thing happen for a 10-day photo trip? Find out 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 Go Carry-On Only for a 10-Day Photo Trip

I have had such bad luck with checked bags that I've changed my approach to flying. I'd rather pay a bit more for a comfortable seat that allows my to board early and stash my suitcase in the overhead compartment. I hang on to my carry-on shoulder bag at my seat where I will have a laptop, iPad, and AirPods for the flight.

My suitcase is the amazing Solgaard Carry On Suitcase that easily fits in the overhead compartment. I also use eBag Packing Cubes which keep everything organized and provides extra compression for my clothes. But there's so much more that fits in my suitcase for this trip.

• MeFoto Backpacker Tripod for our night photography, and Manfrotto monopod for hiking.
• Lowepro Pro Tactic compact camera case.
• OM Digital OM-1 mirrorless camera with lenses; Fujifilm X100V, iPhone 15 Pro Max.
• Cables, power bricks, audio recorder, filters, and various accessories.
• Two pairs of Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof® Adventure Travel Shorts, one pair of Eddie Bauer long travel pants, T-shirts, underwear, socks, long sleeve shirt, foldable rain shell, and down jacket.
• Laundry detergent, spot remover, portable first aid kit, flashlight, iPhone stand, hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.

In my shoulder bag that complements the carry-on suitcase, I have my MacBook Pro 14.2" laptop, iPad mini, AirPods, more lenses, cable kit, and water bottle.

In the podcast, I explain how this all works together.

4 Productive Mindsets When Traveling for Photography

You can read the entire article on Fstoppers.com

For a lot of photographers, the act of traveling is a double-edged sword. We travel to be able to see the world and draw as much inspiration as we can from everything we see and experience. At the same time, the act of traveling often requires pushing out of our comfort zones and leaving behind a lot of the things that allow us to operate with fewer worries and limitations.

Traveling often involves the unpredictability of new surroundings, the randomness of photographic subjects, and the requirements (and limitations) of our gear. Travel is a huge equalizer that requires a lot of planning and a lot of energy to make sure that the experience is both productive and refreshing at the same time. Here are four things to keep in mind that might help you make the most out of your travel experiences no matter where you are going.

Here are four key points.

• Don't Let Unfavorable Weather Stop You
• Give Yourself Some Wiggle Room
• Don't Forget To Be a Tourist
• Connect With People

How Do iPhone 15 Pro RAW Files Stack Up to ILC Cameras?

I discuss what my findings are after testing my iPhone 15 Pro Max.

You can view and download the full resolution image here.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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