Is it a camera? Is it an Android device? It's both!

In my TechHive review of the Samsung GC110 Android powered camera, I sum my experience with the device by writing:

The Samsung Galaxy GC110 is an ambitious product. The camera takes good pictures -- with a few nits concerning white balance and focusing -- and has an amazing optical zoom. The LCD is beautiful, especially when using the GC110 as an Android device. But in bright light, it's hard to compose photos. And the touchscreen-only approach still isn't as convenient as well-placed buttons and dials. As a camera, it's definitely more urban than country.

Pros and Cons for Samsung Galaxy Camera

Pros

• Impressive 21X optical zoom
• WiFi connectivity
• 8GBs internal storage plus accepts micro SD cards up to 64GBs
• Capable Android device
• Easy to use HD video mode with real time zooming
• 3.7 volt Lithium Ion battery holds up well thanks to conservative power management
• Compatible with 8 music formats
• Includes Bluetooth and GPS
• Big, colorful LCD
• Surprisingly good camera performance indoors

Cons

• Auto white balance performs better indoors than outside
• Autofocusing generally good, but can become confused
• Difficult to compose shots in bright sunlight
• Performance can lag at times
• Strict power management results in quick sleep mode
• Large size (5.07" wide by 2.79" tall) makes it not really a compact camera
• Current $449 price tag puts it in the investment category

I think those who come to love the GC110 will think of it as a multifunctional Android device first and an everyday camera second. It's most useful when WiFi is within reach. If you don't want to tote an iPad or Android tablet, but you want the pretty screen and software capabilities, the Galaxy should be a good choice. And when you do need to take pictures, you'll have a 21X optical zoom, 16MP sensor, and plenty of bells and whistles to help you capture the moment.

The Samsung Galaxy is available for $389 on Amazon

PhotoHelpDesk.com is a down-to-earth resource for curious minded photographers. Submit your questions, and we'll post an answer.

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You can easily (and quickly!) improve your portraits by learning just a few basic techniques in Aperture 3.4. In this 2-hour training titled, Portrait Retouching with Aperture I apply a subtle hand to my people shots, and Aperture's toolset is just the ticket for performing natural-looking enhancements. People say to me after reviewing the images, "Wow, I really looked great that day!"

In this course, I cover just about everything you need to know, including:

• Assessing your image
• Retouching blemishes
• Enhancing skin texture
• Adding highlights to the hair
• Adjusting clothing and backdrop color
• Brightening and sharpening eyes
• Converting to black and white

This Welcome Movie (1 min) will provide you with a visual overview of what I'm covering.

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Are you debating between Eye-Fi and Transcend to WiFi-enable your camera? If so, you may want to read the DP Review article, Battle of the Wi-Fi Cards: Eye-Fi vs. Transcend. The author explores various capabilities such as transfer rate, flexibility, and maximum range for transmission.

Interestingly enough, however, DP Review focuses on the Eye-Fi 16GB Pro X2 SDHC and not the more modern Eye-Fi Mobi, that for my money is the best WiFi card on the market right now. In my testing, the Eye-Fi Mobi 16 GB SDHC ($72) is second only to having WiFi built in to your camera, and in some cases it's even better than that.

That being said, there's lots of good information in the DP Review article, and it will help you get up to speed on what to consider in a WiFi memory card.

iPad for Digital Photographers

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A teaser published on Olympus Europe hints at a new camera that could possibly accept both Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds mount lenses.

This could be a blessing for photographers with a stock of excellent Four Thirds glass. No details given at this time. But the image points to a new camera and the complete inventory of lenses in both mounts.

You can however, be put on an immediate notification list by completing a simple web form. We'll probably know more about this sooner than later.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

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Admist a flurry of Sony announcements last night, I think the big news is the release of three new E-Mount lenses. Sony has consistently developed terrific Compact System Camera bodies, but where they've suffered at the hands of the mirrorless competition is with their lens catalog.

Now, with the release of the Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ($998), the 50mm f/1.8 E prime lens ($298), and the 18-105mm f/4 E zoom ($598), Sony has boosted their E-Mount catalog to 17 lenses, with some very sweet optics in the mix.

I have no doubt that Sony will continue to produce compelling NEX camera bodies. But having lens support is the air cover the entire product line needs for success.

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Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.

This week on The Digital Story show: Robotic iPhone camera, cheap labor, September will be heaven for tech lovers - All of this and more on today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - Robotic iPhone camera: The Galileo robotic dock for iPhone opens up a new world of photography possibilities. I've been using the device for 24-hour home surveillance and to make killer 360 degree panoramas.

I secured a Galileo early through their Kickstarter fund raising. I've been testing two apps with it: AirBeam - Live HD video surveillance and motion detection ($3.99) and with DMD Panorama ($1.99). You can watch this short video of Galileo in action that I recorded at the TDS Studio. I explain what's going on here in the first segment of the show.

Story #2 - Cheap Labor: In my recent post, How to Capture Flattering Portraits in Harsh Light, I discuss the value of reflectors and diffusers for outdoor photography.

Can you spot the cheap labor in this shot? Photo by photographer Dennis Adams.

One TDS member commented that you need an extra set of hands to employ these techniques. It's true, you do. I had one such shoot this past weekend, a family portrait that I shot by myself. How did I use a reflector in these circumstances? Well, cheap labor is the answer. I explain in the second segment.

Story #3 - September Will Be Heaven for Tech Lovers: If you're a tech-loving, nimble photographer, then you may want to pay down your credit card balance this month. Because September is shaping up to be heaven (or hell, depending on your POV) for photography and technology.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (27 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

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.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Sale ends Sept. 21. Take advantage now.

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

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The potential for the Galileo robotic dock for iPhone is only limited by software developers' imaginations. Since Motrr released the SDK for the Galileo, six iOS apps tapping its capabilities have already appeared in the App Store, with another four in the works.

I'm currently using AirBeam - Live HD video surveillance and motion detection ($3.99) and DMD Panorama ($1.99) with my Kickstarter green Galileo. And I plan to test more in the near future.

Impressive 360 Degree Panoramas

With DMD Panorama, I simply inserted my iPhone 4S into the Galileo dock, launched the app, and tapped the Start button. Within a few seconds I had a precise, good looking panorama.

The only flaw in the final product was my fault, using auto exposure instead of locking the exposure down (this option is provided by the app). In the frame where DMD Panorama adjusted for the bright window light, there was some darkish spillover on to my feet in the next frame. You can see for yourself in this short video I made:

Overall, aside from my operator error, a very impressive result. I can't wait to test this device in the big city where I can take advantage of the interesting scenery all around me. The Galileo has a rechargeable battery inside, so I can use it just about anywhere. There's also mounting threads in the bottom of the unit, allowing me to attach it to any of my portable tripods.

Home Security with AirBeam

For my home security project, I inserted an older iPhone 3GS into Galileo and activated the camera function on the AirBeam app. Once enabled, I could monitor that location from anywhere that had Internet access.

And because AirBeam is Galileo compatible, that remote monitoring includes 360 degree viewing options. Plus I can angle the camera up or down, all using the controls on my iPhone, iPad, or Mac. AirBeam transmits audio too. So even though I may be miles from my home, I can hear, as well as see, what's going on there.

For this use, I plugged the Galileo into a USB charger to keep both its battery and the cell inside the iPhone charged. This provides for unlimited, 24-hour viewing.

AirBeam has plenty of additional functionality too. I can turn on motion detection or video-record any activity the camera can see. It's an impressive demo for friends to pull up a remote location on my iPhone and give them a live, virtual tour.

Bottom Line

Galileo goes on sale this coming October for $149. I think it would be an amazing gift for an iPhone-geek friend. There are a few limitations, however. I have the dock version that works with the iPhone 3GS, 4, and 4S. At the moment, there isn't a Lightning connector version. Motrr did create a Bluetooth Galileo that works with all modern iPhones, including the iPhone 5. But I haven't tested it. So you may want to do some research before investing.

Even after I upgrade to the iPhone 5S, I'm keeping the 4S for a variety of tasks, including remote photography and panoramas with the Galileo. I'm really impressed with this device. It opens up a whole new world of iPhone imaging.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.

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First the bad news: I had the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM zoom lens for only one week before having to send it back. That's how popular it is with reviewers right now. Now, the good news: I understand why it's so popular. What an outstanding value ($799) for a versatile, innovative, and fast optic.

I tested the Canon mount, but Sigma designs this optic for Nikon, Sony Alpha, Pentax, and Sigma APS-C DSLRs. And that's the second thing you should know: this lens is not for full framers. But if you shoot with a cropped sensor, then take a look at these feature highlights.

• Constant f/1.8 maximum aperture through the entire zooming range.
• Excellent image quality across the entire zooming range.
• Nine diaphragm blades that creates a rounded aperture opening.
• Close focusing capability to less than one foot.
• Quiet, swift ring-type ultrasonic motor for auto focusing.
• Well damped manual focusing ring.
• Internal zooming mechanism with non-rotating front (great for circular polarizers).
• USB dock compatible (accessory) for firmware updates and personalization.
• Beautiful design with robust construction.

So what's missing? First, there's no optical image stabilization. So Canon and Nikon shooters are working without IS. Cameras that have sensor-based IS don't have this issue.

"The Big Rock" photographed by Derrick Story with the Sigma 18-35mm zoom with polarizer during the TDS Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop in Northern CA. Shutter speed 1/250, aperture f/7.1, focal length 19 mm, ISO speed 250, on a Canon 60D.

Did I need image stabilization with the Sigma? Well, no, not the week that I had it. But I could imagine situations where I would appreciate having it. Keep in mind that on my Canon 60D, the equivalent focal length is 28.8 to 56mm. So IS could be useful at the longer end of the zoom.

Also missing, at least to my knowledge, is weather sealing. This is less of a concern to me than image stabilization. Based on my limited use of the zoom outdoors, I don't feel hesitant at all take it out in to the elements.

It's also worth noting that this is not a light, compact lens. At 28.6 ounces and 4.8" long, the Sigma will require space in your camera bag. When on camera, however, I thought it was well-balanced on the Canon 60D, and comfortable to work with all day.

So what's the bottom line? I like this lens and am considering putting it in my budget for DSLR equipment. It's very sharp, yet has the ability to soften backgrounds when needed. The quality of construction and design is outstanding. Even though it would be an excellent indoor, existing light optic, I would love to have it for shooting Fall color this year.

It's also worth noting that Sigma includes a lens shade and deluxe case with the lens. I wish everyone did that...

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I have many different configurations for the Olympus OM-D. But for street shooting, I often choose the 14-42mm zoom lens and the top half of the Power Battery Holder as my accessories. Combined with a light, discreet, messenger style bag (specific model soon to be announced), I'm ready to record any activity in the city.

Personally, I think the 14-42mm zoom lens is often overlooked by OM-D photographers. It's light, has an effective focal length of 28-84mm (great for street shooting), and is very sharp. I keep a Hoya 37mm filter kit ($59) in my pocket that includes a UV, polarizer, and ND 4X filters.

For handstrap, I'm currently using the BosStrap G3 Tail/Ultra Light Hand Band ($12). The combination of the BosStrap with the top half of the Power Battery Holder make a very comfortable and secure shooting grip.

I used this rig to capture the images posted here. I was in San Francisco yesterday for a few business meetings. In between my appointments, I would hit the streets with my OM-D. And since I have the iPad mini in my bag, there's the option of processing the Jpegs there on location, or waiting to work with the Raw files in Aperture when I return home.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.

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Continuing with the trend of built-in WiFi, Canon announces the PowerShot S120 with a faster f/1.8 lens and wireless connectivity. They also updated their CameraWindow app for iOS. Using the tandem, you can capture in Raw+Jpeg with the S120, then send the Jpegs directly to your iOS or Android device for editing and publishing while on the go.

I've tested Canon's WiFi system with the PowerShot N and iPad mini, and I think it works quite well. The new S120 adds robust features such as fast optics, 9.4 fps burst mode, and high ISO capability (12800). Canon charges a premium price for their Raw-shooting compact: $449. But I suspect it will have a very high nimbleosity rating.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.

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I sometimes go weeks at a time without viewing Flickr on my computer. That's because the mobile experience is so good. Both Android and iOS devices have excellent versions of the Flickr app, and I thought I'd give you a tour on an Android smart phone today (just for fun!).

In this video, I show how easy it is to view pictures from our contacts, then branch out to explore the wonderful, visually rich Flickr universe. If you find a photographer that really sings to you, you can add that person to your contacts list and continue to enjoy their images. I also upload and manage my photos using the mobile app, and I cover those techniques in other movies in this training title.

But for now, let's view the work of others on an Android device.

I explore the entire Flickr universe, mobile and computer, in my lynda.com title, Flickr Essential Training. Stop by and take a look.

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Many photographers shy away from harsh, midday light because they feel that they can't produce attractive images that time of day. But schedules and assignments don't always align with your lighting preferences. Plus, it's just not true. You can capture great environmental portraits any time of day.

This portrait of Francesca Parnigoni by TDS Workshop attendee Stephanie Skiff was captured midday in contrasty lighting conditions at the beach. The trick to controlling the light is to add a top diffuser, such as a collapsable Westcott 40" white diffuser available for $29.

The diffuser is positioned between the sun and the subject.

If you have a second set of hands, you can add a fill light from another collapsable disc on the other side. One of the many advantages to this technique is that you can shoot in burst mode because there's no worry about flash recycle times.

Flickr Essential Training 2013 - I explore the entire Flickr universe, mobile and computer, in my lynda.com title, Flickr Essential Training. Stop by and take a look.

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This week on The Digital Story show: An f/1.8 zoom, bad form! and a recap of the TDS Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM zoom for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony Alpha, and Sigma features a constant super fast aperture through the entire zooming range. I've been testing this fascinating optic, and report on its performance.

Technical highlights include equivalent focal length: 28.8-56mm (Canon APS-C), internal focusing, fast AF, well-damped zooming and focusing rings, and compatible with the Sigma USB dock. Retail is $799 US, which is an excellent value for this lens.

Image captured with the Sigma 18-35mm zoom on a Canon 60D during the Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop, August 2013. Photo by Derrick Story.

Story #2 - Bad Form! I've just learned, thanks to an email from Diane, that the Send Me Info form on the TDS Workshops page has been broken. That means those of you who have tried to get on the reserve list for the upcoming TDS Fall Color and Safari West workshop in October, or the Aperture Intensive in November, have not been acknowledged. This is terrible! I discuss where to go from here in the second story of today's show.

Story #3 - A recap of the TDS Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop that just concluded. Oh my gosh, talk about some beautiful photography and a group of wonder people. Here why.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (30 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

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.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

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

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Eight photographers experienced wind, fog, sun, coastline, and an energetic model during the 2013 TDS Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop held on August 16-18 in Northern California.

Photographer Emerson contemplating a scene on the Sonoma coastline.

Each participant presented their favorite images each day, and everyone agreed, the imagery was amazing. On Saturday, we focused on environmental portraiture with a model. We practiced a variety of lighting techniques using reflectors, diffusers, and fill flash.

Model shoot at the beach using a gold reflector and a top diffuser.

Then on Sunday, we worked the Sonoma coastline from Bodega Bay to Fort Ross. The mix of fog and sun against the rugged scenery produced stunning photographs.

Stephanie capturing a morning scenic during the workshop.

The Sonoma Coast workshop will be included in the 2014 season. If you want to get away from the daily grind and immerse in your craft with other talented shooters, them mark your calendar for August 2014. Dates for next year's workshops will be announced this coming November. Stay tuned.

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It's a common question, especially from new photographers trying to get their business started: "How do I protect my work and promote it at the same time?" We spend some time tackling this question as today's Photo Help Desk topic.

As Jeremy Verinsky points out, there's always some risk when publishing your work on social networks. You can take steps to protect yourself, such as formerly copyrighting your images or using a service such as Digimarc.

But as I see it, the trick for each photographer is finding a balance between protecting their images and creating new ones. Each person has their own comfort level.

Take a look at our response on Photo Help Desk. And if you have more to add, you can comment there.

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Managing your images in Lightroom, then publishing them on Flickr, is an easy workflow. I've discovered, however, that many photographers are not taking full advantage of the tools built into Lightroom to share their images online.

Lightroom allows you to establish, what is in essence, and "online collection" that is wired directly to your Flickr account. Using this collection in similar fashion as you would any other in Lightroom, you can move photos to your Photo Stream. In this movie, I show you how it's done.

Lightroom includes connections to other social networking sites, such as Facebook. So even if Flickr isn't your thing, the workflow is essentially the same.

Flickr Essential Training 2013 - I explore the entire Flickr universe, mobile and computer, in my lynda.com title, Flickr Essential Training. Stop by and take a look.

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Wirelessly transferring Raw and Jpeg files from a Toshiba FlashAir WiFi SD card or a Transcend 32 GB WiFi SDHC card just got a lot easier thanks to the new PhotoSync 2.0 for iPad and iPhone ($1.99).

In addition to PhotoSync bringing their smart "ease of use approach" to WiFi transfer, photographers can capture in RAW+Jpeg mode, then choose exactly the file type they want during the transfer process.

The process is easy. Turn on the camera with the WiFi card installed. Go to Settings on the iPad and choose your Toshiba or Transcend card that appears in the Wi-Fi menu. Launch PhotoSync and tap on the red "sync" icon in the upper right corner. Tap on Receive at the bottom of the popup menu. Swipe through the options until you locate your FlashAir or Transcend Wi-Fi card (see the top illustration). Tap on the icon and PhotoSync will connect with the camera. It literally takes seconds to do the whole process.

From this point, simply choose the images you want to copy to the iPad and sync. You can choose to have them land in your Camera Roll or in a specific album you've established for that camera.

And this is only one of 50 new feature in the PhotoSync 2.0 app. Essentially, you can move photos from any device to any device with PhotoSync, now including WiFi SD cards. It's essential gear for mobile photographers.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.

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Finally, a clear night in Santa Rosa, CA. I mounted my Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 Leica Aspherical Lens on to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 and set the aperture wide open with a shutter speed of 6 seconds at ISO 1600.

I saw 8 shooting stars while I was setting up my camera. Now, all set to go, here's my Perseid meteor shower experience (26 second video).

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iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

This week on The Digital Story show: Gloom and doom camera sales, an LCD-only existence (I think not!), notes from the field - All of this and more on today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - Gloom and Doom Camera Sales - the reports have been filing in: Nikon rethinks 1 System and cuts 2013 forecast citing poor sales, Olympus stems losses but PEN sales disappoint, and Weak demand for mirrorless cameras hurting major manufacturers. So what is going on here?

We've already seen the decline in compact camera sales, and that trend seems to be creeping into mirrorless and even DSLRs in certain price ranges. At the same time, smart phones are getting better and seen as a viable alternative to dedicated cameras.

This could present an interesting opportunity to enthusiast photographers who are willing to use interchangeable lens cameras and can produce images that look different than what can be captured with a smart phone.

Story #2 - An LCD Only Existence? I've just spent a couple weeks testing some excellent compacts. Although their picture-taking prowess is impressive, the big drawback was composing on LCDs in bright conditions.

Personally, I'm not ready for an LCD only existence. Even when shooting with compacts, which I love, I need a built-in or accessory viewfinder for those times when an LCD just isn't practical.

Story #3 - Notes from the Field - During my recent work in Santa Barbara, camping at Sugarloaf, and exploring the island of Oahu, I am more convinced than ever that traveling light improves my creativity. I explain why in the third story of today's show.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (35 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

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.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Regardless of which camera I'm using on location, I pull out my iPhone for a finishing shot. Why? Because with the iPhone I also capture the geotags and correct time. I can apply this information to my "regular camera" shots later on in Aperture or iPhoto. This is especially handy if I forgot to change the timestamp on my DSLR while on the road.

Oahu at Sunset - panorama captured with an iPhone 4S and displayed in iPhoto. Photo by Derrick Story.

To simplify this process, I use Photo Stream to backup all of my iPhone images to iCloud. I've then set up iPhoto on my Mac to import all of the Photo Stream pictures into the iPhoto library for safe keeping. (And thanks to the unified library, I can open all of this in Aperture too.)

When I return home and open up my Mac, everything is there waiting for me... geotags and all.

More Aperture/iPhoto Tips and Techniques

To learn more about using Aperture and iPhoto together, visit my Using iPhoto and Aperture Together on lynda.com. Also, take a look at our Aperture 3 Learning Center. Tons of free content about how to get the most out of Aperture.

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Sometimes travel is bliss.

I've been on the road using the Flickr iPhone app, which a beautiful on all accounts. Now back home, I fired up my Mac and noticed that Yahoo had added an ugly, purple Yahoo Nav bar to the top of my Flickr page.

This is a step backwards.

After finally implementing a design that is worthy of quality photography, this distracting nav bar, plunked right on top of another nav bar, looks like an executive decision by someone who clearly doesn't understand the audience the site is serving.

Maybe there's a way to turn it off, and I simply have not found it yet. I explored both my Flickr and Yahoo settings, however, and didn't see an option.

So here's my constructive suggestion, Yahoo. Go ahead and enable the ugly, purple nav bar by default to meet your corporate needs. But, for those of us who are paying for our Flickr accounts, give us an option to turn off the nav bar like we can with the hideous ads that Yahoo serves to the free accounts. (And if that option currently exists, and I missed it, my apologies.)

Think about it. It's absolutely the right thing to do.

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Flickr Essential Training 2013 - I explore the entire Flickr universe, mobile and computer, in my lynda.com title, Flickr Essential Training. Stop by and take a look.

For years I've been telling mobile photographers to take pictures, not notes. You see an item that has useful information, such as a historical placard, take a picture of it for future reference.

The iPhone app, CamFind takes this technique to a new level. Just take a picture of a product, landmark, restaurant sign, QR code, or barcode, and CamFind will search the Web to find you as much information as possible about the item in question.

In my informal testing, the results were both fast and useful... most of the time. For example, I took a picture of a bag of Gevalia french roast coffee. CamFind returned results on general price range and places it could be purchased. I then took a picture of our famous landmark in Santa Rosa, Schulz Museum, and CamFind returned results for Schulz Center for Teaching and Learning (correct), lawn and garden products, and the character from Hogan's Heroes.

All in all, this is a useful, and sometimes entertaining app. In most instances you'll likely get the information you need. And the price is right: free.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.

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I don't carry much while in Hawaii, but I always have my Olympus TG-1 iHS compact camera in my swim trunks' pocket. It's at home both topside for colorful sunsets and in the clear water for turtles and fish.

Sea turtle in the waters of the North Shore, Oahu. Photos by Derrick Story.

The thing I like about Olympus Tough cameras is that they're excellent picture takers, compact, and record GPS data to help me remember where I captured the shots. The Jpegs clean up pretty well in Aperture. I usually start with Auto Levels (color), then adjust as needed from there.

I can generally recover enough highlight and shadow detail to get the image where I want it. The f/2.0 lens on my TG-1 (same lens on the newer TG-2) is perfect for snorkeling in clear water. I can keep the ISO at 100 and still have a fast enough shutter speed for speedy fish.

So all that's left is finding clear water filled with lots of fish. Well, that part is actually much harder than deciding which camera I'm going to use.

Aperture Tips and Techniques

To learn more about Aperture, check out my Aperture 3.3 Essential Training (2012) on lynda.com. Also, take a look at our Aperture 3 Learning Center. Tons of free content about how to get the most out of Aperture.

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While I'm experiencing new stories this week in Oahu, I'm going to share a very popular podcast that was originally published in February. I will note that I still haven't spent that $4,000 on the Sony compact. I think the money went for plane tickets and hotel for my family here on Hawaii.

I'll be back with a new show next week. But for now, enjoy this classic from the TDS archives.

Mahalo and Aloha...

Story #1 - No New Camera! - I talk about 5 things that you can do to protect your credit card when a new, and expensive camera gets under your skin.

Story #2 - The Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner - This is not the solution for the thousands of negatives you have shoeboxed in the closet. But for digitizing a favorite image every now then, this is a cool device.

Listen to the Podcast

You can download the podcast here (30 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

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

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

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

When I travel on the plane, I want a backpack that holds my iPad, laptop, camera gear, and personal items. For my current trip to Oahu, I'm using the Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 150 AW ($89) because it's compact, stylish, and very efficient with space management.

But on the beach I want a more casual carrying solution, so I fold up a Lowepro Photo Sport Shoulder 18L ($85) and pack it in my suitcase. When I reach my destination, I have this nifty system for transferring my gear.

There are many DIY variations on this theme. But the bottom line is, this system is portable, flexible, and takes advantage of having the right bag for every situation on the road.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

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DP Review just posted their review of the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM, giving it a Silver Award.

They commented, "Its combination of extended focal length range and faster aperture offers useful extra compositional flexibility compared to an 18-55mm F3.5-5.6, and the optics are overall better too."

I'm still putting this zoom through its paces, but I've published two reports myself: Natural Light Portraits with the Sigma 17-70mm "C" Lens and Macro Mode on Sigma's 17-70mm Enthusiast Zoom. In my shooting, I liked the macro mode a bit more than DP Review, who felt, "...in practice this equates to a very short working distance between the lens and the subject. This means you'll often find yourself blocking out your own light, or casting a visible shadow on your subject." I guess it depends on which direction the light is coming from.

Overall, however, I think we both agree that the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM zoom lens is a good investment at $499 and a sweet upgrade to your existing kit lens.

Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.

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Everyone knows that the Hawaiian Islands are a feast for a photographer's eyes. But if you really want to capture the essence of paradise, get up early, grab your camera, and go for a walk.

Morning on Oahu by Derrick Story

Usually, I'm up early anyway, because that's the best time for snorkeling. So I pack my Lowepro Photo Sport Shoulder 18L with my mask, snorkel, a towel, and the Olympus Tough compact camera.

The cool think about having a tough camera, is that I don't have to leave it on the beach while I'm in the water. Plus, I love getting all those fish and turtle shots.

The bottom line is, what ever your excuse to get up early once or twice on a vacation, the benefits remain the same. You'll be rewarded with images that others miss. (You can imagine what this beach looks like only an hour later.)

Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.

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

The Panasonic Lumix GX7 is the first Panasonic micro four thirds to offer sensor based image stabilization. This is great news for photographers with Olympus M 4/3 lenses that don't have optical stabilization.

According the the Photography Blog, "The 16 megapixel Panasonic GX7 also offers a 1040K-dot tiltable touch-screen LCD monitor, Full HD 1920 x 1080 50p movie recording, 1/8000 sec shutter speed, 5fps burst shooting, low-light focusing down to -4 EV, focus peaking, ISO range of 125-25600, silent Mode for street photography, wi-fi and NFC connectivity, all housed in a classically styled magnesium alloy frame."

Plus, I think the body design looks great. This is definitely one to keep an eye on.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.

For the June 2013 Photo Assignment, TDS shooters fixed their lenses on the world of fashion and beauty. See for yourself in our gallery, Stylish. And which one will be the SizzlPix Photo Assignment Pick of the Month?

Photo by Tillie Van Etten. See all of the great images from this month's assignment by visiting the Stylish gallery page.

Participate in This Month's Assignment

The August 2013 assignment is "Street Scene." Details can be found on the Member Participation page. Deadline is August 30, 2013. No limit on image size submitted.

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 this month's assignment should be: "Photo Assignment: August 2013." 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.

Gallery posting is one month behind the deadline. So I'm posting June 2013 at the end of July, the July gallery will be posted at the end of August, and on and on.

Good luck with your August assignment, and congratulations to all of the fine contributors for June.

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iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

I just read an interesting post on DP Review titled, 5 Reasons why I haven't used my DSLR for months. It's food for thought, especially if you feel like you can't be a "serious" photographer without a big camera.

Personally, I think cameras are like any other tool - you want the right one for the job. I'm on the road to Oahu. So the right tool this week isn't a DSLR, at least not for me.

Stay tuned for more on this topic. In the meantime, the DP Review article is worth a look.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.