One of the reasons that photographers are inconsistent with backing up their images is because they don't have a system. So archiving turns into a housekeeping chore that they do when they "have time."

The trick is to create a simple habit for archiving that never fails you. One approach is to use the "Save Copies to:" feature in Adobe Bridge (Photo Downloader) or in Adobe Lightroom. Both applications allow you to backup your masters to an external hard drive while you're transferring them from the memory card to the computer.

So, while downloading, your masters are actually going to two locations: the Pictures folder on your computer's hard drive (or where ever you store your images) and to a second backup hard drive. The good news about this approach is that it's easy and you instantly have a duplicate of your "digital negatives." The bad news is that you don't get to add any metadata to the backup images during download, only to the primary pictures.

But I do find it comforting to having duplicate versions of every shot I've transferred when I pull the memory card out of the reader. And I never have to worry, "Did I back up that last shoot or not."

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Learn what photographers need to know to organize and edit their images with Photoshop CS4. Take a look at The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. It fits in your laptop bag and is very easy on your wallet.

Technorati Tags: Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Derrick Story, digital photography, Photo Downloader, Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Technology, The Digital Story

Fpr more than a year, the Canon G9 has ruled the roost of Raw shooting compacts. Its good lens, great capabilities, and handsome looks have been tough to beat.

But Round 2 may have a different outcome. When you compare the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 to the new Canon PowerShot G10, the LX3 seems to have a bit of an edge. Take a look at these key comparisons:

• Leica f/2-2.8 2.5X lens compared to Canon's f/2.8-4.5 5X zoom lens. The Canon has more reach, but the Leica is wider (24mm vs 28mm) and faster.
• Panasonic's 10.1 MPs compared to Canon's 14.7 MPs on roughly the same size sensor. Is it just a coincidence that the Panasonic has better high ISO performance?
• Panasonic's 265 grams weight compared to Canon's 350 grams. And the Panasonic definitely fits better in the jacket or pants pocket.
• Panasonic's HD movie capture (16:9, 1280 x720 pixels at 24fps) versus Canon's 640x480 recording.

Based on reader reviews and professional reports, the Canon G10 is an outstanding camera. But it is no longer the automatic choice for serious photographers looking for a compact that records in Raw. On its third try, Panasonic has created a gem of a camera with the LX3 -- and by some accounts, a more desirable model than the G10. Post a comment if you've shot with either.

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Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, Technology, The Digital Story, Canon G10, Panasonic Lumix LX3

Photographers aren't the easiest creatures to buy gifts for. Most things they need are either too expensive or they already have. So who better than a photographer to recommend holiday gifts for that special snap-shooter in your life?

The following list of suggestions are all priced under $100, and many are less that $30. And if you have a great idea that you think should be added to this line up, please post a comment.

So onward with our eight goodies. And remember, you can use these as suggestions to others for gifts for you...

1. Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod - $21.95 US: The Joby Gorillapod makes taking digital photos more fun than ever. Designed with self-timer photography in mind, the Gorillapod lets you mount your camera just about anywhere you want so that you can include everyone in your automatic shots. This model is for compacts, but they also make larger sizes for all types of cameras.
2. Dynomight Bottle Cap Tripod - $9.95 US: Now you can have a quick and convenient tripod ready for use on your next trip. This convenient bottle cap tripod has a universal camera mount with an adjustable angular design. The cap mounts to any standard bottle top and can easily be dismounted and unscrewed quickly to store in your bag. A fun stocking stuffer!
3. Photoshop Elements software (Mac/Win) - $64.99 (Mac)/$74.99 (Win) ($25 savings): This special offer from the Adobe Store includes free shipping for both versions. The Windows version also includes a Basic Membership to Photoshop.com. These prices are good from Nov. 24 9pm PT through Dec. 10 6pm PT. Photoshop Elements is an outstanding image editor with lots of workflow goodies included. If your favorite photographer is ready to move up to Photoshop, this is a great deal.
4. Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal System Cloud - $49.95 US: The Lightsphere Universal flash diffuser from Gary Fong delivers amazing light from your on-camera flash. You no longer need bulky flash brackets or umbrellas to enjoy incredibly soft, studio-quality lighting! If you've used the original Lightsphere or Lightsphere®-II, you'll find the Lightsphere Universal creates the same great soft portrait light that you love NOW with the addition of an innovative, patent-pending mount that is guaranteed to stay on. Yes, one Lightsphere now fits most flashes. This is a great accessory, and it really works.
5. Morris Mini DC Slave Flash II with PC Cord - $31.95 US: Lets you put a little extra light just about anywhere, yet it fits easily in your pocket. Inclues PC cord, tripod mount, and slave that triggers the flash with the flash on your camera. Very handy for the photographer who likes to add a little sparkle to their indoor shots.
6. The Digital Photography Companion - $16.49 US: The Digital Photography Companion gives you creative tips and technical advice for taking top-notch digital photos in a wide range of conditions. Fits easily in your back pocket or backpack. Covers camera controls and pro techniques. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club. Perfect for the beginning photographer or owner of a new Digital SLR.
7. National Geographic Tundra Monopod with Head and Quick Release Plate - $42.00 US: The NG Tundra Monopod provides support when you can't use a tripod. Simply attach your camera directly to the top platform and begin shooting. To make the monopod more compact, the ball head can be removed. This also allows you to attach the camera directly to the monopod. It only weights a pound, but extends to 61.4". Almost any photographer would appreciate this gift.
8. Sandisk Extreme USB 2.0 3 in 1 Card Reader - $84.95 US: The Extreme USB 2.0 Reader provides you with a complete digital solution for your photography needs. Its performs at up to 20MB per seconds sequential read and write, above the level needed for the high enthusiast photographer. It's designed with two slots and supports CF (Type I and II), SD, MS Pro, and MS PRO Duo. It supports USB 2.0 connectivity on both Windows and Macintosh Operating Systems. It plugs and plays with no external AC power. This is quite simply one of the best card readers you can get, and a definite upgrade for just about any photographer.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Whirlwind is this month's photo assignment. This can be taken so many ways: things happening quickly, life breezing by, an very energenic child. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Nov. 30, 2008.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Gift Ideas for Photographers." You can download the podcast here (25 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!

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Learn what photographers need to know to organize and edit their images with Photoshop CS4. Take a look at The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. It fits in your laptop bag and is very easy on your wallet.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

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.

Recently, one of our virtual camera club members sent me a note about a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens that he wanted to sell. I've been looking for a well-kept version of this pro telephoto glass for some time. I have the 70-200mm f/4, and I absolutely love it. But there have been times when I wanted that extra f/stop of light.

The f/2.8 is an interesting lens. It's been around since late 2001, so I've wondered if a revision is in the works where it would receive the same 3rd generation image stabilizer that the f/4 version uses, which is good for four stops instead of the three stops of stabilization that the current f/2.8 can achieve. Plus I've wondered if they are going to tweak the optical formula or stick with the successful recipe they've enjoyed for years.

Despite these questions, I decided to buy the lens. Even though its owner had used it for a couple years, it was in great shape. The first thing noticed when I mounted it on the Canon 5D body is how heavy the lens really is, especially if you're used to the f/4. The second wave of realization was how sweet f/2.8 is for portraits and fading light -- add to that the creamy boca effect for soft backgrounds, and it's easy to see why this is such a popular lens.

Focusing is fast and quiet with the USM motor. But be careful when shooting wide open at 200mm. You can easily make a focusing mistake resulting in a "soft eye" if you get lazy. The image stabilizer works well, though a little louder than the current versions. Plus, there are the included extras: nice case, lens hood, and tripod collar.

I've used the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens for two shoots, and I'm already hooked on it. Normally, it sells for about $1,700 new, with deals around $1,600. But you can find pristine condition used versions for $1,100 - $1,400. It's big, it's heavy; but for portraits, events, and fading light, it's an outstanding zoom.

Photo of brother and sister by Derrick Story captured with a Canon 5D and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens at 200mm, f/4, 1/500, ISO 250, using the spot meter pattern.

Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography

Next week's podcast will be a holiday gift guide for photographers. I'm recording the show on Sunday and am soliciting ideas from TDS members.

If you've discovered a gadget or photo accessory that you think would make a great addition to our gift guide, please send a note with the following information:

• Its name
• What it does
• Where you can find it (web address preferred)
• How much it costs ($100 or less)

Use the Subject for your email: TDS Gift Guide. You can find all the information on where to send you suggestion on our Submissions page.

Don't delay! Your great idea could make someone very happy this holiday season.

Image caption: The Gorilla Pod is a terrific holiday gift that is affordable and very useful for photographers.

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As promised, here's Part 2 of our Sept. 08 Photo Assignment, "Quiet." I think I have everyone's entries now. You can view the latest round of quiet images in our Quiet, Part 2 Gallery. There's some great stuff here!

If you haven't had a chance yet, be sure to check out Quiet Part 1 Gallery too.

I also want to mention, that starting in December, the monthly Photo Assignment is going to take on new meaning. I'm going to use this as part of an overall photography course on various aspects of the craft. So there will be a lesson for you, then the photo assignment to practice it. I think you're really going to like this.

In the meantime, the November 2008 assignment is "Whirlwind." 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: Nov. 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 November assignment, and congratulations to all of the fine contributors for September (both galleries!). It's an excellent collection of images. And stay tuned for exciting stuff in December.

Photo by Barbara Ingersoll.

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.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, The Digital Story, Photo Assignment

How many bus-powered portable hard drives have you seen that come with HDMI ports that plug directly into your HDTV, enabling you to view photos, movies, and even listen to music without a computer? And how many of those come with a remote control?

The new LaCie LaCinema Rugged looks similar to the other drives in their Rugged product line, but boy is it different. It comes in two capacities (250 and 320 GBs), connects to your computer via USB 2.0, and has a variety of output options: video (composite video + stereo audio), HDMI, optical video, analog stereo (via A/V cable included), and optical audio.

It can play a variety of formats including: MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI, VOB, IFO, ISO), MPEG-4 (AVI, XviD), plus audio and Jpegs. And if you want, you can even use it as a regular backup hard drive via the USB 2.0.

The pricing is a reasonable $219 for the 250GB model, and $249 for the 320GB drive. I couldn't find anywhere they were available yet, but they should be in stock at the usual places soon.

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Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, Technology, The Digital Story

Wanna get away? Improving your photography is one of the best excuses to travel. Over the coming months, I'll be participating in events in San Francisco, Santa Fe, and the Far East. In this podcast, I discuss these opportunities in case you're considering a trip that combines photography with travel. Here are the highlights:

Workshop

I've Taken Great Pictures, Now What?

This workshop will help you decide the best way for you to organize and edit your pictures. Derrick will focus on four approaches: Adobe Lightroom, Apple Aperture, Adobe CS4, and "Roll Your Own."

To Register, visit: Santa Rosa Community Ed or call 707-527-4372

Webinar

Five Things Photographers Need to Know about Photoshop CS4

In this free webcast, O'Reilly Media author Derrick Story shows photographers important features in Photoshop CS4 that can improve their entire post production experience. Derrick spent months working with the beta version of CS4 while writing his new book, The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. Then hosting a conversation in the O'Reilly Digital Media forums for 3 days afterward.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, 10:30am to 11:30am, Free, Registration URL will be announced on The Digital Story.

Panel Discussion

Ask the Experts" - A Photography Panel Discussion

Where do your digital photography interests lie? Capture? Post Production? Trying to decide what camera to buy? O'Reilly Media has assembled a panel of photography experts who will give you the inside scoop on photography equipment, and the latest releases of Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom.

Jan 4, 2009, 7pm-9pm, Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA.

Workshop

Aperture Power Tools Workshop

This two-day Power Tools workshop will introduce you to all of Aperture's major functions, making post production as enjoyable as capturing the images in the first place. Jan. 5-6, 2009, Macworld Expo, SF, CA.

Find out more at the Macworld Expo site.

Photography Tour

MacMania 9 - Far East Cruise

The cruise begins in China, then visits South Korea and Japan. Photography courses include capture and post production. Additional tours are available as options for reasonable prices. Main cruise is July 11-17, 2009.

For more information, visit the MacMania 9 web site.

Photography Workshop

Beginning Workflow with Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom

We begin by exploring the intricacies of Raw, Bridge, and Lightroom. After that we practice building our own workflows with these tools. By the end of the week, participants have acquired a step-by-step process for uploading, rating, key-wording, processing, outputting, and archiving their photographs. With Derrick’s guidance, we learn how to take the “work” out of “workflow,” transforming these tasks into a rewarding, enjoyable part of the creative process. July 19 - 25, 2009, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

For more information, visit the Santa Fe Workshops web site.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Whirlwind is this month's photo assignment. This can be taken so many ways: things happening quickly, life breezing by, an very energenic child. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Nov. 30, 2008.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Event Mania." You can download the podcast here (26 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!

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Learn what photographers need to know to organize and edit their images with Photoshop CS4. Take a look at The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. It fits in your laptop bag and is very easy on your wallet.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

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.

"For this girl, I wanted to represent my interpretation of her story," wrote Amber Rossman. By her outfit, she knows she is cooler than the rest of us and she stops for no one... except to light her cigarette (which added to her movie star quality). But the blur the city continued around her. I don't smoke... but i imagine this is what it feels like to give attention to your addiction -- you stop your busy life to get a moment of relief as the world buzzes around you."

"When I posted this shot on Flickr, I was blasted for posting a blury shot that 'appears to be a mistake.' I felt disappointment and maybe embarrased that I posted a silly shot like this -- I liked the framing... the dinginess that provokes the feeling of a big city street... the blur that conveys busy-loud-city vibe."

"Because I seek to learn from experienced photogs, I went to the critic's profile to see what I could learn from his work. Hmmm vindication! His profile exhibits his favorite quote (interestingly enough, his own), "Good photography is a science, Great photography is an accident". Cool."

Derrick's note: Amber had sent in a handful of candidates to be featured on Grab Shots. I'm so glad she stuck to her guns and included this image. I love it. And I'm happy to share it with our virtual camera club.

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.

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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.

Fear not if you accidently erase your pictures off a memory card. The latest version of PhotoRescue can help you recover those images, even including Raw files from the latest cameras, including the Nikon D700 and Canon EOS Rebel XS/1000D.

Just download the demo version (Mac and Windows), see what pictures can be recovered, and if you want them, pay the $29 to license the software. It's great stuff; I've used it myself.

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Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, memory card, Technology, The Digital Story

Once you download the trial version of Photoshop CS4, you have 30 days to freely explore, test, and enjoy its bounty of new features. Here are a few things I'd look at during the trial.

Review Mode in Bridge. I've really become hooked on this carousel approach to sorting images. Enable by pressing CMD-B or CTRL-B. Use right and left arrows to navigate, and the down arrow to drop images out of the carousel. Once you have your favorites, use the Make Collections icon to save them as a group.

Collections in Bridge. These virtual folders are like Albums in iPhoto and Aperture, and similar to Collections in Lightroom. They finally give us the versatility to group images without messing up our filing organization.

Graduated Filter in Adobe Camera Raw. What a great addition this is to ACR! Not only can you use it for tonal adjustments, but for color and sharpness too. You'll find it in the toolbar at the top of ACR.

Localized Corrections with the Adjustment Brush in ACR. Another killer tool that allows you to work on specific areas nondestructively. You'll find it in the toolbar at the top of ACR.

Targeted Adjustment Tool in Curves and HSL Adjustment Panels in Photoshop. I like the new Adjustment Panel that automatically creates a new layer for you. But I really like the Targeted Adjustment Tool in the Curves and HSL panels.

Birdseye View in Photoshop CS4. Great navigation addition. When you're working with an image at magnification, hold down the H key and click. Photoshop takes you into Birdseye view enabling you to easily navigate to another area of the photo. You have to see it to believe it. And zooming (Z) in general is smoother and more fun. Try it.

Another recommendation is to get the book, The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers before you download the trial. This 190 page guide will only set you back $16.49 on Amazon, and it can serve as your navigator for exploring Photoshop CS4. If you decide CS4 isn't for you, then you can pass the book along to someone else. If it is for you, you have the perfect companion for learning the new application.

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Technorati Tags: Adobe Photoshop, Derrick Story, digital photography, Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Technology, The Digital Story

When you pack for vacation, do your gear up as if you were preparing to invade a small foreign country? Do you feel the need to document every movement that family members make? Are you constantly scanning the horizon for incoming great shots? If you answer yes to these questions, you are not on vacation.

I have great empathy for this syndrome. I've been afflicted myself, and drift in and out of recovery. I had a chance to think about this recently during a vacation in Maui. And this week's show I talk about balancing work and play during time off.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Whirlwind is this month's photo assignment. This can be taken so many ways: things happening quickly, life breezing by, an very energenic child. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is Oct. 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Do Photographers Really Get Vacations?." You can download the podcast here (28 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!

Follow me on Twitter

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Learn what photographers need to know to organize and edit their images with Photoshop CS4. Take a look at The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. It fits in your laptop bag and is very easy on your wallet.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

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.

Of all the features that Amazon offers its customers, reviews submitted by people who read the books are still the most useful. This is especially true when a book takes a specific approach to a subject, such as what I've done with The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. Unlike other Photoshop manuals that try to cover all of the tools, I filter through hundreds of features to present the most important ones for photographers who want to use CS4 as their photo workflow application.

When I read the first Amazon review for the Photoshop Companion, it was interesting to see that the book was perfectly suited for what that customer wanted (David J. McKee). By David sharing his thoughts, he helps both those who have similar needs and those who may want something else.

I'm mentioning this because, if you've read The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, and you have insights about it that might be useful for other photographers, I encourage you to post a review on Amazon.

It's like so many other things we do on The Digital Story: share our ideas and our work with each other.

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Technorati Tags: Adobe Photoshop, Derrick Story, digital photography, Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Technology, The Digital Story

After spending the bulk of my Saturday organizing the pictures I've captured over the last three weeks, I'm reflecting on archiving in the digital age.

Generally, I'm not someone who waits to get home before I start organizing my work. On my trip to Hawaii, for example, I rated all of my images, and updated the metadata for all of the "keepers" while I was still on the road. So it's not like I'm starting from ground zero once I'm at my desktop computer.

As I think back to the "old days" of sorting slides, marking them with a Sharpie, then putting them into sleeved binders, I have to say that archiving in the digital age is neither better nor worse. It's different.

With digital, my pictures are easier to retrieve up the road thanks to metadata and great browsing tools such as Aperture, Bridge, and Lightroom. I can multitask (unload the suitcase and start the wash) while files are being copied to backup drives. And I find that I'm making presentations and prints faster that I used to in the analog days.

On the other hand, I'm more nervous about hard drives crashing and optical discs going bad than I ever was about properly stored film. So I'm constantly looking for affordable redundant solutions to put my mind at ease. And those tools cost money. And I'm still not sure about my "return on investment" for all the time I spend writing captions and keywords. Maybe I'm just not taking advantage of that work properly yet.

I'll tell you when digital feels good though. When I really need to find a particular image quickly, and I actually locate it. So, I guess spending some time on the weekend toward this endeavor is not really wasted after all. Maybe I'll go take more pictures today.

Learn what photographers need to know to organize and edit their images with Photoshop CS4. Take a look at The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. It fits in your laptop bag and is very easy on your wallet.

Technorati Tags: backup, Derrick Story, digital photography, Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Technology, The Digital Story

As I had mentioned in earlier posts, this had been an unusual week of diving for me. The swell from the north kept things churned up thereby decreasing visibility. The skies were variable, and when overcast, that also affected how things looked underwater. And, to top it off, I had gone all week without seeing a sea turtle.

On my last dive of the week, I was exploring a rocky area not far off the shore. The water was tumultuous, but the landscape was beautiful. Then, to my right, I spotted a giant green sea turtle coming by for a snack of vegetation. He was only inches from me, and we swayed back and forth in the tide (me trying to stay out of his way so as not to disturb his lunch.)

I figured that my week was now complete, and I should probably think about heading home. It was a terrific conclusion.

Photo by Derrick Story. Captured with a Canon SD700 IS in a Canon underwater housing. Camera set to Underwater Scene Mode.

Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, Technology, The Digital Story, Underwater

The morning was overcast, which is always a drag for snorkeling. But a little light broke through in the afternoon. So I geared-up and headed straight out to the third buoy on my beach. Between the swell and wind, I wasn't expecting much. But to my surprise, I had one of my better shooting sessions underwater. I guess you just never know for sure.

It seemed like all of the fish were out. One of the more interesting creatures was this Sea Slug draped over a handsome coral. He was probably about 18" long. I appreciated him striking an elegant pose.

Photo by Derrick Story. Captured with a Canon SD700 IS in a Canon underwater housing. Camera set to "Underwater" scene mode.

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.

Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, Technology, The Digital Story, Underwater

When I'm on vacation, I try to be more like a normal person and less like a photographer. One of the ways I do that is to put a compact camera in my pocket and leave everything else behind. This usually means that I'm shooting Jpeg.

It's funny, now that I've been shooting Raw for a couple years, I really notice a difference when I process Jpegs in Aperture. I'm so used to being able to recover vast amounts of image data in the highlights and shadows. I have so much information to work with regardless of the slider I'm using.

After processing a day's worth of Jpegs, I feel like I'm image editing with one hand tied behind my back. I move a slider expecting a certain result, and the image just doesn't respond "right." It's a good reminder of just how powerful Raw photography is.

Does this mean I'm going to start lugging all my photo gear around? Nope. I'm still on vacation. I'll shoot Raw when it's convenient. But the rest of the time, I'm still going to be a tourist.

Photo of Dragon's Teeth formation near Kapalua, Maui, by Derrick Story. Captured with a Canon SD700 IS in Program mode.

Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, technique, Technology, The Digital Story

Editor's Note: Part 1 of of Sept. 08 Gallery

Why do I say "Part 1"? Well, because I've been on the road, and I'm sensing that something strange is going on with my email. As a result, I think there are a number of entries for the Sept. 08 Photo Assignment that I don't have in my inbox. If yours is one of the missing entries, please drop me a line with your submission so I can add it to the gallery. I'll run a second post once I hear from folks. (Sometimes technology is a drag!)

OK, On to the Festivities

The September 2008 Photo Assignment was "Quiet," and we have a terrific selection of images to show you -- 6 photos (so far) submitted by Digital Story members who demonstrate their ability to identify the quiet world around them, then capture it 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 November 2008 assignment is "Whirlwind." 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: Nov. 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 November assignment, and congratulations to all of the fine contributors for September. It's an excellent collection of images.

Photo by Louise Thompson.

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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