Zero Computational Photography with Process Zero - TDS Photo Podcast

This is The Digital Story Podcast #971, Oct. 29, 2024. Today's theme is "The iPad mini A17 Pro - Nimble Powerhouse for Photographers." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue Combined with iOS 18.1, the iPad mini A17 Pro is a compact photo powerhouse that fits in practically any camera bag. I've been putting one through its paces, and I have lots to report on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 971 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In The iPad mini A17 Pro - Nimble Powerhouse for Photographers The lead story this week is my review of the iPad mini A17 Pro for photographers. Tune in to hear what I have to say. For more information, links to accessories, illustrations, and more, read my article, How to Set Up the New iPad mini A17 Pro for Photographers. iPadOS 18.1 now available with these Apple Intelligence features You can read the entire article on bgr.com. (Boy Genius Report) The New M4 iMac Aims to Be Apple's Best Value for Photographers You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #970, Oct. 22, 2024. Today's theme is "The Return of the Point and Shoot Camera" I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue Fujifilm and Ricoh knew it all along. There will always be a place in this world for a high-quality compact camera. They never wavered while the rest of the industry veered sharply in the direction of interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras. But then, thanks to social media, there was a renewed interest in point-and-shoots. And now we can't make them fast enough. On this week's TDS Photography Podcast, we try to figure out what's going on. Digital Photography Podcast 970 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In The Return of the Point and Shoot Camera I'm pretty sure that the Camera Control button on the new iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's response to the renewed fondness for compact cameras. Now, mobile photographers can enjoy similar ergonomics that they have on point and shoots - namely, a top dedicated shutter button that lets you hold the iPhone like a real camera. And soon, that Camera Control Button will introduce a two-stage shutter that lets you automatically lock focus and exposure with a light press -- so you can reframe your shot without losing focus on your subject. Here's what Apple has to say about it: "Camera Control is a picture of innovation. On the surface, a sapphire crystal with a smooth texture is surrounded by a color-matched fine stainless steel trim. Inside, a high-precision force sensor with haptic feedback emulates the feel of a DSLR camera shutter. While a new touch sensor -- the first of its kind for Apple -- recognizes precise interactions like clicks and slides." Sound like anything you already know? This directly addresses one of the reasons I keep my X100V on hand: I like the ergonomics of a traditional camera. But compacts have more going for them than just a dedicated shutter button. Here are some of my favorite features and customizations. Filters are easier to use. I keep NISI Black Mist 1/4 on the X100V because combined with the film simulations, it gives me a look that is unique to the iPhone. And if I want to switch to a polarizer or IR 720, that only takes seconds. The accessory JJC HG-X100V grip feels great on the camera and makes if even more enjoyable to hold. Plus it protects the bottom plate of the X100V and has a built-in Arca-Swiss mounting plate. The EVF/OVF is top-notch on the X100V and allows for comfortable composition in every lighting environment. A real built-in flash that is far more powerful than the LED on the iPhone, plus works as a slave trigger with my external flash. This gives me a wide variety of lighting options. A removable memory card is far more flexible than relying solely on internal memory. Buttons and dials (need I say more?) Interchangable batteries that allow me to keep shooting all through the day. Plus, if my camera battery does run out, I can still call an Uber. Not the case with my iPhone. Old school goodies: threaded cable release, hot shoe, click-stop aperture ring. My default settings for the X100V are Program Mode, Astia Soft film simulation, with the NISI Black Mist filter. When I want that look, I can pull the camera from my backpack and grab the shot quickly. Having that little bit of extra style and creativity in such a compact package complements my iPhone and interchangable lens mirrorless. I can see why compacts are so popular again. My only question is: how did they fall out of favor in the first place? Manufacturers Were Unprepared for the Point And Shoot Camera Revival You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com. Best Travel Cameras for 2024 You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com. Has Canon opened its RF mount to another autofocus lens maker? You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #969, Oct. 15, 2024. Today's theme is "New Camera Announcement! Never mind, it's for vlogging..." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue It's always exciting when one of your favorite camera companies announces that there's something new coming. I started hearing rumors of a new sensor and other innovations. Then came the actual unveiling. And just like the recent Sony ZV-E10 II, the FujiFilm X-M5 is designed for vloggers. So does that mean that the rest of us should overlook this handsome compact? Find out more on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 969 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In New Camera Announcement! Never mind, it's for vlogging... I do like cute compacts. And the FujiFilm X-M5 is a handsome little guy. The price is also appealing: $799 body only and $899 with the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. And if you're a vlogger, there is a lot here to appreciate: Excellent built-in microphone array for good onboard recording. Up to 6.2K video at 29fps, plus 4K at 60fps, and 1080 at 240 fps. Dedicated vlogging mode. Frame.io Camera to Cloud integration allows delivery of photos or video straight to the cloud moments after they're created. Anticipating the needs of creators, FUJIFILM has shifted the locations of connector ports to the right side of the camera, eliminating wire interference with the monitor. Microphone port on the back of the camera. Background Defocus mode blurs the background to focus on the camera's main subject. Product Priority mode automatically switches focus to a product placed closer to the camera, ideal for reviews and demonstrations. Portrait Enhancer mode applies skin-smoothening algorithms in Weak, Medium, and Strong options. 9:16 Short Movie mode offers a cropped 9:16 vertical recording option in 15, 30, and 60-second options for internet-ready content straight from the camera. 3", 3-Way Tilting Touchscreen LCD Weighs 12.5 oz without a lens and spanning 4.4" wide body. But alas, my video needs do not exceed the capabilities of my existing cameras. And for this primary stills photographer, the compromises of the X-M5 are notable. No electronic viewfinder. The LCD is only a million dots. UHS-1 SD card slot. No IBIS, digital stabilization only. No built-in ND filter. No built-in flash. So, as handsome and compact as the X-M5 is, it wasn't designed for me. But it will probably make a lot of vloggers happy, and could be an excellent entry-level camera for those moving up from their smartphone. New downsized Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II premium zoom You can read the entire article on amateurphotographer.com. Meta's AI Northern Lights Post is a Stark Reminder of Big Tech's Contempt For Artists You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com. Frustrated With Traditional Film Scanning? Consider This Easy, Cost-Effective, and High-Quality Alternative You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #968, Oct. 8, 2024. Today's theme is "1200 Miles to Durango." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue Most folks aren't crazy enough to load up an EV in Northern CA and drive over a thousand miles to Durango, CO. But that's exactly what I did last week for our photography workshop. And it was amazing. Hear all about it on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 968 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In 1200 Miles to Durango On the Wednesday before I departed, I removed the TentBox rooftop tent and companion roll-out awning from the top of the VW ID.4. If I was going to drive one day through California, then the next through Arizona, New Mexico, and finally arriving in Colorado, I knew I would need to squeeze every mile out of each charging stop. I refueled in places like Lost Hills, Mojave, Needles, Winslow, Gallup, and, yes, Durango. My Bodega portable refrigerator was packed with sandwiches, fruit, and string cheese. Behind the front seat, I stashed Triscuts, almonds, and homemade banana bread. In the front cup holders, there were two water bottles with a 3.8-liter refill tank in the back hatch. My camera rode shotgun on the front seat. The first day I navigated 700 miles from Santa Rosa, CA to Kingman AZ. The most challenging stretch was on Highway 40 where big rig trucks race 75 MPH or faster. Since I was using adaptive cruise control to optimize my speed, I was locked in at the speed limit in the right lane. In the rear view, I would see an oncoming truck closing in on me, shifting to the left lane, then leaving me behind in its tailwind. Streamlining the car paid off. With nothing on the top racks, I averaged between 3.3 and 3.5 miles per kWh. I would get a little nervous climbing the Tehachapi Mountains in 90-degree heat, then experience relief as the car regenerated electricity going down the 6 percent grade on the backside. After two days of driving, I arrived at Curry Barn outside of Durango, CO. It was worth the journey. We had a total of 7 participants, with each having their own private or semi-private sleeping area. There were two spacious common areas, one for dining, and the other for lab work. At night, we could walk out the back door and photograph the Milky Way on a moonless, dark sky evening. During the day, we explored the Animas River, downtown Durango, Mesa Verde, and rode the train to Silverton. After a shoot, we would return to Curry Barn for refreshments and to work on our pictures together, seated at a long table with eight chairs. We ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner together. And when we couldn't eat another bite, take another picture, or edit another image, we flopped into bed hoping for a good night's sleep so we would have energy for the next day. The images our group produced were beautiful - scenes from an old west mining town, fall color, a steam engine train rolling along cliffs and rivers, the remains of an ancient indigenous civilization, and of course, portraits of each other as we worked in the high mountains of Colorado. The week passed too quickly. We had to say our good-byes. And then I loaded up the VW and headed back to California. Another 1,200 miles in front of me - plenty of time to relive the memory of an amazing week. Should I Buy a Medium-Format Digital Camera? You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com. Fujifilm announces its October X Summit with a focus on design & firmware updates You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #967, Oct. 1, 2024. Today's theme is "Start With Your Bag, Then Work Backwards." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue It's a law of nature that any horizontal surface in the home must have stuff on it. And so it goes for our camera bags as well. If there's room inside, we will put something there. So if you want to travel lighter, get a smaller bag. I'll explain more, plus other stories, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 967 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In Start With Your Bag, Then Work Backwards In just a few hours, I depart for Durango, CO. for our early fall workshop. Since I'm making a two-day drive from Northern CA. instead of flying, I have a little more room for gear than my previous trip to Alaska. But that doesn't mean that I want to fill up the car with stuff I don't need. I have things for the workshop - ice chest, refrigerator, water service, food, etc. - plus my suitcase and gear for the road. So my camera bag turns out to be the same size as what I flew with to Vancouver. How do I pack tight and keep it light? It all starts with the bag. I'm using the 18.5 L Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 150 AW Backpack ($124). Main opening with number 10 zipper and a configurable interior with a 60/40 split. Soft top section holds your travel necessities. Lower half protects your equipment with an integrated camera insert. Construction and multi-access design allows access from the side without removing the insert, which is safely connected to the inside of the bag with a strap. Multi-functional accessory straps allow you to carry the insert separately like a shoulder bag, or attach it to your chest. Use the neck or chest strap to carry your camera around your neck. Separate back pocket that accommodates a 14.2" MacBook Pro. Generous mesh water bottle holder. Lots of grab handles. By sticking to 18.5 L, I can have all my valuable gear with me, whether I'm in a restaurant, cab, bus, under the seat in the plane, or hustling from terminal to terminal. A bigger bag would mean more weight and less portability. That's why I start with the bag size I want, then work backwards. No, This Viral 'Goodbye Meta AI' Post Won't Protect Your Photos You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com. Skylum Launches Aperty, a Portrait Editor With AI Offering Fast Results You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com. Celebrated photographer Stephen Shore walks out of his lecture after Chinese audience proves more interested in their phones You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com. 21 World Famous Photographers and Their Photos You can read the entire article on PhotoTraces.com. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #966, Sept. 24, 2024. Today's theme is "We Think a Picture Should Be of Something That Actually Happened." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue I've been waiting for this AI shoe to drop, and now that it has, I'm loving this discussion. With the announcement of the iPhone 16, Apple put its stake in the ground regarding built-in AI for smartphone photography. And their position differs significantly from Google's and Samsung's. Today, we take a closer look at the two approaches, and think about which one we're most comfortable with. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 966 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In We Think a Picture Should Be of Something That Actually Happened We start with the Petapixel article, If You Care About Photography, Apple's Approach Should Have You Cheering. I then comment from there. Why the 85mm Lens Is for More Than Just Portraits You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com. People are raging over the iOS 18 Photos app redesign - here's how to fix it You can read the entire article on BGR.com. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #965, Sept. 17, 2024. Today's theme is "Let's Get Real: A Smartphone-Only in Alaska is Ridiculous." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue Alaska is geological wonder, seafaring history, indigenous culture, goldrush, hardship, wildlife, and wild west. It is truly bigger than the life most of us have ever experienced. Alaska is awe-inspiring, soaked to the bone, and warmed by Salmon bisque and fresh-baked bread. And if you're ever lucky enough to visit, take the right gear. And I don't mean just a rain jacket and boots. I'll explain more on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 965 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In Let's Get Real: A Smartphone-Only in Alaska is Ridiculous Before I get to camera gear, which is the primary topic of today's show, I want to talk a little Alaska in general. Because if you're thinking of going, there are some things you should know. First, if you're cruising, be sure to include Glacier Bay. It's only accessible by water, and you need a captain that knows what he/she is doing. I recommend Holland America. They work closely with the U.S. Forest Service, the Indigenous tribes, and are focused on education as well as enjoyment. They have a long history in Alaska, they have the prime slips for docking while other lines often have to tender to shore. I recommend a starboard stateroom for inside passage trips, although port side is fine most of the time. Pay extra for a balcony. Your photo library will thank you. When in port, get outside city limits. You'll usually have plenty of time to explore the towns, but wandering beyond is where the wonder resides. Excursions led by locals in small vans is the way to go. And finally: Gear up! You'll need real boots, rainwear, backpack with all-weather cover, and a camera that is not afraid of the elements. I was walking around in downpours as happy as a seal in a salmon pond - but only because I was prepared for the elements. Now, let's get to camera gear. The bulk of my shots were recorded with the Nikon Zf and Nikkor 28-400mm zoom. I loved not having to change lenses in the pouring rain or blustery winds. I did use the 26mm prime for some interiors, but just a few times. Here's my focal length list: 20mm - 6, 26mm - 49, 28mm - 105, 30mm-70mm - 180, 71mm-105mm - 75, 106mm-200mm - 94, and 201mm-400mm - 70. I pre-culled my shots, so only the images I like made it in to Capture One Pro. There are hundreds more frames on the memory cards that will get backed up, but not added to my working library. I have 121 images in my 3-Star Collection. These are my favorites. 40 of them were recorded with focal lengths beyond 120mm. I also have a collection of B&W photos captured with the Zf using Deep Tone Monotone or Tri-X. (They are amazing out of the camera.) Resolution is 6048x4032. All the images were geotagged in realtime via Snapbridge. And ISOs crept as high as 25,600. Now why the data dump? Because this 10-day photo shoot would have been impossible with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. I did take 140 pictures with my iPhone, but they're the stuff you would imagine: selfies, meals, signs, and grab shots. I wouldn't want to come home with only those images. And yet, even on the photo excursions that I attended, over half the people with shooting with smartphones only. I was on one trip in the outskirts of Ketchikan, where I had the only interchangeable lens camera. The photo guides did a great job of showing iPhone photographers tips and techniques to squeeze the most out of their cameras. I often wandered off on my own and worked the locations with the Nikon. I know I'm speaking to the choir here. But I also know that it's tempting to rely on a smartphone more than we should. I had this moment in Vancouver, B.C. It was twilight. I was sitting on a balcony on the 15th floor of the Blue Horizon Hotel, gazing at the beauty of downtown. A waxing moon rose over a modern apartment building. I extended the zoom to 400mms and captured the scene beautifully. I then switched to the Tri-X B&W mode and zoomed out to 28mms for a city coming to life in the approaching evening. As I looked at the images on the LCD, I remember thinking, "I'm so glad I have this camera right now." Smartphones are wonderful. And they are a fantastic backup camera for documenting life as it soars by. But if you want your pictures to look different than everyone else's, there's nothing like a real camera. And never has that been more true than these days. What Happened in the Photo World While I Was Gone A whirlwind tour of the headlines over the past two weeks. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #964, Sept. 10, 2024. Today's theme is "2 Stories About Photography and Life." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue Very few things happen in a vacuum, and photography is certainly not one of them. This week I have two stories that illustrate the connectedness of our artistic passion with the world in which we live. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 964 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In I Was There Among the Ballers With My iPhone Bigger is not always better, and that includes cameras and ballparks. You can read the essay here. Of All the Careers I Could Have Picked, Why Photography? I finally figured it out on a road trip with my son. You can read the essay 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #963, Sept. 3, 2024. Today's theme is "Print Black & White Like a Pro." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue Seeing a gorgeous black-and-white print emerge from your inkjet printer will make you fall in love with photography all over again. And you don't have to spend a $1,000 on a fine art printer to experience this. In fact, by following the tips in today's podcast, you can get your Ansel Adams on with gear you already own. All of this, and more, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 963 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In Print Black & White Like a Pro I'm going to divide this discussion into three major parts: your inkjet printer, paper, and computer settings. Printer Best if you have at least one gray ink to accompany your black ink. You can let the printer"manage" the colors. ICC profiles not required. Newer printers have excellent driver software. Pro models may have Advanced B&W Settings. Consumer models may have a slimmed-down version of B&W settings. I'm getting excellent output from a Canon G620 tank model with one gray. Paper I use Red River paper. The type of stock you choose is very important. The white of your paper will be the white of your photo. Cool Tone Paper: Arctic Polar Luster, UltraPro Satin/Gloss, Polar Matte. Warm Paper: Palo Duro Satin, Aurora Art Natural, Blanco Matte Canvas. Glossy and Satin papers can achieve deeper blacks than Matte surfaces. Computer and Software Dim your monitor to 50 percent when editing images for printing. Make a virtual copy of your master and label it. eg. 5"x7" satin print. Crop your virtual copy to the paper dimensions that you're going to use. Experiment with B&W presets, Silver Efex Pro, and DxO Film Pack. Selecting proper Media Type is critical: luster, glossy, matte, etc. Use "Best" quality setting for final print. Let prints dry down for 10 minutes before making any judgements. I recommend that when you get a print you like, note all the settings you used on the back of the print and keep it in your paper box. That way you'll have a great starting point for that surface the next time you print. Canon PRO-1100 17-Inch Printer Promises Richer Blacks and Blues You can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com. Can Photography Competitions Help You Progress as a Photographer? You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 #962, August 27, 2024. Today's theme is "Getting Ready for Alaska." I'm Derrick Story. Opening Monologue In less than 2 weeks, I'm boarding a plane as the first leg of my trip to Alaska. I've never been there, and I want to be prepared for anything that I may encounter. Since I'm smack dab in the middle of my planning, I thought I'd share my thought process with you. All of that, and more, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Digital Photography Podcast 962 Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App! Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In Getting Ready for Alaska So, let's cut to the chase... which camera am I taking? I've narrowed it down to two different systems. Here are the contenders. OM System OM 1 Micro Four Thirds OM-1 camera body OM System 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II Zoom Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO Zoom Olympus 1.4X Teleconverter Olympus 17mm f/1.8 Prime Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Prime OR... Nikon Zf Full Frame Nikon Zf camera body Nikon 28-400mm Z f/4-8 Zoom Nikon 24-50 Z f/4-6.3 Compact Zoom Nikon 40mm Z f/2.0 Prime Nikon 26mm Z f/2.8 Pancake Prime Viltrox 20mm Z f/2.8 Prime Pros and Cons We will be traveling the inside passage via ship, but I will be hiking on photo excursions when in port. Compactness is less of an issue for this trip than others. I'm hoping to be able to photograph the Northern Lights, wildlife, landscape, street photography, and life on the ship. I'm leaning toward the Nikon for this trip because of its low-light capability and depth of field control, and using the OM-1 for the Durango trip that's two weeks after Alaska for its portability during hikes. I'm discussing all of this in the podcast. Other Essentials for the Trip MacBook Pro 14" M1 laptop Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Power Station Solgaard Check-In Closet Lite with FlowCloset System Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 150 AW Backpack (flat in the suitcase) Tenba Cooper 13 Slip Carry-On Shoulder Bag WD Announces SanDisk 8 TB Memory Card You can read the entire story on thePhoblographer.com. Apple's 'Glowtime' iPhone event will be September 9th You can read the entire story on DPReview.com. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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.