This is from a guy who previously would only use Silver Efex Pro for his black and white work, but I've come to appreciate the B&W Adjustment in Photos for OS X, and the optional plugin, Tonality by Macphun.

Here's a shot that I'm using for my upcoming book on Photos for OS X. I made some exposure tweaks with the Light Adjustments, then finished it off with the B&W converter. If you're not familiar with what the four sliders do in B&W, this will help you:

• Intensity - If you think about how saturation works for color, that's what the intensity slider does for B&W. As you move the marker to the right, Photos intensifies the tones in the image. If one cube of sugar makes your coffee sweet, two cubes makes it even sweeter. That's what intensity does.
• Neutrals - This slider affects the gray areas of the image by lightening or darkening them. For this image, I thought that darkening the gray areas helped create a nice separation from the white markings of the cat, including her whiskers.
• Tone - This adjustment could really be called contrast, because that's what it does. Moving the marker to the right increases contrast, and to the left flattens it.
• Grain - To complete the film-like B&W effect, we can also add grain. Not only does this provide an analog feel to the image, it can make it appear a bit more crunchy.

Tip: Even though we're applying monochrome effects to our picture, it's still color inside. For example, you can still tweak the tones in your B&W by using the temperature and tint sliders in the White Balance panel. Try it. Photos provides an amazing amount of control for your B&W pictures.

For hands-on tutorials, be sure to take a look at Photos for OS X Essential Training on lynda.com. I cover everything you need to know to get the most from this surprisingly powerful image management application.

More Help and Insights on Photos for OS X

Don't forget about the Photos for OS X Special Feature Section on The Digital Story. It's a roundup of tutorials, videos, and articles focused on helping you master Apple's latest photo management software. You can also find it under Photography in the top nav bar.

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

One of my ToDo tasks was to update the firmware for my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II to version 2.2, so it would be compatible with an Olympus lenses that have the built-in image stabilizing function. (Yes, I'm testing the new Olympus 300mm f4.0 PRO Lens. More on that later next week.)

First, I had to download the latest version of OLYMPUS Digital Camera Updater (V 1.2.1). Then connect my camera and follow the prompts. The updating instructions are here; I recommend reading them first.

Everything went smoothly. So since I had the updating set-up ready to go, I thought I would check my other cameras and lenses. To my surprise, I needed to update a total of 3 cameras and 5 lenses! Wow. And there were some solid fixes and upgrades in those updates.

So my question to you is... when is the last time you checked the firmware version on our mirrorless camera? You might want to brew a cup of coffee and take a look.

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In the Summer of 2000, Olympus released one of the most intriguing digital cameras of all time: the Olympus Camedia C-211 Zoom.

Not only did it include a 3X optical zoom, 2" LCD, and 2 megapixels of resolution, the C-211 had a built-in Polaroid printer that accepted Type 500 film. It was the best of both worlds. High quality digital files with the option to make a print at any time.

When you pressed the green print button on the back of the camera, it would think for just a second, then gears would grind and a print would emerge from the top of the camera. They weren't the most beautiful prints in the world, but they were cool.

We don't think of cameras from this era being particularly high quality. But take a look at this image of Dibs that I recorded today in macro mode with the C-211. It's not bad.

Don't get me wrong... it's still a vintage digital camera. The LCD is practically unusable in bright daylight, the C-211 operates at a casual pace, and they don't even make the SmartMedia cards that it uses for memory. (Fortunately, I hung on to the USB card reader that allows me to upload the images to my Mac.)

But, those awful Polaroid prints just ooze with nostalgia. And the digital images can be quite good. So, I don't think I'll be getting rid of my C-211 anytime soon.

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Over the last year we've been talking about photo management software and how to cope with change. One question that comes up is "can I move my existing work to a new application?" It's a good question, and I have some helpful information for Lightroom and Aperture users contemplating a transition to Capture One Pro. And that will be the top story on today's show.

How to Move to Capture One

If you decide to try a different photo management app, or are forced to, how much of your previous library do you have to leave behind? To some degree, that depends on the amount of work that you want to invest in the project.

To help you make that decision, I'm going to outline the steps in today's podcast. At this point, you can just listen and think about what I'm saying. Because if you decide to make the move, I have a free eBook for you, titled: Moving to Capture One Pro. It has dedicated sections for both Lightroom and Aperture users, and it delves into the details of this type of transition.

So, for now, just sit back and listen. Then decide what's the best path for you to follow.

In the News

Instagram Finally Lets You Log Into Multiple Accounts - covered by PetaPixel.

If you have two or more Instagram accounts -- perhaps one for personal and one for business - Instagram has some great news for you this week: the company is finally rolling out multi-account support, which lets you log into multiple accounts in one app and quickly switch between them. This official announcement comes just weeks after some Android and iOS users began seeing the feature in their apps.

There are step-by-step instructions over on the Instagram Help page. And the Petapixel page features a short video that shows how easy it is to switch between accounts.

Oh Those Embarrassing Moments

I'm guessing that you may know that I have a journal on TheNimblePhotographer.com. So I thought I'd read you an entry today to give you a feel for what goes on over there. Today's story is an awkward incident from my trip to Austin, Texas.

Member Quotes of the Week

Intelligent comments culled from The Digital Story Facebook page.

In regard to last week's Facebook Post: "What is the Fascination with Retro>" we had some terrific comments, and I want to share one with you now.

Andrew wrote: "My recent interest in film cameras probably started more from a collector stand point. I started rebutting some of my camera history mostly for nostalgic reasons. Once you get these cameras back in your hands, they feel so good you just want to use them. I don' t think I would go back though - I like what digital photography gives me. It's just like I wouldn't relinquish word-processing for a typewriter - my brain is now rewired for digital. It doesn't mean I don't enjoy the occasional analogue "holiday". In fact, I am planning to make one day a month in 2016 as an analogue only day.

I don't think an interest in film is predicated on nostalgia. My son is of the "digital native" generation and he asked for a film camera for his birthday. He had been enjoying using OM lenses on his A7s and wanted the full OM experience.

Post your thoughts on our Facebook page. Believe me, I read them.

Updates and Such

The Digital Story Podcast is Coming to Google Play Music - Google has just published the last 15 TDS shows on its new Google Play Music Podcast service for Android devices. If you're a new listener turning in... welcome! More info at https://play.google.com/music/listen

Out of Chicago Update - The debut of The Nimble Photographer Workshop sold out on Friday, June 24. Because there is a wait list, we've added a second workshop on Thursday June 23. I hope you can join me in Chicago this coming June.

Gemini, the Duplicate Finder by MacPaw - Gemini's simple, fast, and safe to use, so make sure you give it a try. It's available at macpaw.com/gemini.

Are you using PROMO code: STORY to save 25 percent. You can apply that toward any wood print at www.inkdot.com.

And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs. And a big thanks ImageFramer for also supporting this podcast.

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

Inkdot.com - Specializing in wood prints and other artistic treatments of your imagery - visit www.inkdot.com.

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

ImageFramer Take your photos to the next level with ImageFramer. Visit www.apparentsoft.com today.

MacPaw Creators of CleanMyMac 3 and other great software for Apple computers. Visit www.macpaw.com today.

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.

Oddly enough, White Balance isn't part of the default set that appears in the Edit menu in Photos for OS X. And I say "oddly," because it's such a necessary tool, and the Photos version of it is very good.

To make sure it always shows up, open an image in Edit mode, click on Adjust in the righthand sidebar, click on Add, and choose White Balance from the popup menu. Then go back to Add and select "Save as Default." It will now automatically appear in your Adjust panel.

The adjustment itself is quite powerful and very much like the version we had in Aperture. Here's a short video on how to use it.

And for other hands-on tutorials, be sure to take a look at Photos for OS X Essential Training on lynda.com. I cover everything you need to know to get the most from this surprisingly powerful image management application.

More Help and Insights on Photos for OS X

Don't forget about the Photos for OS X Special Feature Section on The Digital Story. It's a roundup of tutorials, videos, and articles focused on helping you master Apple's latest photo management software. You can also find it under Photography in the top nav bar.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Of all the bags I've tested over the years, I've never had so many people approach me with complements as I have with the Lowepro StreetLine 140.

"That looks really nice. Is it a camera bag, or did you modify it yourself?"

"Where did you get that? Does it hold camera gear too?"

Yes, it is a camera bag. It doesn't look like one, does it? And don't get wrong, but it certainly doesn't look like a Lowepro bag. Shouldn't it be, well, more foamy or something?

It is a Lowepro bag, and after using it on assignment in Austin, it's now my favorite Lowepro. The Streetline 140 can be worn as a sling or a shoulder bag, holds two mirrorless cameras plus spare lens and personal items, plus accommodates a laptop and/or a tablet. The specs state an 11" laptop, but my MacBook Pro 13" (non-optical drive model) fits like a glove in the dedicated sleeve (that keeps your laptop separate from other items inside).

In Austin, I carried an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II with 14-42mm EZ zoom and the new Olympus PEN-F with a 17mm f/1.8, plus the 75mm f/1.8, 9mm body cap fisheye, iPad mini, gloves, snacks, and shades. And I still had room for extra batteries, cards, and whatnot.

And here's the interesting part: the Streetline kept its slim profile and extreme comfort, even with all this gear inside. I used it mostly as a sling, keeping it secure against my back while walking, then swinging it around to work out of when shooting. It's very easy and fast to operate. There's a zippered pocket on the front flap (all external zippers are weatherproof) for quick items, another zippered storage area under the flap.

Then there's the main compartment. Here's where we get to a slick Lowepro innovation. The collapsable, interior FlexPockets are super space-efficient, yet protect the cameras. So I no longer have to endure wasted storage because of foam inserts. When I'm packing a camera, I pull a FlexPocket out, and when I'm just using the Streetline as a regular commuter bag, I collapse the FlexPocket to open up the entire interior of the carryall. It's clever, efficient, and works great.

The strap and high-tech back panel are very comfortable, there's a handy top handle, and one of my personal favorites, a multi-function trolly sleeve. You can use it as a spare pocket when on foot, then separate the top and bottom velcro fasteners, and slide the bag over your rolling suitcase handle.

Or, if you want, you can stash the Streetline 140 in your suitcase and use a bigger carryon for the flight. Thanks to the FlexPockets, the sling compresses quite flat, making it easy to stow with shirts and pants. When you arrive at your destination, load up the Streetline with your gear, and go explore.

I wore the bag all day, in rain, wind, and even some sun. It maintained its handsome looks regardless of the weather conditions. My gear remained safe and dry. Most observers would never guess it's camera bag. But it is, and a darn good one.

The Lowepro StreetLine 140 ($149) has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

I've been testing the Lexar 64GB Pro 1800X Micro SDXC card in my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II with terrific results.

"What?" you say. "The OM-D uses regular SD cards, not micros."

And you are right. But the Lexar kit includes a matching pass-through SD card adapter, so I can take advantage of the 1800X card, and just as importantly, its tiny high-performance card reader that takes up virtually no room in my bag.

The bundled card reader is the frosting that makes this cake so sweet. By using it, instead of a regular memory card inserted into my Mac's SD port, I can maximize performance.

For example, yesterday I recorded 1.15 GBs of video with the OM-D using the Lexar 1800X. When I transferred the files via the bundled thumbnail-sized reader, it took 5.16 seconds to copy them to my Mac. Like I said, speedy.

When the microSD isn't in the reader, I keep it in the SD card adapter so I don't lose it. And if I ever need that size for a smaller device, all I have to do is reformat the card, and I'm ready to go.

The Lexar 64GB Pro 1800X Micro SDXC card kit is now available at B&H for $102.84. If you need high performance both at capture and copy, it's worth a look.

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!

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

Now that digital cameras have reached a basic plateau of capability, I find myself buying "behind the curve" more often. What does that mean? Well, it's a bit like car shopping. Last year's model with a few thousand miles on it can be purchased at tremendous savings. And I'm finding the same is true with cameras. I'll explore this in greater depth in today's top story.

Gently Used, Please

My current favorite camera is the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. I bought it last January with the half grip for $1,229. A year later I'm as pleased with it as the day I bought it. But it I were to purchase the exact same body right now, I could buy it new for $899 and used for $799. And I wouldn't feel one bit behind the times.

More and more, I find myself waiting for prices to drop or buying gently used equipment. I can do this because the technology itself has stabilized. So there isn't that much difference between current offerings and last year's models.

I shop used on Amazon, B&H, Adorama, Craigslist, eBay, and Etsy. And I've heard photographers talk about other sites too. In today's top story, I share some tips for buying used, and why you may want to consider doing so also.

In the News

Nikon apologizes for awarding prize to digitally altered photo - covered by DP Review

Last week, Nikon Singapore awarded a prize to an image that had been digitally altered, given away by the highly visible white square around an inserted plane's silhouette. As a result, Nikon has released this statement:

"We have heard your comments and feedback on this, and you are right - we should not compromise standards even for a casual photo contest. We have dialogued internally, with the community and with our loyal fans, and the photographer has also posted his own views on this issue. We have made an honest mistake and the rousing response from the community today is a reminder to us that the true spirit of photography is very much alive. Moving forward, we will tighten our image review process to avoid similar situations in the future. Thank you once again for all your responses today - for your humor and most of all, your candor and honesty. We hope not to disappoint you in the future and to continue to have your support."

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Wood Type: Baltic Birch
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8"x8" is normally priced at $32. But you can get one for $24 using PROMO code: STORY. And in fact, you can get 25% off any wood print with that code at www.inkdot.com.

Member Quotes of the Week

Intelligent comments culled from The Digital Story Facebook page.

In regard to last week's Facebook Post: "A New Direction, The Olympus PEN-F" we had some terrific comments that I want to share it with you now.

Roger wrote: You've often made the point that in camera processing (jpeg and even special effects, art filters) have gotten to be really high quality and worth trying, and of course the raw is always there. I think it's worth also making the point that in camera processing, using it while you are shooting, changes your thought process while you're shooting. It's like putting on a prime lens instead of a zoom. The black and white film filters in this camera look like a lot of fun.

And Mike added: Great Podcast Derrick. It is an amazing camera and I can tell you for a fact that anyone interested in the San Francisco workshop should know I will have at least one there with me. The more you shoot the more creative you get is what I found over the last 3 months with it. It's hard to put down for me when I shoot in the streets.

Post your thoughts on our Facebook page. Believe me, I read them.

Updates and Such

Big News for the SF Street Shooting Workshop - Olympus has agreed to provide us with PEN-F kits for testing and Lowepro is kicking in a street shooting bag that each participant can bring home. As a result, I'm going to reopen the previously sold out workshop to one more person. If you want to attend, please send email to derrick@thedigitalstory.com. First come, first served.

Out of Chicago Update - The debut of The Nimble Photographer Workshop sold out on Friday, June 24. Because there is a wait list, we've added a second workshop on Thursday June 23. I hope you can join me in Chicago this coming June. There's still time for Early Bird pricing.

Gemini, the Duplicate Finder by MacPaw - Gemini's simple, fast, and safe to use, so make sure you give it a try. It's available at macpaw.com/gemini.

And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs. And a big thanks ImageFramer for also supporting this podcast.

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

Inkdot.com - Specializing in wood prints and other artistic treatments of your imagery - visit www.inkdot.com.

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

ImageFramer Take your photos to the next level with ImageFramer. Visit www.apparentsoft.com today.

MacPaw Creators of CleanMyMac 3 and other great software for Apple computers. Visit www.macpaw.com today.

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.

The Nimble Streamline Expandable Shoulder Bag was my Las Vegas companion while I covered the CES show.

Over the course of 16-hour days, I carried my Olympus OM-D, a few lenses, iPad mini, and basic accessories... plus gloves and snacks too in the Streamline. The bag's design is perfect for maneuvering in crowded environments. Mirrorless and compact cameras can be stashed in an innocent looking tricot-lined front zipper area. The main compartment can be used for bigger cameras or personal items such as a folded windbreaker. It's also expandable via zipper.

There are smaller accessory pockets under the front flap that reveals the embroidered Walking Man Logo when opened.

Just like with the previous UltraLight bags, there are a limited number of Nimble Streamlines available. They were first announced to our newsletter subscribers at a discounted price with discounted shipping. And we have a few remaining at the "still reasonable" price of $29.95 plus shipping. Available only in the U.S., and while supplies last.

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.

Landscape shooters rejoice! Adobe has added Boundary Warp to the latest version of Lightroom CC and 6.4, and it's going to improve your panorama workflow.

Instead of having to crop the image to remove those white areas with no information, either use the Auto Crop checkbox or the Boundary Warp slider to analyze the area and warp the image to fit the rectangular frame. It's quite clever, and it works great. We now can enjoy more picture in our panoramas.

There are also lens profile and RAW updates in Lightroom CC 2015.4 and standalone version 6.4. If you want to see all of the details about those, take a look at the Lightroom Journal Entry on the subject. And if you want to learn more about this feature in general, download my free eBook titled, Rocky Nook's Guide to HDR & Panoramas with Photo Merge in Lightroom CC.

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!

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