One of the apps that generated chatter at the recent Macworld/iWorld event was Handy Photo for iOS ($1.99). And for good reason. This image editor is chock-full of powerful tools, is easy to use, and sports an attractive user interface.

When you first launch the app, you're greeted with a friendly welcome screen that asks you what you want to do: take a picture or open one from your gallery. I selected a shot from my Photo Stream that I had captured this morning with the iPhone. The image appears onscreen waiting for you to tap the hand in the upper right corner to select your next action.

I typically start with cropping, so I picked the Magic Crop tool. By doing so, options for that tool are available in the lower left corner. Pick the particular action you want, and apply it with your finger tip. Image editing categories to choose from include: Tone & Color, Retouch, Clone Stamp, Move Me, Filters, Textures, Magic Crop, and Frames.

They're all relatively easy to figure out, but if you need help, return to Handy Photo Home, and tap on the Tutorials button. They've posted YouTube videos for their tools that show you how to proceed. Once you've learned a new technique, you can return to the app and apply it.

Depending on the device and the processing power that you have on it, Handy Photo has some pretty robust file handling features. For example, they list: 100% size image editing, up to 36 MP image handling, RAW format support. Here's the breakdown listed device by device:

• 5 MP - iPod touch 4th Generation / iPad
• 10 MP - iPhone 4 / iPhone 4s / iPod touch 5th Generation
• 15 MP - iPad 2 / iPad mini
• 36 MP - iPhone 5 / iPhone 5s / iPhone 5c / iPad 3 / iPad 4 / iPad Air

The images of the resolution higher than maximum allowed will be automatically resized.

The Bottom Line

Handy Photo is an excellent value for $1.99. The image editing tools are powerful, and there's quite a variety of them. The application itself is easy to use. And you can save the pictures back to your camera roll or upload them to Twitter or Facebook. All in all, I really enjoyed the app and I'm going to keep it on my iPad.

This product has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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Part of life on the road is eating alone. One of the ways I make the best of this situation is to take my camera to dinner.

I travel light in these situations, packing my mirrorless in the Walking Man Shoulder Bag or a pouch such as the Lowepro Dashpoint 30, as shown below.

Having my camera with me doesn't help during the meal itself. But when I'm alone, I discover that I'm more attuned to my surroundings before, during, and after eating. Suddenly I see shots, and am willing to work them, that I might have missed before. Here's a shot I captured while having my after-meal coffee.

So yes, it might be a bit lonely during the entree. But by taking my camera to dinner, I've discovered that desserts can be fantastic.

You might also enjoy Table for One on The Nimble Photographer.

The Walking Man Shoulder Bag and Lowepro Dashpoint 30 have a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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Figuring out how to carry a professional quality tripod in my Lowepro Urban Reporter camera bag wasn't an easy trick. That is, until I discovered the MeFoto DayTrip tripod ($119).

This sturdy set of sticks folds down to 9.4" and weighs only 1.8 pounds. Yet it can handle up to 8.8 pounds and extend to 24" high. I can work with it on the ground for macro photography and landscape, or set it on a table, chair, newspaper stand, or any other available surface for more height.

The DayTrip's variable-angle adjustable legs allow for work on uneven surfaces. The included ball head with mini Arca Swiss quick release provides quick adjustments with oversized knobs for easy gripping.

The MeFOTO DayTrip is beautifully crafted. The aluminum components are nicely finished with attractive color accents in red, black, orange, titanium, blue, green, white, chocolate, yellow, purple, gold, or hot pink. I personally love the red model.

All of the adjustment points are precise and easy to use. The ballhead is removable, so you can add a full size Arca Swiss head, such as the Joby Ballhead X. And if you need a super low angle, the center column is reversible.

iPhone and Android photographers may want to add the SideKick360 Smartphone Adapter ($49) to their MeFOTO kit.

The SideKick360 has an Arca-Swiss Style Base (full size), three 1/4"-20 mounts, and one 3/8"-16 mount. The bullhead adjuster allows for a variety of positions. The SideKick360 can stand on its own, or be mounted on any tripod. It is constructed of the same high quality aluminum with oversized knobs and the DayTrip tripod.

The MeFOTO tripod fits nicely inside the Urban Reporter 150. I replaced the original full size camera box insert with another that was only about two-thirds as wide. This opened up a nice space inside the bag so I could pace the MeFOTO tripod upright.

If you need a bigger tripod, MeFOTO also makes the GlobeTrotter ($209, 64" high) and the RoadTrip ($189, 61" high).

But for me with my mirrorless kit in the Urban Reporter, it's the MeFOTO DayTrip. It's light, compact, and quite beautiful.

The MeFOTO DayTrip has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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If you love Leica glass, then consider shooting with a micro four thirds camera. Why?

By doing so, you can enjoy the brand and quality without tanking your credit card. Here are a few examples:

The just-announced Panasonic/Leica 15mm f/1.7 sells for $599. That is not cheap by any means. But the Leica 35mm f/2.5 Summarit-M sells for $1,950.

I own a Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH prime that currently costs $529. I love this lens and use it often on my OM-D cameras. The Leica Normal 50mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical prime will currently set you back $4,250.

A lens that I'm lusting after, the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH (with image stabilization) is listed for $1,598. That's why I don't have it (yet). But for perspective, the Leica Telephoto 90mm f/2.0 APO Summicron M Aspherical will hit your credit card at $3,995.

By comparing the different mounts, you can clearly see there are differences between the micro four thirds models and the optics built for Leica cameras. That being said, the image quality I get with my 25mm Leica on an OM-D E-M1 is wonderful.

For years I wanted to own and shoot with a Leica lens. But the investment was cost-prohibitive for my photojournalist salary. But thanks to micro four thirds photography, I have a great camera and beautiful optics that I can afford, including a Leica or two.

These Leica lenses have a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Camera Review, new Leica 15mm f/1.7 lens for Micro Four Thirds, and Big B&W - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Weekly Update: Samsung NX mini is announced. They write, "If nothing else, the NX mini is another option in a growing category of super-small interchangeable lens cameras. The Pentax Q7 and Panasonic GM1 appear to be the enthusiasts' best options in the field, while the mini joins the Nikon 1 J3 in targeting beginners." (DP Review)
In other news, Kodak is back in the news with the Pixpro S1 micro four thirds camera. (ePHOTOzine).
And finally, We have a tempting new Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH to resist. This micro 4/3 optic is equivalent to a 30mm lens on a 35mm camera, and features 9 elements in 7 groups, including 3 aspherical elements. Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology is adopted to minimize reflections. Should sell for about $550. (Photography Blog).

Story #2 - The Olympus Olympus OM-D E-M10 Hands On Review ($699 for body only)

I'm testing this little gem with the new Olympus 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ zoom ($349) and the Olympus Lens Cap Auto Open ($39). Highlight features include:

• 16MP Sensor, TruePic VII Processor
• Built-in Wi-Fi, Popup flash
• 3-Axis IS (with auto selection)
• 81 point Fast-AF, 8 FPS
• No anti-aliasing filter
• No weather proofing
• Uses same battery as the PENs, no the other OM-Ds
• No Accessory port
• Optional ECG-1 External Camera Grip available
• Live Composite, 2 HDR modes and HDR Bracketing, Color Creator, 999-shot Intervalometer, Time-Lapse Movie, Photo Story, Hand- Held Starlight Mode, Art Filters

I discuss what how this camera fits into the OM-D family and my shooting experiences with it.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Joseph Linaschke: Artist in Action: Joseph Linaschke's Large Scale Black-and-White Photograph. You might know this week's featured artist through his Aperture Expert website and work. But Joseph is also a fan of B&W printing. He combines these passions in this week's Screening Room.

You can watch Joseph take his images from Aperture to the wall by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com/thedigitalstory. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch other photography titles, plus every other topic in the library.

Story #4 - The Nimbleosity Report - My 3-day event coverage with the Urban Reporter 150 and mirrorless cameras.

Virtual Camera Club News

Workshop News: The Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop is scheduled for August 22-24, 2014. And the dates are set for the Fall Color with Safari West Workshop, October 24-26, 2014. You can learn about them both, plus request a reservation form by visiting the TDS Workshops Page and using the "Send Me Info" box.

Lowepro Pro Roller x-200 Giveaway: Follow Derrick_Story on Twitter, TheDigitalStory on Facebook, or DerrickStory on Instagram, then by March 31, 2014, send an email to: derrick@thedigitalstory.com with the Subject line: Roller Giveaway and your name and social network addition in the body of the email. Please include your shipping address.

Photo Assignment for March 2014 is HDR.

If you haven't done so already, please post a review for The Digital Story Podcast in iTunes.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (32 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

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

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

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

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until August!

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I just read this juicy rumor on PetaPixel that was to tasty to pass up. They are reporting that Sony Has a 'Completely Different' Medium Format Camera in the Works (One of their sources was SonyAlphaRumors.).

"Does that mean we'll be seeing an RX style fixed lens MF camera? Maybe something more portable with a new lens mount? Your guess is as good as ours, but SAR did get one other very exciting bit of information: this camera will be cheaper than all the other CMOS MF cams that it is supposedly not competing with."

Who knows what Sony is up to. But if they could make digital medium format photography affordable, then that would change the landscape.

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You can use mirrorless cameras for professional event coverage.

For the 3-day Artisan Cheese Festival in Petaluma, CA, I'm using the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 with a handful of lenses including the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 zoom on one body and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 lens on the other.

I'm transporting my gear, including an iPad mini, in the Lowepro Urban Reporter 150 Camera Messenger Bag (which is on sale now for $85).

The entire rig is very light and extremely powerful. I can work all day without tiring, and it's easy to navigate among crowds with the svelte messenger bag.

Top Chef Louis Maldonado. Photos by Derrick Story.

In the early days of mirrorless cameras, there was a concern that they didn't look "professional" enough. But that hasn't been a problem for me. Every now and then I have an entertaining conversation that starts with "So why don't you use Canon or Nikon for your work?" I say that I do, but not every job. I like to choose the gear that works best for what I'm covering. It usually turns out to be a nice little chat

When I can, I like to capture with existing light. I feel the shots look more natural. But I do carry a flash for those times that it's needed. Even then, I try to bounce and reduce the flash exposure one stop.

Will I use this rig for every shoot? No. My DSLRs are still very important to me. But I don't have to use them exclusively for professional work. And that's the difference mirrorless has made.

This rig has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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The new Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ zoom is a truly fun optic.

The motorized zooming feature can be controlled with an "easy to grip" ring on the lens barrel, of via the Olympus Share iOS app (as I did in this video). The optic automatically extends when you turn on the camera, and retracts when you power down. This provides a nifty compact camera experience, even though this is a serious interchangeable lens system model.

For even more fun, however, you might want to invest in the Auto Open Lens Cap that reveals the front optic on powering up, and protects it when you turn off the camera.

Add it all up, and you have a 28mm-84mm (equivalent) zoom that is less than an inch long and weighs only 3.2 ounces, can be controlled remotely with your mobile phone, and accepts a nifty auto lens cap accessory.

What's not to like?

This product has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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One of the strengths of the Micro Four Thirds system is its substantial catalog of lenses. Olympus has added a dash of fun, and provides some help in choosing the right optic, with its Lens Selector Guide.

Choose the category you're interested in, such as portraits or macro, and the camera body you're using. The selector presents you with its recommendations, complete with images captured with those lenses.

The Olympus Lens Selector is quite handsome and well implemented. A great way to spend a coffee break.

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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I just read a post on Pop Photo about the X-Rite ColorTRUE Mobile App. The goal is for photographers to be able to calibrate their iPad screens for presentations. My question is: "how necessary is calibration for your mobile device?"

For years, we've been publishing our images on web pages for the world to see. We prepare them as best possible. But once they hit someone else's monitor, we have no control over their calibration, luminance, or resolution. During this period, photography has grown in popularity.

The iPad and its kin present us with another opportunity to share our work. I know for a fact that all of my mobile devices and computer monitors are not in absolute sync when it comes to color and tone. In a perfect world, I would love for everything to match.

But the fact of the matter is, my images look good on each individual device. Overall, the color, contrast, and sharpness are pleasing to the eye. Plus, I'm showing images in a variety of lighting conditions (mobile device!); there's no way I can calibrate for all of those scenarios. So, for 95 percent of my sharing, this uncalibrated workflow will have to suffice.

I understand that there are photographers who need precise color representation on their mobile devices. And maybe they have more control over the ambient lighting conditions. For them, the X-Rite ColorTRUE solution might help.

I'm curious to hear if you feel the need to color calibrate your iPad? If you want to share your thoughts on this, please visit our TDS Facebook page where this story will be posted. You can leave a comment there.

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 photography podcast: 5 Steps to Restore Old, Faded Photos; The Story of Two Lenses (and how they invigorated cameras I wasn't using); and Flickr Redesign in the Works - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Weekly Update: Calumet Photographic closes U.S. stores (DP Review)
In other news, Looks like we have a Flickr redesign coming within a few weeks. My favorite part of this is that the intrusive Yahoo nav bar will be eliminated. (PetaPixel).
And finally, Michael Reichmann posted an essay on The Luminous Landscape titled, Why the Camera Industry is in The Dumper And What Can be Done About It. He cites buyer fatigue among the reasons. It's an interesting ready whether you agree with his points or not. (The Luminous Landscape).

Story #2 - 5 Steps to Restore Old Faded Photos

That's me sitting on the couch with a camera. My sister looks pretty bored, and my Mom doesn't seem to be in a portrait mood.

Both Aperture and Lightroom have the image editing tools to breath new life into the scans of your faded family photos. Here's a quick overview.

• Remove Cast with Temperature and Tint
• Improve Contrast
• Add Vibrancy
• Fix Blotches with the Retouch Brush
• Increase Definition and Sharpness

For more detail about these adjustments, see my article, How to Restore Old Photos in Aperture.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Mikkel Aaland - Travel Photography: Seaside Road Trip Setting the Stage. This week's featured artist is veteran photographer Mikkel Aaland. I picked this title because Mikkel knows travel (I spent a week in Iceland with him), and we're coming in to the time of year where many of us have trips planned.

You can watch Mikkel in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com/thedigitalstory. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch other photography titles, plus every other topic in the library.

Story #4 - The Story of Two Lenses (and how they invigorated cameras I wasn't using).

Virtual Camera Club News

Workshop News: The Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop is scheduled for August 22-24, 2014. And the dates are set for the Fall Color with Safari West Workshop, October 24-26, 2014. You can learn about them both, plus request a reservation form by visiting the TDS Workshops Page and using the "Send Me Info" box.

Lowepro Pro Roller x-200 Giveaway: Follow Derrick_Story on Twitter, TheDigitalStory on Facebook, or DerrickStory on Instagram, then by March 31, 2014, send an email to: derrick@thedigitalstory.com with the Subject line: Roller Giveaway and your name and social network addition in the body of the email. Please include your shipping address.

Photo Assignment for March 2014 is HDR.

If you haven't done so already, please post a review for The Digital Story Podcast in iTunes.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (32 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

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

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

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

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until August!

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The Pentax SMC DA 50mm f/1.8 lens is a handsomely designed, moderately priced, fast prime.

I had read conflicting reports about its performance. Pop Photo gave it high marks, while the folks at SLRgear.com were lukewarm about the optic. I needed a fast, versatile lens for my Pentax K-5 that I use around the studio. So when the 50mm went on sale for $182, I jumped at the chance to buy it.

After a few days of shooting, I'm leaning more toward the Pop Photo results. So much so, that I'm wondering if SLRgear got a bad version of the optic for testing. I'm primarily shooting between f/1.8 and f/2.8 here at the studio.

Portrait at f/1.8 with Pentax 50mm. Photos by Derrick Story.

I do think the lens is a bit sharper at f/2.8 than wide open. But that doesn't mean that it isn't crisp at f/1.8, and the artistic effect of the focus falloff is wonderful.

Portrait at f/2.8 with Pentax 50mm.

If I were going to complain about anything with the Pentax 50mm, it wouldn't be image quality. It would be the grinding sound of the AF motor. It's not a problem here at the studio shooting product shots. But I wouldn't want it at an intimate marriage ceremony. In those situations, switch to manual focus, which is quite nice on this lens.

The Bottom Line

If you own a Pentax K-mount body, you probably will love adding the 50mm to your camera bag. It's light, good-looking, and provides excellent image quality. Just don't shoot in AF mode in quiet settings.

The Pentax 50mm f/1.8 lens has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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No photo library is complete without old, color-shifted family portraits. You can breath some life into these pictures by using the image editing tools in Aperture.

That's me sitting on the couch with a camera. My sister looks pretty bored, and my Mom doesn't seem to be in a portrait mood.

Here are the basic steps I follow to work on an old photo:

• Remove Cast with Temperature and Tint - I use the eye dropper in the White Balance brick and click on a neutral area with Temperature and Tint selected. This helps remove some of the color cast.
• Improve Contrast - using the Exposure brick along with the Highlights & Shadows brick, I work on the exposure. I find the Mid Contrast slider very helpful with old photos.
• Add Vibrancy - Once you've pulled the colors and exposure into a better place, restore some of the life with the Vibrancy slider. It will protect skin tones much better than the Saturation control.
• Attack Shadow Noise - These adjustments will almost always increase noise in the shadows. I use the Skin Smoothing brush on noisy areas. It works great.
• Tone Down Pesky Remaining Color Shifts - If you still have more color shift than you want, try using the Color brick and selecting an area with the eyedropper. Then you can adjust the hue and bump up the brightness. This is a nice finishing touch for color work.

• Fix Blotches with the Retouch Brush - Weird spots seem to appear during this recovery process. Use the Retouch brush to knock down those imperfections.
• Increase Definition and Sharpness - The Definition slider is an excellent helper with old photos. I usually move the slider pretty far to the right, then add some Edge Sharpening too.

Your old photo is still going to look its age. That's OK. But by experimenting with these tools, you can wash away some of the years, improving the appearance of your historical document.

Aperture Tips and Techniques

To learn more about using these tools in 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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As we turn the corner from Winter to Spring here in the States, The Nimble Photographer breaks out some new goodies in the spirit of the season.

The Nimbleosity T-Shirt ($17.50) wicks moisture away from the body. Perfect for a day hike, bike ride, or Sunday afternoon stroll. Double-needle hemmed bottom, sleeves, collar, and arms. Only weighs 3.7 ounces and designed with 100 percent high performance poly fabric.

The Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($12.95) is crafted by Wenger. This handsome 26-ounce "clean water" bottle is perfect for an afternoon hike, bike ride, or as a companion while running errands in the car.

The Walking Man logo is printed on the front in black, and Wenger is printed on the back. The matte finish for the bottle is charcoal gray. Kit includes D-Ring attachment.

The Microfiber Cleaning Cloth ($2.50) keeps those sunglasses and camera filters free of grime and smudges.

This cloth features our Spring 2014 Walking Man with "I have a high nimbleosity rating" circling him. Vinyl pouch included. Cloth measures 6" x 6". And if that wasn't good enough, free shipping for this item.

While you're in the store, you may want to check out our popular Walking Man Cap, limited edition shoulder bag, and variety of T-Shirts.

These products have a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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Nothing shakes up a composition like a fisheye lens. And for Micro Four Thirds shooters, the Olympus 9mm Fisheye Body Cap lens ($99) is an affordable way to have some real fun.

First of all, it's really about the size of a standard camera body cap. So you don't need much room in your camera bag to add this dash of spice. I've been using the Olympus 15mm Body Cap lens ($49) on a PEN E-PM2 body ($323) as a super compact backup camera. And it's been truly handy (and very compact).

But the 9mm is more than just an emergency lens. It has two aspherical elements, 140 degree field of view, and three manual focus settings (including a close-up mode that allows you to shoot at 7.9").

There's no AF, and no lens communication with the camera. I shoot in Aperture Priority mode (using the f/8 constant aperture). There's also no lens metadata sent with the picture, although I doubt you'll forget which lens you used when you look at the image.

Personally, I really like high-value tools that bring something unique to my camera bag. And when I'm in the mood for fun fisheye effect, I know I'll always have this little gem with me.

The 9mm fisheye lens has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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I like custom icons for my internal and external hard drives. They make it easy to quickly identify which is which on my desktop.

The problem is, that when you reformat a hard drive, your custom icon will be replaced with a generic version. Not only are the generics not as attractive, but there's no visual distinction among the various units.

Fortunately, it's easy to preserve your custom icon. Before you reformat the drive, use the Get Info command (CMD-I). In the upper left corner, you'll see the icon for your hard drive. Click on it once to highlight it, the go to Edit>Copy to save it to the clipboard.

Go ahead and reformat the drive as normal. (Make sure it's backed-up first!) Then use the Get Info command again, click on the generic drive icon, and choose Paste. You'll have your custom icon once again.

If you want to save your custom hard drive icons for future use, Open Preview (the app) and choose File>New from Clipboard. The entire family of icons will be pasted and you can save them as an .icns file. That way you'll never lose them.

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My original iPad was in virtual retirement on the top closet shelf. Since it doesn't support iOS 6 or 7, it seemed destined for my personal electronics museum. And that seemed wrong.

The battery is still good, the screen is colorful and bright, and the wireless is just as viable as ever. I was determined to make it relevant again.

The original iPad displaying a slideshow of my work in what used to be a dark corner of the stairwell where my iHome AirPlay speaker system is located.

I found a wall mount for it at Padbracket.com and decided that my old iPad could become the ultimate digital picture frame. After a few days of use, I can't imagine why I waited so long. (There are a variety of creative wall mounts for your iPad online. Shop around a bit to find one you like.)

The setup is easy. Create an Album in the Photos app specifically for the images you want to display on your new digital picture frame. Then go to Settings > Picture Frame, and select the Album along with the other options you prefer, such as transitions and display time for each image.

When it's time to show off your work, you don't even have to unlock the iPad. Push the Power button, tap on the Picture Frame icon in the lower right corner, and enjoy the show.

You can change things up by running a weather app with pretty pictures and the local temperature. There are still many available for iOS 5.

I like that my original iPad is back in business. And the looping slideshow brightens up that corner of the studio. If you have an iPad collecting dust, you might want to give it new life as a digital picture frame.

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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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 photography podcast: Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW Grand Prize; From the Screening Room: Ben Long: Shooting and Processing HDR; and on the Workshops Update: Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop Open for Business - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Weekly Update: Getty and Flickr to cease partnership (DP Review) Even though the 6-year partnership ends, "Your status as a contributor to Getty Images is unchanged by this news. Your current agreement with Getty Images remains the same and agreements will NOT be terminated by us as a result of this change, no matter how few images you have on gettyimages.com."

In other news, Ultra-high def Panasonic GH4 ships this May at a price enthusiasts can justify - $1,700 body alone and $3,300 with camera and interface unit together, which adds 4K HD-SDI output with timecode, XLR audio, and DC power, as well as a stereo levels display and physical levels controls. Should ship in May. (Imaging-Resource).

And finally, iOS 7.1: The changes we love (and the ones we don't) Includes HDR auto, the camera automatically detects when an image might be improved by HDR, and shoots in that format. (Macworld Magazine).

Story #2 - Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW Grand Prize

This is a sweepstakes for podcast listeners only. The goal is to bring you into our family of social network sites, so you can stay better informed about what's going on in our virtual camera club community. (Lots of TDS news isn't covered in the weekly show.)

Participation is easy. All you have to do is join one or more of our social network sites, and let me know which one(s) via email. Here are your choices:

• Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/thedigitalstory)
• Follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/Derrick_Story)
• Join us on Instagram (instagram.com/derrickstory)
• The send an email to derrick@thedigitalstory.com with the Subject line: Roller Giveaway and your name and social network addition in the body of the email. Please include your shipping address.

If you're already a member of all three social sites, send the email and say so. Be sure to include your shipping address.

Twenty-five randomly selected participants will receive the brand new "I have a high nimbleosity rating" microfiber camera cleaning cloth. One participant will receive the Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW camera bag.

Only rules are that your email has to be date stamped before March 31, 2014, and if these sort of things are not allowed where you live, then I can't change that. In other words, void where prohibited.

I hope you toss your hat in the ring. I can't wait to send out those cool Nimble microfibers, and of course the Pro Roller X200.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Ben Long: Shooting and Processing HDR. This week's featured artist is expert photographer and all around great guy, Ben Long. Ben shows you the ins and outs of High Dynamic Range Photography in this week's title.

You can watch Ben in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com/thedigitalstory. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch other photography titles, plus every other topic in the library.

Story #4 - Workshops Update - The Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop is scheduled for August 22-24, 2014. And let me tell you why this is such a wonderful event for enthusiast photographers.

Virtual Camera Club News

Photo Assignment for March 2014 is HDR.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (31 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

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

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

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

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until August!

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I'm the first to admit that there are days when a mixed lighting scene would not be my first choice. But I don't feel that way all of the time.

And in fact, there are instances when I capture something that I truly like using a couple different light sources, such as this portrait of Kathryn.

Portrait by Derrick Story. Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom at 130mm f/3.5, ISO 1600, 1/400th, +2/3 exposure compensation.

The location for the shoot was a yoga studio that had a large skylight overhead. I had packed my usual gear including backdrops, strobes, and Lowel Ego Lights, which are 30W compact fluorescent lamps color balanced to 5000 degrees.

The light coming in from outside was probably around 5600 degrees, but it was tinted by the walls and flooring of the studio. All in all, it was quite a grabbag of color temperatures. We added to the recipe by using a circular Photoflex MultiDisc Circular Reflector for offside fill light using the silver/gold surface.

So how did I bring this all together? Well, first of all, none of the color temperatures were extremely different than my main lights, which were stacked Lowel Ego Lights. So my range was tolerable from the get go. I used a white/gray/black card for the first few frames to help me fine tune the color, if necessary, in post.

As it turned out, the color looked very good on the Canon 5D Mark II LCD, which is important for me during the shoot because I like to show images to the subject to build confidence. But in post, I thought they were a tad too warm, so I did cool them off.

It was worth it, however to have that wonderful, natural hair light during the shoot. I think that top light adds much to the composition. And with benefits like that, I'm happy to deal with a mixed light scenario.

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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.

Nikon Rumors is predicting a Nikon 1 V3 with a new 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD VR lens and a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR zoom will be announced this week, probably on March 12th or 13th.

This could be tempting news for Nikon shooters, with the 3rd generation of the mirrorless line bringing about substantial performance improvements. The Nikon 1 V3 may lure more DSLR shooters into the mirrorless world who had been previously hesitating because they wanted to stay in brand, but weren't impressed with Nikon's offering.

As for the rest of us... a new camera announcement is always fun.

The Nikon 1 V3 should have a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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Last night, when I downloaded the latest issue of Time Magazine for my iPad mini (March 17, 2014), I had no idea about the treat that was waiting for me.

The cover is a 360-degree panorama from the top of the Freedom Tower (The One World Trade Center) in New York. As I tapped and moved my index finger on the cover, I could explore the city below. This is something that could never be done with a paper edition of the publication.

I have been a big fan of iPad-compatibile publishing for some time now. I subscribe to Time, Popular Photography, c't Digital Photography, the San Francisco Chronicle, and others, plus USA Today, which is free. Publishers have continued to improve their offerings, making periodical reading on the iPad more than just convenient... it's compelling.

In my mind, this latest issue of Time is a watershed moment. My hope is that people will try these publications and see that the change from paper to digital isn't just an inevitable economic decision, but can actually move the periodical medium forward.

As a bonus treat, here's a behind the scenes about making the GigaPan image.

The iPad version of Time Magazine has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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Among the discussion about the famous Ellen DeGeneres selfie at the Oscars, one of the talking points should be the great tip she provided for event photographers.

Today on The Nimble Photographer Journal, I write about the lesson we can learn from Ellen's brilliant Oscar night performance in the entry titled, The Selfie Seen Round the World.

Ellen DeGeneres has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

March must be DSLR lens month. Right now there are great deals on Nikon, Pentax, and Canon glass. Here are a few promotions that I've found interesting.

Nikon Lens Sale

Here's an entire page of AF-S Nikkor glass on sale. One of my favorites here is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR zoom lens reduced $300 to $996. Promotion ends March 29, 2014.

Great Deals on Pentax

Take a look at this page of Pentax glass on sale and you'll see some terrific deals. My favorite is the Pentax smc Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 WR macro lens that has been reduced $200 to $646. Better hurry on the Pentax deals, however, promotion ends on March 6, 2014.

Canon Tandems

Buy a DSLR and save big on a lens. Take a look as this Canon Sale page. My choice here is the exceptional Canon 70D bundled with EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. Essentially, you get the lens for half price ($163) and a good deal on a great camera. The Canon promotion ends March 15, 2014.

Instant Savings vs Rebates

I recommend that you go with "Instant Savings" deals that apply the discount to purchase. That reduces the charge to your credit card, and there's no fuss. I *don't advise rebate plans* because they are extra work and sometimes only lead to frustration. Avoid rebates.

Use Some of that Tax Refund Check

As long as you have spousal approval, you could take advantage of a deal right now, put it on the credit card, and be ready to pay with your tax refund check. If that money has to go elsewhere, it still doesn't cost anything to look and dream.

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This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Sigma Takes on Zeiss with its New 50mm f/1.4 Art lens; Apple TV Review; From the Screening Room: Tim Grey: Photoshop CC Raw Workshop; and on the Nimbleosity Report: PhotoSync for iOS and Mac - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Weekly Update: Olympus OM-D E-M10 shooting experience and studio tests published (DP Review) "Live Composite, new to the E-M10, captures a series of long exposures, analyzing each frame to keep the brightest pixel in each location and creating a single composite image. In plain terms, it captures light trails without overexposing the rest of the frame, taking the guesswork out of long exposure photography. You get to preview the effect as the exposure builds up on screen and choose when to stop."
In other news, Sigma wasn't bluffing: 50mm f/1.4 Art appears to match Zeiss Otus ($3,990) on sharpness, beats it on contrast (Imaging-Resource).
And finally, Fujifilm Discontinues Neopan 400 PRESTO 35mm and Fujicolor PRO 400 120 Film (PetaPixel).

Story #2 - Apple TV Review

Now that Apple has declared that Apple TV is no longer a hobby, I thought it might be a good time to check in with the Internet-connected hockey puck.

The positives can be boiled down to a few basic features:

• AirPlay Mirroring - I can share just about anything from an iPhone, iPad or current Mac via AirPlay. Great for showing off your pictures or videos to a small audience.
• Apple Content - Movies, TV shows, music, iTunes Radio, and podcasts are easily accessible.
• Some Interesting 3rd Party Content - Sky News, YouTube, Vimeo, Flickr, Vevo, HBO Go, Netflix, hulu, PBS,and others round out a variety of content that has something for just about anyone.
• Remote Control App - Using the iPhone or iPad to enter searches and passwords is much simpler that the Apple TV interface.
• Bluetooth Keyboard Compatible - You can even connect your Apple wireless keyboard to the Apple TV.

There are a handful of shortcomings too:

• No iOS Apps - If apps were enabled, I could do things such as run Olympus Share on the Apple TV and view my photos in HD, streamed directly from the camera.
• Pesky Subscriptions - I find something interesting to watch, only to learn that I need a cable subscription or that from a particular service in order to view. So that Apple TV channel isn't really a channel, but an advertising tile.
• Spotty Performance - I have screaming bandwidth at my studio, but many of the 3rd party services are slow to load and often stall while in progress.

Bottom Line: I think the Apple TV is a terrific device for $99. I use AirPlay Mirroring often, and I enjoy listening to podcasts and watching movies with the device.

But it has a long ways to go, as I'm sure even Apple will admit. iOS apps could open many doors for Apple TV. That is the top request on my list.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Tim Grey: Photoshop CC Raw Workshop, Image Sharpening. This week's featured artist is Photoshop veteran, Tim Grey. Tim tackles a variety of techniques in this week's featured title, including image sharpening.

You can watch Tim in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com/thedigitalstory. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch other photography titles, plus every other topic in the library.

Story #4 - The Nimbleosity Report - Super handy PhotoSync for iOS and your Mac.

Virtual Camera Club News

Photo Assignment for March 2014 is HDR.

The SizzlPix! Head to Head Challenge

Order a SizzlPix! using the image from which you've already made your best print. If, when you receive your SizzlPix!, you don't feel that it's the best version of your image ever, return yours within 30 days for a full refund.

Oh, and BTW: SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until August!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (32 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

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

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

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

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

All of the Oscars may have been handed out, but there's still news in the world of cinema. Lowepro just announced a completely redesigned update to their venerable x-Series rollers. And we had a chance to test the Lowepro x300 Pro Roller AW during a week of location shooting with the live action crew from lynda.com.

Led by filmmaker Jacob Cunningham and producer Heather Schuler, the crew packed their Canon EOS C300 Cinema Camcorders, Canon optics, DSLR bodies, audio gear, and accessories into the roomy cargo space of the x300 roller.

"I can't believe how much gear this roller packs," commented Jacob after day 1. "We replaced three bags with the x300."

In addition to its depth and capacity, standout features include: vibration-absorbing, durable wheels with ABEC-5-rated bearings (user replaceable), TSA-approved lock, redesigned MaxFit system that provides maximum protection while taking up less space, sturdy double-rail handle, all weather cover, and removable reserve pack interior.

In the field, I noticed that both tripods and light stands were mounted with the redesigned straps on the side of the bag. And because of its sturdy construction, other bags could be strapped to the extended handle and rolled to location.

The ballistic nylon hardshell exterior offers durable protection all of the gear inside the zipped-up case. Plus, when you're working on location, there's an easy-access front stretch pocket that accommodates a 17" laptop. The no-drop front organizer pocket can handle those small items that you need to get to quickly while on the go.

All three rollers: x100 ($369), x200 ($399) and the x300 ($479) are available at lowepro.com (US addresses only) and at B&H Photo (US and International).

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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.

For the Jan. 2014 Photo Assignment, TDS shooters explored the absence of color. See for yourself in our gallery, White. And which one will be the SizzlPix Photo Assignment Pick of the Month?

"The water fowl go crazy when one of the neighbors breaks out a bucket of food," writes Kevin Miller. "I took images of this feeding earlier this month and did some extended post-processing to bring this image together. I love the contrast of our white friend amidst all his neighbors. I call this one 'I'm in Charge.' Photo by Kevin Ned Miller. See all of the great images from this month's assignment by visiting the White gallery page.

Participate in This Month's Assignment

The March 2014 assignment is "HDR." Details can be found on the Member Participation page. Deadline is March 30, 2014. 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: March 2014." 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 Jan. 2014 at the end of Feb., the Feb. gallery will be posted at the end of March, and on and on.

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

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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.