Weekly digital photography podcasts, photo tips, reader submitted pictures, equipment reviews and more.

"I've Taken Great Pictures, Now What?" Digital Photography Podcast 176
You can easily amass thousands of digital images, then one day realize that your computer has become more cluttered than the hallway closet. You need to get organized, but you're not sure where to begin. I designed the photography workshop, "I've Taken Great Pictures, Now What?" to solve that exact problem. In the workshop, I cover the five basic steps for an efficient photography workflow: Acquire, Organize, Edit, Share, and Save. I show how you can take control of your pictures using tools that are on your computer right now. Then I introduce some of the amazing workflow software that's... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 12, 2009 | Comments (0)

"Top 10 Flickr Tips" - Digital Photography Podcast 175
Flickr excels at both image sharing and exploration. In this podcast, I discuss my 10 favorite Flickr tips. Spend some time with your account profile. Think about the type of copyright you want to apply, who can see your photos, will geotags show, etc. In part, how you set your account profile reflects how you want to use Flickr and share your work. Build Flickr into your workflow. Use uploadrs that are friendly to how you operate. If you're an iPhoto user, for example, check out FlickrExport by ConnectedFlow. It's more powerful than the built in uploadr in iPhoto '09.... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 5, 2009 | Comments (0)

"Five Printing Tips"- Digital Photography Podcast 174
Have you ever looked at a magnified image on your computer screen and felt disappointed about its appearance? You thought you had a sharp, crisp photograph, but it wasn't holding together at 100 percent as well you thought it should. This is the perfect scenario for making a print. Then you will know how good (or not so good) your picture really is. High magnification computer monitors are very useful for photographers, but that's just one way to look at an image. And think about it: Is that the way you share your work with others? At 100 or... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 28, 2009 | Comments (4)

"Award Winning Equipment" - Digital Photography Podcast 173
The TIPA Awards, 2009 feature outstanding photography equipment. In this podcast I cover many of the winners and look at the trends we see in today's market. It's not just Canon and Nikon these days... Monthly Photo Assignment Vibrancy is the April 2009 Photo Assignment. Here in North America, Spring is on the way. But nature isn't the only source of vibrant colors. See what you can create for this assignment. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is April 30, 2009. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 21, 2009 | Comments (0)

"How Much Should You Pay for a Memory Card?" - Digital Photography Podcast 172
When comparing quality 16 GB cards, prices vary from $210 to $30. That's quite a spread. Which one is right for you? In this podcast, I take a look at a variety of "pro" memory cards and try to determine which are the best value for my camera. Along the way, we consult the excellent CF/SD Performance Database run by Rob Galbraith. I think you'll enjoy this show. Monthly Photo Assignment Vibrancy is the April 2009 Photo Assignment. Here in North America, Spring is on the way. But nature isn't the only source of vibrant colors. See what you... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 14, 2009 | Comments (5)

"Adobe Engineer Pops the Hood on CS4" - Digital Photography Podcast 171
The perfect blend for a Photoshop discussion: an expert who oversees the Photoshop engineering team, and who is a photographer too. Meet Winston Hendrickson, Sr. Director, Engineering, Digital Media, for Adobe. During this chat in a conference room at Adobe headquarters, Winston and I talk about what's happening under the hood for Bridge, ACR, and Photoshop. He explains lots of goodies such as, the difference between the Lightroom and Bridge "databases," the similarities between the Develop module in Lightroom and the sliders in ACR, improvements in Photoshop, and some great lesser-known features such as Camera Profiles. Terrific, informative interview.... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 7, 2009 | Comments (0)

Interview: "The Web Site That Expresses You" - Digital Photography Podcast 170
How do you build a photography site that expresses your vision? I interview Chris Lang, who has become as well known for his beautiful web site designs as he has for his excellent photography. Chris uses SiteGrinder 2 to construct these stunning online properties, and in this interview, he shares his philosophies and a few of his secrets. Editor's Note: Wedding graphic is a screenshot of Chris Lang Weddings created by Chris using Photoshop and SiteGrinder 2 (which is a sponsor of The Digital Story). Chris Lang is a professional photographer, designer and image maker based out of Wilmington... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 31, 2009 | Comments (0)

"Face Recognition All Around You" - Digital Photography Podcast 169
With the introduction of Faces in iPhoto '09, face detection and recognition technologies in computer software became a hot topic for discussion. But we've seen other applications, such as Google Picasa and Facebook embrace face recognition prior to iPhoto '09, and actually, this is a set of technologies on the move. In this podcast, I discuss face detection both on the capture side of the fence with digital cameras, and on the software side. I cover how this technology is being used, and some things to keep in mind if you decide to take advantage of it for your... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 24, 2009 | Comments (0)

"iPhone as Your Grab Shot Camera" - Digital Photography Podcast 168
Your smart phone is the camera you always have with you. And thanks to many innovative developers posting great software in the Apple App Store, the iPhone is becoming a compelling photographic device. Not only can you capture spontaneous images with it -- shots that you might otherwise miss because you didn't have a camera with you and ready to shoot -- but you can also process them on the spot, then send them to others. In this podcast I discuss the power and versatility of this device. For example, the image here, "Sunrise Over LA," was taken with... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 17, 2009 | Comments (1)

"Top Picks from PMA 2009" - Digital Photography Podcast 167
The PMA 09 Show in Las Vegas featured hundreds of vendors ranging from top manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, and Kodak, to lesser known names that often provide interesting discoveries. I have four top picks from the show, and I talk about each of them in this podcast. Panasonic Lumix GH1 Sony DSC-HX1 - est. price $499 Olympus E-620, available for $799 with lens Litepanels LP Micro Compact LED Camera Light Kit Includes Gel Kit for $299 Monthly Photo Assignment Sign of the Times is the March 2009 Photo Assignment. So many things are changing... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 10, 2009 | Comments (2)

"Faces and Places in iPhoto '09" - Digital Photography Podcast 166
iPhoto '09 incorporates some new technologies such as face detection, face recognition, and geotagging. What's interesting to me, is that Apple has found ways to make these additions truly useful. Combined with the previously introduced Events, you can now search and organize your iPhoto library by when a photo was taken (Events), where an image was captured (Places), and who was in the picture (Faces). In this podcast, I explore the two latest additions to iPhoto - Faces and Places. These are more than mere technology gimmicks. Instead, they present new ways for us to look at our pictures.... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 3, 2009 | Comments (0)

"Introduction to Geotagging" - Digital Photography Podcast 165
Geotagging is not the prettiest word, but it's a fun part of photography that many people still aren't enjoying. In this podcast, I introduce you to easy (and affordable) ways to get your feet on the ground, so you can add this new dimension to your pictures. Monthly Photo Assignment Street Shot is the February 2009 Photo Assignment. Time to hit the pavement and discover the interesting moments of life that happen all around you. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Feb. 28, 2009. Listen to the Podcast Now... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 24, 2009 | Comments (5)

"5 Low Light Shooting Tips" - Digital Photography Podcast 164
Here are five things you need to keep in mind when shooting in low light. Follow these tips, and your shots will amaze even you, let alone those you share them with. Monthly Photo Assignment Street Shot is the February 2009 Photo Assignment. Time to hit the pavement and discover the interesting moments of life that happen all around you. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Feb. 28, 2009. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "5... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 17, 2009 | Comments (0)

"Field Test of the Canon 5D Mark ll" - Digital Photography Podcast 163
The Canon 5D Mark ll looks good on paper, but what happens when you're faced with a challenging assignment, such as this wedding in a dimly lit church? You'll find out in this podcast where I field test the camera and report on the results. Monthly Photo Assignment Street Shot is the February 2009 Photo Assignment. Time to hit the pavement and discover the interesting moments of life that happen all around you. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Feb. 28, 2009. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 10, 2009 | Comments (5)

"Mark Your Photos" - Digital Photography Podcast 162
Most photos that are submitted to The Digital Story lack important metadata, such as author name and copyright. We have many good tools to help us identify our work so others know who the photographs belong to. For example, using EOS Utility, software that came with my Canon DSLR, I can add identifying metadata to the image at the point of capture. The first screen shot show me setting up the camera, and the second screenshot shows how the information is displayed in the Preview application for the Mac. Top image: shows where I enter my personal metadata in... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 3, 2009 | Comments (7)

"What to Do About iPhoto?" - Digital Photography Podcast 161
Now that iPhoto '09 is shipping, I thought that I'd take a moment to address the question, "What to do about iPhoto?" Should you upgrade to the latest version? If you're just setting up iPhoto for the first time, what should you know? And if you want to migrate from iPhoto to a professional photo management application, what's the best way to go? I tackle these questions and more in this week's podcast. Monthly Photo Assignment About Face is the January 2009 Photo Assignment. Think about creative ways to make a portrait. It doesn't always have to be the... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 27, 2009 | Comments (6)

"ISO" - Digital Photography Podcast 160
ISO 1600 is the new 400. The evolution of digital technology is changing the way we capture light. In this podcast, I provide a refresher course in managing your ISO settings. Things have changed, and they've changed for the better. Monthly Photo Assignment About Face is the January 2009 Photo Assignment. Think about creative ways to make a portrait. It doesn't always have to be the "smiling into the camera" composition. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Jan. 31, 2009. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 20, 2009 | Comments (6)

"Macworld from a Photo Perspective" - Digital Photography Podcast 159
Digital photography was a centerpiece topic at Macworld SF. In this podcast, I review the trends and conversations I experienced while teaching at the event, and when talking with other photographers. I learned a great deal about what to expect in the coming months, and share that in this broadcast. Photo of Moscone Center by Derrick Story, captured with an iPhone. Monthly Photo Assignment About Face is the January 2009 Photo Assignment. Think about creative ways to make a portrait. It doesn't always have to be the "smiling into the camera" composition. You can read more about how to... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 13, 2009 | Comments (2)

"About Face - Revisting Portraits" - Digital Photography Podcast 158
Some of the most interesting portraits are captured from unique angles. In this podcast I explore portrait photography beyond the forward-facing pleasant smile variety. "About Face" is also the theme for the Jan. 09 Photo Assignment. Speaking of which... Monthly Photo Assignment About Face is the January 2009 photo assignment. Think about creative ways to make a portrait. It doesn't always have to be the "smiling into the camera" composition. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Jan. 31, 2009. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 6, 2009 | Comments (2)

"Get Organized and Set Goals for 2009" - Digital Photography Podcast 157
Are you ready to have a productive 2009? Is your camera gear organized, do you have all of your registration numbers accessible, is your workflow in order? Then, once all of that is in place, have you set goals for 2009? This should be the year you finally build that website, or maybe put a show together to display at the local coffee shop. At this moment in time, we can either look back or look forward. I'm most interested in planning for a productive 2009. Monthly Photo Assignment About Face is the January 2009 photo assignment. Think about creative... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 30, 2008 | Comments (5)

"Five Emergency Gifts" - Digital Photography Podcast 156
You're headed out the door and realize you're one gift short. What do you do? Here are five last-minute gift ideas that you, the artful photographer, can assemble in 30 minutes or less. And the best part? The recipient will absolutely love it. Monthly Photo Assignment Group Shot is also this month's photo assignment. This is your opportunity to practice, then publish the results. I published a podcast on group shots if you need a quick refresher. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Dec. 31, 2008. Listen to the... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 23, 2008 | Comments (0)

"5 Reasons to Shoot Raw + Jpeg" - Digital Photography Podcast 155
Are there times when you want to capture both Raw and Jpeg at the same time? Absolutely! In this podcast, I go over five instances where I think it's to your advantage to record in both formats. Monthly Photo Assignment Group Shot is also this month's photo assignment. This is your opportunity to practice, then publish the results. I published a podcast on group shots if you need a quick refresher. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Dec. 31, 2008. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 16, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Time to Update the Website" - Digital Photography Podcast 154
Oh, how time flies by. We launched The Digital Story in October 2005. Now, more than three years later, it's time to put a new coat of paint on the walls. In this podcast, I go over the changes we have in store for the next version of The Digital Story. We're going to improve the user experience by updating the underlying technology (Movable Type 3 to Movable Type 4), clean up the navigation, add bigger photographs, add video, and create an entirely new area called Creative Output that focuses on printing and other fun projects. But this is also... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 9, 2008 | Comments (5)

"Get Great Group Shots" - Digital Photography Podcast 153
Now that we're smack dab in the middle of the holiday season, group shots are more important than ever. You may want to take one of your family to create your own greeting card. Or you my be the photographer behind the lens at a gathering trying to pull together a group shot. Either way, this podcast will help you get the best image possible. Monthly Photo Assignment Group Shot is also this month's photo assignment. This is your opportunity to practice, then publish the results. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 2, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Gift Ideas for Photographers" - Digital Photography Podcast 152
Photographers aren't the easiest creatures to buy gifts for. Most things they need are either too expensive or they already have. So who better than a photographer to recommend holiday gifts for that special snap-shooter in your life? The following list of suggestions are all priced under $100, and many are less that $30. And if you have a great idea that you think should be added to this line up, please post a comment. So onward with our eight goodies. And remember, you can use these as suggestions to others for gifts for you... Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 25, 2008 | Comments (5)

"Event Mania" - Digital Photography Podcast 151
Wanna get away? Improving your photography is one of the best excuses to travel. Over the coming months, I'll be participating in events in San Francisco, Santa Fe, and the Far East. In this podcast, I discuss these opportunities in case you're considering a trip that combines photography with travel. Here are the highlights: Workshop I've Taken Great Pictures, Now What? This workshop will help you decide the best way for you to organize and edit your pictures. Derrick will focus on four approaches: Adobe Lightroom, Apple Aperture, Adobe CS4, and "Roll Your Own." Class runs from 10am to... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 18, 2008 | Comments (3)

"Do Photographers Really Get Vacations?" - Digital Photography Podcast 150
When you pack for vacation, do your gear up as if you were preparing to invade a small foreign country? Do you feel the need to document every movement that family members make? Are you constantly scanning the horizon for incoming great shots? If you answer yes to these questions, you are not on vacation. I have great empathy for this syndrome. I've been afflicted myself, and drift in and out of recovery. I had a chance to think about this recently during a vacation in Maui. And this week's show I talk about balancing work and play during... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 11, 2008 | Comments (4)

"PhotoPlus Expo Recap" - Digital Photography Podcast 149
PhotoPlus Expo in NYC is one of the best photographer events on the calendar. I say "photographer" on purpose because it's really about the person with the camera in their hands who wants to improve their craft. The combination of top-tier seminars with a heady trade show floor make this a very satisfying event. I spent the week at PhotoPlus and have pulled together a recap of my experiences there, from my time in the O'Reilly booth, to teaching classes, to wandering about the Expo hall, and talk about them in this podcast. I even had time to do... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 28, 2008 | Comments (0)

Creating Art with a Flatbed Scanner" - Digital Photography Podcast 148
Scanners are good for creating artwork as well as copying it. Think about how hard it would be to properly light and photography this image of an autumn leaf (shown above)? Instead, I placed it on an old flatbed scanner and started experimenting. In this podcast I talk about ways that you can put your flatbed scanner to use for creating interesting images, especially this time of year for holiday greeting cards and gifts. Monthly Photo Assignment Missing is this month's photo assignment. This can be taken so many ways. A series of objects with one missing, someone missing... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 21, 2008 | Comments (3)

"Found Treasure - Kodak DC20" - Digital Photography Podcast 147
What were you shooting with in 1997? One of the cameras I had in my hand was a Kodak DC20. This primitive digital camera could hold 8 shots of sub-VGA resolution images (493 x 373). It had no LCD finder, so you had to upload the images via a serial port before you could even see what you had shot. It was focus-free, automatic exposure, ISO 800-1600. And I was fascinated with it. In this podcast, I pull the DC20 out of the closet, put a battery in it, and connected it to an old PowerBook 1400 that has... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 14, 2008 | Comments (5)

"Photography Dollars & Sense" - Digital Photography Podcast 146
I take a look at the article, How to Fail as a Photographer by Allen Murabayashi. In the article, Allen, a photographer and CEO of PhotoShelter, Inc., cites some common beliefs that many photographers have, and shows how they can actually contribute to the failure of your business. Some points I agree with, and others I don't. So I walk you through the article adding my comments along the way. Monthly Photo Assignment Missing is this month's photo assignment. This can be taken so many ways. A series of objects with one missing, someone missing someone else, a clear... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 7, 2008 | Comments (0)

"It's Not Just Your Photos at Risk" - Digital Photography Podcast 145
Photos are important, but what about all the work associated with them? If you've spent time keywording, sorting, rating, adding captions, and making non-destructive image edits (XML), then you should be backing up that information too. Because at the end of a year, that work can represent hours upon hours of your time. In this podcast, I discuss things you need to know about preserving your labor as well as your images. I cover techniques for Lightroom 2.0, Aperture 2.1, and Photoshop CS3. Monthly Photo Assignment Missing is this month's photo assignment. This can be taken so many ways.... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 30, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Top 10 Photoshop CS4 Features" - Digital Photography Podcast 144
Adobe has taken the wraps off Photoshop CS4. I've been working with prerelease copies for months, and I have 10 favorite features that I want to share with you in today's podcast. This is a terrific update, and I think you're going to enjoy what Adobe has done with our "must have" photo application. This means that I also get to announce my new book, The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. This guide fits nicely in your laptop bag and maps out an easy to use workflow for photographers using CS4 -- everything from upload, to organization, to image... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 23, 2008 | Comments (1)

"Portrait Retouching - Where Do You Draw the Line?" - Podcast 143
How far is too far when it comes to portrait retouching? Do you smooth the skin, brighten teeth, and add sparkle to the eyes? Is it OK to reduce the size of the nose, make the eyes bigger, and take off a few pounds here and there? Here's a photo of an attractive woman. She looked pretty in the original shot. And because I liked her bone structure, I used her portrait as a retouching example in my upcoming book, The Photoshop Companion. How does this shot look to you? Is it natural, or can you tell that I've... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 15, 2008 | Comments (2)

"Photoshop World Gems" - Digital Photography Podcast 142
Photoshop World is the biannual gathering of digital manipulation geeks and gurus. I just returned from the latest congregation in Las Vegas. This report covers goodies I saw on the Expo floor, classes, and the Keynote. If you depend on Photoshop for any part of your workflow, I think you'll find this Photoshop World report useful. Monthly Photo Assignment Quiet is this month's photo assignment. As summer begins to wind down, it's time to change gears a bit and enjoy a few quiet moments. You have lots of latitude for your interpretation of this assignment. You can read more... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 9, 2008 | Comments (1)

"Focal Length" - Digital Photography Podcast 141
We toss around terms like 50mm, 16mm, and 200mm like everyone knows what they mean. But what are the inherent differences that accompany different focal lengths? In this podcast I spend some time talking about this aspect of lenses. Monthly Photo Assignment Quiet is this month's photo assignment. As summer begins to wind down, it's time to change gears a bit and enjoy a few quiet moments. You have lots of latitude for your interpretation of this assignment. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Sept. 30. Listen to the... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 2, 2008 | Comments (2)

"Capture Sound Too" - Digital Photography Podcast 140
I've been recording audio as well as pictures while on assignment. Why? Because have both the sounds and the images allow me to create full-bodied presentations when I return home. This doesn't mean that you have to carry a big sound rig in your camera bag. In fact, you might already have an audio recording device in there and don't know it. I cover all of this in this week's podcast. Monthly Photo Assignment Competition is this month's photo assignment. With the Olympics dominating the sports scene this month, competition seems like a good topic. Your event can be more... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 26, 2008 | Comments (2)

"Beijing Debrief" - Digital Photography Podcast 139
My two weeks in Beijing were filled with photo opportunities and travel challenges. In this week's podcast I talk about my experiences in Beijing, the Summer Olympics, how well my packing survived, a peek inside the Main Press Center, and more. It's a fun show. Monthly Photo Assignment Competition is this month's photo assignment. With the Olympics dominating the sports scene this month, competition seems like a good topic. Your event can be more personal, and doesn't even have to be sports related. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 19, 2008 | Comments (4)

"Visit to the Olympic Media Center"- Digital Photography Podcast 138
The Olympic Media Center has over 200 workstations set to help journalists share Olympic moments with the world. In this podcast, I'll provide some insights about this "city within the city," which will also be my home for the next 10 days. Monthly Photo Assignment Competition is this month's photo assignment. With the Olympics dominating the sports scene this month, competition seems like a good topic. Your event can be more personal, and doesn't even have to be sports related. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is August 31. Listen... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 4, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Lightroom 2" - Digital Photography Podcast 137
Tom Hogarty gives an inside perspective on Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 during this interview in San Jose, CA. Tom is the product manager for Lightroom, and he is joined by Frederick Johnson who is the marketing manager. I said up front that I wanted to get right to the good stuff. Tom accommodated nicely and began talking about his favorite features in this major release of Adobe's photo management software. By the end of the interview, we hear dozens of insights and tips about Lightroom 2. Monthly Photo Assignment Competition is this month's photo assignment. With the Olympics dominating... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 28, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Go with the Better Glass" - Digital Photography Podcast 136
The difference between good glass and great glass, is, well, quite glaring. I recently had a chance to work with both in the same conditions. I was on the tennis courts at Stanford University in Northern California for the Bank of the West Classic. I started the day shooting with kit lenses that come with the impressive Olympus E-520. But then I got my hands on some of the Olympus pro glass. Oh my. What fun was that. In this podcast I talk about my experience on the hardcourt using these different types of lenses. This shot, for example,... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 22, 2008 | Comments (1)

"Photoshop Layers vs Adobe Camera Raw" - Podcast 135
Layers adjustments have been a cornerstone of nondestructive image editing in the modern Photoshop era. But are they always the best way to work on your pictures? In this podcast I explain how to work more efficiently in Adobe Camera Raw, saving the layers workflow for only the specific images that need it. Monthly Photo Assignment Fire is this month's photo assignment. With Fourth of July behind us, plus wild fires raging across the Northern California landscape, fire is top of mind for me. As always, there are many ways to interpret this assignment. You can read more about... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 15, 2008 | Comments (1)

"Software Questions from Class" - Digital Photography Podcast 134
Questions about Lightroom and Aperture from my class at Santa Fe Workshops. This is a fun podcast that recaps the last few weeks that involved changing studios, breaking the podcast feed, traveling to New Mexico, teaching a week long workshop about Lightroom, trying to record a podcast in a Ford Edge in the middle of the desert, fixing the podcast feeds, coming home, and finally recording a podcast in the new studio... and actually having it publish correctly. Monthly Photo Assignment Fire is this month's photo assignment. With Fourth of July just behind us, plus wild fires raging across... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 8, 2008 | Comments (1)

"Self Assignment" - Digital Photography Podcast 133
Both Georgia O'Keeffee and Ansel Adams wrote about the value of self assignment. During my stay in Santa Fe, I visited the O'Keeffee Museum and took that inspiration out into the great New Mexico landscape. In this podcast, I talk about how the notion of self assignment influenced my stay in the Southwest long after my formal work here was completed. Monthly Photo Assignment Fire is this month's photo assignment. With Fourth of July right around the corner, plus wild fires raging across the Northern California landscape, fire is top of mind for me. As always, there are many... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 1, 2008 | Comments (3)

"Aperture Priority" - Digital Photography Podcast 132
Aperture priority mode is perfect for controlling depth of field. In this podcast I give some tips for using aperture priority, plus I talk about the upcoming Bert Monroy video interview. Monthly Photo Assignment Motion is this month's photo assignment. There are all sorts of possibilities for showing motion, from panning moving objects, to slowing down your shutter speed, to moving yourself. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is June 30. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Aperture... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 17, 2008 | Comments (4)

"Top 10 Travel Tips for Photographers" - Digital Photography Podcast 131
Here are ten things you don't want to forget when you hit the road on a photo vacation. Some of these items you'll have packed already, but there will be others that I hope you add to the mix. The list is: Insulated lunch bag such as the eBags Crew Cooler. Portable tripod. The Gorillapod is a favorite. Extra storage cards. They are cheap and indispensable on the road. Both compact and DSLR cameras. Model releases. Business cards. 3x5 cards with a couple pens. Non-camera bag. List of important URLs or a Smart Phone. Extra charged batteries and their... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 10, 2008 | Comments (6)

"Handy Bridge" - Digital Photography Podcast 130
Adobe Bridge may be on your hard drive right now. And it's likely that you're not tapping its tremendous power. Bridge has the ability to help you quickly sort through a batch of pictures, review their metadata, add metadata, tap into ACR for image corrections, and more. This isn't necessarily a replacement for your current workflow, but a terrific tool for finding and turning around pictures in a hurry. Then, when you have time, you can go back and bring them into your normal system. I go over this in detail in this week's show. Monthly Photo Assignment Motion... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 3, 2008 | Comments (6)

"Metering Patterns" - Digital Photography Podcast 129
Choosing the right metering pattern for the subject at hand can improve your exposures dramatically. In this podcast I explain some basic tips for using your camera's built-in light meter. Monthly Photo Assignment Pool of Light is this month's photo assignment (that's right, we're revisiting the Dec. 2006 assignment). I think this is one of the most striking effects you can capture in photography. Your subject is illuminated and the light falls off all around it. You can assist with this effect using the "vignette tool" if you photo application has one. You can read more about how to... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 27, 2008 | Comments (0)

"HDR: Do We Still Need It?" - Digital Photography Podcast 128
Can you really get that much more out of an HDR photo than a top-drawer Raw file? And on average, how much more image information can you really use? In this week's podcast, I discuss High Dynamic Range photography, then compare it to the powerful Raw processing tools we have in Aperture, Lightroom, and ACR. I have a hunch that many people with disagree with my conclusions, such as this wildly popular Flickr HDR pool. It's not that I don't like HDR... I'm just wondering if I can get similar results with the careful use of Raw. Listen to... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 20, 2008 | Comments (4)

"Who Cares About Keywording?" - Digital Photography Podcast 127
Keywording has become the photography equivalent of being told to eat your vegetables. But really, who cares about keywording? And more importantly, why should you care about it? Personally, I have given up on the notion of becoming a thorough keyworder. I'm not going to cozy-up with a Coke Zero and keyword a thousand images for the evening. Just not going to do it. But thanks to some innovative tools in Aperture and Lightroom, I can add basic keywords on import, and believe me, that really helps. In this episode, I talk about different approaches to keywording and some... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 13, 2008 | Comments (3)

Best of Podcasts 3 - "Scene Modes"
I'm replaying this show from Dec. 2006 (originally podcast 61), because I'm noticing in my workshops that many people are still not taking advantage of the handy scene modes they have on their cameras. Scene modes serve as a shortcut for a combination of camera settings tailored for a specific shooting situation, such as a night portrait where you want to retain some of the background information. When you go to a scene mode, your camera sets the shutter speed, aperture, white balance, drive mode, and sometimes even adjusts exposure compensation or metering pattern. The trick is to learn... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 6, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Photo Downloader" - Digital Photography Podcast 126
Photo Downloader is an immensely useful application that you may already have on your computer. It's part of the Adobe Photoshop CS3 package, and it comes with Photoshop Elements 6 for the Mac. I've posted about Photo Downloader in the past, but during my teaching, I'm still finding that most people don't realize they have it. So in this show, I cover all the wonderful functions of this program. I also describe a bit about how it can become an important part of your workflow, especially if you haven't made the move to Lightroom or Aperture yet. Monthly Photo... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 29, 2008 | Comments (0)

"After Every Shoot" - Digital Photography Podcast 125
Be sure to download the free reference card that you can print on a standard 4 x 6 sheet of photo paper and carry in your camera bag. The card, titled, "After Every Shoot," lists the 10 reminders that you need to pay attention to at the close of each session. In this podcast, I go over every point on the list. Once you finish listening, download the Jpeg image below and print it on a sheet of standard 4 x 6 photo paper. For best results, print in "portrait" mode (vertically aligned paper), center the image, and scale... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 22, 2008 | Comments (5)

"Going Drobo" - Digital Photography Podcast 124
I've gone Drobo, and I have lots to report about networking this robotic storage array. If that sounds intimidating, it isn't. And after listening to this podcast, you might start thinking about putting a hard drive, or a hard drive array (such as the Drobo) on your network to store images. I've also published a couple weblog posts on the subject. Be sure to check out Drobo Hard Drive Back Up for Photographers and on the Inside Aperture site, Alas, No Aperture on my Drobo. Monthly Photo Assignment Angular is this month's photo assignment. Just about everything intersects at... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 15, 2008 | Comments (6)

"Stephen Johnson on Photography" - Podcast 123
Stephen Johnson is a digital photography pioneer. His mastery of traditional technique combined with his forward thinking led him to the new world of digital imaging. In this interview recorded in Orlando, FL at Photoshop World, Stephen talks about his seminal work, On Digital Photography, the evolution of digital cameras including how megapixels fit into that picture, and provides some great advice on how to best display your work. It's a terrific chat that I think you will enjoy. You can find out more about Stephen's ongoing projects and workshops by visiting www.sjphoto.com. Photo of Stephen Johnson in his... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 8, 2008 | Comments (2)

"Network Printing" - Digital Photography Podcast 122
Multiple printers are easier to manage on a network than trying to connect them directly to your computer, or tougher yet, multiple computers. You can set up a network without spending too much. Basically you need a wireless access point, such as an Apple Airport Extreme, and a good USB hub. For my printer hub, I went with the Belkin Mac Mini USB 2.0 4PT Hub because it has the same footprint as the wireless base station (as you can see in the photo, hub is on the bottom). Of course, when you estimate a job like this, you say... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 25, 2008 | Comments (2)

"Digiscoping and More" - Digital Photography Podcast 121
So, your telephoto lens isn't powerful enough? No problem. Just find a spotting scope, or any type of scope, and hook up a digiscoping rig. In the podcast, I explain how. You can also download a PDF explaining everything you need to know about DIY digiscoping. It's from my "classic" photography book, Digital Photography Hacks. You can also download another PDF about the Walking Stick Mount, which is another tip that I cover in this week's show. Monthly Photo Assignment Paper is this month's photo assignment. Writing paper, wallpaper, bathroom sheets, doctor's office, paper pushers, paper airplanes... lots of... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 18, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Meet the Digital Photography Companion" - Podcast 120
If you only had one digital photography book, would this be it? My biased answer is a resounding "Yes!" The Digital Photography Companion is off the press and headed to bookstores everywhere as you listen to this show. Because you're a member of this virtual camera club, however, you deserve a little inside information. And that's exactly what you're going to get in this podcast -- interesting tidbits about the book that you can't get anywhere else. I've also typed up my notes in the TDS post titled, "The Digital Photography Companion": Author's Release Notes. And remember, this is... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 10, 2008 | Comments (2)

"Camera as a Data Capture Device" - Digital Photography Podcast 119
Cameras are useful for much more than just taking pretty pictures. They are sophisticated data capture devices that you can use to record important information. And because you always have a camera with you, even if it's a camera phone, you can use this functionality to make your life easier. In this podcast, I discuss how I use compact cameras to never forget where I've parked, plus lots of other useful applications. This is handy stuff that will make your daily life better. Parking garage sign recorded with an iPhone just after stepping out of the car. I'll never forget... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 3, 2008 | Comments (7)

"A Visit to the Aquarium" - Photography Podcast 118
Compact cameras can deliver terrific video as well as stills. This week's podcast features a movie I captured at the Tampa Aquarium during an evening event sponsored by Kodak at Imaging USA. The lights were on in the ray and shark pool, and I got down low with my G9 mounted on a Gorillapod to shoot the activity through the glass. You can hear conversations I have with passer-bys asking about the camera and its abilities. Monthly Photo Assignment Empty is this month's photo assignment. Empty spaces, empty containers, empty lives... lots of possibilities for this one. You can... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 26, 2008 | Comments (2)

"iPhoto to Aperture 2" - Digital Photography Podcast 117
iPhoto users looking for a more robust photo management system don't have to search any farther than the just-released Aperture 2. There are a number of reasons why this is a logical transition. I think the best reason, however, is how easy Apple has made the transition from one photo management system to the other. In this podcast, I discuss some of Aperture's advantages over iPhoto, then cover a few strategies for moving up to Aperture, including: Transfer Single Images: In Aperture, go to File > Browse iPhoto Library. You can then drag the images you want into your... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 19, 2008 | Comments (4)

"Inside Photoshop Elements 6 for the Mac" - Digital Photography Podcast 116
At Macworld 2008, Adobe announced Photoshop Elements 6 for the Mac. It is schedule to ship in March, but you can preorder now for $89, or $69 for the upgrade. Back in October 2007, I interviewed Mark Dahm about Elements 6 for Windows, so it's only fair that I revisit Adobe for his take on the Mac version. In this interview we cover all things Mac, and there's a ton of good stuff to talk about. Monthly Photo Assignment Empty is this month's photo assignment. Empty spaces, empty containers, empty lives... lots of possibilities for this one. You can... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 12, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Favorite PMA Goodies" - Digital Photography Podcast 115
PMA 2008 featured evolutionary products such as the Sony A350, Canon Rebel XS1, and Panasonic TZ3. I also saw groundbreaking equipment, such as the Casio EX-F1. In this podcast I cover my favorites from PMA 2008, including: Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 Canon Rebel XSi Sony alpha A350 Nik Software's Viveza Sanho Hyperdrive Photo of PMA 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center by Derrick Story. Monthly Photo Assignment Empty is this month's photo assignment. Empty spaces, empty containers, empty lives... lots of possibilities for this one. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 5, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Julieanne Kost on Lightroom and DNG" - Digital Photography Podcast 114
Julieanne Kost is one of my favorite Lightroom evangelists. I sat down with Julieanne at PhotoPlus Expo in New York to talk about Lightroom, DNG, and organizing lots and lots of photos. Julieanne shares plenty of great tips in this interview. I think you'll enjoy it. You can check out Julieanne's book, Window Seat on Amazon.com Photo of Julieanne Kost at PhotoPlus Expo by Colleen Wheeler. Monthly Photo Assignment Edges is this month's photo assignment. Where does one thing begin and another end? How about the edges of the day, the mind? Lots of possibilities for this one. You... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 29, 2008 | Comments (1)

"5 Ways to Distinguish Your Photos" - Digital Photography Podcast 113"
You can distinguish your work from others. If ten people are given an assignment to shoot a cityscape, you want your photo to be the one that stands out from the crowd. In this podcast, I cover five reminders that will help your photos look different than those of your peers. No magic here. Just good photography technique. I provide sample images at the end of this post. Monthly Photo Assignment Edges is this month's photo assignment. Where does one thing begin and another end? How about the edges of the day, the mind? Lots of possibilities for this... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 22, 2008 | Comments (0)

"Katrin Eismann on Raw, Sharpening, B&W, and More" - Photography Podcast 112
What's the difference between "input" sharpening and "output" sharpening? Do you know when to use Adobe Camera Raw or when you should launch Photoshop? How would you like to learn a new way to convert to B&W in ACR that introduces less noise? Katrin Eismann, coauthor of the just released The Creative Digital Darkroom, shared many of her Raw processing secrets over the course of two days in Tampa. In this podcast I highlight some of my favorite techniques that Katrin demonstrated, including my two favorites: how to better use the masking slider for input sharpening, and a new... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 8, 2008 | Comments (4)

"Getting Organized" - Digital Photography Podcast 111
The start of a new year is a great time to get organized. In this podcast, I discuss pulling together the serial numbers for your camera equipment, registration numbers for you software, and just getting things together in general. I also remind folks about the new New Baggage Restrictions for Li-Ion Batteries. Monthly Photo Assignment Edges is this month's photo assignment. Where does one thing begin and another end? How about the edges of the day, the mind? Lots of possibilities for this one. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 1, 2008 | Comments (3)

"Burst Mode" - Digital Photography Podcast 110
I've discovered that I'm using burst mode much more than I used to, and I wanted to figure out why. As is turns out, there are a number of factors, including changes both on the camera side and in post production. In this podcast, I extol the virtues of shooting in burst mode, then give tips for getting the most out of it. Monthly Photo Assignment Water is this month's photo assignment. It's time to work with all states of water, from vapor to ice. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 18, 2007 | Comments (4)

"Payoff" - Digital Photography Podcast 109
We've been good photographers who have embraced the concept of workflow, invested in software, and have tried to go about our business in an orderly fashion. So what's the payoff? I had begun to wonder that myself. Oh, sure, there have been small victories here and there. For example, I wanted to find this photo that I call "Head Stomp." I had captured it back in Sept. 2006, and I needed it for a project. Thanks to my organizational software, it took me a matter of seconds to locate it, then export it in the size and format I needed.... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 11, 2007 | Comments (2)

"Monitor Calibration" - Digital Photography Podcast 108
The first step in an accurate color workflow is ensuring your computer monitor is calibrated to printing standards. In this podcast, I cover some steps you can take right now with no additional equipment, then discuss the advantages of using a monitor colorimeter. Even affordable units, such as the Huey for less then $80, can lead to more accurate printing and web pages. Monthly Photo Assignment Water is this month's photo assignment. It's time to work with all states of water, from vapor to ice. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 4, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Weatherproof Your Camera" - Digital Photography Podcast 107
How do you protect your digital camera? Hopefully not by staying indoors when the weather gets interesting. In this podcast, I discuss some of my favorite ways to protect my cameras in all sorts of weather conditions: from the depths of the ocean to a showery afternoon in the country. Often, these are the situations when you can find some of the most interesting shots. Want to see what you can do with an $150 underwater housing and a compact point and shoot? Take a look at my underwater gallery from the Caribbean. Monthly Photo Assignment Light and Dark... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 27, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Catching Up" - Digital Photography Podcast 106
Shooting in Costa Rica was a true adventure. The rain was pouring, so my uniform was Tevas, swimming trunks, and a mesh shirt. The Canon 5D performed great in the inclement weather. I had brought the SD700 IS in its waterproof housing, but it wasn't the right camera for people shots. The 5D was the king of the day. In this podcast, I return home to catch up, share a few anecdotes, and get us all back on the right photography track. (I do make an error however and say that the photo assignment for Nov. is "water." That's... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 20, 2007 | Comments (3)

Best of Podcasts 2 - "10 Tips for Great Field Photography"
When out in the field, the goals are to capture great images, enjoy nature, and do no harm to yourself and others. In this Best of Podcasts #2, I share ten of my favorite tips for shooting outdoors. This is an appropriate "Best of" for this week, because I'm in Aruba today with camera in hand. I'll be reporting on what happens while I'm in the field (and in the water) working. Monthly Photo Assignment Light and Dark is this month's photo assignment. It's time to work with shadows and pools of light. See how you can manage a... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 6, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Trick or Treat" - Digital Photography Podcast 105
This week, I reach down into the photo goodie bag and pull out a few treats for the Halloween season. Sweets include: adding metadata to your images so people know who took the photo and its copyright status, my camera gear kit for an upcoming trip to the Caribbean, an update on Mac OS X Leopard for photographers, and a few publishing notes for November. File description fields in Photoshop that enable you to add metadata to your images. Monthly Photo Assignment Close Up is this month's photo assignment. Time to find that close up button on your compact or... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 30, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Albert Watson, Master Photographer" - Photography Podcast 104
Even perusing just a snapshot of Albert Watson's career, you quickly realize that he's not the typical New York fashion photographer (more than 250 covers of Vouge Magazine alone). Yes, since the 1970s, Watson has photographed numerous high-profile models and celebrities. But he's also applied his talent and experience to create a body of fine art imagery that explores the breadth of his medium, leading Watson to be named one of PDN's "20 Most Influential Photographers of All Time." Watson's work lined the gallery walls in the HP booth at PhotoPlus Expo 07, and he was the feature presentation... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 23, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Mark Dahm on Photoshop Elements 6" - Digital Photography Podcast 103
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 walks a tightrope that balances cutting edge imaging technology with ease of use. It is designed for hobbyist photographers who want to manage, edit, and output pictures from their digital cameras. Elements 6 is the Windows version of the application. Photoshop Elements for the Mac will be out early next year. My quest to learn more about this intriguing application led me to the doorstep of Mark Dahm, Adobe Senior Product Manager for Photoshop Elements. As you can imagine, Mark is passionate about this software, and he did a great job of highlighting its features... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 16, 2007 | Comments (2)

"iPhoto 08" - Digital Photography Podcast 102
iPhoto 08 is the best version of Apple's photo management and processing application. It is included on every new Mac sold, and can be purchased separately as part of the iLife 08 suite. My personal view is that Mac photographers should become familiar with this imaging program, even if they're using other tools such as Aperture, Lightroom, and CS3. The combination of iPhoto's great user interface, powerful set of imaging tools, and wide variety of output options make this software an excellent addition to any photography workflow. In this podcast, I show you some of my favorite features in... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 9, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Jennifer Sauer on How to Publish a Book" - Digital Photography Podcast 101
You can publish a book. Jennifer Sauer took an inspired idea and saw it through to her first photo-illustrated manuscript, The Way to Tea. It's an adventure guide to San Francisco tea culture, and it is beautiful. In this interview, Jennifer explains how she conceived of the concept, pulled it together into pictures and words, and eventually signed a deal with Earth Aware Editions to publish and distribute the project. She provides excellent real world tips for succeeding in the current publishing environment, plus has many insights about the state of photography and her transition from film to digital.... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 2, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Top Ten $100 Photo Accessories" - Digital Photography Podcast 100
To celebrate our 100th podcast, I'm sharing my list of Top 10 Photo Accessories for $100 or Less. I present them "David Letterman" style, starting with #10 and working my way up the list to my favorite photo goodie for $100. Oh the suspense as I inch my way up the list. No clues in the show notes. No links. Nothing. You have to listen to this podcast to find out my 10 favorites. I will mention one thing here that I cover in the podcast... that's my gratitude to you, the TDS member, for sharing your work, your... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 25, 2007 | Comments (6)

"Side Jobs" - Digital Photography Podcast 99
There are many "assignments for pay" that serious amateurs are qualified to do -- family portraits, local events, and special celebrations, just to name a few. There are a few keys to success however. First, you must be prepared equipment-wise to meet any challenge that is thrown your way during the shoot (this includes having backup equipment). Only take assignments that are within your skills as a photographer and can be accomplished with the equipment in your bag. Next, you need to communicate clearly with the client before the shoot so their expectations are in line with yours. Then... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 18, 2007 | Comments (4)

"Duotones" - Digital Photography Podcast 98
Duotones and color monochromes are easier than ever to create. In this podcast, I discuss how to quickly create this look in Adobe Photoshop CS3, Apple Aperture, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and Apple iPhoto 7. Lightroom users who want to learn more may want to check out Angela Drury: The Lightroom Recipe Queen for her tips on creating this look using tools in the Develop module. Monthly Photo Assignment Duotone is also this month's photo assignment. This will be a fun gallery that lets us explore new ways to tone B&W images. Hopefully this podcast will help you prepare a... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 11, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Raw+Jpeg" - Digital Photography Podcast 97
Raw+Jpeg might not be your default setting, but there are situations when you want to capture in both formats every time you click the shutter. One of my favorite Raw+Jpeg scenarios is when I want to use a compact printer sans computer, such as direct printing from the new HP Photosmart A626 Compact Photo Printer. You simply insert your camera's memory card into the printer, then choose the images you want to output on its LCD monitor. But this works only if you have Jpegs on the card. The printer, and other similar devices, can't read Raw files. That doesn't... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 4, 2007 | Comments (4)

"16:9" - Digital Photography Podcast 96
Recently a reader asked for ideas to help him renew his creativity. Some of us chimed in with thoughts such as work with a different lens. But I've discovered that even a more powerful approach is to change aspect ratios. After working in 3:2 or 4:3, you'd be surprised how different the world looks in 16:9. In this podcast I talk about using a Panasonic DMC-FZ8 in 16:9 mode, both for still files (Raw at that!) and for movies. I had a lot of fun, and it really got my creative juices flowing. Photo of a school yard in... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 28, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Build Your Workflow" - Digital Photography Podcast 95
Key steps to building your workflow include uploading, adding metadata, photo editing, image editing, output, and archiving. In this podcast, I explain how you can build your own photography workflow... with the tools you already have. To help you along the way, you can download my 28-page workflow guide titled, I've Taken Great Pictures... Now What?. This guide is Free to TDS members! Monthly Photo Assignment I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Intersection. Keep your eyes peeled for elements in life that bisect. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 21, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Harsh Light" - Digital Photography Podcast 94
One of the toughest assignments in digital photography is to shoot in harsh light, especially portraits. There are things you can do at capture stage, such as shoot Raw, use fill flash, try reflectors, and zoom in tight when possible. We also have better tools in post production, such as Highlight and Shadow recovery. In this sample comparison here, I used the Highlight Recovery slider in Aperture to bring some skin tone back to these groomsmen. In this podcast, I talk about surviving harsh lighting conditions and recommend techniques for coming away with professional looking images. Monthly Photo Assignment... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 14, 2007 | Comments (2)

"Teaching Others" - Digital Photography Podcast 93
We're often the knowledge resource that others seek when they have photography questions. But where do you start when trying to explain the basics to a novice? In this podcast, I explain the first four things that you should teach a beginning photographer: Flash settings, ISO, white balance, and self-timer. Once a photographer understands these four tools, and knows where to find them on his or her camera, their pictures will immediately improve. White balance settings are one of the four major topics that beginners should learn. Monthly Photo Assignment I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Intersection. Keep your... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 7, 2007 | Comments (2)

Best of Podcasts 1 - "Killer Shooting Tips with Scott Bourne"
This is a rebroadcast of Podcast 34 originally aired on May 30, 2006. I thought you might enjoy this interview with Scott Bourne again while I'm off cooling my heals on vacation. I'll be back with a new podcast next week. Until then, here are some great shooting tips... You can learn time-tested shooting techniques that will make you a better photographer. The challenge is, remembering them while you're actually taking pictures. This week, I sit down with ace photographer, Scott Bourne, to find out how he captures everything from stunning bird portraits to bridal bliss. Scott uses clever... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 31, 2007 | Comments (4)

"Digital Days" - Photography Podcast 92
Pop Photo's Digital Days is a two-day event that brings amateur photographers together to learn new techniques and share experiences. The workshop travels from city to city in the US, with next stops in Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago, and New Jersey. I was a guest speaker at the recent San Francisco event, and I talk about my positive experiences in this show. If you're looking to get together with other photographers to learn new techniques, then I recommend that you look at this tour. The entire weekend costs just $139, and that includes lunches and lots of goodies. Event coordinator Phil... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 24, 2007 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

"Orphan Works and Notes from the MS Photo Summit" - Podcast 91
The recent Microsoft Pro Photo Summit in Redmond, WA featured many panel discussions on the business of professional photography today. Among the discussions, some of the most interesting involved copyright protection for photographers and the new "orphaned works" legislation proposed by Congress. In this podcast, I discuss my impressions and some of the highlights from the Summit, including a little background on Orphan Works. Photo of David Trust, PPA CEO speaking at the Microsoft Pro Photo Summit by Derrick Story Monthly Photo Assignment I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Pattern. Keep your eyes peeled for the patterns that... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 17, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Self Timer Tricks" - Digital Photography Podcast 90
The ubiquitous self timer -- everyone has one, most forget to use it. In this episode I cover some of my favorite uses for the self timer, as well as remote releases. This simple function setting on your camera can help you get razor sharp images, even in less than perfect lighting. Las Vegas Twilight by Derrick Story. Captured from the Stratosphere at the end of the Strip using the self timer with the camera resting on a flat surface. Monthly Photo Assignment Last month's assignment, Before & After, was so compelling I spent some time during the show... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 10, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Vacation Packing 07" - Digital Photography Podcast 89
It's that time again to pack your bags and hit the road. In this year's edition of "Vacation Packing," I interview Colleen Wheeler, who is an O'Reilly editor in the Digital Media group, and an enthusiastic amateur photographer. I caught Colleen as she was preparing for a trip to Ireland to photograph a family reunion. We focused on making sure the well-heeled traveler has all the necessary pieces of equipment, but packed as compactly as possible. It's a terrific, informative conversation that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Colleen's travel pictures will be published on the TDS Flickr Public Group. Shown... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 3, 2007 | Comments (0)

Printers and Prints - Digital Photography Podcast 88
During a recent discussion about printers on the TDS Flickr public group page, I asked members what they are using to make prints. The Epson R1800 and HP B9180 were mentioned a few times, along with other options. I thought this would be an interesting topic for the podcast, along with my three tips for great prints: First, calibrate your monitor. I like the Pantone Eye-One Display LT Monitor Color Calibrator for about $163 US, but any good colorimeter will work. Next, match your ICC profiles and printing paper. Usually the easiest way to do this is to buy... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 26, 2007 | Comments (2)

"Aperture and Shutter Priority" - Digital Photography Podcast 87
Program mode is great for the bulk of our shooting. But some situations demand that we take more control of our camera to get the shot we want. Aperture priority and shutter priority modes make this easy... that is, if you know how they work. In aperture priority mode, you set the f/stop and the camera sets the corresponding shutter speed. Most photographers use this mode to control depth of field. I used aperture priority to capture this image of the red stairs. I mounted a 16-35mm zoom lens on a Canon 5D, then set the camera to aperture... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 19, 2007 | Comments (3)

"Adobe Interview Part 2" - Digital Photography Podcast 86
In Part 2 of this interview with Dave Story, Adobe VP of Product Development for Digital Imaging, and Kevin Connor, Senior Director of Digital Imaging Product Management, you will learn more about the development of Photoshop CS3, how Lightroom fits into the big picture, and some of the thinking behind the plethora of features found in Photoshop. Dave and Kevin even discuss the use of Photoshop in criminal investigations and its aiding in the search of lost children. This interview recorded at Adobe headquarters in San Jose, CA. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, you can find... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 12, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Dave Story & Kevin Connor Insiders' Look at Photoshop CS3" - Podcast 85
The Adobe Photoshop team was staring into the teeth of a perfect storm when they began the development cycle for CS3. Windows Vista was looming and Apple made a surprise switch to Intel processors. Suddenly, not only did Adobe have to deliver a new version of their venerable photo editing application, they had to completely change the entire development process to do so. In this interview with Dave Story, Adobe VP of Product Development for Digital Imaging, and Kevin Connor, Senior Director of Digital Imaging Product Management, you will get an insider's look at the development of Photoshop CS3,... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 5, 2007 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

"Polarizing Filters" - Digital Photography Podcast 84
Polarizers are still the one accessory filter that every photographer needs. In this episode of The Digital Story, I discuss how to pick the right polarizer, how to use it, and the pitfalls to avoid. In the show I refer to it as "buffet line" because I have lots of other goodies to cover too. Monthly Photo Assignment I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Slender. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is May 31. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 29, 2007 | Comments (8)

"My Favorite Plug-Ins" - Digital Photography Podcast 83
I depend on 3rd party plug-ins to help me customize three of my favorite photo applications: iPhoto, Aperture, and Photoshop. In this podcast I talk about a handful of my favorite add-ons, then solicit your favorites for next week's show. Here are some of the plug-ins I wax about in the show: FlickrExport for iPhoto and Aperture by Connected Flow Aperture2Gmail and iPhoto2Gmail by NotOptimal.net Shutterfly Export Assistannt for iPhoto by Shutterfly Exposure Plug-in for Photoshop (Mac and Windows) by Alien Skin Software BetterHTMLExport for iPhoto by GeeksRUs What's Your Favorite Plug-In? I want to feature your favorite plug-ins... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 22, 2007 | Comments (3)

"Photoshop CS3 for Photographers" - Digital Photography Podcast 82
The two new killer features in the Photoshop CS3 package are Adobe Camera Raw 4.0 (ACR) and the Bridge 2.0. With the Bridge, you can browse all of your images, review their metadata, rate, organize, and even add keywords. The Bridge works closely with ACR for processing your RAW, Jpeg, and Tiff files. That's right, ACR 4 can also nondestructively edit Jpegs and Tiffs now too. In this podcast, I discuss the new features in Adobe Camera Raw 4.0, provide some tips for using it, and even touch on building a photo management workflow with these new applications. Do... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 15, 2007 | Comments (2)

"New Member Photo Gallery" - Digital Photography Podcast 81
You can now post your favorite pictures to our Member Photo Gallery on The Digital Story. We've added this capability so members of our virtual camera club can share and discuss photography directly. You can read the step by step guide for getting started right here on the site. But if you want to know why we did this, then you should listen to this week's podcast. Monthly Photo Assignment I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Slender. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is May 31. Listen to the... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 7, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Instant Holga Photography and More" - Digital Photography Podcast 80
"I have a Polaroid back for my Holga," says Rick LePage. The back costs 3x more than the Holga itself, and I'm still perfecting exposure with it since the Polaroid film ISO is different than what the Holga is set up for. But the images this combination produces... well, they're something else." Rick LePage is currently editor at large at Macworld Magazine. He is a knowledgeable photographer and has become an expert in inkjet printing. I have another interview with him about printing over on the Inside Aperture site. (Really worth a listen if you're in the market for... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 1, 2007 | Comments (2)

"Image Stabilization" - Digital Photography Podcast 79
Image stabilization is one of those breakthrough technologies that truly helps photographers take better pictures. Some camera companies, such as Panasonic with their MEGA O.I.S. system, are incorporating image stabilization in every camera in their line up. This week's podcast takes a look at the different types of image stabilization so you can decide which is the best implementation for your type of photography. Whether its optical based, sensor based, or just raising the ISO, we'll get to what's shakin' in the world of stabilization. Monthly Photo Assignment I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Window to the Soul.... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 24, 2007 | Comments (1)

"10 Years of Digital Photography" - Podcast 78
My first non-teathered digital camera was the Kodak DC20 that had a resolution of 493x373 and 1MB internal memory. The year was 1997, and this was the official beginning of my digital photography adventure. Now, 10 years later, most of my pictures are digital. I have outstanding photo management software (Aperture, Lightroom, and iPhoto), and I'm trying to organize a decade of images into Aperture so all of those early pictures are at my fingertips. These photos reside on CDs, DVDs, and hard drives. I found a way to pull them all together, and I talk about that project... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 17, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Jay Maisel at Photoshop World" - Digital Photography Podcast 77
Jay Maisel recently held court at Photoshop World in Boston. He talked about perception, color, light, and gesture. I was there marveling at his photos and taking notes trying to capture as much of his wisdom as possible to share with you. In this podcast, I recap the highlights of Jay's presentation. In his thoughts about perception, for example, I retell a story about this photo of an arrow (shown on this page, taken by me). Jay told a friend about a photo of an arrow he just took on a truck parked downstairs. His friend said there was... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 10, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Tips from Great Photographers" - Digital Photography Podcast 76
The WPPI show in Las Vegas gave me an opportunity to listen to and talk to some great photographers. In this podcast, I have a collection of tips from Art Wolfe and Joe Buissink. I think you'll find these insights interesting and useful. Monthly Photo Assignment I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Eye of the Beholder. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Tips from Great Photographers." You can download the podcast here (31 minutes).... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 3, 2007 | Comments (0)

"WPPI, New Cameras, and More" - Digital Photography Podcast 75
Podcast recorded at Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas, site of the WPPI Convention. Looking out my window at Bally's, I see the Las Vegas version of the Eiffel Tower. As promised in the show, I photographed the structure at twilight. This shot was captured with the new Panasonic Lumix FX8 camera that I'm testing. Settings at ISO 400, 1/15th @ f-2.8, in Raw mode with the aspect ratio set to 16:9. You can see some noise in the sky, but the colors are vivid and sharpness quite good with the Leica zoom lens. I talk a bit about this... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 26, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Outdoor Portraits" - Digital Photography Podcast 74
Spring is in the air and outdoor portraits are just around the corner. If you don't have the space or the budget to set up a dedicated photo studio, you can capture remarkable images outdoors with just a few affordable accessories. For this podcast, I grabbed my Photoflex Lite Discs and headed to the park with photographer friend Ben Long and Joanna who agreed to be our subject. We recorded hundreds of images in bright light and shade using a variety of techniques. For the shot featured here, I used rim lighting on the hair (by turning the model's... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 20, 2007 | Comments (2)

"Las Vegas Wrap Up" - Digital Photography Podcast 73
The show floor at PMA 2007 was a feast for photographers. All the major camera manufacturers were present in full color displaying their latest wares. But this show isn't just about the majors. Everything from high-tech plastic bags for underwater photography to gigantic printing machines were showcased. In this podcast, I interview Kelly Turner, senior features editor for Macworld Magazine. Kelly has been one of the major proponents for bringing digital photography to the publication, and she is a very knowledgeable editor in this arena. She and I take a few minutes on the trade show floor to discuss... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 13, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Online Photo Services" - Digital Photography Podcast 72
Online services can relieve much of the administrative burden of providing prints to customers. I've been using Shutterfly Pro for a while now, and as a result, I'm spending more time taking pictures while using less effort to get them in people's hands. In this podcast, I talk about these services so you may consider trying one yourself. I also think they're a great way to help you get established in the community. You can cover local events, post them on a pro service, and let people browse the galleries and hopefully buy some images too. Monthly Photo Assignment... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 6, 2007 | Comments (11)

"Sample Up" - Digital Photography Podcast 71
How many megapixels do you really need to make big enlargements? You'd be surprised how much you can do with your 6-8 megapixel camera if you learn how to intelligently "sample up." It's a process you can use in Photoshop CS where you let PS add pixels to your image to increase resolution. My photographer friend, Ben Long, recently tested different methods for "sampling up," and we both agree after looking at lots of prints, that Photoshop's "Bicubic Smoother" produces the most photographic results. In this episode, I discuss how to sample up using the "Image Size" dialog box... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 27, 2007 | Comments (6)

"Convert to B&W" - Digital Photography Podcast 70
There are as many ways to convert a color image to B&W as there are to capture the picture in the first place. In this podcast, I explain two of my favorite methods using Photoshop CS or Elements. You may wonder why I pick these two "traditional" methods of B&W conversion when there are new tools available in Adobe Lightroom, Apple Aperture, and the beta version of Photoshop CS3. Well, quite honestly, many photographers aren't using those new applications yet, but almost everyone has some version of Photoshop. So, we'll start with the basics, then revisit this topic again... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 20, 2007 | Comments (3)

"What's in my Camera Bag" - Digital Photography Podcast 69
There's no greater satisfaction than having packed the perfect camera kit for the assignment at hand. In this podcast, I discuss what was in my camera bag as I ventured out to shoot an indoor basketball game. After covering all the items in the picture above, I then solicit readers for what's in their camera bags. Feb. Photo Assignment I also mention the February 2007 photo assignment, "Texture." Deadline for submission is Feb. 28. You can read the details on our Submissions page. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 13, 2007 | Comments (5)

"More Flash Techniques" - Digital Photography Podcast 68
Many photographers hate the flash because they haven't learned how to tame it. But you can employ your strobe to create interesting, and yes even natural looking images... if you know just a few secrets. Modifiers that redistribute the light have some value, such as the Gary Fong Lightsphere. But there's much you can do with just your flash and good technique. In this podcast I review some of my favorite flash tips to help you get more natural looking pictures. Feb. Photo Assignment I also mention the February 2007 photo assignment, "Texture." Deadline for submission is Feb. 28.... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 6, 2007 | Comments (1)

"Lightroom 1.0" - Digital Photography Podcast 67
After more than half million downloads of the beta version, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is complete and ready for action. In this podcast, I cover some of the details of the upcoming launch in February, plus I look at a few of my favorite features of this new photo management tool. The 1.0 version of Lightroom will be available on Feb. 19, 2007 for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. Early adopters who purchase the application before April 30 can do so for $199 US. After April 30, Lightroom will cost you $299. Adobe is also providing a free trial download... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 30, 2007 | Comments (0)

"High Dynamic Range" - Digital Photography Podcast 66
Cameras don't see the world as we do. Our eyes can pick out the shadow detail of a shaded tree trunk and the subtleties in a bright sky at the same time. A camera can't. At the root of this discrepancy is something called dynamic range, the ratio of the lightest point in the scene to the darkest. On a bright day, most people can easily see 50,000 subtle variations in tone. A typical 8-bit photo captured by a digital camera picks up a mere 256 variations. In Photoshop CS2, Adobe added a Merge To HDR (High Dynamic Range)... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 23, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Photography Book Publishing" - Digital Photography Podcast 65
Have you ever wondered about signing a book deal? If so, I have the interview for you. I sat down with the incredible Colleen Wheeler to discuss her work as an editor for O'Reilly Media. Colleen gives us an inside look at the publishing world and tells us a little bit about her projects with famous photographers such as Stephen Johnson, Mikkel Aaland, Eddie Tapp and more. It's a terrific conversation that I'm sure you'll enjoy. She also has some pointers for those thinking about trying to get a publishing contract. Photo caption: Colleen Wheeler and Mikkel Aaland taking... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 18, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Software for 2007" - Digital Photography Podcast 64
Many of us have decisions to make about software in 2007. Are we going to continue with an existing Photoshop-based workflow and upgrade to CS3, make the switch to Lightroom, get serious with Aperture, or explore the new features in iPhoto? The tools available for photo management are better than ever. And the real trick now is finding the right match for you. In this podcast, I take a look at the four leading contenders for your digital shoebox dollars, touch on their possible release dates, and help you figure out what's the best application for your images. Jan.... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 8, 2007 | Comments (2)

"More Things I Learned the Hard Way" - Digital Photography Podcast 63
Listeners have submitted some of the things they have learned the hard way. In this episode, I tell the stories shared by Landon Michaelson, Brian Reilly, Kevin Miller, and Arnold Prasent. Their experiences hold valuable information for all of us to help us protect our images and improve our photography. It's an entertaining and informative podcast. Jan. Photo Assignment I also mention the January 2007 photo assignment, "Glimmer." You can use this theme literally -- shine faintly with a wavering of light... such as glimmer off water. Or you can go figuratively such as a glimmer of hope. There's... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 2, 2007 | Comments (0)

"Indoor Sports" - Digital Photography Podcast 62
Indoor sports photography offers great opportunity to take pictures without having to venture out into the snow, rain, and cold. This type of shooting is also good practice for using your custom white balance setting, playing with ISO, and breaking out any fast glass you may have available. In this podcast, I talk about a recent shoot inside a high school gymnasium where I use my Canon 5D, a 70-300mm IS zoom, and one of my favorite lenses, the 85mm f-1.8 Canon USM. I pulled out my ExpoDisc to help me tame the indoor lighting, and pushed the ISO... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 19, 2006 | Comments (3)

"Scene Modes" - Digital Photography Podcast 61
Scene modes serve as a shortcut for a combination of camera settings tailored for a specific shooting situation, such as a night portrait where you want to retain some of the background information. When you go to a scene mode, your camera sets the shutter speed, aperture, white balance, drive mode, and sometimes even adjusts exposure compensation or metering pattern. The trick is to learn which scene modes are useful for you, then know how to switch to them quickly when you encounter the appropriate lighting situation. In this podcast, I cover the most common scene modes available, and... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 12, 2006 | Comments (3)

"Capture" - Digital Photography Podcast 60
I keep telling people that capture devices are so much better these days, and as a result, paying attention to correct exposure and white balance pays big dividends in post production. But I hadn't really tested my theory until the other day when I pulled out an older (Nov. 2002) Olympus C-5050 Zoom, set it to Raw mode at ISO 100, and took a series of pictures. I then made A4 prints and compared them to images I'm currently capturing with my pocket-sized Canon PowerShot SD700 IS in simple Jpeg mode. The difference in quality was stunning. The compact... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 5, 2006 | Comments (4)

"Automation" - Digital Photography Podcast 59
Automation tools can help relieve you of some of the mundane post processing work that we all endure when making adjustments to batches of images. Photoshop CS has some great built-in tools in the Actions palette (Window > Actions). You can record a series of steps, let's say converting a color image to B&W, the apply those steps to other images... while you go grab a cup of coffee. A good article on this subject is Scott Bourne's Automate Your Favorite Photoshop Routines. For Mac users, Automator lets you create workflows that span multiple applications. Matthew Russell has written... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 28, 2006 | Comments (0)

"Extreme Lenses" - Digital Photography Podcast 58
For extreme pictures you sometimes need extreme lenses. This week I explore the 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor and the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM. Both of these lenses can help you capture images that are outside of your normal compositions. Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8 This photo was captured by Ben Long in the Western Caribbean. I was walking along side him while he was shooting with the Nikon 10mm, and he remarked I was getting in his shots. So I turned and waved to the camera. This lens has an incredible 180 degree field of view. Canon 400mm f/5.6L... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 21, 2006 | Comments (1)

"The Second Shooter" - Digital Photography Podcast 57
A second photographer on the scene can quietly capture the really interesting stuff while everyone is occupied with the primary photography who is checking off items on the shot list. That's one of the reasons why having two photographers for events is such a good idea. We all know that the best shots aren't always the planned ones. But there's another variation on this theme -- you filling the role of the second shooter for any life event as it unfolds. For example, your son has picture day lined up for his basketball team. You're not the photographer who... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 14, 2006 | Comments (0)

"Hot Tips from the Road" - Digital Photography Podcast 56
Even though there are always great shots in your backyard, there's nothing like a road trip to challenge and invigorate your photography. In this week's podcast, I discuss coping with the elements, getting around in foreign destinations, and dealing with backing up your data while traveling. I also talk a bit about the Nov. Photo Assignment, juxtaposition. Should be a bang-up assignment producing lots of great shots. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "More Tips from the Road" You can download the podcast here (30 minutes).... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 7, 2006 | Comments (2)

"Steve Simon on Heroines and Heroes" - Digital Photography Podcast 55
Steve Simon has been passionate about documenting life through photography since he began taking photographs at age 12 in his home city of Montreal. He authored a column on photography and for eight years his articles appeared in The Montreal Gazette, The Ottawa Citizen, The Toronto Star and The New York Times among others. He graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a degree in Communications/Journalism. While I was in San Francisco for some other work, I had a chance to meet Steve and learn about his new book, Heroines and Heroes. Our conversation was very interesting, so I... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 24, 2006 | Comments (3)

"Things I Learned the Hard Way" - Podcast 54
Experience is the best teacher... as long as you learn from your mistakes. This podcast is dedicated to lessons I've learned the hard way. I talk about situations such as finding myself at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with dead batteries, capturing landscapes at ISO 1600, and not double-checking my facts before dispensing advice on memory cards. If you want to revel in (and learn from) my mistakes, you're sure to like this podcast. And if you have your own lessons that you learned the hard way, be sure to send them to me, and I'll do a... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 17, 2006 | Comments (1)

"Water Photography" - Digital Photography Podcast 53
You don't need a diving rig to enjoy taking pictures around water. And by the same token, water photography isn't just for that once a year vacation to Hawaii. Much in the same way that macro and panorama photography can add new dimensions to your image catalog, so can water pictures. Looking for a new way to get great kid shots? Put them in a pool and jump in with your camera. How about children playing in the surf zone at a beach? Or maybe a canoe trip on the local lake? Splashing in the gutter on a rainy... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 10, 2006 | Comments (0)

"Lightroom vs Aperture Revisted" - Digital Photography Podcast 52
With the release of Lightroom Beta 4 and Aperture 1.5, I felt it was time to check in with these two premier applications to see how they were evolving. Back in January, I published Lightroom vs Aperture round 1. Today we go at it again. Much has changed in 9 months. Lightroom is now available for both Mac and Windows. Aperture runs in Intel-powered Macs as well as PowerPCs. Lightroom's Develop module has grown up into one of the most elegant image editing tools I've ever used. Aperture's performance has improved dramatically, to the point I can do serious... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 3, 2006 | Comments (1)

"Money Making Tips" - Digital Photography Podcast 51
Are you a photographer in search of money? Sounds like an ad you'd find in the back of a trade magazine. But many serious shooters could use a few extra dollars to upgrade their equipment and pay for incidental expenses associated with their photography. In this podcast, I talk about my own money making adventures plus tips I've gathered from other shooters. Here's the deal: if you only need to augment your income with photography, chances are good you'll be successful. If you want to generate all of your income with a camera, you'll probably have a rougher road... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 26, 2006 | Comments (2)

"Inside Pro Tips" - Digital Photography Podcast 50
Some things you just have to learn by experience. In this week's show, I share tips from working pros who can't afford to miss a shot. These gems are invaluable for all photographers, because let's face it, none of us want to miss an opportunity to make a great photograph. Also, I want to note that this is the 50th Digital Story podcast. So fire up your iPod, put in those earbuds, and check out this sage pro advice I have to share. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 19, 2006 | Comments (9)

"Great Group Shots" - Digital Photography Podcast 49
Sooner or later, every photographer is asked to take a group shot. In this podcast, I explain the ins and outs of this type of assignment so you can get satisfying results every time. I've also publish a blog post titled, Tips for Great Group Shots that complements this podcast. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Great Group Shots." You can download the podcast here (32 minutes). Photo of Larry Lessig speaking at an O'Reilly Conference by Derrick Story. See It in Person If you're in... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 12, 2006 | Comments (2)

"Event Photography" - Digital Photography Podcast 48
My interview with James Duncan Davidson covers the ins and outs of event photography. This type of assignment is challenging on any level. James is a professional photographer who specializes in big conferences such as those organized by O'Reilly Media and Apple's WWDC. But all of us can apply the lessons of pro level event coverage to our own assignments. Weddings, graduations, anniversaries, and other common assignments present many of the same challenges as big conferences. James and I cover both the technical aspects and the human relations required for success. Yes, you need to be able to work with... read more

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Posted by dstory on September 5, 2006 | Comments (0)

"Custom White Balance" - Digital Photography Podcast 47
The Custom White Balance setting is one of the most powerful features on your camera. Yet it is seldom employed because we're not sure how to use it. In this podcast, I describe the value of using custom white balance and techniques for putting it to work. You can use something as simple as a plain sheet of paper, a coffee filter, or my personal favorite, the ExpoDisc. If you want to learn more about how to use the ExpoDisc, see my article on O'Reilly Digital Media. Regardless of how you employ custom white balance, it will save you... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 29, 2006 | Comments (2)

"The Impact of Prints" - Podcast 46
Among my many eye-opening experiences in Iceland, I had a revelation about printing while participating in the reception at the Reykjavik Apple Store that final Friday. Instead of mounting our stacks of 13" x 19" prints and properly hanging them on the wall, we used removable Scotch tape and placed them haphazardly on the giant glass windows that illuminated the room. We also left some in stacks on counters where visitors could shuffle through them at their own pace. These choices helped transformed what could have been a somewhat staid event into one of artistic immersion. People would pull... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 22, 2006 | Comments (2)

"Setting Up a Model Shoot" - Podcast 45
Setting up a model shoot can be easier than you think. In this podcast, I interview Maggie Hallahan as she describes how she put together the model shoot in Iceland. We had our chat the morning before the event, so neither of us knew how it was going to turn out. By many accounts, it went quite well. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Setting Up a Model Shoot." You can download the podcast here (18 minutes). Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 15, 2006 | Comments (0)

"10 Tips for Great Field Photography" - Podcast 44
Here are 10 tips that you'll want to keep in your back pocket the next time you wander into the great outdoors. I've been using these tips for years, but had a chance to refine them a bit on my recent adventure to Iceland. The goal of field photography is to capture great images, enjoy nature, and do no harm to yourself and others. This list will help you accomplish the first goal. Chase the light. Photograph where you are. Get out of the car. Know where your equipment is. Walk around the subject. Take food and water. Shoot... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 8, 2006 | Comments (12)

"Getting Serious with Cameraphones" - Podcast 43
Until recently, no photographer in his right mind would consider taking snapshots with a cameraphone. But the recent wave of high-tech handsets are featuring 2-3 megapixel sensors with autofocus lenses and sometimes even flash. In this podcast I explore one of the latest cameraphones, the Sony Ericsson W810i, and discuss tips and tricks for using these devices. Yes, they are now legitimate snapshot machines, especially when paired up with Bluetooth enabled printers that make output a cincch. Listen to the Podcast Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Getting Serious with... read more

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Posted by dstory on August 1, 2006 | Comments (0)

"Iceland Adventure" - Podcast 42
Members of the Iceland Adventure Team - Photo by Richard Morgenstein On July 27 I board a plane for Iceland as part of a team of photographers aiming to capture the beauty of this land and process the images using Adobe Lightroom. This project is really two adventures in one. The first is to work in the stunning but challenging Iceland landscape where the days are 22 hours long and weather is unpredictable. The second is to use a new workflow based on Adobe Lightroom loaded on to laptops for field use. There are many variables surrounding this project,... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 25, 2006 | Comments (1)

"What About Film?" - Podcast 41
Film can be an important part of your digital workflow. Even though you're starting out the process capturing "analog," it can be scanned at the time of processing and those images can be uploaded to your photo application just like original digital source files. In some situations, film can even be advantageous. For example, print film has a wide exposure latitude, broader than most digital cameras for sure. So in tricky lighting conditions, you can capture your highlights and shadows on film, then continue to "work" the scene later using the high resolution scan of the image. Your negatives... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 18, 2006 | Comments (1)

"Great Glass" - Podcast #40
Lenses are to a photographer what brushes are to a painter. In this podcast I discuss some of the attributes that you might want to keep in mind when researching your next lens. Features such as maximum aperture, zooming range, construction, and focusing speed can be the difference between loving your lens or owning an expensive dust collector. Keep in mind that a protection filter and lens hoods are more than just accessories, I consider them essentials. And if your lens is wide angle, you may want to investigate those special "thin" filters that don't cause vignetting around the... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 11, 2006 | Comments (0)

"Five Must-Have Camera Features" - Podcast 39
Serious cameras should have serious features. Many advanced amateur cameras can fill the shoes of DSLRs, but in more compact packages. But not all advanced amateur cameras are created equal. Here are five features that I require on my serious cameras. 1) Hot Shoe 2) RAW format 3) Fast lens - maximum aperture of f-2.4 or brighter. I prefer f-2.0 4) Filter ring 5) Remote release Two "serious" advanced amateur cameras that meet these requirements are the Canon PowerShot Pro 1 and the Sony Cybershot DSC-R1. These are examples only and certainly not the only two advanced cameras that... read more

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Posted by dstory on July 4, 2006 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (1)

"The Making of 30 Miles East of LA" - Podcast 38
The techniques used to create 30 Miles East of LA are very simple using basic software. The movie has 3 tracks: video (created in FotoMagico), music, and voiceover (both tracks added in iMovie HD). In this podcast, I talk about how the project began 2 years ago when I digitized the 20 year-old tapes of the band's music. I then began collecting and scanning the visuals, and even returned to Southern California to photograph the locations where the band performed 2 decades ago. If you're interested in saving some of your old cassette tapes, you may want to read... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 27, 2006 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (3)

"Image Editing Workflow" - Podcast 37
How do you build a basic image processing workflow with the tools you already have? It's quite easy and involves only a few steps. This workflow might not be as convenient as what you'd enjoy in a contained environment, such as with Aperture, Lightzone or Adobe's Lightroom, but you don't have to spend the dollars either. This podcast covers the following steps: Upload your images Crop to improve composition Adjust exposure using levels command (see illustration above for example of good levels settings) Correct the white balance Sharpen using Unsharp Mask You don't have to spend more time managing... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 20, 2006 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (2)

"Shutter Priority" - Podcast 36
Shutter Priority mode is often overlooked in favor or Program and Aperture Priority. But there are many situations where this forgotten mode comes in handy. Today, I discuss using shutter priority to control the appearance of water, freeze action in sports photography, create unique effects with panning, and for controlling the background when using the flash. In the shot above, I used a fast shutter speed (1/500th) to freeze the action of the breaking wave and capture the mist in the air. If I had wanted a different effect, such as a more ethereal look, then I could mount... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 13, 2006 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

"Vacation Packing" - Podcast 35
Exploration is in the air. It's vacation time! All of the techniques we've been thinking about, equipment we've been accumulating, and plans we've been making are about to be put in motion. I'm one of those strange people who actually enjoy packing for a trip. In this podcast, I talk about camera choices, bag selection, accessories, and tips for on the road. Here are a few links to supplement the conversation: Review: Lowepro Rolling CompuTrekker AW Manfrotto Digi Compact Tripod a Winner Tamrac Expedition 4: More Features, but Higher Price Sigma 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC Lens Perfect Complement for Canon... read more

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Posted by dstory on June 6, 2006 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

Killer Shooting Tips with Scott Bourne - Podcast 34
You can learn time-tested shooting techniques that will make you a better photographer. The challenge is, remembering them while you're actually taking pictures. This week, I sit down with ace photographer, Scott Bourne, to find out how he captures everything from stunning bird portraits to bridal bliss. Scott uses clever acronyms such as EDFAT to mentally organize his compositional techniques. In this interview he reveals all so you can start using these tips today. Scott has also provided a link to an article on EDFAT, which stands for Entire, Details, Frame, Angles, and Time. EDFAT is a method that... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 30, 2006 | Comments (0)

"The Concept of Master Files" - Podcast 33
In digital imaging, your master files are the equivalent to film negatives in chemical photography. I recommend that you start by capturing the highest quality possible with your camera. If you shoot RAW, you're already getting the most your camera has to offer. Jpeg shooters need to set their preferences to the highest quality settings available. Then, after you've uploaded the files, you can make copies of your master files for your various needs. I provide a nice overview of this workflow in this week's podcast. Included in the discussion is how to create a master movie then export... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 23, 2006 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (6)

"Camera Bag Chat" - Podcast 32
We love our photo bags almost as much as the cameras tucked safely inside. This week I chat with Suzanne Caballero, who is a camera bag expert. She works for Lowepro; they've been designing great bags for over 30 years. During our conversation, Suzanne shared a few stories about famous photographers she's met through her work as Marketing Communications Manager. First she talked about Greg Gorman, who is a well known portrait shooter with a wonderful studio in Northern California. Suzanne also talked about Seth Resnick, a legend too, who is doing much to promote digital photography across the... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 16, 2006 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (5)

"Mailbag - Digital Photography Q&A" - Podcast 31
Today's photo mailbag includes questions about exposure compensation, over-saturation of solid reds by some cameras, macro photography, photo archiving, iTunes podcast subscriptions, plus a bonus slideshow tip. I promised to post the links to the Macworld article on photo archiving. So here's the info: First, take a look at New Life for Old Photos, then you might want to read Selecting a Scanner. You might also be interested in Tools for Turning Back Time. And finally, don't forget my podcast titled, Scanning Tips. Plus, here's some more info about my slideshow tip, Use Existing Signs for Titles. This tip... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 9, 2006 | Comments (62) | TrackBack (0)

"Sensational Slideshows" - Podcast 30
Powerful multimedia presentations of your pictures will enhance their impact on viewers. And few tools in the photographer's bag of tricks are more compelling than slideshows. This episode begins a month long journey into the craft of building great slideshows. As part of this endeavor, I'm announcing the FotoMagico Slideshow Showcase, which is an opportunity for you to master the art of slideshow presentation and share samples of your work with the world. Here's how it all unfolds. In this podcast I'm discussing how to pick an appropriate subject and am offering some ideas for getting your tools together.... read more

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Posted by dstory on May 2, 2006 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (5)

"Julieanne Kost on Photo Vision" - Podcast 29
How do you find you photographic vision? I interview Julieanne Kost, the author of Window Seat: The Art of Digital Photography and Creative Thinking, about how her compelling project came to life, and how it's changed her as a photographer. "I've so enjoyed taking pictures on one subject matter," said Julieanne. "The project just kept growing and growing. Over a course of 5 years I took more than 3,000 pictures." Julianne has included 150 of the best images in her book Window Seat. The conversation covers the process of choosing your best images, how to evolve as a photographer,... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 25, 2006 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (1)

"Compelling Compositions" - Podcast 28
Our photo compositions are just as prone to bad habits as any other regular activity. Every now and then it pays to step back and rethink our approach to taking pictures. This begins the process of creating compelling compositions. One habit to avoid is always holding the camera the same way, at the same level. By raising your lowering the camera, your angle of view changes and so do your compositions. Another trick is to walk around your subject and not just take the first shot that presents itself. And don't forget to zoom in and out while experimenting... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 18, 2006

"Camera Mayhem - Self-Inflicted and Otherwise" - Podcast 27
There are two types of digital camera disasters: those we bring upon ourselves and those of which we have no control. In this podcast I talk about both. One of the pitfalls that I warn to stay away from is canned air, and I recommend to use blower bulbs instead. My favorite is the Giottos Rocket Air Blaster. But even with the Rocket, be sure to use it with care since you're inside your digital SLR where all the sensitive components reside. I also find Ziploc bags very useful for protecting my cameras from humidity and condensation. Always have... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 11, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

"The Perfect Print" - Podcast 26
Making a good print is more science than art. The creative process happens before printing -- capturing and editing the image. When it's time to put it on paper, all we want is to take what we see on the monitor and output it. Why is that often so difficult? It doesn't have to be. Just remember these three steps: calibrate your screen, image edit your photo, and configure your printer. If you don't have a colorimeter to calibrate your monitor, such as the Pantone Spyder, go to the Displays preference pane, click the Color tab, then click on... read more

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Posted by dstory on April 5, 2006 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (2)

"Street Shooting Etiquette" - Podcast 25
Where do you draw the line when taking pictures of strangers on location? Do you always need permission first? Is a model release necessary for every shot that includes a person? What's the difference between assertive and obnoxious? During my last trip to Mexico, I had a good conversation with photographer-friend Ben Long that addressed these very topics. We were taking pictures in villages on the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta and found ourselves discussing what's appropriate and what isn't. For example, the photo of the young man riding a horse was a situation where he knew I was taking... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 28, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

"Killer Panoramas" - Podcast 24
Digital panoramas are a great way to broaden the width of your lens, add resolution to your final print, and better convey the feeling of the location. By following just a few simple techniques, you can begin creating your own panoramas today. The concept is to shoot a series of images with your digital camera, then stitch them together on the computer. At first, this might sound like a daunting task. But today's stitching software is so good that the procedure is almost automatic. I've been using Adobe's Photomerge software that's part of Photoshop Elements 4, which first came... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 21, 2006 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

"Build Your Own Photo Web Site" - Podcast 23
A well-designed website to show off your photography is an effective store front for photographers. In this podcast, I discuss the importance of having a web presence, for amateurs as well as professionals. The process of assembling your images for online publication has similar benefits to putting together a print portfolio. It forces you to cull your best work and think about your strengths and weaknesses as a craftsman and an artist. I then cover a few tips for building a site quickly. Today's web tools make this process much easier than a few years ago. I recently redesigned... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 14, 2006 | Comments (0)

"Wedding Photography Tips" - Podcast 22
Preparation is the key to success for wedding photography. First, make sure you've gone over a shot list with the bride (and groom if he's interested) to ensure that you're on the same page, literally. You can use this shot list as a starting point. Let the bride add and subtract items as it suits her event. Help her organize the group shots so you can maintain flow throughout the day. For example, don't take all of the group shots right after the ceremony if possible. It slows down the pace too much. Make sure your equipment is in... read more

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Posted by dstory on March 7, 2006 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (4)

"Metering Modes" - Podcast 21
Evaluative metering is the most popular mode for determining exposure on digital cameras. But many intermediate and advanced models have other options such as spot, partial, and center weighted. What's the difference between them? In this podcast I cover all four metering patterns to help you choose the best one for any given situation. Additionally, I talk about how the camera's light meter often sees the world differently than how it appears with your two eyes. I also announce the topic for the next photo assignment: Friends. As of the end of February, we're closing the books on the... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 28, 2006 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

"New Age of RAW Photography" - Podcast 20
No question RAW photography provides shooters with more quality options than standard JPEG formats. But until 2006, the workflow for managing RAW files was clunky at best. The problem was that we really didn't have a pro-level integrated environment for organizing, editing, and outputting RAW files. The general workflow was to open here, store there, edit with this, then, create a new file that had to be managed too. Software companies such as Adobe, Apple, and Light Crafts realized that there had to be a better way, and then did something about it. As a result of their efforts... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 21, 2006 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (2)

"Talking with the Shooters" - Podcast 19
While on a recent Geek Cruise to Mexico, I had the opportunity to talk with other photographers about their approach to these excursions, including what equipment they used. I found these discussions fascinating, and I hope you will too. I start off the show by telling a story about one of my adventures in Puerto Vallarta. I then interview Lynn Lampert who had just purchased a Canon Digital Rebel XT. She talked about upgrading to a DSLR and trying to master it on location. Then, Don Tillman steps up to the mic and discusses his Kodak point and shoot.... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 14, 2006 | Comments (3)

"Life Beyond Program Mode" - Podcast 18
Don't get me wrong, I like program mode. I like my 24-85mm zoom lens too, but I don't want to use it for every shot I take. Sometimes I want a different look than what that lens can provide. The same goes for program mode. In this week's podcast I discuss some of the situations where I prefer to use shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes. Why? Because those modes give me a little more control in those situations so I can get exactly the shot I want. Here are a few examples. Aperture Priority This is... read more

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Posted by dstory on February 6, 2006 | Comments (4)

"Scanning Tips" - Podcast 17
How do you best set up your scanner when archiving all of those prints and slides that you have in storage? It's really not too bad once you know the numbers you have to plug in, and the resulting digital files they produce. That's what this podcast is about. The first thing I want to mention is how much flatbed scanners have improved since I last bought one (which was about 5 years ago). While working on an article for Macworld Magazine, I got to test a number of scanners and really took a liking to the Canon 9950F... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 31, 2006 | Comments (16) | TrackBack (1)

"Is iPhoto 6 Right for You?" - Podcast 16
iPhoto 6 is arguably the most exciting release of Apple's venerable digital shoebox. New features in the current version includes: 250,000 photo library capacity. Full screen editing. Online publishing with iWeb. Non-managed library option for images on your hard drive. Direct connect to Adobe Camera Raw. Photocasting. Lots of output options. Included in the iLife '06 suite for $79. One of the most notable new features in iPhoto 6 is that you can point to images already organized in the file system on your hard drive. This is a big change from its "managed library system" that has been... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 24, 2006 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (3)

"White Balance" - Podcast 15
The White Balance menu on your digital camera is one of your most powerful tools. Regardless if you have a compact or a DSLR, you can compensate for many difficult lighting situations by simply changing settings in this menu. I often say that the white balance menu is like having an entire set of filters built right into your camera. The cool thing is, unlike glass filters, you don't have to buy, store, or clean white balance settings. You just have to find the settings. The easiest way to talk about color temperature, which is what white balance is... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 17, 2006 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (3)

"Lightroom vs Aperture" - Podcast 14
Adobe has just announced the public beta Lightroom, right on the heels of the recent Aperture announcement by Apple. Both applications are robust photo editors, which is different than image editing. Photo editing is the process of choosing the best images from any given shoot. It is comparing and then selecting. Image editing is adjusting the actual pixels of a picture, such as changing its brightness. Even though Aperture and Lightroom provide solid image editing tools, their real strength is their ability to help you quickly organize and output the best shots from your shoots. When comparing these two... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 10, 2006 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (4)

"Learning the Histogram" - Podcast 13
The histogram is a useful tool for determining and correcting exposure on both the camera and in your computer's image editor. The histogram is actually very easy to understand once you learn its basic components. The information on the left side of the graph represents the dark tones in your picture. On the right side you see a graphical representation of the highlight detail. The middle area represents the "gamma," or middle tones. The Histogram on Your Camera's LCD Monitor When you take a picture and review the image and its histogram on your camera's LCD monitor, you can... read more

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Posted by dstory on January 2, 2006 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (2)

"The Holiday Photographer" - Podcast #12
I think being the event photographer is a blessing. Whether I'm at an office party, family gathering, or celebrating with friends, my camera enables me to move effortlessly from one conversation to another. If I'm feeling stuck, I can always say, "Excuse me, but I see a shot over there I need to grab." The camera also facilitates introductions. "Hi, I'm taking pictures for the host. My name is Derrick. Do you mind if I grab a quick shot of you and your wife?" The next thing you know you're in friendly conversation. The role of holiday photographer is much... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 20, 2005 | Comments (13)

"Photography Etiquette" - Podcast #11
I try to get a model release at the end of every shoot. Plus, I think it's courteous to offer extra prints to the subject if I plan on publishing the shot. Much of good etiquette, while working as a photographer, comes from common sense. Things like: don't interfere with the action, don't obstruct the mother's view at a wedding, be frugal with your flash in darkened environments, and ask permission to publish photos of people whom you can recognize in the shot. Photographers who publish, or who are aiming to do so, should carry a model release and... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 13, 2005 | Comments (1)

"Low Light Photography" - Podcast #10
Digital cameras excel in low light, especially DSLRs that enable you to increase your ISO to 400 and above without excessive compromise in image quality... or, at least, it's often worth the tradeoff to get the shot. But there's more you can do beyond simply jacking up the ISO. An effective technique to capturing good images in dim conditions is to actually get more light to the image sensor. An easy way to do this is acquire a "fast" lens, such as a 50mm prime lens that's rated at a maximum aperture of f-1.7 or f-1.8. An f-1.8 lens,... read more

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Posted by dstory on December 6, 2005 | Comments (7)

"12 Photo Gadgets for Gifts" - Podcast #9
The UltraPod II is one of my 12 favorite photo gadgets. Read on for the other 11... Every photographer has his or her favorite gadgets. This week's show lists 12 attractive ones that I think will interest you, and might make the perfect gift for a special photographer on your holiday shopping list. Here are the links for the dozen I discussed on Podcast #9. Tamrac Photographer's Vest -- There are lots of great vests on the market, and I've liked most of what I've seen. This Tamrac vest comes in black or khaki and costs about $90 (at... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 29, 2005 | Comments (4)

"Hottest Digital SLRs" - Podcast #8
This week, I take a look at my favorite Digital SLRs. I start with the megapixel king in this roundup, the Canon 5D, and work down the list from there. All of these cameras are excellent. One of them may be right for you. The Canon 5D is the 12.8MP king in this roundup of advanced cameras... Canon 5D -- $3,300 without lens or memory card. The Canon 5D is a "full frame" 12.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Full frame means that the image sensor (35.8 x 23.9mm) is roughly the same size as 35mm film. So your existing collection of... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 22, 2005 | Comments (43) | TrackBack (5)

"ISO Settings and More" - Podcast #7
The main discussion in this week's show focuses ISO settings (and how far you can go with them). I also revisit the memory card fiasco from last week and touch on the new WiFi cameras offered by Nikon and Canon. ISO Settings Sometimes referred to as film speed, ISO speed is actually a better term for expressing the light sensitivity of your digital camera. ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. This entity has established many standards, including the light sensitivity of photographic materials. If your camera has multiple ISO speed settings, then you can use these adjustments to increase... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 15, 2005 | Comments (7)

"Compact Camera Buying Tips" - Podcast #6
If you need a good camera while on the go, I'd recommend that you start by comparing compact models. They're easier on the wallet and fit into a pocket or purse. Compact cameras typically range from 2 to 7 megapixels of resolution. Their picture quality can be outstanding, but they usually don't offer the array of features and controls that larger models do. The zoom lens tend to be 3X, which translates into 35-105mm for most models. After you listen to this week's podcast, use this handy checklist to help you, or a friend, find the right digital camera. I... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 8, 2005 | Comments (4)

"Raw Workflow" - Podcast #5
As we wait for Aperture and software like it to help us manage Raw files more efficiently, many of us are forced to using two or more applications to complete our workflow. When I was shooting with a Canon 10D, I stuck with iPhoto 5 for organizing and browsing my .CRW files. But everything broke with my new Canon 5D that produces .CR2 files. iPhoto 5 couldn't read those images until the recent Mac OS X 10.4.3 update that added .CR2 file compatibility (among others). Even so, iPhoto just seems too underpowered for this type of work. So I've been... read more

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Posted by dstory on November 1, 2005 | Comments (4)

"Raw: To Shoot or Not to Shoot" - Podcast #4
One of the great debates among advanced digital photographers is whether to use the JPEG or Raw format for recording images. Both formats are capable of producing high-quality pictures, but when you shoot in JPEG mode, the camera processes the image for you so it is "complete" when you upload it to your computer. Images captured in Raw format, on the other hand, are not complete when you transfer them to your workstation. This process is more like taking a negative into a darkroom where you can adjust white balance and exposure until you get the perfect image. It's true... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 25, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

"Movie Making with Digital Cameras" - Podcast #3
Digital cameras have become adept at making movies as well as capturing still images. I've had great fun with the Casio EX-P505 that shoots amazing video using the M2S4 (MPEG-4) Codec. I get 30fps at 640x480 resolution and stereo audio. Many other cameras offer comparable specs too. For some time now, we've been able to watch the movies we make with these cameras on our computers and even burn them to DVD for TV viewing. But as of Oct. 12, 2005, we can start thinking about carrying our videos around and sharing them with others on the new Apple iPod... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 18, 2005 | Comments (3)

"To Shoot a Bottle" - Podcast #2
You don't need expensive lighting to get professional results in the studio, especially for product photography. With a little planning, you can use natural light from a window to capture compelling shots. This is a great technique for posting eBay for-sale items and article illustrations. Here's a quick tour of how to set up your existing light studio. First, you need to find an area with a light source. A north window is ideal because the light is diffused and not too harsh. Then, set up your backdrop. White photographer's seamless backdrop paper works best, but you can use a... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 10, 2005 | Comments (4)

"Photo Flash Techniques" - Podcast #1
Compact cameras generally use "Auto Flash" as their default mode. And for most flash photography, auto gets the job done. But if you want to improve your photos, to the point where they rival professional images, spend a few minutes exploring the other flash modes on your camera. Start by locating the "lightening bolt" icon on you camera -- that's the universal symbol for electronic flash. If you're lucky, it's a button control on the back of your camera, which means easy access. Some cameras bury the flash controls in the menu system. If that's the case for your digicam,... read more

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Posted by dstory on October 4, 2005 | Comments (0)