Image applications tend to develop their own personality over time, and Exposure X2 by Alien Skin has evolved into a sleek, creative image processing program that should be appealing to photographers who want a catalog-free workflow with a powerful toolset.

Exposure X combines an attractive interface with great editing controls.

Exposure X2 V2.6 has plenty of new, robust features such as layers, spot healing, lens corrections, and a nifty history panel, but what caught my eye was the way that I could quickly copy a card full of images to my G-Drive Slim, pick out a few pictures that I liked, edit them, then export out to social. All in just a matter of minutes.

File Management

Instead of using a database model to manage your pictures, Exposure X2 lets you place them anywhere (in my case on a slim G-Drive that I carry with my laptop), then organizes the folders to your liking. The application places an "Alien Skin" folder inside each directory of images. This folder contains all of your added metadata and adjustments. The upshot of this approach is that I can plug my G-Drive into another laptop, and pick up right where I left off with my photos. It's fast and flexible.

The clever Alien Skin folder inside each directory of master images. It contains all of your metadata and corrections.

Later, if I wish, I can point Lightroom, Capture One Pro, Photos for macOS, or Luminar to that same directory, and work on the files with those applications as well. In other words, I don't have to make a lot of organizational decisions when I first import with Exposure X. I can edit quickly knowing that my files are stored in a logical structure on the drive, and available to other applications if needed.

I like the import dialog box. But I wish that it had a few more options for file renaming.

There are pros and cons to Exposure X2's import dialog. On the plus side, its fast and straightforward. I pick the destination, subfolder style, and IPTC metadata that I want added, then let it fly. But, I can't pick and choose individual images to import, and the "file renaming" feature doesn't have an option to preserve the original file name plus additional data. So it's either original file name or custom data.

Rating and Editing

Once the images have been copied to the drive, there are many options for rating and editing. Flags, star ratings, and color labels are available to help you identify your favorite shots. You can activate a filter toolbar at the bottom of the interface to sort your images. And there are tons of film and effects presets and really terrific editing tools.

Plenty of powerful tools here, including one of my favorites, lens corrections.

I like the news lens correction feature, and love that X2 includes the Olympus 14-42mm EX zoom among its many Olympus profiles. The layers control is easy to use and is a terrific addition to the app, as is spot healing. It's really fun to edit with this app.

Exporting

Once it's time to export, you have access to a nice dialog that provides you with options for destination, file naming, metadata, and image resizing. The output looks very good. You can also use a quick export function that optimizes the files for your favorite social sites.

The export dialog is easy to use and the output looks great.

The Bottom Line

On my Mac laptops, file import from memory cards was faster with Exposure X2 than with Lightroom or Capture One Pro. Largely this was due to the fact that it doesn't build previews as part of the import process. I could pick out a few favorites, edit them, then move them along online. The entire process took just a few minutes.

The editing tools and presets are quite good, certainly capable enough to handle everyday work. Combine that power with an attractive interface, snappy performance, and a truly flexible workflow, and Exposure X2 could be the answer for photographers desiring a catalog-free workflow that features power and simplicity.

Currently, all Alien Skin products are on sale for 30 percent off (through May 10, 2017). So you can purchase Exposure X for $104.30. They also have a trial download if you want to test drive the app.

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #582, May 2, 2017. Today's theme is "5 Unique Trail Tips for Day Hikers" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Spring is in the air, and the allure of the great outdoors calls to our spirit of adventure. What a pleasant thought after a long winter: bubbling mountain springs, picnics beneath a shady tree, and expansive vistas to ponder and photograph. But Mother Nature isn't just flowery meadows and puffy clouds. So a little preparation goes a long ways toward a safe and satisfying adventure. And that's the first story in today's TDS Podcast.

5 Unique Trail Tips for Day Hikers

I've been strapping on my day pack since I was in grammar school. I completed my first 50 mile hike when I was 11 years old. By the time I was 17, I had earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was spending my summers as a counselor and guide for camp in the Sierras.

These days, I hike with my boys and my camera. I'm not as fast up the mountain as I once was, but I still enjoy outdoor life. And a big part of that comes from being prepared and staying nimble.

In that spirit, here are five tips that I find myself sharing often with those who I spend time on the trail with.

• Learn the good plants from the bad ones - In California, we have a lot of Poison Oak and Stinging Nettle. At the beginning of the hike I remind folks that "leaflets three, let it be" to avoid bring home a nasty souvenir from the day's activities. On the other hand, leaves from a Bay tree make a pleasant natural insect repellant, and Miner's Lettuce can serve as a refreshing afternoon snack.
• A little food and a lot of water - Don't bother packing a lot of food for a day hike. The activity will usually keep your appetite at bay, that is until the hike is over and you're suddenly starving. But you need at least one liter of water, per person. So a couple snack bars or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a HydroFlask of H2O should get the job done. No drinking out of streams, ever.
• Protective clothing works on many fronts - High tech fabrics these days are amazing. You can wear a long sleeved shirt that provides sun protection equal to SPF 50, keeps the bugs off your neck and arms, and provides an additional barrier from plants and rocks. Plus, much of this apparel helps keep you cool in the heat and warm in the shade. Definitely worth revisiting if you haven't shopped outdoor clothing for while.
• Trail shoes over sneakers - Just like outdoor clothing as improved, so have hiking shoes. I look for soles that provide good traction on rocky surfaces, reasonable ankle support, and protection from blisters and hot spots. Plus, if you have to cross a stream and accidentally step off into the mud, you won't ruin your favorite Nikes.
• Excess weight is your enemy - When hiking season approaches, I like to lose a few pounds. It's amazing how much easier it is getting up the hills. Plus, I keep my packing weight to a minimum. One camera, two snack bars, water, and the 10 essentials are all I like to carry.

Great Deal on a Panasonic Lumix GM5

Normally, I sell my used gear on Amazon Marketplace. But for some reason, they won't allow me to list my Panasonic gear there. So I'm offering up a great deal on my Lumix GM-5 with 12-32mm Panasonic Zoom in the Nimble Store. This model has the attractive red leather, which is quite handsome against the black satin finish of the camera. Everything is in beautiful shape, and includes all original accessories in the original box. If you're interested, you can purchase the camera in the Nimble Store for $399.

Final Schedule Set for Norther CA Coast Tour

We have one seat open for the The Northern CA Coast Tour - May 18-20, 2017. Check out this list photo spots:

• Armstrong Woods
• Goat Rock
• Ft. Ross State Park
• Still Water Cove Regional Park
• Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
• Salt Point
• Ocean Cove Lodge

If you're interested in registering, visit the Registration Page and sign up!

Photojournalists reveal their favorite publications to work with and what they pay

DP Review reports: "Columbia Journalism Review recently surveyed a group of photojournalists on their favorite publications to work with based on several criteria, including arguably the biggest one - pay. As a result, they've published an article revealing the day rates for some top publications as well as some insight into other factors, such as balancing a lower day rate with exposure to a wider audience."

"So by the numbers, how do top publications stack up for freelance photographers? CNN comes out on top with the best day rate at $650, though National Geographic is close behind with typical rates between $500-650. Harper's Magazine's rate was hard to pin down but reported rates varied from $500 up to $1000 per day."

"The New York Times' recently boosted rate of $450 per day makes it more competitive with the top-paying outlets, but CJR notes that the photographers they spoke with acknowledged the Times' wider reach and top-notch editorial staff go a ways to compensate for the lower pay. Coming in with the lowest day rate of the bunch is the Washington Post, offering $350."

Updates and Such

Big thanks to all of our Patreon members! I was able to pay for the podcast server and the backup system from last month's pledges. Your contributions are making a positive impact.

Registration invitations have gone out to Reserve List members for the Autumn in Wine Country Photography Workshop. If you are on the Reserve List, but didn't get your invite, please contact me. You can learn more about the workshops by visiting the TDS Workshops Page.

B&H and Amazon tiles on www.thedigitalstory. If you click on them first, you're helping to support this podcast. And speaking of supporting this show, and big thanks to our Patreon Inner Circle members.

And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

MeFOTO Air Tripods - MeFOTO Air Tripods are a nimble photographer's dream.

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

The Nimbleosity Report

Do you want to keep up with the best content from The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer? Sign up for The Nimbleosity Report, and receive highlights twice-a-month in a single page newsletter. Be a part of our community!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Warm Spring days are perfect for outdoor photography. The landscape remains green from Winter rains, the days are a bit longer, and temperatures tend to be milder compared to their Summer counterparts.

At the same time, however, we tend not to be in as good hiking shape as we will be later in the season. So it's often best to keep it light for those first few climbs up the mountain.

"Top of the Ridge" - Olympus PEN-F with 14-42mm EZ zoom. Photo by Derrick Story.

• 1 liter water bottle
• Mirrorless camera with lightweight zoom lens.
• Basic hiking essentials (sunblock, shades, hat, etc.)

And that's it.

As you work into shape over the Spring/Summer, you can modify your gear list. But don't overdo it on the first couple hikes.

One thing that I've learned is that biking shape is not hiking shape. Ease into your treks and you'll have a better time and still get great shots.

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

Luminar users who want to better understand how all 38 filters work now have an excellent resource. The Photo Filters page features pro photographers showing how each filter works, using their images to illustrate the settings.

"Remove Color Cast" by Derrick Story.

For example, the Remove Color Cast page that I created with Macphun shows how easy it is to get rid of the greenish tint that sometimes appears in our interior images. (This filter works for a variety of color casts, not just the one that I illustrated.)

If you click on the pair of photos at the top of the page, a larger image will popup with a before/after curtain slider to make it easy to see the difference.

Plus, you get an explanation of all the controls for each filter. So you'll know exactly how to apply each one to your images. This is a very helpful resource that you will want to bookmark for future reference. And these mini tutorials should make you even more efficient with Luminar.

Special Offer: Scott Kelby's "Picture Perfect Presets" for Luminar

Macphun has teamed up with KelbyOne to offer Luminar + 1 Month KelbyOne Membership + Portrait Presets from Scott Kelby for only $69 (total value $99). This special is available until Wednesday, May 3 2017. For $69, you'll receive:

• Luminar, The Supercharged photo editor for Mac that adapts to your skill level.
• 12 portrait presets created by Scott Kelby - One of the world's most prolific photography authors and educators.
• 1 Month of access to KelbyOne training where you can learn everything you need to know about photography.

If you've been thinking about getting a copy of Luminar for yourself, then this Special Offer makes it a great time to do so.

Photos for macOS as Your Digital Darkroom

You can learn more about using Luminar as an editing extension in my lynda.com training, Photos for macOS: Advanced Editing Extensions.

And if you'd prefer to cozy up with a book, check out The Apple Photos Book for Photographers that features chapters on basic editing, advanced post processing, and editing extensions.

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

I find myself in bad lighting situations all of the time. They are a byproduct of whirlwind travel photography. Often I can mitigate the harsh contrast through standard multi-exposure HDR or leaning heavily on the recovery properties of the RAW file. But that requires a bit of work in post production. And sometimes, I just want to turnaround the image quickly.

Both my Olympus and Pentax cameras have in-camera HDR processing. It's a crazy, over-the-top proposition. But there have been times when I've found it useful. Take a look at this set of images.

Straight Exposure - Pentax KP, 20-40mm HD zoom, ISO 100. No post processing on this shot. Photo by Derrick Story.

In-Camera HDR - Pentax KP, 20-40mm HD zoom, ISO 100. Photo by Derrick Story.

I've showed the HDR version to a number of folks with very positive, almost delightful reactions. It has an illustrative appearance, feeling a bit like a watercolor.

This approach isn't appropriate for many types of subjects. But every now and then, especially in bad lighting, it's worth a shot. And the best part is, you'll know whether you like it or not in just a matter of seconds.

The Pentax KP Final Verdict

If you're interested in learning more about the Pentax KP DSLR, take a look at my series of articles reviewing it. You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #581, April 25, 2017. Today's theme is "Single Frame Story" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

When you press the shutter button, what is your goal for that fraction of a second? Are you recording a slice of life? Capturing something beautiful? Not sure really why you took the picture? One exercise that I find useful is trying to tell a complete story within one frame. Everything the viewer needs to know is right there within the boundaries of your viewfinder. And we explore this concept in today's TDS photography podcast.

Single Frame Story

Here are five techniques to help you tell a story within a single frame.

• Look for Action and Reaction - One person is doing something, and another is reacting to it. In writing we called it man vs man. Variations on this technique is man vs nature, and man vs him or herself.
• Crop out Extraneous Elements - If the viewers are going to engage with the image, then they need to identify the main activity quickly. Cropping helps you direct the viewer's eye to the main action.
• Work with Lighting, not Against it - I'm not saying that you have to be so obvious to illuminate the principle character and darken everything else. But you certainly want lighting on your side.
• Be on the Lookout for Drama and Humor - Dramatic tension, such as the rock climber struggling up a steep incline, or the humor expressed in a facial expression can speak volumes.
• Look for Dramatic Angles - Capturing the image from a low or high angle can energize the narrative and draw the viewer into the image.

Perfect Panoramas with the MeFOTO Roadtrip Air

This week's three-legged adventure with the MeFOTO Roadtrip Air is to help me create perfect panos with my iPhone. Here's how:

• Mount the iPhone in the vertical position on the MeFOTO and align it as straight as possible.
• Enable the Compass App and swipe to the second screen which is the built in level. Square up your iPhone to 0 degrees and test your alignment by panning from left to right.
• Loosen the panning knob on the MeFOTO so there's just a slight tension.
• Enable the Camera app and go to Pano mode. Tap the shutter button and pan slowly from left to right.
• Enjoy your beautifully aligned panorama!

Just to give you a bit of background about this super nimble tripod, it's distinguishing features include:

• Super Fast Setup with the new HyperLock Leg System. Setup is as easy as 1,2,3: 1 - Hold tripod leg and twist counterclockwise until it stops (4 clicks), 2 - Pull the leg to the desired length, 3 -Twist leg clockwise until it stops. (How easy is that?)
• Perfect for Selfies - removable telescoping center column converts to a Selfie Stick with included smartphone holder and Bluetooth remote!
• Ultra lightweight - 30 percent lighter than classic MeFOTO models
• Available in Backpacker, RoadTrip, GlobeTrotter models and 7 colors.

If you want to learn more about the MeFOTO line of tripods, look for the colorful tile on all the pages of the thedigitalstory.com. And if you decide that you want one for yourself, use coupon code THEDIGITALSTORY to save 10 percent and receive free shipping.

Why Printing Your Photos Will Make You a Better Photographer

In the article, Why Printing Your Photos Will Make You a Better Photographer, the author quotes Peter Mikinnion:

Photography, he says, used to be a two part process--Part 1: take pictures; Part 2: develop and print them. With the advent of digital photography, that second part was warped into post-processing and online sharing, but McKinnon believes something was lost in the transition.

"Where I love Instagram, and I love digital, and I love where everything's gone," says McKinnon. "It got me thinking: 'People don't print their work enough, and there are SO many benefits that come from printing your stuff out.'"

The two benefits McKinnon touches on in this video are (1) Printing helps you understand your photography much better, and (2) Printing your photos lets you 're-discover' that second half of the photographic process.

Both of these things help you to improve your own photo taking and, as a bonus, draw more joy out of your photography.

Updates and Such

Big thanks to all of our Patreon members! I was able to pay for the podcast server and the backup system from last month's pledges. Your contributions are making a positive impact.

Registration invitations have gone out to Reserve List members for the Autumn in Wine Country Photography Workshop. If you are on the Reserve List, but didn't get your invite, please contact me. You can learn more about the workshops by visiting the TDS Workshops Page.

B&H and Amazon tiles on www.thedigitalstory. If you click on them first, you're helping to support this podcast. And speaking of supporting this show, and big thanks to our Patreon Inner Circle members.

And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

MeFOTO Air Tripods - MeFOTO Air Tripods are a nimble photographer's dream.

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

The Nimbleosity Report

Do you want to keep up with the best content from The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer? Sign up for The Nimbleosity Report, and receive highlights twice-a-month in a single page newsletter. Be a part of our community!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

On this week's TDS Podcast, I'm discussing storytelling in a single frame. There are many techniques to choose from with this practice, including one of my favorites, taking the viewer's eye on journey.

"Visual Journey" - Olympus PEN-F, 14-42mm zoom. Photo by Derrick Story.

The destination doesn't have to be revealed in the composition. It's OK to let the viewer wonder what's around the bend. So, in this case, the journey is everything.

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

The Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM zoom is on sale for $449 in Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and Sigma mounts. I needed an ultra wide for my new Pentax KP, and this looked like a great deal. And as it turned out... it is.

"Old Stairs" Pentax KP with Sigma 10-20mm at 10mm. Aperture Priority at f/11, ISO 200, 1/30th, DNG processed in Capture One Pro 10. Photo by Derrick Story.

Beyond the wide focal length that pairs perfectly with my Pentax HD Pentax DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 ED zoom, I was attracted to the constant f/3.5 aperture on the Sigma. That's fast enough to allow me to use the optic indoors as well as out. Build quality is very good, and the zoom is neither too large or heavy, allowing it to balance nicely on the Pentax KP.

The images are sharp with good contrast. And having that wide 10mm (15mm equivalent on the Pentax KP) adds an entirely new dimension to architectural and landscape photography.

After two shoots with the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM zoom, I feel like it's a bargain at $449.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Someone's ToDo List item got checked off today. The Flickr.com website now renders beautifully on mobile devices as well as on the desktop.

Previously, lovers of photography had to use the Flickr app or a mobile version of flickr.com to browse, favor, and comment while scrolling though images. But now, you can merely enter flickr.com in your phone's web browser, and enjoy an optimized experience.

Everything is there: Camera Roll, Photostream, Explore, Galleries, Stats, Trending, and more. If you want to fav a photo from someone that you're following, you have to tap on the star beneath the image. Instagram users who are used to double-tapping on the photo to favor it will be greeting instead with the image appearing on a new web page.

Other than that adjustment, the new Flickr.com on mobile devices is an attractive and intuitive experience. Let the browsing begin...

More Flickr Tips and Techniques

If you want to master Flickr on your mobile device, check out Flickr Mobile: Photo Sharing Anywhere. Desktop users might be interested in Sharing Photos with Flickr. Of course the platforms work well together too, and I discuss how you can integrate all of your devices to create a seamless photography workflow.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #580, April 18, 2017. Today's theme is "The Wedding Civilian" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

After years of donning the official uniform of a wedding photographer - Dual DSLRs tugging at my neck, a utility belt pouches crammed full with flashes and lenses, and a creased white shirt pulled three different ways a once - I am now a civilian. I wear a tailored suit without budging pockets, accessorized by a handsome mirrorless camera accenting my tie as it hangs lightly from my neck via its matching leather strap. And not only has my attire changed, but my attitude as well. And that's the topic of today's TDS Photography Podcast.

The Wedding Civilian

First we must define our terms. A Wedding Civilian is different than Uncle Bob.

Now that we've got that squared away, here are five things that a Wedding Civilian should keep in mind.

• Don't talk to the hired photographer - The last thing that he or she wants to hear about is your camera, your photographic prowess, or your opinion about anything. The official photographer is already dealing with a churning caldron of challenges. Let them be, and stay out of their way.
• Take advantage of your unique perspective - For the ceremony, choose an angle that allows you to capture the event as a friend or family member. You can record images from the unique perspective of the attendee, surrounded by people, witnessing each moment as it unfolds. I think BTS stories are the most interesting. And you're right there with a backstage pass.
• Be a silent historian - Turn off your phone, and for the love of Pete, turn off the audible focus confirmation on your camera. Choose the quietest camera you have for the event. And please don't use flash. If you can't capture the shot existing light, wait for another opportunity. Prime lenses are mandatory gear for the Wedding Civilian.
• Honor the family - You are now an ambassador as well as an artist. In addition to telling the story of the day through your images, honor all requests for portraits and spontaneous group shots. Capture those photos with care, and be sure to share them after the event.
• Enjoy true photographic freedom - This is what it's all about. You get to sit with friends and family, enjoy the wine, eat when everyone else eats, and take the pictures that you want, when you want to. This is as good as it gets for events. Relish the moment.

The MeFOTO Roadtrip Air on Assignment

This week's three-legged adventure with the MeFOTO Roadtrip Air where it accompanied me to a wedding. Yes, it stayed in the car the entire time. So why was I so happy to have it with me.

Just to give you a bit of background about this super nimble tripod, it's distinguishing features include:

• Super Fast Setup with the new HyperLock Leg System. Setup is as easy as 1,2,3: 1 - Hold tripod leg and twist counterclockwise until it stops (4 clicks), 2 - Pull the leg to the desired length, 3 -Twist leg clockwise until it stops. (How easy is that?)
• Perfect for Selfies - removable telescoping center column converts to a Selfie Stick with included smartphone holder and Bluetooth remote!
• Ultra lightweight - 30 percent lighter than classic MeFOTO models
• Available in Backpacker, RoadTrip, GlobeTrotter models and 7 colors.

If you want to learn more about the MeFOTO line of tripods, look for the colorful tile on all the pages of the thedigitalstory.com. And if you decide that you want one for yourself, use coupon code THEDIGITALSTORY to save 10 percent and receive free shipping.

Ricoh Isn't Going to Kill Pentax

First Nikon, then Panasonic, and now rumors have spread about Pentax. Let me read you a few lines from the article, Relax, Ricoh Isn't Going to Kill the Pentax Brand or Their Cameras (Confirmed), then I have some comments on what we can do as photographers to help these companies.

Updates and Such

Big thanks to all of our Patreon members! I was able to pay for the podcast server and the backup system from last month's pledges. Your contributions are making a positive impact.

Registration invitations have gone out to Reserve List members for the Autumn in Wine Country Photography Workshop. If you are on the Reserve List, but didn't get your invite, please contact me. You can learn more about the workshops by visiting the TDS Workshops Page.

B&H and Amazon tiles on www.thedigitalstory. If you click on them first, you're helping to support this podcast. And speaking of supporting this show, and big thanks to our Patreon Inner Circle members.

And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

MeFOTO Air Tripods - MeFOTO Air Tripods are a nimble photographer's dream.

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

The Nimbleosity Report

Do you want to keep up with the best content from The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer? Sign up for The Nimbleosity Report, and receive highlights twice-a-month in a single page newsletter. Be a part of our community!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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