This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,047, April 14, 2026. Today's theme is, "5 Whacky, Fun Things to Do With Your Camera." I'm Derrick Story.
It's easy to get a bit too serious about photography. But the truth is, some of our best shots happen when just playing around. And to help stir that pot a bit, here are 5 whacky techniques that you can do with your camera to get your fun on. Plus industry news and more. I hope your enjoy the show.
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5 Whacky, Fun Things to Do With Your Camera
We're in the middle of our Creative Camera Techniques online workshop, and I'm having a blast preparing for each session. I thought this week, I would share the love with you. So, here are 5 fun things to do with your camera.
1. Try a New Technique Such as Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) or Zooming During Long Exposure. - Both of these incorporate motion during exposure. ICM requires you move the camera during a longish exposure, and the zoom method is turning the zoom ring while the shutter is open. Both can yield fascinating results.
2. Mount Your Weirdest Lens on Your Mirrorless - This could be an ultra wide, LensBaby, pinhole, or even a vintage optic with an adapter. Commit to using only that odd couple for an entire day. See what you can get.
3. Dig Out an Old Point and Shoot - It could be a digital compact from the past, such as the Canon S110, or a film favorite like the clamshell Olympus Stylus. Either way, take an afternoon challenge to see how many good shots you can capture with this old friend.
4. Vaseline on an Old Filter - Honestly, this is one of my favorites. With your finger, smear a medium coating of Vaseline on the outside of the filter, starting near the edge and working inward. Leave a clear spot in the middle, about the size of a dime. Then go shoot colorful objects.
5. Experiment with Multiple Exposure - Nearly every camera has some sort of Multiple Exposure function. Read up on how yours works, then go create your next visual masterpiece.
Other options include digging around in your filter shoebox look for old special effects filters, or finally testing some of the unique features of your camera such as Live ND on OM System models.
Whatever your settle on, commit to it for an entire day. I think you'll have a blast.
This Week in the News
OM System just gained more control over its future as featured on DPReview.com
DaVinci Resolve 21 is Now a Lightroom Alternative: RAW Editing, Tethering, Masking, and More as featured on PetaPixel.com
Can DxO Pure Raw 6 Save an ISO 25,600 Wildlife Shot? as featured on PetaPixel.com
Virtual Camera Club News
Workshops!
The 2026 TDS Photography Workshop Season. We are featuring webinars, online workshops, and in-person events focused on creating impactful images in the company of those who love photography as much as you. Our workshops are like no others, and we think you will throughly enjoy the camaraderie and the tips and techniques.
Stop by The Nimble Photographer Workshop Page and reserve your spot today.
Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
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 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.
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.
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.
