The Digital Story

"Lightroom 4, Aperture ? and AfterShot Pro" - Digital Photography Podcast 310

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:03:54 -0800

I've had a chance to work with Lightroom 4 public beta and publish an article about it for Macworld Magazine. That release has led to speculation about an upcoming Aperture 4 update. While all of this was going on, Corel rolled out their non-destructive pro photo management app, AfterShot Pro. In this week's podcast, I start with a basic review of Lightroom 4 public beta, then discuss some of the features I'd like to see in Aperture 4. I wrap up with a few thoughts about AfterShot Pro. It's great to be back!

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (37 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

Mobile Phone is the Jan. 2012 Photo Assignment. Entries must be captured with a mobile device. You can read more about how to submit on our Member Participation page. Deadline for entry is Jan. 31, 2012.

Special Offer from SizzlPix!

20% Discount for Jan. 2012 - So we can build up a gallery of SizzlPix! made from cell phone images. Any TDS listener/reader gets a 20% discount on SizzlPix!™ Hi Definition Photography™ made from pictures shot with T-Mobile My Touch Slide 4G, Samsung Galaxy S II, or Apple's iPhone 4S.

SizzlPix! may be from 18" to 60" in the longest dimension. Photographer's cropping will be honored.

Shipping will be within one week. Photographer gives us permission to publicize, with credit, their SizzlPix! made from a cell phone original in yours and our on-line galleries and blogs, Twitter, FaceBook, Google+. etc.

When you fill out your order form for the SizzlPix, add "TDS Jan Offer" to get the discount.

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

You might also want to check out my article, Artistic Gifts You Can Make in an Hour.

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"CES Wrap Up" - Digital Photography Podcast 309

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:58:53 -0800

I'm back from Las Vegas, and my "travel light" system worked! This week, I talk about small planes, hotel life, and highlights from CES. Lots of fun stuff that you won't want to miss.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (32 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

Special Offer from SizzlPix!

SizzlPix! may be from 18" to 60" in the longest dimension. Photographer's cropping will be honored.

When you fill out your order form for the SizzlPix, add "TDS Jan Offer" to get the discount.

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

You might also want to check out my article, Artistic Gifts You Can Make in an Hour.

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Traveling Light" - Digital Photography Podcast 308

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:08:46 -0800

The Nimble Photographer takes to the air! Here's the challenge: I'm flying to Las Vegas to cover the CES event, but I'm using my local airport with those very small planes operated by Alaska Airlines. I need to carry-on my clothes and my gear. And once I return on Friday, I have to drive directly to another appointment. No time to check bags. So, this week, I talk about how to travel very light, stay nimble, and yet have the equipment I need to fulfill my paid assignment. Tune-in to see if I pull this off.

The roller bag I mention in the show is the Lowepro Pro Roller Lite 150 AWfor the camera gear during transport. I also am using the Lowepro Pro Messenger 200 AWsoft bag for my clothes in-flight, then as my carry around camera bag in Las Vegas.

Listen to the Podcast

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

Monthly Photo Assignment

Special Offer from SizzlPix!

SizzlPix! may be from 18" to 60" in the longest dimension. Photographer's cropping will be honored.

When you fill out your order form for the SizzlPix, add "TDS Jan Offer" to get the discount.

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

You might also want to check out my article, Artistic Gifts You Can Make in an Hour.

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"6 Goals for 2012" - Digital Photography Podcast 307

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:36:33 -0800

A New Year, and a fresh set of opportunities to improve our photography. In this week's podcast, I present six goals for 2012. Each one addresses a different aspect of our craft. Personally, I'm going to endeavor to complete all six. How many of these do you dare to try?

Listen to the Podcast

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

Monthly Photo Assignment

Special Offer from SizzlPix!

SizzlPix! may be from 18" to 60" in the longest dimension. Photographer's cropping will be honored.

When you fill out your order form for the SizzlPix, add "TDS Jan Offer" to get the discount.

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

You might also want to check out my article, Artistic Gifts You Can Make in an Hour.

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Month by Month Review of 2011" - Digital Photography Podcast 306

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:46:53 -0800

2011 was a busy year for photographers and tech fans alike. In this week's podcast, I review a dozen of the topics that I discussed, each one marking a particular month. I include the podcast number for each in case you want to revisit a particular subject. We began the year with Aperture being available in the new Mac App Store for $80, and close out 2011 with an all-iPad time lapse movie. And there was so much in between. Please join me for this last podcast of 2011.

Listen to the Podcast

Monthly Photo Assignment

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

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

You might also want to check out my article, Artistic Gifts You Can Make in an Hour.

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Nimble Time Lapse" - Digital Photography Podcast 305

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:52:31 -0800

Once you begin to take notice of time lapse photography, you see it everywhere. And for good reason. This style of video adds spice to existing movie productions, or can stand on its own two feet. This week I explain how to record and polish time lapse with just an iPhone or iPad 2. It's easy, fun, and will add impact to your photography.

To learn more about the specific tools I discuss in the podcast, check out these articles:

Nimble Time Lapse Photography with iStopMotion for iPad

How to Mount an iPad 2 to a Tripod

"Nimble Movie Making" - Digital Photography Podcast 304

Listen to the Podcast

Monthly Photo Assignment

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

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

You might also want to check out my article, Artistic Gifts You Can Make in an Hour.

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Nimble Movie Making" - Digital Photography Podcast 304

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:04:14 -0800

Nimble photography isn't just for still photos. Our nimbleosity can extend to movie making too. This week I cover iMovie for the iPad and discuss an easy to adopt workflow. Even though the tools are simple, you'll become comfortable with filmmaking concepts that could prove very handy up the road. All of this, plus a Denny's waitress anecdote, and a whole lot of fun.

Listen to the Podcast

Monthly Photo Assignment

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

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Multiples" - Digital Photography Podcast 303

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:25:15 -0800

Things are sometimes better in threes. Three flashes on one lightstand; three exposures on one frame. Yes, this week I'm talking about multiples. I cover the Adorama Triple Shoe Adapter that costs less than $20, but allows you to put three flashguns on one lightstand. By doing so, you can increase your output while cutting down on the amount of time the flash takes to recycle.

I also cover working with in-camera multiple exposures. My sample shoot is with the Pentax K-5 DSLR. But this technique works with any camera that can accommodate multiple exposures. I like the K-5 because it allows for up to nine images on one frame. For my example, I photographed the lovely Alyssa in three different poses. You can see the image and read more details about the shoot in the post, Multiple Exposure Model Shoot with the Pentax K-5. I guess you could say that this week's show is triple the fun.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (28 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

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

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Quality vs Mobility" - Digital Photography Podcast 302

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:48:42 -0800

Photography is a balancing act. You give a little here and get a bit there. One of the areas this comes in to play is with mobility vs quality. How much equipment do you want to carry, and how long do you want to spend setting up a shot? Do you want to travel light and work quickly? Or are you fine with the methodical approach? The trick is, the answer may not be the same for every situation. In this week's podcast, we explore the options you have, and how to apply them to your work.

I have a wonderful verbal typo in the opening monologue: "The Florida Birding Show in Texas." Sweet! Who's buried in Grant's Tomb, right?

Listen to the Podcast

Monthly Photo Assignment

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

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Photographer's Gift Guide" - Digital Photography Podcast 301

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:06:11 -0800

What to get that favorite photographer in your life? In this week's podcast I have a dozen great ideas. The bulk of the gifts are less than $50, and most are below the $30 mark. So, let's get to it!

Gifts Under $30

Freehands Men's Stretch Thinsulate Gloves -- $24.95 (until Nov. 30, 2011)

Joby Gorillatorch-- $28.20

Art & Soul by Brian Smith-- $26.20

The Glif Tripod Stand/Mount for iPhone 4/4S-- $20

Giottos Large Rocket Air Blaster--$8.95

Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH 4-Pack with AC Charger -- $19.08

ExpoImaging Rogue FlashBender Bendable Bounce Card/ Flag -- $29.50

Canon Lens 1:1 EF 70-200 mm Coffee Cup-- $19.90 or the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 1:1 Thermos Travel Mug-- $26.90

Gifts Under $50

Lowepro S&F Lens Exchange Case 200AW -- $38.95

Impact 5-in-1 Collapsible Circular Reflector Disc - 32" -- $32.95

Gifts Under $100

Wacom Bamboo Connect Pen Tablet-- $69

Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 150 AW -- $99.95

And remember, these are nice treets for you too!

Listen to the Podcast

Monthly Photo Assignment

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

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Talk to Your Subject" - Digital Photography Podcast 300

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:36:28 -0800

One of the most common complaints I hear from photo subjects is that the photographer doesn't communicate during the shoot. I can see both sides to this equation. On one hand, shooters are ofter absorbed in figuring out lighting, camera settings, and composition and forget to talk. Yet, imagine being a subject just standing there wondering what's going on. In this week's podcast I share tips on how to build rapport for your people shots. These tips will help you with a variety of assignments... just about anything that involves another person.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also 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

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

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Photo Stream" - Digital Photography Podcast 299

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:35:45 -0800

Photo Stream is iCloud's free picture service that shares your mobile pictures with computers and iOS devices. Like many Apple products, this first version works well, but you don't have much control over it. In this week's podcast I provide a brief introduction to Photo Stream, then explain how to set up a "reservoir system" that allows you to better control its stream. The ideal appraoch uses iPhoto 9.2.1 as the reservoir and Aperture 3.2.1 as the filter. It's a cool setup, and I think worth a try.

Listen to the Podcast

Monthly Photo Assignment

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

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"5 Ways to Become Notorious" - Digital Photography Podcast 298

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 07:34:32 -0800

A big challenge for photographers these days is distinguishing themselves from others. A pretty landscape image just isn't going to do it. I have five suggestions to help you become more notorious. Not so much being bad, but maybe a bit different. If you're going to pull this off, you're going to need some tools. After all, the Sundance Kid was a good shot too.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (29 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

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

TDS Nov. Aperture Workshop

I've organized an Aperture Workshop on Nov. 12th and 13th. Signups are in progress now. If you want a registration form, or just more information, drop me a line. BTW: We include a professional model shoot as part of this workshop. Just saying...

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"Ready, Set, Takeoff" - Digital Photography Podcast 297

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:08:22 -0800

Two big topics this week! I'm heading out to PhotoPlus Expo in New York and will talk about what's going on at that event. It's one of my favorite photography gatherings. Then I'll spend some time discussing the Pentax K-5 DSLR that I've been testing. It's quite a camera, and I have lots to say about it. In fact, I'm going to visit the Pentax folks in NY at PhotoPlus to see if I can get a few more lenses for testing. All this, and more, in this week's TDS podcast.

Listen to the Podcast

Monthly Photo Assignment

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

TDS Nov. Aperture Workshop

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

"iPhone 4S Camera, Ready for Prime Time?" - Digital Photography Podcast 296

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:40:29 -0800

The upgraded camera is one of the major features of the iPhone 4S. But does it have enough horsepower to be your everyday compact camera? In this podcast I review the specs and features of the iPhone 4S camera, then talk about how it performed in my testing. Plus you'll learn tidbits such as the ISO range, shutter speeds available, how its HDR works, and more.

Also be sure to check out iPhone 4S Camera Pros and Cons that has some good supplemental infomation in easy to absorb list form.

Listen to the Podcast

Monthly Photo Assignment

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

TDS Nov. Aperture Workshop

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

Technorati Tags:
digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips