August 2008 Archives

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The July 2008 Photo Assignment was "Fire," and we have a sizzline selection of images to show you -- 25 photos submitted by Digital Story members who demonstrate their ability to capture the crackling world around them in their camera lens.

To produce the gallery, the pictures were first loaded into Aperture. I then added the accompanying stories to the IPTC caption field and combined it with the EXIF data from the photograph. The final step was to create a web gallery in Aperture and upload it to the Digial Story server. You can view this month's photo assignment here.

The September 2008 assignment is "Quiet." Start working on your contribution now. Details can be found on the Submissions page. Because of our new gallery format, you can now submit photo assignment pictures up to 600 pixels in the widest direction. Please follow the instructions carefully for labeling the subject line of the email for your submission. It's easy to lose these in the pile of mail if not labeled correctly. For example, the subject line for next month's assignment should be: "Photo Assignment: Sept 2008." Also, if you can, please don't strip out the metadata. And feel free to add any IPTC data you wish (These fields in particular: Caption, Credit, Copyright, Byline), I use that for the caption info.

Good luck with your September assignment, and congratulations to all of the fine contributors for July. It's an excellent collection of images.

Photo by Steve Cooper.


Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

  • 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
  • Metadata listings for every photo in the book
  • Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
  • Photo management software guide.
  • Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
  • Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

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Do you remember a podcast from my past called the iLife Zone? If so, you know that Chris Breen and I used to chat about all things Mac. Well, we got together again this week on the MacWorld Podcast to talk about my trip to Beijing and working in the Main Press Center. It's a good conversation, and it was terrific to be working with Chris again.


Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

  • 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
  • Metadata listings for every photo in the book
  • Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
  • Photo management software guide.
  • Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
  • Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

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I'm posting a link to this excellent article about Final Cut Server because A) it's interesting B) it's good, and C) this is something that I would love to see for still photographers using Aperture or Lightroom. Having a robust asset server that works with our desktop photo applications would be terrific. I'm hoping that this is a glmpse into the (near) future.

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The Nikon folks have their thinking caps in high gear. It's about time someone put movie mode on a DSLR. Think about it - Live View LCDs, big image sensors, and great glass. And you get all of that on the new Nikon D90.

They start with a new 12.9 MP CMOS sensor. Add a 3" LCD screen with Live View. Then add movie capture at 720p (1280x720) at 24fps with mono sound.

I am so impressed with the innovation coming out of Nikon right now. Canon, what is your response?

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I've been recording audio as well as pictures while on assignment. Why? Because have both the sounds and the images allow me to create full-bodied presentations when I return home.

This doesn't mean that you have to carry a big sound rig in your camera bag. In fact, you might already have an audio recording device in there and don't know it. I cover all of this in this week's podcast.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Competition is this month's photo assignment. With the Olympics dominating the sports scene this month, competition seems like a good topic. Your event can be more personal, and doesn't even have to be sports related. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is August 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Capture Sound Too." You can download the podcast here (29 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

  • 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
  • Metadata listings for every photo in the book
  • Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
  • Photo management software guide.
  • Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
  • Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

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Sponsor Notes...

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

Red River Paper -- Try the $7.99 Sample Kit.

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When the Canon 5D was released in Aug. 2005, the 20D was its APS-sized cousin. Then we saw the 30D, 40D, and now the 50D. Yet, in the affordable full-sized sensor arena, we still have the venerable 5D. That's why I was hoping that the pre-Photokina press release would be about the new Canon 5D. But alas, no.

The good news is (for other people), is that the 50D looks like a great camera. It sports a 15.1 APS sized CMOS sensor, 6.3 fps continuous mode, DIGIC 4 processor, 3" LCD with Live View and Face Detection, improved high ISO performance, and HDMI connectivity for HiDef playback. But my main camera is the 5D, and I really don't want to buy an APS body right now if an updated full-sensor shooter is around the corner. Who knows, maybe we'll see it at PMA next Winter.

Event Calendar

Events! See the TDS Event Calendar for photography workshops, speaking engagements, and trade show appearances.


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I wrote a post on Inside Aperture titled, Plug-Ins Same as External Editor? I Don't Think So, where I disagreed with some folks on the web who say that Aperture's plug-in architecture is no different than using an external editor in Lightroom. Personally, I think there are differences, and pointed to an article by Micah Walter that does a good job of listing them. But some readers disagreed. And what followed in the comments is an interesting debate about Aperture, Lightroom, and sometimes even Photoshop. I thought you might want to take a look and decide for yourself.

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Big Beijing Photos on Deke.com

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My friend Deke McCelland wrangled nine new photos out of me, 1200 pixels wide, and published them on deke.com. Some fun stuff here if you like to see 'em big.

Photo of Olympic Opening Ceremonies at the Bird's Nest by Derrick Story, Canon 5D, Sigma 50mm lens.


Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

  • 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
  • Metadata listings for every photo in the book
  • Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
  • Photo management software guide.
  • Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
  • Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

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"Crayola Museum" - Grab Shot 152

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"Took my family to the Crayola Musuem in Easton PA," said TDS member Jim Stocking. "I always try to take pictures of signs to identify in a slideshow where a group of pictures were taken."

"The museum has this interesting sign, which I thought would be a candidate for grab shots after I saw the result. The Crayola Museum features a number of hands-on activities with Crayola products along with great activities for children and a demonstration of how the crayons are made."

"I took the picture from the second floor of the parking garage across the street, to flatten the angle looking up at the sign. I used my Canon Rebel XTi with the Canon f/1.4 50 mm lens. Considering that most of the days pictures were to be taken inside, I gave myself the assignment to film the whole day with just the 50mm lens. In this case, I had to crop down on the sign because I could not zoom out to take in the full display. However, I think the tighter shot heighens the sense that the box of crayons is tumbling out from the sky."

If you have a candid you'd like to share, take a look at our Submissions page, then send us your Grab Shot. We'll try to get it published for you on The Digital Story.

And you can view more images from our virtual camera club in the Member Photo Gallery.

Event Calendar

Events! See the TDS Event Calendar for photography workshops, speaking engagements, and trade show appearances.


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Rob Galbraith posted a piece that explains how photographer Kari Kuukka (photo credit for this screenshot) captured a 360 degree pano inside the Bird's Nest in Beijing 30 minutes before the start of the men's 100m final.

There's a link in the piece so you can load up the panorama yourself and enjoy its magnificent breadth. BTW: I have one of those beige photographer's vests that you see in the shot.

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I just read DP Review's test report of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens, and they back up what I've been saying about this beautiful glass. I used the Sigma often during my Beijing trip, and considered it my "go to" glass when working indoors.

But, if you need test results, DP Review now has them. The major drawback, from their perspective, is the $499 US price tag. I agree. It is expensive. And I thought twice before putting down my hard-earned money for it. But after depending on it for two weeks in China, I have to say the price doesn't seem quite as steep now.

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Photo of tired photographer captured inside the Main Press Center in Beijing by Derrick Story using the Sigma 50mm lens mounted on a Canon 5D.


Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

  • 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
  • Metadata listings for every photo in the book
  • Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
  • Photo management software guide.
  • Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
  • Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

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My two weeks in Beijing were filled with photo opportunities and travel challenges. In this week's podcast I talk about my experiences in Beijing, the Summer Olympics, how well my packing survived, a peek inside the Main Press Center, and more. It's a fun show.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Competition is this month's photo assignment. With the Olympics dominating the sports scene this month, competition seems like a good topic. Your event can be more personal, and doesn't even have to be sports related. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is August 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Beijing Debrief." You can download the podcast here (29 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Event Calendar

Events! See the TDS Event Calendar for photography workshops, speaking engagements, and trade show appearances.


Technorati Tags: , , , , ,


Sponsor Notes...

Lowepro Bags for Photographers On the Go -- Lowepro gear for every type of camera rig, every type of photographer.

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

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Many things went right during a recent trip to the Beijing Olympics, and one of my most important assets was my little white MacBook.

When I'm working on the road, I can't always wait until it's convenient to process my pictures. I may not see a hotel room for 20 or more hours. So I need to get things done on buses, airplanes, in stadium stands, workrooms, restaurants, and even sitting on a bench in the park. This is where the MacBook shines. It's light, durable, powerful, and fits in my camera bag. I carry an extra battery, so I can work for hours just about anywhere.

I load it up with 4 GBs of RAM. By doing so, I can run Aperture, Photoshop, Mail, and Safari all at once. If there's WiFi available, I grab it and post to my blog using MarsEdit. I can quickly share galleries of images using the "Aperture to MobileMe" tandem. And because I set up managed libraries in Aperture on the road, once I finish processing a shoot, I back up my work using Aperture's Vault and a portable FireWire drive. That way I can erase my memory cards with confidence.

Once I return home, I export the Aperture Projects to my main library. Everything is intact, including my masters, image processing, metadata, slideshows, and anything else I created. I then clean off the MacBook, and it's ready for the next trip.

The MacBook is a tough road warrior. Without it, I would not have been able to publish daily on the road, nor arrive home organized and ready for my next assignment, which in my case was shooting a wedding the day after I arrived home from Beijing.

Photo of Forbidden City by Derrick Story, captured with a Canon 5D, processed in Aperture, designed into a slide title in Aperture, and incorporated into my current presentation on Beijing.

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Victory on the Volleyball Court

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Beach volleyball was in my viewfinder today, and I had a great time watching the Americans and Chinese win their respective matches. The US team of Walsh and May-Treanor defeated the tandem from Norway. Here, Kerri Walsh greets the crowd after their victory.

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The Chinese team lead by phenom Zhang Xi performed well against the German team. Shown here she greets her teammate after the win.

The other matches were excellent too. I especially enjoyed watching Arvaniti of Greece serve one fireball after the next.

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Then, in the afternoon, the rain came in. So it was time to catch the bus back to the Main Press Center and process the images. Thank goodness for Aperture.

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Photos by Derrick Story, captured with a Canon 5D, with a 70-200mm Canon L using a matching 1.4X multiplier.

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Since I had the night shift tonight, that left my entire day open to hit the streets of Beijing with just a fanny pack and my Canon G9. My mode of transportation was the excellent subway system. It's air conditioned, easy to figure out, and free if you have a media pass for the Olympics (note mine hanging around my neck in the shot above.)

My plan was basic. Take the subway somewhere, get off and wander the streets, then get back on the subway to somewhere else. I found some interesting alleys along the way, and was able to work without drawing a lot of attention to myself thanks to the G9.

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I also climbed up a few overpasses for a bird's eye look at the world below.

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Then, to end my day, I took a stroll through the park surrounding the Temple of Heaven. There I came upon this talented lady twirling a long colorful flag. But that was all I had time for. So, back on the subway to my hotel for a quick shower before reporting to work at the MPC

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Photos by Derrick Story, captured with a Canon G9 compact camera in Raw mode.

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Inside the Main Press Center, Beijing

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The Main Press Center, known as the MPC, is where I go to work everyday in Beijing. In the Kodak Digital Photography workroom, we have more than 200 workstations (Mac and PC) and a variety of services for photographers. The MPC is a world unto itself, complete with a food court, banking, dry cleaning, basic goods, and just about anything you'd need while working here.

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The one thing you don't have in the MPC is a place to sleep. The days are incredibly long, and we have to ride buses back to our hotels, which can take as long as 45 minutes each way depending on you luck. So photographers often don't go back to their rooms until they absolutely have to. And sometimes they just run out of gas before getting there.

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We have terrific volunteers who are Beijing locals and help with just about every aspect of running our little city. Many of them have an interest in photography and are learning the tools of the trade during the Olympics. The Kodak and Apple staff members have been enthusiastic about showing these upcoming photographers best practices for their craft. Here they are processing their images in Aperture on an Apple 30" Cinema Display.

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It's the Olympic Games, however, that has brought us together here. And in the lobby there is a giant Panasonic HD display that features the hot event of the moment. At times, such as this overtime basketball contest between China and Spain, people will gather around and cheer for their country. Unfortunately for many of the volunteers watching this game, Spain prevailed over China. But there's always tomorrow and a new slate of events.

Photos by Derrick Story, captured with a Canon 5D with Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 and Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lenses.


Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

  • 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
  • Metadata listings for every photo in the book
  • Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
  • Photo management software guide.
  • Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
  • Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

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I had this morning off, so I got up early and caught a cab to the gates of the Forbidden City here in Beijing. Since I was there before tickets went on sale, I had an opportunity to photograph the workers as they rode in on their bicycles. So here's a sampling of the two-wheeled devices I saw.

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Many bikes were converted into work vehicles that could carry an amazing amount of goods.

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I'm not even sure what this contraption does. But I do know it would be much more unwieldily without the wheels.

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Ride sharing is also popular here in Beijing.

Photos by Derrick Story captured with a Canon 5D, 70-200mm L zoom with 1.4X tele extender.

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I found a spot on the Olympic Commons where locals like to pose for pictures in front of the Bird Nest. As with many of my other wanderings in Beijing, I've noticed the excitement among the Chinese to have the world at their doorstep.

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One aspect of this that I know other photographers will appreciate is the willingness here to be photographed. Many times, it feels like I've honored them by pointing my camera in their direction and asking for permission. I'm not sure if it's because I have a Kodak media pass, or just the general nature of this Olympic community. But it sure is making my work enjoyable.

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Other times, however, it's hard to beat the traditional grab shot, capturing life as it strolls by in all of its colorful glory.

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With so much attention focused on the venues and capturing sport as it happens, I seem to be in the minority in terms of my interest in making portraits of those who watch the games. I'm working primarily with a 70-200mm Canon L zoom. By photographer standards here, that's a pea-shooter. But it's working just fine for me.

Photographs by Derrick Story captured with a Canon 5D and Canon 70-200mm f/4 L zoom lens.


Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

  • 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
  • Metadata listings for every photo in the book
  • Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
  • Photo management software guide.
  • Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
  • Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

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The weather in Beijing has been hot during my entire stay, but today was the first time I spent hours working in the afternoon sun. And I have to tell you, it's hot and humid, very humid.

The temperature was over 90 degrees today, and it felt like the humidity was about the same. I would find patches of shade to camp out beneath when I felt my core begin to simmer. And once I finished my shooting, I went into an air conditioned building an hour before I was to report for work so I could arrive cool and composed.

But as hot as it is, I'm going out shooting every chance I get. There are just too many opportunities, and I don't want to pass them up because of a little perspiration... OK, maybe a lot of perspiration.

Photo of overheated visitor to the Olympic Commons by Derrick Story. Canon 5D with 70-200mm f/4 L lens.


Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

  • 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
  • Metadata listings for every photo in the book
  • Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
  • Photo management software guide.
  • Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
  • Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

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The hours leading up to the opening ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics could best be described as patient happy anticipation. I was allowed access all the way up to the stadium ticket entrance. At first, this might sound disappointing to not have admission inside. But you needed a special pass even for the common area outside the stadium. The rings of security here in Olympic Village are many and substantial. I didn't get my common area authorization until the last minute.

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But it was worth the wait. I saw the buses of athletes driving by one by one in an endless stream that never seemed to end. Many of the opening ceremony participants were congregating in the common area interacting with visitors, posing for pictures, and making last minute preparations. Everywhere I turned there was something colorful and compelling to photograph.

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Once the event began, there was still plenty of activity outside. The battalions of athletes began to form, slowly marching forward to receive their nation's flag as they entered the stadium. Crowds would line up along the human barricades formed by Chinese volunteers holding hands to create a barrier that seemed to stretch as far as the Great Wall itself. The nice thing about this approach, is that you could see everything going on, yet the athletes were protected.

Then there were the fireworks, so loud and intense that they shook the buildings. I got back to my room after midnight, edited some pictures, and fell asleep twice at the computer. Finally, I gave in and went to bed, knowing that hours later I would be back at work in the Olympic Village.

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Photos by Derrick Story, captured with a Canon 5D with 16-35mm f/2.8 L II and Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lenses. ISO 1600.

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As I post this now, it's 8:30 am in Beijing. Tonight the Opening Ceremonies begin, and I suppose that everything is going to change around here.

I captured this image of the Bird's Nest Stadium last night while walking in Beijing. It was one of those magical moments in the city when we were all out strolling along the perimeter of Olympic Village. People were waving little flags, taking pictures, and enjoying being out en masse with their friends and family.

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We were about the only Americans I saw on this walk, which made it even more enjoyable. I felt like I was immersed in what it feels like the moment before the world comes to your doorstep. More to report soon.

Photos by Derrick Story, captured with a Canon 5D and 16-35mm L II lens. ISO 1600.

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I've been depending almost exclusively on the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Lens during my first few days in Beijing. In part, as I anticipated, it's because I'm working indoors as we prepare for the launch of the Olympics. My standard procedure everywhere I go is to carry the Canon 5D over my shoulder with the Sigma 50mm mounted. It's relatively compact, very fast at f/1.4, and has transformed even the most mundane shots into something pretty to look at.

Other photographers have been curious about it too. They've admired its handsome looks and have had fun testing it to see how it performs. Speaking of which, I'm very happy with the autofocus speed in real life shooting. As with my Canon lenses, I just don't think about it much. I compose the shot and the Sigma takes care of its business by the time I'm ready to shoot. It's also very quiet as it focuses never drawing attention to me as I try to grab the shot.

The images are quite beautiful. The color balance is accurate along with the sharpness of where I focus. The thing to keep in mind with a wide aperture lens, is that the focus falloff is fairly steep wide open. So if you're not used to shooting with this kind of glass, it can catch you off guard at first. But in the end, I love the look. It feels very artistic to me.

Everyday that I shoot with the Sigma 50mm, I like it more. And for the moment, it's my go-to lens. Of course that will change when I get out to the events...

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Nikon Center

If you're an official photographer at the Olympics, you have to show the correct credentials, and you'll need your Kodak photography vest. Each vest has an ID number on the front and on the back. So at any time on location, photographers can be identified from a distance.

In general, the shooters aren't crazy about this system. Many of them would prefer not to wear a vest at all. But like many things at the Olympics, there is a system in place to help keep things running smoothly.

Shown here is the Nikon booth within the Kodak Image Center. Since the events haven't really started yet, the shooters are coming in to get last-minute equipment adjustments and to get organized for the busy period ahead. Canon has a similar set up at the other end of the room.

As for me, well it's fairly quiet today at the workstations. We have more than 50 Macs set up with Aperture, Photoshop, Transmit, and Photo Mechanic. During my shifts in the Center, I try to help photographers get their work done. I'll enjoy the casual pace now, because after Friday, everything will change.

Photo of the Nikon booth by Derrick Story.

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Have you wondered if the new DNG Profile Editor might be a useful tool for your photography? It would be easier to figure that out if you knew more about what it really did and the thinking behind its inception.

Fortunately for all of us, John Nack just published an interview with Eric Chan, a computer scientist on the Adobe Camera Raw team. He sheds considerable light on the DNG Profile Editor. Eric is also a photographer, so he knows how to talk to us. It's a good read.

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The Olympic Media Center has over 200 workstations set to help journalists share Olympic moments with the world. In this podcast, I'll provide some insights about this "city within the city," which will also be my home for the next 10 days.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Competition is this month's photo assignment. With the Olympics dominating the sports scene this month, competition seems like a good topic. Your event can be more personal, and doesn't even have to be sports related. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is August 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Visit to the Olympic Media Center." You can download the podcast here (29 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Event Calendar

Events! See the TDS Event Calendar for photography workshops, speaking engagements, and trade show appearances.


Technorati Tags: , , , , ,


Sponsor Notes...

Lowepro Bags for Photographers On the Go -- Lowepro gear for every type of camera rig, every type of photographer.

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

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For the next two weeks while I'm in Beijing, it's monopod time. When preparing for a big trip, I often wrestle with this issue. Should I bring a tripod? If yes, which one? Can I get by with just a monopod? Will I regret this decision no matter what I choose?

This time around, I'm opting for the monopod - to be specific, a Giottos 9780 5-Section Monopod. It's light (1.4 lb / 640 grams), tall (70.8" / 180 cm), and compact (20.8" / 53 cm). I don't have to carry it over my shoulder when it's hot; I can use it as a walking stick. It is the perfect support for my Canon Tripod Mount Ring, it looks cool, packs easily in my suitcase, and I take good pictures with it.

The monopod has been winning out more lately as my ability to shoot at high ISO increases. At ISO 1600, shooting in the aperture range of f/1.4 to f/4, I feel like I can conquer just about any lighting condition with the Giottos. And if you're shopping, a pro-caliber monopod costs far less than an equivalent tripod. My Giottos stick only runs about $48, and it is a quality piece of equipment.

So, will I regret this decision to leave the 3-legged monster at home? I doubt it. But if I do, I promise to let you know in a couple weeks.


Previous Installments of Assignment Olympics

Pulling the Pieces Together
What's in the Bag for Beijing


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