This week on The Digital Story show: An f/1.8 zoom, bad form! and a recap of the TDS Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM zoom for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony Alpha, and Sigma features a constant super fast aperture through the entire zooming range. I've been testing this fascinating optic, and report on its performance.

Technical highlights include equivalent focal length: 28.8-56mm (Canon APS-C), internal focusing, fast AF, well-damped zooming and focusing rings, and compatible with the Sigma USB dock. Retail is $799 US, which is an excellent value for this lens.

Image captured with the Sigma 18-35mm zoom on a Canon 60D during the Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop, August 2013. Photo by Derrick Story.

Story #2 - Bad Form! I've just learned, thanks to an email from Diane, that the Send Me Info form on the TDS Workshops page has been broken. That means those of you who have tried to get on the reserve list for the upcoming TDS Fall Color and Safari West workshop in October, or the Aperture Intensive in November, have not been acknowledged. This is terrible! I discuss where to go from here in the second story of today's show.

Story #3 - A recap of the TDS Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop that just concluded. Oh my gosh, talk about some beautiful photography and a group of wonder people. Here why.

Listen to the Podcast

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

Monthly Photo Assignment

The August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story show: Gloom and doom camera sales, an LCD-only existence (I think not!), notes from the field - All of this and more on today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - Gloom and Doom Camera Sales - the reports have been filing in: Nikon rethinks 1 System and cuts 2013 forecast citing poor sales, Olympus stems losses but PEN sales disappoint, and Weak demand for mirrorless cameras hurting major manufacturers. So what is going on here?

We've already seen the decline in compact camera sales, and that trend seems to be creeping into mirrorless and even DSLRs in certain price ranges. At the same time, smart phones are getting better and seen as a viable alternative to dedicated cameras.

This could present an interesting opportunity to enthusiast photographers who are willing to use interchangeable lens cameras and can produce images that look different than what can be captured with a smart phone.

Story #2 - An LCD Only Existence? I've just spent a couple weeks testing some excellent compacts. Although their picture-taking prowess is impressive, the big drawback was composing on LCDs in bright conditions.

Personally, I'm not ready for an LCD only existence. Even when shooting with compacts, which I love, I need a built-in or accessory viewfinder for those times when an LCD just isn't practical.

Story #3 - Notes from the Field - During my recent work in Santa Barbara, camping at Sugarloaf, and exploring the island of Oahu, I am more convinced than ever that traveling light improves my creativity. I explain why in the third story of today's show.

Listen to the Podcast

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

Monthly Photo Assignment

The August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

While I'm experiencing new stories this week in Oahu, I'm going to share a very popular podcast that was originally published in February. I will note that I still haven't spent that $4,000 on the Sony compact. I think the money went for plane tickets and hotel for my family here on Hawaii.

I'll be back with a new show next week. But for now, enjoy this classic from the TDS archives.

Mahalo and Aloha...

Story #1 - No New Camera! - I talk about 5 things that you can do to protect your credit card when a new, and expensive camera gets under your skin.

Story #2 - The Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner - This is not the solution for the thousands of negatives you have shoeboxed in the closet. But for digitizing a favorite image every now then, this is a cool device.

Listen to the Podcast

You can download the podcast here (30 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

This week on The Digital Story show: the Ricoh GR compact camera with APS-C sensor, Photo Help Desk question of the week, and packing for Oahu -- All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - I've just started testing the Ricoh GR compact camera that features a 16.2MP APS-C format CMOS sensor, no optical low-pass filter, 3" 1,230k-dot White Magic LCD screen, fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens, 1080p video, Magnesium alloy body, and plenty of bells and whistles.

The LCD screen works great, even in bright light. But I've added my Olympus VF-1 optical viewfinder (as shown in the illustration) that allows me to shoot with the LCD turned off.

Image quality is outstanding. And the entire package weighs less than 9 ounces. I talk about my first trip with the Ricoh GR, and why I'll be packing it on my next.

Story #2 - Photo Help Desk Question of the Week: Do I Need to Understand Elements and Groups to Buy a Lens? Answer: You don't. Key lens features that are important include maximum aperture, image stabilization (yes or now), physical qualities, distortion, chromatic aberration, and sharpness - all of which you can get from a good review.

Story #3 - Packing for Oahu. I'm going to try the new Lowepro Photo Sport Shoulder 18L that has a removable camera insert, room for a 10" iPad, lots of pockets, and a sporty, stylish look.

Inside the bag I'll pack the Olympus TG-1, Ricoh GR, and FujiFilm X20. I'll also include the iPad mini.

Listen to the Podcast

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

Monthly Photo Assignment

The July 2013 photo assignment is Duality.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story: 5 surefire flash tips, Photo Help Desk question of the week, more on new Aperture courses - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - Five Surefire Flash Tips - I've been shooting in all kinds of lighting conditions lately, and I thought I'd share my favorite flash tips:

1. People shots in bright, contrasty light fare better with fill flash.
2. In Program mode, flash exposure compensation controls the light on the subject, and exposure compensation affects the background.
3. Carry a white business card and rubber band to create an emergency kick light for bounce flash.
4. Indoors, try manual mode with these settings: ISO 400, 1/15th, f/5.6. Adjust as needed.
5. Hold the flash up with your left hand, the camera in your right, and use TTL wireless for communication.

Story #2 - Photo Help Desk Question of the Week: "Why move from a cropped sensor to a full frame DSLR?" I add more detail to the answer.

Story #3 - New Aperture Training coming your way. I've just completed "Portrait Retouching with Aperture" and "Enhancing Product Photography with Aperture," and they are fun! I explain why in the third story.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (28 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The July 2013 photo assignment is Duality.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story: Photography Q&A, some of your favorite questions answered, smoke gets in my lens at the BBQ competition, and guess what I'm working on at lynda.com? (hint: Aperture titles.) - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - I cover three questions from the Photo Help Desk - Histograms and exposure compensation, software plug-ins for Aperture and Lightroom, and the new iMac as an image editing machine. All three queries have interesting answers.

Story #2 - Smoke gets in my lens. We had a great time covering the Wine Country Big-Q BBQ competition in Santa Rosa, CA. Our advanced workshop team (Rebecca, Craig, and Ken) captured hundreds of frames, ate more BBQ than they could imagine, and had very interesting conversations with the competitors. This is a colorful crew (and so are the photographers). I recap the event and talk about advanced workshops in general.

Story #3 - New Aperture training videos. No, it's not version 4. But I am recording two new Aperture titles this week: Portrait Retouching, and Enhancing Product Photography. These are focused tutorials that will show you exactly how to create professional results using Aperture's image editing tools.

Reminder! - If you're going to purchase gear through Amazon or B&H Photo, please stop by the TDS home page first. Look for the "Products" box about half way down the page in the second column. There you will see display tiles for Amazon, lynda.com, and B&H Photo, in that order. By entering those sites through those display tiles, you help support The Digital Story.

Listen to the Podcast

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

Monthly Photo Assignment

The July 2013 photo assignment is Duality.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography. Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story: New site inspired by your questions: PhotoHelpDesk.com, Ever consider being a Bureau Chief?, the brand new Flickr Essential Training is ready for prime time - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - PhotoHelpDesk.com inspired by your questions. As you can imagine, I get a fair amount of email seeking my advice on a variety of photo-related questions. Recently, it dawned on me that instead of just helping one photographer at a time, this effort could help many.

If somehow I could share these conversations with our online community, then others who have similar questions could benefit too. This is the genesis of PhotoHelpDesk.com, a new site that will be part of our publishing family. My goal is to create an archive of relevant photographic knowledge that we can use and share with others. I discuss what I've built, how it works, and who it's for.

Story #2 - Bureau Chiefs for PhotoHelpDesk.com. Currently I have 7 basic categories for Photo Help Desk: DSLR Cameras, Mirrorless Cameras, Compact Cameras, Smart Phones, Aperture/iPhoto, Lightroom, and Buying Advice. I'm going to serve as Bureau Chief for Mirrorless, iPhoto, and Aperture.

I'm looking for two Bureau Chiefs to help me cover DSLRs, Compacts, Smart Phones, and Lightroom. I'd like each Bureau Chief to cover two topics.

If you're interested in joining the Photo Help Desk team, then send mail to photographyhelpdesk@gmail.com with Bureau Chief and your name in the subject line. Let me know what you're interested in covering, and why you'd be good at it. If you have writing samples to share, send those along too.

Story #3 - Flickr Essential Training 2013. Flickr has gone through many changes of late, including new mobile apps for iOS and Android, plus a revamped web presence. I've recorded an entirely new Flickr Essential Training for lynda.com to show you the ins and outs of my favorite photo sharing site. And now it's ready for prime time. Here's more about it.

Reminder! - If you're going to purchase gear through Amazon or B&H Photo, please stop by the TDS home page first. Look for the "Products" box about half way down the page in the second column. There you will see display tiles for Amazon, lynda.com, and B&H Photo, in that order. By entering those sites through those display tiles, you help support The Digital Story.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (27 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The July 2013 photo assignment is Duality.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Offer! Anyone buying Derrick's new book, iPad for Digital Photographers, even at Amazon's or Barnes And Noble's discount, and putting the password for the Book Owners lounge in the comments space of their SizzlPix! order, will get 10 percent off their entire order -- the equivalent of more than a full refund for the book!

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story: Winners and Workshops, Flickr Update, and a behind the scenes interview with the Everpix co-founders - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Everpix updating in the background while being used on an iPad mini.

Story #1 - Recent SizzlPix Winners as part of the Monthly Photo Assignment.

Dec. 2012 - Long Exposure
http://www.thedigitalstory.com/galleries/dec12_assign/index.html
Mark Steven Houser

Jan. 2013 - Self Timer
http://www.thedigitalstory.com/galleries/jan13_assign/index.html
Kevin Ned Miller

Feb. 2013 - Furry Friends
http://www.thedigitalstory.com/galleries/feb13_assign/index.html
Phil Fisher

March - B&W
/2013/05/black-white---result-1.html
Oliver Rutherford

April - Architecture
http://www.thedigitalstory.com/galleries/ap13_assign/index.html
Jack Mueller

A Fun SizzlPix Story

PHOTOJOURNALISM AS ART
http://www.sizzlpix.com/main/2013/06/19/photo-journalism-as-art/

David Thurston, acclaimed British photographer has lived in Hong Kong and travelled extensively in China. His provocative candid "Boy Smoker" is one of just a few photographic images selected from thousands for display in London's prestigious Royal Academy Of Arts Summer Exhibition 2013, which continues through August 18 in Burlington House, Piccadilly.

The unfortunate child captured so magically in David's "Boy Smoker" may not last as long as his picture, which is displayed as a SizzlPix!, a proprietary state-of-the-art process for High-Definition photography display, among whose unique characteristics is a rated fade-resistance of 100 years.

Story #2 - Opening for Fall Color/Safari West Workshop on Oct. 20-22. Registration fee is $595 that includes the exclusive photo excursion in Safari West, a model shoot, landscape field trip, lunches, swag, and more. Go to the TDS Workshops page and use the "Send Me Info" form.

Story #3 - Have your joined the The Digital Story Flickr Public Group? That's where we draw from for the TDS Member Photo of the Day featured on the TDS Facebook page.

Story #4 - Interview with Pierre and Wayne, co-founders of Everpix. Here's your chance to get a behind the scenes look as this amazing online photo platform.

Reminder! - If you're going to purchase gear through Amazon or B&H Photo, please stop by the TDS home page first. Look for the "Products" box about half way down the page in the second column. There you will see display tiles for Amazon, lynda.com, and B&H Photo, in that order. By entering those sites through those display tiles, you help support The Digital Story.

Listen to the Podcast

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

Monthly Photo Assignment

The July 2013 photo assignment is Duality.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Offer! Anyone buying Derrick's new book, iPad for Digital Photographers, even at Amazon's or Barnes And Noble's discount, and putting the password for the Book Owners lounge in the comments space of their SizzlPix! order, will get 10 percent off their entire order -- the equivalent of more than a full refund for the book!

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story: Taming Instagram 4, DSLR Movie Making Tips from the Pros, Lowepro Transit Sling for Nimble Photographers - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - Instagram 4 - Lots of sprucing up with the latest version of Instagram (v 4.0.1) including 15 second video recording, image stabilization, 13 new movie filters, selectable cover frame for videos, and subtle UI refinements.

As a viewer, you might want to go to your Instagram Settings by tapping on your Profile icon, then tap on the Gear icon in the upper right corner. There you can turn off Auto Play Videos so that you're in control of the movies you watch.

As a creator, look for graphically strong content for your videos, and choose the most compelling frame for you cover image. This is what people will see as they scroll through the home page of their Instagram feed.

You can follow my Instagram feed that I post to regularly. I promise not to over use the video capability!

Story #2 - Interview with Louis Ekrem of Laughing Cat Films and Eric Michael Perez of Clicker Video. During this informal chat, we discuss some of the tips that we shared during the recent Movie Making for Photographers workshop that we led on June 15 and 16. We also explain why we think still photography is good training for filmmakers.

Story #3 - The Lowepro Transit Sling 250 AW is an excellent choice for nimble photographers who carry an iPad and shoot with a mirrorless camera or enthusiast DSLR kit. The Transit Sling has the design features of a top camera bag including tripod holder, all weather cover, fast access, discreet good looks, excellent craftsmanship, and versatility. I spend a few minutes discussing my experience with this bag over the last few months.

Reminder! - If you're going to purchase gear through Amazon or B&H Photo, please stop by the TDS home page first. Look for the "Products" box about half way down the page in the second column. There you will see display tiles for Amazon, lynda.com, and B&H Photo, in that order. By entering those sites through those display tiles, you help support The Digital Story.

Listen to the Podcast

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

Monthly Photo Assignment

The June 2013 photo assignment is Stylish.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Offer! Anyone buying Derrick's new book, iPad for Digital Photographers, even at Amazon's or Barnes And Noble's discount, and putting the password for the Book Owners lounge in the comments space of their SizzlPix! order, will get 10 percent off their entire order -- the equivalent of more than a full refund for the book!

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story: 3rd Party Camera Batteries, Joby Ballhead X, and Workshops Update. All of this and more on The Digital Story podcast.

Story #1 - 3rd Party Camera Batteries: Are They Worth Buying? I've been testing a variety of 3rd party batteries, including the Premium Tech 2 Pack Battery And Charger Kit For Olympus OM-D E-M5 ($25), Wasabi Power Battery for Canon LP-E6 ($15) for Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 6D, EOS 7D, EOS 60D,and the Power2000 (for the Canon NB-9L in the PowerShot N).

My overall experience has been good with them. In everyday use, I'm noticing comparable performance and drain times. The Wasabi cells for the 60D behave in the camera the same as those made by Canon, including menu status of percentage of power left and battery health. The Premium Tech cells for the OM-D do require their own charger, unlike the Wasabi that uses the standard Canon charger, but other than than perform as well as the original Olympus battery.

With typical cost savings well over half price, I see no reason why not to try the previously mentioned cells, especially for your backup batteries.

Story #2 - Joby Ballhead X - I originally used the Joby Ballhead X ($69) on the Joby Focus flexible tripod. But I liked it so much that I got a second head for the lightweight tripod I use for location work.

Ballhead X is compatible with Arca-Swiss quick release plates, holds up to 11 pounds of camera, is constructed of high quality machined metal, looks great, and includes a separate panning control allowing me to use it for video work. Plus it works great with the $20 Joby UltraPlate. I think it's a great value at $69.

Story #3 - Workshops Update - We had a great time last weekend during the TDS Movie Making for Photographers Workshop covering the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Festival. Upcoming events include the Advanced Workshop for the Big-Q BBQ competition in July, Sonoma Coast Workshop in August, and still a couple seats available for the Fall Photography Workshop on October 20-22. All reservation forms are out for the Fall Photography Workshop, so if you didn't get one, be sure to write me immediately. We're also having the Aperture Intensive Workshop on November 16-17. You can still get on the Reserve List for that one.

Reminder! - If you're going to purchase gear through Amazon or B&H Photo, please stop by the TDS home page first. Look for the "Products" box about half way down the page in the second column. There you will see display tiles for Amazon, lynda.com, and B&H Photo, in that order. By entering those sites through those display tiles, you help support The Digital Story.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (23 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The June 2013 photo assignment is Stylish.

More Ways to Participate

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

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Offer! Anyone buying Derrick's new book, iPad for Digital Photographers, even at Amazon's or Barnes And Noble's discount, and putting the password for the Book Owners lounge in the comments space of their SizzlPix! order, will get 10 percent off their entire order -- the equivalent of more than a full refund for the book!

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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