Practically every photographer who comes to Luminar arrived from somewhere else.

Maybe you're a Lightroom user who wants to get away from the Creative Cloud subscription. Many Aperture users have been waiting for the next big thing that they can migrate to. Regardless of where you're coming from, Luminar offers both the traditional editing tools that we've come to love, plus innovation that we've never seen before... all in one affordable package.

July 21, 2018 - 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Santa Rosa, CA
Facilitators: Derrick Story and Angela Andrieux

If you're interested in the future of image editing, this workshop is for you. Derrick and Angela will show you how to apply your favorite techniques in Luminar, such as using a gradient screen to tame an overly bright sky, plus introduce you to the next generation of image editing with tools such as Accent-AI.

The four-hour workshop will be divided into 4 segments.

Session 1 - Luminar Basics: How to Accomplish Everyday Tasks

Session 2 - Traditional Techniques in Luminar: Working with Layers, Screens, Blending Modes and More

Session 3 - The New Age of Image Editing: How Luminar's New Tools will Change Your Photography

Session 4 - The latest information on the new digital asset manager that will be released later this year.

Plus, we'll provide the latest information about the Skylum Digital Asset Manager, lead Q&A sessions, and share our experiences working with the Skylum team.

If you want to explore the Luminar alternative, then this is an event you don't want to miss.

About the Facilitators

Angela a photographer, blogger, and photography coach living in Chesapeake, VA. She is a working photographer, educator, and works with Skylum, helping to facilitate their community forum. Angela provides both creative and technical support. And she truly understands the Luminar image editing process.

Derrick is a writer, photographer, teacher, and podcaster. You can follow his weekly shows on TheDigitalStory.com, as well as read his blog posts, check out his workshop schedule, and find links to his social accounts, including Instagram (DerrickStory), Twitter (Derrick_Story), and Facebook (thedigitalstory). TheDigitalStory show is also available where ever you download your podcasts. Derrick is the moderator for Skylum's Public Group on Facebook.

Workshop Fee: $69

Register Now!

You can register here at: our workshops page.

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #641, June 26, 2018. Today's theme is "Overcooked." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

A by-product of today's amazing post production software is sometimes images that are over-saturated, sharpened, and in general, overdone. You may think that the creators of these images would see their overzealous processing. But realizing it is trickier than you'd think. We're going to take a closer look at this phenomenon in today's TDS podcast.

Overcooked

I remember standing before a series of images printed by Ansel Adams. The photo was the famous Moonrise Over Hernandez. There were about a dozen prints on the wall, and as I examined them from left to right, each image became darker and more intense.

The image on the far left was an early print. The one on the far right was one of the last prints. It was amazing to me to stand back and watch how the artist keep pushing the envelope as he printed the image over the years. My favorite version was one of the earlier prints.

I thought about Adams again recently when reviewing images by very good photographers online. Nearly all of them were great captures. Some of them had complementary post processing that enhanced the original image. Many of them had gone too far in editing and had created striking but unnatural works. I wondered that if the same phenomenon that led to Adams overcooking Moonrise Over Hernandez applies to editing with software. My conclusion is they are very much the same.

Here are five suggestions to help you check your processing to prevent overcooking your images.

• Determine the Objective of the Image - Is this shot meant to be surrealistic or abstract? If not, what is your goal with it? Have some idea before your start editing.
• Study the Works of Photographers You Admire - One of the best ways to refine your visual voice to study the works of those you admire. When do they push the envelope, and when do they show restraint?
• Stop Editing and Walk Away - This is a critical step, especially when working late at night. Let your eyes reset by focusing on other things, such as the outdoors during a breath of fresh air.
• Show Others Your Work - Most of us realize that we are sometimes not the best judge of our work. Show different versions of the image to someone you trust artistically. Listen to their comments with an open mind.
• Learn Your Visual Weaknesses - Do you tend to over sharpen or use too much clarity? Do you have a track record of opening up shadows too much and killing the highlights? Are your a saturation fiend that think if a little color is good, then lots is even better?

It's hard to show restraint sometimes. We've all been there. But keeping this guidelines in mind will help you develop a more consistent, appealing visual voice.

The Portfolio Project - Week 8 - The Directory is Live!

You can now visit our Directory of Portfolios by TDS Photographers. I will continue to add sites to this page on a weekly basis.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I will also maintain the link to the directory in our show notes, and I will add it to the Member Participation page on TheDigitalStory.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

Hands on with the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet

I published a hands-on review of the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet. This is a handsome and useful storage unit for photography gear and prints. It's available at B&H for $249 with free shipping. And it might be something that would look great in your office or studio.

Luminar Deep Dive Workshop

July 21, 2018 - 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Santa Rosa, CA Facilitators: Derrick Story and Angela Andrieux

Practically every photographer who comes to Luminar arrived from somewhere else.

Maybe you're a Lightroom user who wants to get away from the Creative Cloud subscription. Many Aperture users have been waiting for the next big thing that they can migrate to. Regardless of where you're coming from, Luminar offers both the traditional editing tools that we've come to love, plus innovation that we've never seen before... all in one affordable package.

If you're interested in the future of image editing, this workshop is for you. Derrick and Angela will show you how to apply your favorite techniques in Luminar, such as using a gradient screen to tame an overly bright sky, plus introduce you to the next generation of image editing with tools such as Accent-AI.

The four-hour workshop will be divided into 3 segments.

Session 1 - Luminar Basics: How to Accomplish Everyday Tasks

Session 2 - Traditional Techniques in Luminar: Working with Layers, Screens, Blending Modes and More

Session 3 - The New Age of Image Editing: How Luminar's New Tools will Change Your Photography

Plus, we'll provide the latest information about the Skylum Digital Asset Manager, lead Q&A sessions, and share our experiences working with the Skylum team.

If you want to explore the Luminar alternative, then this is an event you don't want to miss.

About the Facilitators

Angela a photographer, blogger, and photography coach living in Chesapeake, VA. She is a working photographer, educator, and works with Skylum, helping to facilitate their community forum. Angela provides both creative and technical support. And she truly understands the Luminar image editing process.

Derrick is a writer, photographer, teacher, and podcaster. You can follow his weekly shows on TheDigitalStory.com, as well as read his blog posts, check out his workshop schedule, and find links to his social accounts, including Instagram (DerrickStory), Twitter (Derrick_Story), and Facebook (thedigitalstory). TheDigitalStory show is also available where ever you download your podcasts. Derrick is the moderator for Skylum's Public Group on Facebook.

Workshop Fee: $69

You can register here at: our workshops page.

Updates and Such

You can become a member of our Inner Circle by clicking on this link or by clicking on the Patreon tile that's on every page of The Digital Story.

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

The Nimbleosity Report

Do you want to keep up with the best content from The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer? Sign up for The Nimbleosity Report, and receive highlights twice-a-month in a single page newsletter. Be a part of our community!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Want to see how members of the TDS virtual camera club display their images using Portfoliobox? Here's a directory of webistes for your enjoyment.

Sergio Burani

www.sergioburani.com

Roberta Moloff

www.robertamoloffphoto.com

Chuck Origer

www.chuckorigerphotography.com

Jim Sollows

www.sollows.ca/

Tom Bodley

http://tombodleyphotography.com/

Dan Horton-Szar

www.danhortonszar.com/

Dakers Fleming

www.dakersfleming.com

Dave Wilson

www.drdave.tech/

Mark Evans

www.markevansphotography.net/

James Batt

www.jamesbatt.com/

Andy Vidot

www.mrv2u.com/

Derrick Story

www.derrickstoryphotography.com

Keith Rojek

http://keithrojekphotography.com

Miguel Ortiz

http://www.miguelandia.com/

Bill Daniels

www.billdanielsphotography.com/

Steve Kazemir

http://www.kazemirphoto.com/

Mike Fusilier

http://delaclairefinearts.com/

Jay Tuttle

http://jaytuttlephotography.com/

Kenneth Cole

www.kennethcolephotography.com/

Craig Kasseckert

www.craigkasseckertphotography.com/

Want to add your site to this directory? It's easy. All you have to do is sign up for a PRO Portfoliobox site, build at least one page, then send your custom URL to me using the Contact Form on TheNimblePhotographer. I add sites on a regular basis.

One thing I know: if I'm in a situation where I need reliable power under just about any condition, I'm reaching for the Iforway PowerElf. It is the ultimate portable power station.

I'll provide a quick overview of the device first, then I'll share what's really impressed me after testing it.

With a mega-capacity of 46,800 mAh battery, IP64 waterproof shell, compact design (2.65lbs) and 10 layers of power protection, Iforway PowerElf is a robust, reliable outdoor power station. It has a 45W type-c port (for laptops!), 2 USB ports, 1 DC output port, and a cigarette lighter socket. PowerElf can be charged 3 ways - wall outlet, solar panels, and car cigar lighter. And, if all of that wasn't interesting enough, the power station also includes a bright LED light panel that can illuminate your work area.

Using the 12 volt socket to recharge camera batteries on the go. I used this function a lot!

I used the PowerElf to recharge batteries, iPhones, iPads, drone batteries, and even my bluetooth speaker. In informal testing, the charge time felt about the same as when I used a wall socket. So I had both portability and speed.

Here's mission control: input and output sockets, power on, and the light control.

I wanted to cover the LED lighting panel in detail for a moment because it's one of my favorite features. It's a nice big light source that can illuminate an entire table (or room). But it also has multiple modes: steady white source, blinking white source, steady red source, and blinking red source. The red helps you maintain your night vision while still having the ability to see your surroundings. You can use the light and recharge items at the same time - a very valuable feature.

I also like the weather resistant aspect of this device. If I'm using the PowerElf in the field, or depending on it during an emergency, I don't want to worry about its performance if the weather turns bad. The entire unit is waterproof (rated IP64) so I can focus on the situation and not my power source.

There are nice touches as well, such as rubber strips on the bottom to prevent sliding on smooth surfaces, a wrist rope, LED power indicators, and automatic power off. They've included overcharging, overflow, and short-circuit protections.

You can learn more about the Iforway PowerElf by visiting their website. They've also just launched an Indiegogo campaign, where you can get the best deal possible. Estimated retail price will be around $150.

At first I was considering the PowerElf for field work. But after testing it, I also want it for emergencies. Knowing that I can fully charge my iPhone 16 times and have a bright light source is very comforting. Hopefully, I'll never need it in that capacity. But if I do, I know I'll be able to depend on it.

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

Organized storage space is something that practically every photographer needs. And the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet combines handsome looks with practical humidity control for your gear.

I set up the 80 liter model in my studio for gear that I use regularly, but that I don't keep in a bag. One of things that I like about the Ruggard Cabinet is that it provides quick access. I keep it unlocked during the day so I can simply grab what I need. When I'm not around, I use the keyed lock for an additional layer of security.

I can store quite a bit of equipment in the 80L model. Its internal dimensions are 17.7" x 12.9" x 21.1" / 45.0 x 32.9 x 53.5 cm. It's storage efficient however, because the outer dimensions are only: 20.3" x 14.3" x 21.2" / 51.6 x 36.2 x 53.8 cm. The cabinet includes an adjustable shelf with padding. So I could use the top shelf for archival prints, and the bottom area for camera gear. 13"x19" prints fit perfectly on the adjustable shelf.

The system uses a TE Cooling Wafer that regulates the interior's relative humidity from 35-60 percent to help prevent fungus and corrosion. Humidity adjustments take place over a 1 to 3-hour period. When I work with the door open during gear swaps, the humidity will climb to room level. Once I close the door, the TE Cooling Wafer goes to work, and the humidity works its way back down to what I've set. This usually takes an hour or two.

I can set relative humidity inside the cabinet from 60 percent to 30 percent. Ruggard includes a table for recommended settings. (I'm currently using the 40 percent setting.)

• 50-60 percent - Books and documents
• 40-50 percent - Electronics, cameras, transparencies
• 35-40 percent - Circuit boards, batteries

Power is supplied by a universal adapter (110-240v). There's also a light inside the cabinet that's operated by the control panel. This display also provides readouts for temperature and humidity. (Temperature is for readout only, since there isn't a cooling element in the cabinet.)

The Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet ($249) is a handsome, useful storage system for photographers. The glass door with rubber sealing is secure, and it's also a good-looking display for your gear (especially with the internal light turned on).

Even though it isn't a safe, the locking door does provide a level of security so that it isn't easy to casually access your gear. This would be particularly helpful during public events or anytime visitors are hanging around your work area.

And if you work in a high humidity environment, this storage system can really help you protect your lenses, cameras, and prints.

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

This was a crazy trip from the start. Zach and I caught a red eye flight to JFK from San Francisco on Saturday night. Then we bused in to Midtown at 6 AM and were planning our day an hour later hunched over coffee at the McDonalds across from the New Yorker. Things never slowed down from that point.

I knew that this was going to be the ultimate Nimble Photographer trip. I had my laptop and Micro Four Thirds kit stashed in my backpack. But from the minute we checked in, until I caught the red eye back home 3 days later, my bag stayed in the room, and it was just Zach and I on the streets of New York.

"Kids and Pigeons, Central Park" - iPhone X. Processed in Photos for macOS and Luminar 2018. Photo by Derrick Story.

This is precisely the situation that motivated me to spend the extra money for the iPhone X last year. With temperatures hovering around 90 degrees F and high humidity, neither of us wanted to carry a bag of any type. Our kit for the day were shades, wallet, and smartphone.

"Columbus Circle, NYC" - iPhone X. Processed in Photos for macOS and Luminar 2018. Photo by Derrick Story.

The thing about it was... I was in NYC, one of my favorite places for street photography. So I wanted to be able to capture the world as we maneuvered through it. And the dual-camera iPhone allowed me to do just that.

I worked quickly and without drawing attention to myself. Zach and I kept our pace as we worked through our ToDo list (he's getting settled for a Summer internship with the NBA), while I also recorded images of us, New York City, and the people who make it interesting.

"Inside Out, Time Warner Building" - RAW file captured with iPhone X. Processed in Photos for macOS and Luminar 2018. Photo by Derrick Story.

I did process most of the images on my laptop once we returned to the hotel. I used Photos for macOS (the images were there waiting for me thanks to iCloud) and Luminar 2018. The changes were saved back to all my devices for sharing on social.

I could never be limited to a smartphone for all of my photography. Just like I could not survive with just a Phillips head screwdriver in my toolbox. But for this whirlwind trip to New York, the iPhone allowed my to stay focused on my son, yet come home with many wonderful visual memories.

After the second red eye home, I'm a little bleary-eyed today, but very happy.

New Photos for macOS High Sierra Training!

Is it time for you to learn the ins and outs of the latest version of Photos? Take a look at Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning, or on lynda.com. Maximize your iPhone photography and complement the work you do with your mirrorless cameras as well. You'll love your cameras even more...

Also be sure to check out my new book, The Apple Photos Book for Photographers, 2nd Edition. It's completely up to date!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #640, June 19, 2018. Today's theme is "The Fascinating ProGrade Digital Story." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

How many times have you thought to yourself at work, "If I was in charge, we would do things much differently."? Industry veteran Wes Brewer, who spent years working with SanDisk and Lexar, got his chance to do exactly that. And the result of that effort is a new company called ProGrade Digital. We learn about their story in today's TDS photography podcast.

"The Fascinating ProGrade Digital Story"

ProGrade CEO Wes Brewer had seen just about all there is to see in the Flash storage industry. He was at SanDisk when the Extreme series was developed. And he was at Lexar during the coming and passing of the Micron ownership. And now he's the chief executive office of ProGrade Digital.

Wes and I sat down for a chat over Skype where we discussed his observations about the industry in general, and ProGrade Digital specifically. We talked about the ins and outs of Flash storage, and how ProGrade Digital is positioning themselves to be the company that serious enthusiasts and professionals want to work with.

I think you will enjoy this conversation.

The Portfolio Project - Week 7 - Tom Bodley Photographs

Tom Bodley is our featured photographer this week with his Portfoliobox site, www.tombodleyphotography.com.

"Derrick - I very much enjoyed your recent podcast on the future of Adobe LR, and the introduction to Portfoliobox. I signed up for a pro account and set up a few galleries to share at tombodleyphotography.com.
I have been using Squarespace, but find it kind of clunky, and not really suited for photography. Right out of the box I find Portfoliobox to be far superior--many thanks for the tip! I intend to add a few more galleries to my site (Japan, Columbia Icefield Parkway, etc). "

Tom has wonderful images of Alaska and Yellowstone. But my favorite page is the featuring birds. Some very cool shots there. I hope you view them for yourself.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I'm also building a directory of user sites and publish it on TheDigitalStory. And all through the month of June, I will feature one of those sites on this podcast.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

The Compact, Affordable Olympus 30mm f/3.5 Macro

I published a quick hands-on review of the Olympus 30mm macro lens. This is a wonderfully compact and affordable optic. It's available at B&H for only $240 with free shipping. What a great value!

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

You can become a member of our Inner Circle by clicking on this link or by clicking on the Patreon tile that's on every page of The Digital Story.

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

The Nimbleosity Report

Do you want to keep up with the best content from The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer? Sign up for The Nimbleosity Report, and receive highlights twice-a-month in a single page newsletter. Be a part of our community!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

I love the intoxicating scent of lemon blossoms. And I certainly got my fix photographing this beautiful flower with the Olympus Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro lens ($224) on an OM-D E-M1 Mark II.

"Lemon Blossom" - Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II with 30mm f/3.5 macro lens. ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/50th, handheld. Photo by Derrick Story.

In the world of macro lenses, the Olympus 30mm is very compact and quite affordable. I had read good reviews of it. So I thought I would take it for a spin in my patio garden. The reviewers were right. This is a excellent-value optic.

On the E-M1 Mark II, the focusing was fast and accurate. There aren't any controls on the lens itself except for a nice manual focusing ring. I didn't need it, but it's nice to know that it's there.

Other than the excellent images, what I really like about the lens is that I can have macro capability with me without taking up too much space in the camera bag. And it's very light as well.

If you're looking for a compact prime lens that works great for both macro and general purpose photography, I can easily recommend the Olympus Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro lens. Who knows? It could open up a whole new world for you.

The Olympus 30mm f/3.5 Macro lens has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.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.

I turn to Luminar when I need to add a little creative magic to my images. But there are a few older Macphun apps that I love as well, specifically Tonality and Noiseless. These can be tapped as plugins with Luminar 2018 to keep the workflow simple. Unfortunately, even though Luminar is cross platform, the older Macphun apps only work with mac OS. They are available on the Skylum site. Here's how it works.

Step 1 - With the image open in Luminar, go to the Plugins menu and choose the one you want. (You have to have these already purchased and loaded on your computer.) In this case, I'm going with the B&W editor, Tonality.

Step 2 - In Tonality, I make my edits. Once I'm finished, I click on Apply to return to Luminar.

Step 3 -Back in Luminar, all of my options are open. The Tonality-edited image appears on a separate layer. I can adjust its opacity or use a blending mode.

Step 4 - On the Tonality layer, I used the Luminosity blending mode to create the look I wanted.

Step 5 - Next, I tapped the Noiseless plugin to help me control the noise that was visible in the sky. Same process as before. It also returns on its own layer.

Step 6 - I save the the image as a Luminar file (.lmnr) by using the Save command. I can then export the image in any format or file size for sharing.

I published the finished image on Flickr for sharing and enjoyment. Compare it to the original shot illustrated in Step 1. There is a big difference in the rendering of the building.

I used plenty of native Luminar tools as well, such as Erase and the Accent-AI filter. But having access to some of my favorite Macphun apps, especially Tonality and Noiseless, makes for a powerful, creative work environment.

Rock Luminar with my new Essential Training

You learn all the ins and outs of Luminar 2018 via my Essential Training on lynda.com and on LinkedIn Learning. It's fun, and I promise, you will learn a lot.

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

We were up well before dawn to cover the annual Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic in Windsor, CA. This was the perfect assignment for my Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO lens mounted on the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Even in the dimmest of lighting conditions, I was able to keep my ISO low and the resolving power high.

"Firing Up the Balloon" - Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II with 17mm f/1.2 PRO lens. ISO 200, f/1.2, 1/200th, -0.7 EV, RAW. Photo by Derrick Story.

For the entire shoot, starting at 5 AM and continuing to 7:30 AM, I locked the aperture at f/1.2 and used auto ISO. The camera keep my ISO very low, usually at 200, yet I still had plenty of shutter speed to freeze the action. The excellent sensor-based image stabilization in the E-M1 also helped my cause.

The RAW files from the shoot had excellent sharpness and tone. I was able to focus quickly on the main subjects and let everything else sort itself out. You would think that I would have many mis-focused shots at such a wide aperture, but those were rare.

On occasion, I would switch to the 45mm f/1.2 PRO, but it and the 17mm were the only two optics that I used for the shoot. Never before has challenging lighting been such a joy.

Master Capture One Pro

Start with Capture One Pro 10 Essential Training that will quickly get you up to speed with this pro level imaging application.

Then drill down into mastering the editing tools with Capture One Pro 10: Retouching and get supremely organized with Advanced Capture One Pro: Catalog Management.

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #639, June 12, 2018. Today's theme is "The Art of Festival Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Whether you're covering a music festival or a dazzling display of hot air balloons, it's hard not to be mesmerized by the main attraction. But if you really want to tell the story of the event, you have to get past that as quickly as possible. That process - of going from being in awe to taking awesome photos - is the topic of today's TDS photography podcast.

"The Art of Festival Photography"

Our workshop crew arrived on the scene at 5am Saturday morning. The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic was already a beehive of activity. There were vendors selling pancakes and hot chocolate, little kids in adorable hoodies, and couples arm-in-arm sharing a moment as dawn approached.

But all I could see at that moment were the flames lighting up the colorful balloons. And had I not shaken myself from that hypnotic state, I would have come back with just a couple postcard images. Fortunately, I rallied, and soon began to photograph the environment around me, as well as the main attraction. And here are the five steps that I kept in mind along the way.

• Yes, Get the Postcard Shot - You need to have the image that everyone expects. So be sure to capture it, review it so that it is high quality, then check it off your mental list.
• Turn Your Attention to the Crew - It takes many hands to pull off any type of event. And those behind the scenes images are excellent for storytelling. Viewers like to know how things happen.
• What's Going on in the Audience? - Because they are often so engaged with the main event, audience members often won't even realize that you're taking their picture. And that engagement can be very interesting.
• Get Tight on the Gear - Whether it's a Fender guitar, propane burner, or a shining row of wine glasses, the stuff of an event deserves its own images.
• Move Your Feet, Bend Your Back, Stretch Your Arms - Don't fall in love with just one position or angle. Stay on the move, go high, low, and all around, and see what you can find.

Not only will you come home with the postcard shot to share on Facebook, you will have an entire photo essay that presents unlimited possibilities.

The Portfolio Project - Week 6 - Dan Horton-Szar Photographs

Dan Horton-Szar (pronounced SHAR) is our featured photographer this week with his Portfoliobox site, www.danhortonszar.com.

"Photography has been a much-loved hobby for most of my life, and I started to work on it more seriously in the last few years. A couple of things in particular helped me on the way - starting a 365 project on Blipfoto and joining a camera club. With the experience gained through the discipline of going out and making a daily photograph, and the advice and support I received from camera club members, I've gone on to join the Royal Photographic Society and gained my ARPS distinction in October 2014."

Dan has wonderful images of the Kent countryside and street photography as well. But my favorite page is "Raising Boys," a predominately B&W tribute to the exuberance of childhood. It's really good.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I'm also building a directory of user sites and publish it on TheDigitalStory. And all through the month of June, I will feature one of those sites on this podcast.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

I'm Taking the Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Rebate Challenge

This appears to be a deal too good to be true, so I'm testing it. I purchased a Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer for $309 (including 50 sheets of 13"x19" Luster paper). The real deal is that this offer comes with a $250 rebate. So this professional printer with paper will only total $60. Seems too good to be true? I sent off the rebate form today. Will let you know what happens.

Rebate offer ends June 30th, 2018. In order to get the full discount for your order, you'll need to send back a $250 mail-in rebate and use the following code at checkout: BHOPTIC18.

Basic product highlights include:

• 4800 x 2400 dpi
• Print 8 x 10" in 51 Seconds
• Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPrint, PictBridge
• Print Sizes up to 13 x 19"
• 8 Ink Cartridges
• Front-facing USB port
• True monochrome prints with Black, Gray, and Light Gray cartridges
• Print photos, email, Web pages and documents from a MacBook, iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch directly to your printer without installing a driver thanks to AirPrint technology

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

You can become a member of our Inner Circle by clicking on this link or by clicking on the Patreon tile that's on every page of The Digital Story.

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

The Nimbleosity Report

Do you want to keep up with the best content from The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer? Sign up for The Nimbleosity Report, and receive highlights twice-a-month in a single page newsletter. Be a part of our community!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Using the RAW Power editing extension ($13.99) with Photos for macOS can squeeze every bit of image data from your files, even a ho-hum flower shot. Here are the 3 steps I use.

Original flower shot I quickly grabbed one morning on my way to work. Here's how it looked before processing in RAW Power.

Decoded image in RAW Power. I used its sliders to breath life into my RAW file.

Final touches added in Photos. Once I save changes in the RAW Power editing extension, the image is automatically returned to Photos for macOS for finishing.

Because of the wonderful ecosystem that Photos offers, more users are processing their RAW files in Photos for macOS. As you can see, RAW Power is one of those affordable, powerful tools.

New Photos for macOS High Sierra Training!

Is it time for you to learn the ins and outs of the latest version of Photos? Take a look at Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning, or on lynda.com. Maximize your iPhone photography and complement the work you do with your mirrorless cameras as well. You'll love your cameras even more...

Also be sure to check out my new book, The Apple Photos Book for Photographers, 2nd Edition. It's completely up to date!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #638, June 5, 2018. Today's theme is "Scott Kelby's Surprising Printing Talk at Photoshop World" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I was anticipating a number of topics covered at the Photoshop World Keynote address. But the importance of printing was not one of them. Yet, after the T-Shirt tosses and Beatles parodies, Scott Kelby maneuvered from the importance of backing up to the even greater value of printing. The five points that he used to build his argument is the top story of today's TDS podcast.

"Scott Kelby's Surprising Printing Talk at Photoshop World"

It was interesting how Scott led into his printing talk - by outlining the shortcomings of most backup systems. Prints are the exception. They are device independent. He then told a story to illustrate may of the reasons why he thinks prints are important.

Here are the five points that Scott covered in his talk:

• Connection to the Viewer - Holding a print elevates the experience to a whole new level.
• Stand Out from the Competition - The gift of a print blows away an email attachment.
• Impact - A 13"x19" print has more impact than tiny images we view on our digital devices.
• A Print Has Value - If you were willing to pay $200 for a print to hang on your wall, how much would you spend for a digital version of it on a flash drive?
• Protect Your Visual History - Will our generation be able to leave behind a visual history as rich as what our parents left for us?

You can imagine how thrilled I was by this talk...

The Portfolio Project - Week 5 - James Batt Wildlife Photographs

James Batt is our featured photographer this week with his Portfoliobox site, www.jamesbatt.com.

His incredible collection of bird images are categorized in a beautiful, wildly educational way. I'm keeping his page bookmarked not only for its beauty, but for reference as I enjoy my own birdwatching activity. You have to check this out.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I'm also building a directory of user sites and publish it on TheDigitalStory. And all through the month of June, I will feature one of those sites on this podcast.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

Interview with Rick Sammon

After reading Rick's new book, The Route 66 Photo Road Trip, I sat down with him in Orlando for this interview. My opening question, "Rick, why do we need another book about Route 66?" Here's what he had to say.

Signed Print Winner!

Congratulations to Craig Tooley who wrote, "I very much enjoyed your title on Luminar 'Mastering the Basics,' as with all of your titles, very well done."

Craig will receive the signed print from the Maui Project. Woohoo!

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

You can become a member of our Inner Circle by clicking on this link or by clicking on the Patreon tile that's on every page of The Digital Story.

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

The Nimbleosity Report

Do you want to keep up with the best content from The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer? Sign up for The Nimbleosity Report, and receive highlights twice-a-month in a single page newsletter. Be a part of our community!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Airplane window photography is one of the great bonuses of travel. You already have to get there, and if you can capture a few shots along the way, all the better.

"Pennsylvania Bridge" - Captured with an iPhone X through the plane window and processed in Luminar 2018. Photo by Derrick Story.

Just like I think that Luminar 2018 is the perfect app for drone photography, I think it's just as powerful and amazing for airplane window work.

For this image, captured with my iPhone X and automatically imported into my Photos for macOS app, I used the Luminar Editing Extension that's bundled free with the app. It's easy to use. Just click on the 3 dots at the top of the editing tools and choose Luminar 2018.

Sending the original image to Luminar 2018 from Photos for macOS.

I then choose the Aerial Photography Workspace in Luminar. It's a great starting point for the edits. I decided to add a couple additional Filters (Vignette and Image Radiance), then clicked the Save Changes Button to return to Photos. As you can see by the Before/After illustration below, there is a dramatic improvement to the image.

The Before and After in the Luminar Editing Extension.

The workflow could not be simpler. The iPhone image was automatically uploaded to my Mac via iCloud. It was waiting for me in Photos. The Luminar Editing Extension is ready to use. I spend a minute or two improving the shot. Then the saved changes are automatically shared to all of my devices, including back to my iPhone.

Airplane Window Photography has never been easier, or more beautiful.

New Photos for macOS High Sierra Training!

Is it time for you to learn the ins and outs of the latest version of Photos? Take a look at Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning, or on lynda.com. Maximize your iPhone photography and complement the work you do with your mirrorless cameras as well. You'll love your cameras even more...

Also be sure to check out my new book, The Apple Photos Book for Photographers, 2nd Edition. It's completely up to date!

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