This is The Digital Story Podcast #564, Dec. 27, 2016. Today's theme is "Two Near Misses and a Hit." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

The funny thing about life is that you can be rolling along just fine, then out of nowhere, everything is turned upside down. This week's show features two such incidents that result in a happy ending, plus one case where a good situation was made even better, thanks to technology. I hope you enjoy the show.

Two Near Misses and a Hit

Most of the time we're complaining about technology. The crashing computer that loses an hour's worth of work, dreadfully slow WiFi at a hotel, and dropped calls in the middle of an important conversation are all frustrating examples.

But sometimes our robotic companions can save the day, or at least vastly improve it. And I have three such stories that have happened to me recently.

• Drobo to the Rescue - I was riding back to the studio on my bike when the phone rang. I wasn't able to answer it in time, but the ensuing voicemail became the cry for help. A client needed a high rez version of an image I had shot for them two years ago, and they needed it in an hour. Here's how my backup drive saved the day.



• Exit Now! - We were driving on the 405 in Southern California one evening when our navigation unexpected urged us to exit on Harbor Blvd., even though that was a few miles from our destination. In a split second I decided to obey. And what followed saved our entire evening.
• Family Bonding - Large family gatherings during the holidays are unpredictable events at best. Every person that walks through the front door has a year's worth of ups and downs resting on their shoulders. And you just never know how the batter is going to bake. But this year, thanks to my Olympus camera, WiFi, and the iPhone, we were all able to share a moment that made everything else pale in comparison.

In the News

Why I'm Starting a 365 Day Project in 2017. I strongly encourage everyone to give a 365 project a try. Even if you aren't in a rut creatively, it'll help you explore new avenues for your work. I also recommend having some sort of theme to give direction. For instance, I've decided that the final images will be in a 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio to aid my composition in my short film work, even though I'm shooting a still photography camera. My photography, editing, and filmmaking will all see something from this project. Have you tried a 365 project? I'd love to hear from your experiences. Thanks to FStoppers.com.

Review The Apple Photos Book for Photographers

I have two more review copies of The Apple Photos Book for Photographers, and if you'd like to be a reviewer, drop me a note at derrick@thedigitalstory.com. First come, first served.

Updates and Such

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

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

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

See you next week!

More Ways to Participate

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

Podcast Sponsors

MindShift Gear - MindShift Gear is a group of committed professional photographers and product designers who support conservation and protection of our natural resources and planet.

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

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