For years I have tried to bend smartphone software to my will. They do some things OK, like geotagging pictures. But they're painful at best when it comes to getting real work done. And by real work, I mean copying images from my camera to an image editor on the phone where I can edit and share them.

I've tested software created by Nikon, Fujifilm, OM System, Pentax, and others. Most of the time, I can get them to work, but in the end, I feel like it's easier to lug around my laptop and use a card reader. But I shouldn't have to.

The processing power in today's iPhone is ample for managing and editing pictures from mirrorless cameras. The screens are absolutely beautiful and large enough for basic tasks. They are cloud-connected devices, so our work is immediately backed up and shared to all of our computers. But where they really shine compared to full-sized laptops, is that they fit in our pockets.

So, with a mirrorless camera around my neck and an iPhone in my jacket, I should be conquering the world. Instead, I find myself wasting time trying to get the two devices to talk to each other with fiddly WiFi software.

Making a Better Connection

One thing that the European Union had right and Apple had wrong was using USB-C for all smartphones. As of iPhone 15, the Lightning connector was replaced by a standard USB-C port. Not only did this ensure that we always have a charging cable available, but many of the accessories that we use with laptops now work with our smartphones... including portable SD card readers.

Combine this reliable hardware connection with universal software that's included in iOS, and you can say goodbye to frustrating WiFi transfers between cameras and mobile devices. Within iOS we have the Files app, which is rock solid. Additionally, Lightroom Mobile is very adept at managing and editing mirrorless camera pictures, as is Photos for iOS.

On the hardware side, a card reader is faster and more stable than fighting with wireless transfer. Plus, it's small. I stash mine in the little coin pocket in my Levi's jeans. Ditching wireless transfer and using a USB-C card reader allows me to leave the laptop behind and travel lightly with just my camera and the iPhone. And when I do get home, all of my pictures are waiting for me on the computer thanks to cloud connectivity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Pictures from a Mirrorless Camera to an iPhone

For my latest shoot, I used a Nikon Zf camera, iPhone 15 Pro Max smartphone, a Kingston 1 TB SD card, and a Kingston portable card reader.

I like to shoot RAW+Jpeg because I enjoy experimenting with film simulations that I've loaded into the Nikon. With this workflow, I can decide if I want to copy the Jpegs, RAWs, or both to my iPhone. Let's start with the most basic approach using the Files app.

The Files app is included in iOS. Unlike software designed by camera manufacturers who seem to have a limited understanding of the iPhone, Files is perfectly integrated into the device. Look for the icon with the blue file folder. Now, let's move some pictures.

• Remove the SD card from the camera, put it in the card reader, and connect the reader to the iPhone.
• Open the Files app on the iPhone and look for your SD card under Locations. In my case, it will read NIKON Z F.



The SD card in the Apple Files app.
• Tap on the SD card name to take you to the next screen. You will see one or more file folders there. Tap on the one that reads DCIM. Depending on how your camera sets up the file system, an additional folder may exist inside DCIM. Tap on it and your photos will be revealed.



Both RAWs and Jpegs are displayed here. The Jpegs show the image thumbnails.
• If you shoot RAW+Jpeg, you will see both versions of your pictures there. To choose the ones you want to copy to the iPhone, tap on the 3 dots in the upper right corner of the screen. Then tap on Select.
• Now, tap on the thumbnails of the pictures you want to copy to the device. They will be marked with a blue check.
• Tap on the Share button in the lower-left corner of the screen. Choose Save Images.
• The pictures are now copied to your camera roll on your iPhone and are accessible via Photos and other apps.
• Swipe up to close the Files app, disconnect the reader from your phone, and return the SD card to your camera.

This process is fast. And the best part is, it works every time.

You'll notice that I have a large 1 TB card for the Nikon Zf. I like to keep all the pictures from an adventure on the card as an additional backup.

With WiFi transfer, this becomes untenable because it takes so long to read all of the files on the card. But with USB-C connectivity, it's nearly instantaneous. In terms of speed, there is no comparison between WiFi and USB-C.

Adding Lightroom Mobile to the Mix

Lightroom on the iPhone and iPad provides a powerful set of editing tools, and it plays nice with the other software. For example, from the Files app, as described above, you can send selected images directly to Lightroom on your mobile device via the Share button.

Or you can copy directly into Lightroom, bypassing the Files app altogether, by connecting the SD card and tapping on the blue import icon in the lower right corner of the Lightroom interface.

Lightroom will ask you if you want to add photos from the Device (iPhone), Files (app), or Connected camera/card. Choose Connected camera/card, select the pictures you want, then tap the blue Import button at the bottom of the screen. Bingo!

Once the pictures are in Lightroom, you have a powerful set of imaging tools to adjust them. If you haven't used the mobile version of Lightroom for a while, I think you'll be surprised at how elegantly it has evolved.

After editing, you can share the finished files with other apps on your mobile device, save them to the camera roll, or publish them on social media. They'll also be available when you get home on your computer via the Cloud Tab in the upper lefthand corner of the Lightroom interface. You can pick up right where you left off.

Additional Apps and Hacks

If you're not a Lightroom fan, an excellent alternative is RAW Power from Gentleman Coders. No subscription is required, it's a very affordable one-time purchase, has a powerful set of editing tools, and the developer does a great job of keeping it up to date with the latest camera releases.

Photomator for iOS is also very popular, and for good reason. Easy to use combined with powerful editing tools make this Lightroom alternative a winner.

And here's a fun little hack... Lightroom has a handy export function that enables you to copy files from your mobile device to a USB-C flash drive.

Tap on the Share button at the top of the Lightroom interface, tap Export As... from the popup menu, choose Save to Files, then navigate to the connected flash drive icon in Files, and tap on Save. Yes, you can use USB-C to copy pictures to a flash drive as well.

Wrapping Up

I've waited far too long for camera software that provides a reliable workflow for my iPhone. Now, I don't need it. With my pocket-sized card reader, I can work as fast with mobile devices as I do with a computer. And that means more time to focus on my pictures.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #949, May 28, 2024. Today's theme is "A Massive Lightroom Update Featuring Generative Remove." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

In terms of workflow, it's always nice to have the tools you need in one application instead of having to bounce around to different bits of software. With Lightroom 7.3, Adobe has taken a big step in that direction with the addition of Generative Remove. I'll explain how it works, plus some of the other goodies, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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A Massive Lightroom Update Including Generative Remove

Original image with too many distractions.

Edited version using Lightroom's Generative Remove. Photo by Derrick Story.

I'll be talking about Version 7.3 of Adobe Lightroom. I've been using this version of the app, instead of Classic, because it has evolved enough for my needs, and it's a bit more modern.

The big news is that Firefly, Adobe's top-tier AI technology, comes to Lighroom. And its debut is Generative Remove.

The Content Aware Healing Brush is now called Remove. You can still use it as the old Content Aware Healing Brush, which is good for small objects, faster processing time, and up the road no spending of your credits. I will get into that later.

In Lightroom 7.3, you also have some additional options in the Remove panel. First, you'll see Generative AI with a checkbox and a Early Access label. Second, there is Object Aware with a checkbox.

There are also checkboxes for Show Overlay on Hover and Visualize Spots. I use Show Overlay on Hover when I want to delete a selection and do it again. It makes it easy to identify it.

So, the progression for removing objects from your photos could be something like this. If it's simple, then just use the Remove Brush without Generative AI. When you get into more complicated adjustments, especially large objects, then check the Generative AI box to turbo charge your Remove Brush.

For items that are irregular, such as a group of people, you probably want to enable Object Aware too. This can improve the masking and leave the right amount of information outside of your selection to give the application the data it needs for the fill.

When it works well, Lightroom will correctly identify the objects for removal and add the appropriate amount of feather to enable a seamless fix.

After the mask is created, you do have the ability to fine tune it with add or subtract. I found that I didn't have to do this often, but there are times when the software doesn't include an item that you want as part of the fix.

Once you give Lightroom the green light to generate the fix, it works fairly fast, depending on the processing power of your computer. On my M1 Macbook Pro, most fixes were about 15-20 seconds. Was even a bit faster on my M2 Mac mini.

Lightroom actually creates 3 variations of the correction, and displays the first one. I've found that it's usually the best. But you can click through all three versions using the Variations arrows.

You can also tell the app to regenerate an entirely new correction. My experience has been that subsequent fixes were not as good as the initial effort. It seems to get worse with every iteration.

During the Early Access period, you can play as much as you want with this feature. There are no limitations. This is the time to learn it and refine your skills with it.

Why?

Because once Adobe removes the Early Access button, you will be alloted credits, based on the plan you have, for Firefly based technologies.

Right now, when I go to my Creative Cloud account, I don't see any mention of credits. I have my $9.99 a month photography plan, 20 GBs of cloud storage, and the apps included in the plan.

So I'm guessing the credits aspect will come into play up the road. But the point is, that now, during Early Access, you can really learn Generative Remove and play as much as you want.

Up the road, the workflow will probably evolve into using Remove for the bulk of your work and small items, and saving Generative Remove for the bigger, more complicated challenges.

During this Early Access period, when Adobe is refining the Generative Remove tool, feedback on how it works is important. So, after you've worked on a picture, click the Feedback button, and let them know how it went.

If Firefly creates something totally random and not fit for your picture, then click on Report Variation, and let Adobe know what happened.

A Few Other Goodies to Mention

Lens Blur has improved and is no longer in Early Access. It's in the Edit panel, near the bottom and it works quite fast.

Once you click the Apply checkbox, you can set the Blur Amount, the type of Bokeh, and play with the Focus Range.

As part of this bargain, be sure to take a look at the Presets panel. Click on the icon on the right side that's above Edit. In Presets, click on the Premium tab and scroll down to Adaptive: Blur Background. Now you can get seven different looks just by clicking on Strong, Subtle, Circle, etc. You can see those changes in the Lens Blur panel, and tweak them to your tastes.

Lightroom 7.3 now has the Slideshow function. It's basic, but I find it helpful for reviewing an album of images, especially my pick set.

Go to View > Start Slideshow

One last little thing that I want to mention is that the File Names are now viewable on each thumbnail in Grid Mode. They are on the upper left side, and the File Extension is on the upper right.

If you decide you don't want to see the File Name or the File Extension in Grid Mode, you can turn them off independently in the View menu.

Adobe Lightroom 7.3 is quite impressive. For me, it has the tools I want without the extra cruft I don't.

Lessons Learned from Selling Photography at Art�Fairs

You can read the entire story on LiveView.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

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

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #948, May 21, 2024. Today's theme is "The Value of Photo Community - An Interview." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

You hear me talk a lot about our photography community, but what do the actual members think? This week I chat with Cynthia Whelan and Lawrence Lazare about their experiences with online workshops, the Inner Circle, and writing for Live View. I think you'll be very interested in what they have to say. All of this, ad more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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The Value of Photo Community - An Interview

Here's the backgrounder for both Cynthia and Lawrence.

Cynthia A Whelan a.k.a., "Whelan on Walkabout"

"I have learned a lot listening to The Digitals Story podcasts, and now, being a member of the Inner Circle gives me a chance to have a conversation about my photography within a supportive community."

Travel Photography Stories and photos on Medium medium.com/@whelanonwalkabout

My website and Blog - Whelan on Walkabout

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.a.whelan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whelanonwalkabout/

Lawrence Lazare

Lawrence Lazare is a photographer and writer who is currently pursuing a BFA in Studio Art at the University of West Florida. He spent the first decade of his career in the music business as a promoter, booking agent, and artist manager. In 1995, he became part of the first wave to build the commercial internet. He spent 25 years as a product manager specializing in R&D and new product development for large media companies. During the last part of his career, he built AI-based search tools for photographers and filmmakers and holds two patents for image-based search and categorization.

In 2020, Lazare became legally blind after losing his central vision from Stargart's, a genetic retinal disease, forcing him into an early retirement. He decided to return to college to pursue a BFA in Studio Art, focusing on film photography. His photographs have been displayed in museums and galleries in Michigan, Florida, and New Orleans. He writes on the intersection of blindness and photography on Medium.com.

Lawrence has published an article on Live View titled, Building Your Artistic Practice Through Community that goes into more depth about this topic. It's worth a read.

Medium: https://llazare.medium.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/llazare/
Web: https://www.lawrencelazare.com/

And a big thanks to both Cynthia and Lawrence to taking time to talk with me on the show.

The Inner Circle Membership Drive - Spring 2024

I've been enjoying our Inner Circle experience so much this year, I just can't help thinking that you would too. But I know how that is... there are certain things we just never get around to doing.

So I thought I could help with that. And I think you're really going to like this. For the next two weeks, we're having the Inner Circle Membership Drive.

If you haven't joined us yet, all you have to do is click on this link to go to our Patreon page, scroll to Choose Your Membership, click on Pay Annually, then click on the Join button. The annual membership is $54 a year.

The extra incentive is, once I see that you've joined the Inner Circle for a year, I'll send you a coupon code that will allow you to sign up for free, your choice of the Infrared Workshop in June, or the Printing Workshop in August. That's a $145 value!

This promotion is for annual memberships only. One coupon code for one online workshop per paid membership.

Plus, you will still receive all of the Inner Circle benefits including access to our exclusive space on DerrickStoryOnline and discounts for future online and in-person workshops. And you're helping to support our online community.

If you're an existing Inner Circle Member, you can still benefit from the membership drive. All you have to do is switch from monthly payments to the annual payment of $54, and you will also receive a coupon code for either online workshop. If you've left the Inner Circle and want to rejoin us, the same offer applies.

The Inner Circle Membership Drive runs from May 7, 2024 through May 22, 2024. Join us today and experience one of our online workshops... for free.

ASMP Calls Out Adobe for Its 'Shocking Dismissal of Photography'

You can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com

The Series Every Photographer Should Be Watching

You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

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

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #947, May 14, 2024. Today's theme is "3rd Party Lens Extravaganza." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

The floodgates have opened and we're now seeing a wave of 3rd party lenses washing ashore for Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and yes, even Canon. This week I'm going to share with you my current favorites for this swell of great optics for mirrorless cameras. All of this and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

3rd Party Lens Extravaganza

Here's a list of my current list of favorite 3rd party lenses:

• Tamron developing 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD for Canon RF mount - Tamron has announced it's developing a version of its 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD fast wide-angle zoom lens for Canon RF-mount APS-C cameras. The 11-20mm F2.8, which is already available for Sony E-mount, will offer an 18-32mm equivalent range on Canon's 1.6x crop cameras. The company says the 11-20mm will be available before the end of 2024. No details of pricing have been given. DPReview.com
• TTArtisan AF 56mm f/1.8 Lens (Sony E) - A lightweight prime ideal for portraiture, the AF 56mm f/1.8 Lens from TTArtisan is designed for use with APS-C Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras and provides a portrait-length full-frame equivalency of 84mm. Capturing images in low-light conditions is no issue with this lens's bright maximum f/1.8 aperture. A minimum focusing distance of 19.7" is available. Driving the autofocus is a stepping motor, which helps enable quiet and speedy performance. One extra-low dispersion (ED) element is incorporated to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to achieve greater clarity and color accuracy. $158 B&H Photo. (There's also a version for Fujifilm coming.)
• 7Artisans releases 50mm F1.4 Tilt lens - 7Artisans has released a new manual focus 50mm F1.4 Tilt lens, compatible with Sony and Fujifilm APS-C cameras, as well as Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras. At the front of the lens is a numbered aperture ring, with the depth of field scale and distance scale focus ring sitting just behind. Users can rotate the lens a full 360-degrees and the tilt axis moves left to right. The company has yet to confirm how many degrees the lens can tilt on either side.
  Although photographers commonly use tilt lenses for architecture photography and to experiment with depth of field, 7Artisans claims the 50mm F1.4 offers enough clarity for portraiture, claiming distortion of only 1.9%. DPReview.com
  Available now on Amazon for $226.
• Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF Lens (FUJIFILM X and Nikon Z) - A compact portrait-length prime lens designed for FUJIFILM X-mount and Nikon Z-Mount mirrorless cameras, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF Lens provides a full-frame equivalent of 85mm, making it ideal for portraiture. Its focal length paired with its bright f/1.7 maximum aperture provides excellent control over depth of field and allows reliable shooting in low-light conditions. The lens design includes four extra-low dispersion elements and three high refractive index elements to reduce optical aberrations and improve overall image quality. Additionally, the lens's lightweight design makes it an optimal choice for traveling. $139 B&H Photo
• Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens (Sony E) - The lightest in its class and the brightest in Sigma's 50mm prime lineup, the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E-mount cameras is a well-designed lens for everyday use. Driven by Sigma's dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motors, this lens delivers quiet and high-speed performance. Simultaneously, this focusing system allows for a more compact design, helping make this lens lighter than its counterparts. This classic focal length paired with an extremely wide f/1.2 maximum aperture allows users to effortlessly capture a variety of subject matter. Also, there are physical function buttons and switches that improve the lens's overall ease of use as well as its reliability in the field. To reduce ghosting and improve contrast, a super multilayer coating is used on the glass elements. $1,399 B&H Photo
• Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 Lens (Nikon Z) - A large-aperture high-resolution prime, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 Z offers outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness with soft and natural bokeh. Engineered for photo and video applications, this robust and lightweight lens is equally adept for photographers and videographers alike. 4 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and 3 aspherical elements combine to achieve outstanding sharpness, while also reducing sagital coma flare, which distorts the shapes of stars. The optical design also minimizes ghosting and flare when shooting starry skies and long exposure night scenes. Sophisticated LCD screen displays important shooting information including object distance, Fn icons, and aperture identification. $549 B&H Photo.

A little something tempting for everyone!

The Inner Circle Membership Drive - Spring 2024

I've been enjoying our Inner Circle experience so much this year, I just can't help thinking that you would too. But I know how that is... there are certain things we just never get around to doing.

So I thought I could help with that. And I think you're really going to like this. For the next two weeks, we're having the Inner Circle Membership Drive.

If you haven't joined us yet, all you have to do is click on this link to go to our Patreon page, scroll to Choose Your Membership, click on Pay Annually, then click on the Join button. The annual membership is $54 a year.

The extra incentive is, once I see that you've joined the Inner Circle for a year, I'll send you a coupon code that will allow you to sign up for free, your choice of the Infrared Workshop in June, or the Printing Workshop in August. That's a $145 value!

This promotion is for annual memberships only. One coupon code for one online workshop per paid membership.

Plus, you will still receive all of the Inner Circle benefits including access to our exclusive space on DerrickStoryOnline and discounts for future online and in-person workshops. And you're helping to support our online community.

If you're an existing Inner Circle Member, you can still benefit from the membership drive. All you have to do is switch from monthly payments to the annual payment of $54, and you will also receive a coupon code for either online workshop. If you've left the Inner Circle and want to rejoin us, the same offer applies.

The Inner Circle Membership Drive runs from May 7, 2024 through May 22, 2024. Join us today and experience one of our online workshops... for free.

Apple Says Destructive iPad Ad 'Missed the Mark'

You can read the entire story on NYtimes.com

It looks like Panasonic's "completely new kind" of camera is coming next week

You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

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

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #946, May 7, 2024. Today's theme is "The Inspiration Battle - 5 Tips to Overcome the Blahs." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

An Inner Circle member recently posted that he's been uninspired lately. Others chimed in that it happens to us all at times. And when it does, what can be done? This week I share 5 tips to overcome photographer's block. Plus, a very tempting offer for our podcast audience, and a peek at Peakto Search. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

The Inspiration Battle - 5 Tips to Overcome the Blahs

Any artistic pursuit is vulnerable to creative block, and photography is no exception. Here are five tips to help get things moving again.

• Go Back in Time - Every photographer has a stash of old gear that's impossible to part with. But instead of letting it languish in the back of the closet, pull out that camera from 2014, charge its batteries, and wander outside. Challenge yourself to make a great shot with a decade-old camera.
• Shoot a Roll of Film - Nothing will help you appreciate your current mirrorless like revisiting an analog camera from your past. In stead of challenging yourself to capture a great shot, like in tip #1, see if you can even get a good shot out of a roll of 36. This process will activate parts of your brain that haven't been used in years.
• Break Out a Vintage Lens - There's something about looking at the world through a 40-year-old optic that summons our inner artist. One of my favorites for this exercise is the Nikkor 105mm Ai-S F2.5 lens that Steve McCurry made famous with his shot of the Afghan Girl on a Nikon FM2. Every time I put that lens on a modern Nikon, I feel obligated to do it justice.
• Take a Trip to Bizarro World - Just like the Seinfeld episode where Elaine's new friend is the exact opposite of Jerry (Season 8, Episode 3), go out and take pictures of a subject that you never tackle. If you're a landscape guy, go to the city; if you love macro, challenge yourself with panoramas; only photograph sill lives, then set up a portrait session. By becoming a Bizarro Photographer, you will shake out the cobwebs and see the world with fresh eyes.
• Find a Photo Buddy - We tend to work so much alone that we miss opportunities and techniques right under our noses. Hanging out for a day with a photo buddy will help you see the world through someone else's eyes. Be sure to compare pictures at the end of the day and talk about why each of you shot what you did.

I promise you, if you embrace one or more of these challenges, you will begin to feel the rise of inspiration as you climb out of your creative rut.

The Inner Circle Membership Drive - Spring 2024

I've been enjoying our Inner Circle experience so much this year, I just can't help thinking that you would too. But I know how that is... there are certain things we just never get around to doing.

So I thought I could help with that. And I think you're really going to like this. For the next two weeks, we're having the Inner Circle Membership Drive.

If you haven't joined us yet, all you have to do is click on this link to go to our Patreon page, scroll to Choose Your Membership, click on Pay Annually, then click on the Join button. The annual membership is $54 a year.

The extra incentive is, once I see that you've joined the Inner Circle for a year, I'll send you a coupon code that will allow you to sign up for free, your choice of the Infrared Workshop in June, or the Printing Workshop in August. That's a $145 value!

This promotion is for annual memberships only. One coupon code for one online workshop per paid membership.

Plus, you will still receive all of the Inner Circle benefits including access to our exclusive space on DerrickStoryOnline and discounts for future online and in-person workshops. And you're helping to support our online community.

If you're an existing Inner Circle Member, you can still benefit from the membership drive. All you have to do is switch from monthly payments to the annual payment of $54, and you will also receive a coupon code for either online workshop. If you've left the Inner Circle and want to rejoin us, the same offer applies.

The Inner Circle Membership Drive runs from May 7, 2024 through May 22, 2024. Join us today and experience one of our online workshops.

Peakto Search for Capture One Pro and Lightroom

Utilizing AI, Peakto Search allows users to find any photos OR videos, based on a simple description or image. Capable of searching across multiple Catalogs, Peakto Search is always at hand in the menu bar and operates even when the app is closed. It instantly reveals results and enables users to open photos and videos directly in Capture One Pro or Lightroom.

Peakto Search functions as an intelligent search engine. With just a simple description or image-based query, the plugin retrieves corresponding photos or videos. No annotations or knowledge of storage locations are required; Peakto Search's advanced AI swiftly locates content.

Capture One Pro confines the ability to search for content to a Catalog or Session. Peakto Search extends this limit by offering a search that can be conducted across multiple Catalogs and Sessions simultaneously. Search results appear in real-time through previews of photos and videos. The video player preview available in the plugin highlights the segments in the video that exactly match the query or reference image.

Peakto Search stands out as a uniquely designed plugin. Nestled in the Mac menu bar, it remains effortlessly accessible, even when Capture One or Lightroom is closed, ensuring it serves as a reliable guide through your content. Seamlessly integrated with the editing software, it facilitates the opening of multiple photos and videos in Capture One Pro directly from the search results.

Peakto Search is now available for purchase on the CYME website, complete with a complimentary 7-day trial period exclusive to subscribers:

• 2-year subscription for $89 (equivalent to $5.41 per month)
• Annual subscription for $65
• Monthly subscription for $9 per month
• Unlimited license for $129

Optimized for macOS Ventura, Peakto Search requires macOS 12 (Monterrey) or later and can fully leverage Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 chips. Peakto Search is compatible with Capture One Pro from version 20.

Firmware update roundup: Fujifilm, Nikon, Sony and Panasonic

You can read the entire article on DPReview.com

Infrared Photography Workshop - Online - June 2024

Do you feel like the world is looking like "the same old same old" through your camera's viewfinder? Have you felt your enthusiasm for photography waning? Then it's time for you to consider exploring infrared imaging.

Suddenly walks you've taken a hundred times look completely different as you see them through your camera. Old familiar subjects burst to life with new vibrancy. IR photography can energize your creativity, not only for this medium, but for all of your artistry.

Beginning June 5, 2024, join us for this 4-week exploration into the world of IR. During this event, you will learn:

• The best IR filter to start with.
• How to test your existing digital camera for infrared sensitivity.
• Learn about the different types of IR conversions for digital cameras.
• See how different IR filters produce wildly different results.
• Learn how to fine-tune your images with software you already own.
• Discover advanced techniques to take your images to the next level.
• And much, much more.

This online workshop (Zoom) begins on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with both morning (9am PST) and evening sessions (4pm PST) available. We will convene weekly thereafter via Zoom for more training sessions (AM and PM), Q&A, and to compare notes. You can attend morning, evening, or both sessions. It's essentially the same content, just different participants.

It is so much fun.

Plus, you will have unlimited access to our online workshop community, DerrickStoryOnline. Here, you can mingle with other workshop participants (past and present), share images for comment, exchange tips and techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other creatives who share your passion for image-making.

You can reserve your spot for the Infrared Online Workshop here.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

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

See you next week!

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