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

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 (4)

"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 (5)

"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 (2)

"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 (3)

"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 (7)

"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 (11)

"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