This is The Digital Story Podcast #978, Dec. 17, 2024. Today's theme is "How to Print a Holiday Greeting Card." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I like to include a handmade card with all of my holiday gifts. And sometimes, the card is the gift. I just finished printing a batch with my Canon G620 inkjet printer. And the process was easy and productive. I thought that you might find my approach appealing for some holiday output of your own. I tell all in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

How to Print a Holiday Greeting Card

This is my first year using the Canon PIXMA G620 printer ($249) for the holiday fine art cards. And I have to say, it worked great!

For my paper, I went with Red River's 60lb. River Linen Scored (Item #1392). It measures 7x10" and folds down to a standard 5"x7" card. I use envelopes from RRP because I like the squared-off back flap (Item #7239). But you could use any standard 5"x7" envelope.

I start by working with a 7"x 10" canvas. I have templates for this already, so all I have to do is choose my image and drop it in to the top half of the template. If you don't have a template already, you can download them for Lightroom and Photoshop from the Red River site.

Once I've designed the card, I export it as a Tiff. I could print directly from Photoshop or Lightroom as well. But generally, I open the file in Apple's Preview and print from there. I like Preview's uncluttered printing interface.

If you haven't done so already, create a Custom Paper Size for 7"x10". You can do this by clicking on Manage Custom Sizes that's at the bottom of the Paper Size popup menu in the Print Driver Dialog.

If you want your card image to blead off the edges, be sure to check the box, "Fill Entire Paper" that's also in the Print Dialog Box.

Next, under Media & Quality, choose the paper surface that best matches your card stock. In my case, it was Matte Photo Paper. Also select "Best" for Quality.

Refer to the screenshot of the dialog box if you have any questions. Now print!

If you don't have any RRP greeting card stock on hand, you can go DIY by trimming one inch off the side of an 8"x10" photo paper. Choose the heaviest stock you have on hand. I like 60lb. for my greeting cards.

I leave the interior blank because that's where I write my personal message. Sometimes I print information on the back of the card. This year I used rubber stamps to give them that unique, handmade look.

Now, all you have to do is score them and find an envelope.

Peak Design Denies It 'Traced' the Bag of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooter

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.

Is Canon stealing this secret weapon lens from Olympus?

You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

Top Rented Photo and Video Products of 2024

You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.

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.

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.

Pentax KP DSLR with Pentax/Ricoh GPS Receiver.

With the exception of the Olympus OM-D E-M1X, most mirrorless cameras want you to connect to a smartphone app to geotag your images. This is fine if A) the app works reliably, and B) you practice using it and remember how to use it.

I've had mixed results with the smartphone connection over the years. My Fujifilm X100V works well with the X App. My Nikon Zf does a pretty good job with Snapbridge. And my Olympus OM-1 is difficult to use for geotagging with its smartphone companion, O.I. Share.

For my upcoming Costa Rica trip, I was searching for an easy, reliable way to add location data to my pictures without straining my camera or iPhone batteries (not to mention my patience). The answer harkened back to the days of DSLRs - a GPS receiver that slides into the camera's hotshoe.

Pentax GPS receiver on a K3 III DSLR.

The advantage of this approach is that the receiver is powered by its own AAA battery and doesn't require interaction with a smartphone. It talks directly to the camera through the hotshoe contacts and adds a wealth of data to each shot recorded.

The LCD from my Pentax KP in playback mode displaying lots of location information.

When I load the images into any of my photo management apps, the recorded geotags are translated into location information.

This shot was captured in Bicentennial Park with the Pentax KP. How do I know? The data tells me so.

Here's what Ricoh says about their O-GPS1 unit:

Simply by mounting the O-GPS1 accessory GPS unit onto the hotshoe of a PENTAX digital SLR camera, you can record the latitude, longitude, altitude, universal time coordinated (UTC), and aspects of shooting locations onto captured images. Image files carrying GPS location data can be used to track shooting locations and review location data on a computer. The GPS location data stored on these files also makes it much easier to sort and file recorded images. By coupling GPS location data with the camera's SR (Shake Reduction) system, this GPS unit offers a range of innovative, PENTAX-original applications, including ASTROTRACER, Simple Navigation and Electronic Compass.

I'm definitely taking the Pentax KP to Costa Rica. The camera, lenses, and GPS unit are all weather-resistant - perfect for damp, rainy conditions. And I'll be able to record location information with each shot I take.

And if Nikon decides to make a separate GPS receiver for my Zf, I'll buy it. In the meantime, it looks like I will be leaning on my DSLR too.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #977, Dec. 10, 2024. Today's theme is "How Did You Fare on Black Friday?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I survived Black Friday, but just barely. The barrage of camera deals, lens discounts, and alluring accessories that maybe I didn't need, but certainly wanted and were difficult to resist. This week I share with you my Black Friday temptation and my attempts to fight it off. All of that, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

How Did You Fare on Black Friday?

I started out strong. On November 29th I browsed my usual suspects: B&H Photo and Amazon. I was relieved to see that there weren't any burning camera deals to tempt me right out of the shoot.

In the past, that wasn't always the case. I remember one year when Amazon was offering a new Nikon D610 full-frame DSLR, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 autofocus prime, and a Nikon battery grip for some ridiculous price that I couldn't resist. So I bought it. And I've used the camera many times over the years and love it to this day. But it was an expenditure that I had not planned on.

There were some good deals this year, but nothing like that. I could save $400 on an M3 14" MacBook Pro. Even though mine is an older M1 model, it's running just fine.

I could save $2,200 on a Leica SL2-S Mirrorless Camera. It looks sweet, but it would still cost me $2,995. And I don't have any lenses for it. And we know how that goes.

I could save $300 on a Panasonic Lumix G9 II MFT mirrorless body. It's 25 megapixel sensor is certainly alluring, and I have a ton of lenses that would work great on it. But even after the discount, it was still $1,600.

All of these deals, and many more, were relativity easy to pass on. I enjoyed reading about them, lingering over the specs, fantasizing how I would integrate the new equipment into my workflow, and then just sigh and click to the next page.

I was feeling pretty good about my resolve and good judgment.

Then I received an email blast from Nikon: "4 Days Only! Refurbished Sale." I knew that I shouldn't look, but what harm could it do? I had already shown resistance to these Black Friday temptations.

I'm scrolling down the web page noting the discounts for the Z9 (yeah, right), the Zf (already have one), and the Z6 II (nice price, but no). Then it appeared. A black Special Edition Z fc with matching 16-50mm compact VR zoom lens for $850. Uh Oh!

I think the black Special Edition Z fc is one of the most handsome digital cameras I've ever laid eyes on. They're not available new anymore. And when you do find one it's well over a thousand dollars.

This one, totally refurbished with a matching lens, was $850 - plus free shipping, a substantial Nikon warranty, and in stock. Oh man...

I already own the 26mm Nikon Z pancake that would look great on the Z fc. Plus I have other Z optics. And this little guy at 800 grams would be a fantastic backup camera for the Zf.

It wasn't difficult to envision all of the scenarios where I could put the Z fc to work, and enjoy its handsome appearance at the same time.

I took a deep breath, closed the laptop, and walked away. An hour later, I was back. Then the next day, and the day after that.

I kept saying to myself, "Maybe they will sell out and it will put me out of my misery." But every time I opened the page, there it was calling to me.

This torture went on for 5 days. That's right. It wasn't even a 4-day sale. It's still on sale!

To help build up my resistance, I would pull out my beautiful OM-1, Pentax KP, or Nikon Zf. "I certainly don't need anything more than these three cameras" I would say to myself. And for a few moments, that would work.

This afternoon, before I wrote the podcast, I opened the 4-Day Sale page again. The Special Edition Z fc is still there! How do these people measure days?

But I have not caved in. I'm standing strong. I've survived Black Friday 2024. But I must remain vigilant.

Miss Black Friday? Adorama still has cameras discounted by as much as $1K

You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

5 Must-Have Everyday-Carry Accessories for Photographers

You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.

Google's AI Weather App Could be Extremely Useful to Photographers

You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.

An Opening for Our Costa Rica Workshop

A space has just opened up for our Costa Rica Photography Workshop, January 7-15, 2025. You can read all of the details and sign up by visiting our Costa Rica Workshop page.

The event is co-lead by Rob Knight and myself. Our group is limited to 10 participants. We've lined up guides, transportation, accommodations, and meals. All you have to do is pack your bag and get a flight.

If you have any questions about the event, you can post a comment here.

Hope to see you in Costa Rica!

Virtual Camera Club News

TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.

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.

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 #976, Dec. 3, 2024. Today's theme is "Making the Case for Using GPS with Travel Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

One thing that surprised me this past year when talking to workshop photographers was how few of them were adding location data to their images during capture. I can understand not doing so while taking pictures around the house. But during travel? On this week's podcast, I present my case for making the extra effort. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Making the Case for Using GPS with Travel Photography

One of the great things about our smartphones is that they record GPS data with every photo we take. Those coordinates are translated into actual locations by the software we use to manage our pictures, such as Apple Photos, Adobe Lightroom, and Capture One Pro.

This information, combined with the camera's normal EXIF data, informs us of just about everything we need to know about the image we're looking at. Not only do we get the camera settings used, we can also see time of day, map location, and with some units, altitude and direction.

All of this information is searchable by practically any image manager software. So, without having to do anything more than press the shutter button, we can record a mountain of information with the picture itself. This is a luxury that film photographers could only dream about.

Looking at the GPS screen on my Pentax KP with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit mounted, the data readout includes the location, direction, and time of shooting using Universal Time Coordinated. It also features an Electronic Compass to display the direction the camera is facing (true direction after declination adjustment) on the LCD monitor, making it useful during shooting preparations before sunrise or for the accurate spotting of a target mountain in alpine photography.

The Olympus TG-4 has GPS built-in. You can access a readout screen via the Info button that provides data for Lattitude, Longitude, Barometer, Altitude/Water Depth, and a real-time digital compass that shows you which direction the camera is pointing.

Both cameras write this information to the EXIF data that is associated with each picture.

When I scan the pictures from my Fujifilm X100V in Photos, the bulk of the images have location information attached. That's because when I get out of the car, I turn on the Fujifilm X App on my iPhone.

The X100V is already paired with the app, so they immediately search for each other. Within a minute, they are communicating via Bluetooth and the iPhone is sending GPS coordinates to the X100V, which in turn are embedded with each picture.

Different Methods for Embedding Location Information

There are basically four ways I can add this info to my pictures.

• GPS built into the camera. The Olympus TG-4 and Apple iPhone are two examples. Both of these draw power from the camera's battery.
• External GPS Unit. The Pentax O-GPS1 unit slides into the hot shoe then uses the camera's LCD for readouts. It is powered by its own AAA battery.
• Camera paired with smartphone via app. Improved Bluetooth efficiency has made this a more practical option. Ease of use depends on the app available for your particular camera. Power is drawn from both camera and phone.
• Applied in post-production. This is my least favorite approach because it requires a fair amount of effort.

For Those Who Don't Like Keywording...

I'm the first to admit that I hate keywording. And I know that I'm in good company.

Thanks to improved Object Recognition combined with embedded location information, we don't really need to keyword anymore.

Object recognition with find that beautiful marina sunset that you're looking for. And GPS coordinates will tell you where you were when capturing the shot.

Yes, There Are a Few Downsides

Our cameras don't utilize the super-accurate military GPS functionality. So the location isn't always precise. Plus, if your unit doesn't update when you change locations, that could results in inaccuracy too.

You can force the unit to update by recalibrating it, which takes just a few seconds of moving it in a circular direction.

Then there's battery life. Unless your GPS radio has its own power source, it will be drawing off your camera and/or your smartphone's battery. This drain isn't huge, but it will shorten the life of your batter over the course of a long day's shooting. So make sure you pack an extra.

Final Thoughts

Embedded location information is not only useful for our own memory of where pictures were captured, but it's also helpful for those who view our images in the future after we're gone.

And if you want to record changes in an environment, then have the location coordinates for your return trip can be very useful.

You may already have everything you need to get started with GPS recording. It could be a matter of just getting your devices paired.

I think it's worth the effort.

The Sony A1 II's sensor is almost four years old: here's why that doesn't matter

You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

Editing Portraits Start to Finish in Lightroom on an iPad

You can read the entire article on FStopperes.com.

Kodak Temporarily Pauses All Film Production

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.

An Opening for Our Costa Rica Workshop

A space has just opened up for our Costa Rica Photography Workshop, January 7-15, 2025. You can read all of the details and sign up by visiting our Costa Rica Workshop page.

The event is co-lead by Rob Knight and myself. Our group is limited to 10 participants. We've lined up guides, transportation, accommodations, and meals. All you have to do is pack your bag and get a flight.

If you have any questions about the event, you can post a comment here.

Hope to see you in Costa Rica!

Virtual Camera Club News

TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.

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.

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.

The latest iPad mini has a A17 Pro chip, USB-C connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro and Bluetooth keyboards. That's a lot of capability in Apple's most compact tablet. And I've added it to my mobile photography workflow.

It's true that the smaller screen isn't perfect for editing pictures. But the apps I discuss in this article are designed for less real estate, and I've grown accustomed to improving my images with tighter confines.

The other biggie is using your finger or an Apple Pencil for pointing, clicking, and dragging. This change was easy for me because it feels natural to tap on the screen and drag. But everyone is a little different.

Caveats aside, I'm editing more on the iPad mini because it's convenient. I can be sitting on the couch, in a coffee shop, even in my car, and clean up the last batch of pictures I took. Yes, I still work on a computer too. In my view, the mini doesn't replace my existing workflow; it augments it.

Choosing the Right iPad mini

Set up is important to get the most out of this device. I'm going to start with my recommended configuration, accessories to consider, and software.

I would select the Wi-Fi + Cellular model with either 256 GB or 512 GB of RAM. I know this jacks the price up from the $499 base model that's Wi-Fi only with 126 GB of storage, but the demands of organizing, editing, and sharing our pictures require a more robust version of the tablet.

For most photographers, the 256 GB model should have enough storage, especially if they subscribe to Apple iCloud, Adobe Creative Cloud, or a similar service. The Wi-Fi-only 256 GB version is $599. Adding Wi-Fi + Cellular takes it up to $749, but you get connectivity everywhere, plus you get GPS/GNSS location services.

Most iPad mini owners get 4-6 years of service out of their tablet. The $250 difference between the base model and my recommended "photographer model" will ensure that your investment is useful for that entire lifespan.

Initial Setup of the iPad mini

If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, the initial configuration is a snap. Power up the iPad, bring your iPhone in close proximity and authorize the setup. Your iCloud account, WiFi settings, and other timesaving information will be copied to the iPad.

There may be a system software update available then, too. Might as well go ahead and download it. This will ensure your new tablet has all of the latest features.

If you're new to Apple, then the iPad will walk you through the steps to get up and running. Either way, once the device is configured, it's time to think about the software you want running on it.

Photography Software

There are many solid iOS photo apps. And over time, you'll settle on a few that best match your style.

I have three that I endorse for all photographers. They each bring unique features to the tablet and complement each other well.

Lightroom Mobile

I have access to this app as part of my Adobe Photography Plan for $9.99 a month that includes Photoshop, Lightroom, and 20GB of cloud storage. In addition to the desktop versions of the app, the mobile software is included.

Lightroom on the new iPad mini A7 Pro is a joy. It includes all the basic tools that you would want for importing, organizing, rating, and editing your pictures, plus includes Generative AI Remove, masking, Lens Blur, and more. These sophisticated editing tools run smoothly on the iPad thanks to its robust processor and ample RAM.

Enthusiast photographers will be happy to hear that iOS Lightroom is an excellent choice for mobile RAW workflow. You can apply various profiles, enable lens corrections, remove chromatic aberrations, and more.

Keep in mind that those RAW files take up more space than Jpegs, so you want to have the right balance of on-device and cloud storage. Fortunately, Adobe makes that easy with its Cloud storage option.

But Creative Cloud storage is also a downside for many photographers finding that they are quickly exceeding the 20GB ceiling of their basic plan. This is the main reason that many pushback on the Lightroom solution.

But if the Cloud isn't an issue for you, Lightroom is fantastic on the iPad.

Apple Photos

Bundled software is sometimes overlooked because it's included for free. But Apple Photos has many unique tricks up its sleeve, especially if you shoot with an iPhone.

There are the basic editing tools that everyone needs for fine-tuning images. I particularly like the Brilliance slider for breathing tonal life into my pictures.

But there are also magical tools such as Depth adjustment if you shoot in Portrait mode. Like the Blur tool in Lightroom, Photos will mask the main subject and give you control of the background softness. It's impressive.

If you like to record short videos with your iPhone (who doesn't?), you might not realize that Photos is the easiest way to fine-tune their color balance, tone, and even sharpness. You use the same sliders that you've been using for picture editing.

With iOS 18.1, we also have the new Clean Up tool in Photos. I love it. Stray tree branches, bothersome fire hydrants, and various types of litter are now easily wiped away. I've been impressed with the tool.

Photos is integrated with iOS and iCloud. If you have enabled iCloud storage, all of your work is automatically backed up and shared across your Apple devices. Photos is a picture of convenience.

RAW Power

Unlike Adobe Lightroom that requires a subscription, RAW Power is an affordable, perpetual license application that integrates seamlessly with the Photos database on your iPad, yet brings creative and sophisticated tools for both RAW and Jpeg editing. And when I say affordable, it's $9.99.

The dedicated RAW Processing palate includes sliders for Black Boost, Black Point, Luma Noise, Color Noise, Detail, Moire, RAW Sharpen, RAW Contrast, and Lens Correction. This is available before you even start normal editing.

In addition to the expected tone and color tools, there's also HSL Color, Channel Mixer, LUTs, Levels, and Black & White. I started using RAW Power for my infrared work because of its excellent Channel Mixer.

The perfected images can be saved to the Photos database, sent to Lightroom, exported to iCloud Drive, or shared.

RAW Power is the (affordable) Swiss Army Knife of iPad editing apps.

Photomator

We know Photomator is pretty darn good because Apple just bought it. And believe me, they had a lot of good apps to choose from.

Like RAW Power, Photomator integrates smoothly with your Photos database. And you can bring in images as well. The interface is excellent. And it's remarkably powerful for software that runs on the diminutive iPad mini. Here are some of its highlights.

• Desktop class color adjustments.
• Easily remove unwanted items.
• Edit specific parts of the photo.
• Film-inspired presets.
• Single license for iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
• Powerful AI features.
• Supports more than 750 RAW formats.
• Automatic subject and sky selections.

Photomator is affordable too: Yearly Subscription $29.99 - Monthly Subscription $7.99 - Exclusive Lifetime Offer $79.99.

Useful Accessories

Aside from a good case to protect your mini, there are a number of accessories that I recommend. These will increase both productivity and enjoyment.

Apple PencilPro

Apple's latest pencil charges wirelessly, attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad, and provides accurate pointing, writing, and sketching on the iPad.

I find it useful for highlighting items in a photo that I'm referring to while writing about them. Markup, the software that enables the Pencil in Photos, is available via Edit mode. Tap on the pencil icon in the upper right corner of the interface.

I also appreciate having the pencil when I'm reading the news while eating. I can navigate without messing up the iPad screen. (This is especially important when having pizza for lunch.)

USB-C SD Card Reader

The USB-C port is a big improvement on the latest mini. I can use my existing accessories, such as a card reader, and they behave the same as with my laptop.

I can import images from an SD card directly into apps such as Photos and Lightroom. I find this easier and faster than fooling around with WiFi connectivity, especially for big RAW files.

Bluetooth Keyboard

The Apple Magic Keyboard connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and works great with the latest iPad mini. Not only is it easier to respond to an inbox full of emails via its mechanical keys, but the function buttons work as well, allowing me to adjust screen brightness and audio from the device.

I was disappointed however to learn that the arrow keys did not work for moving from one photo to the next in Lightroom and Apple Photos. I'm hoping that function is added with a firmware update.

The Magic Keyboard weighs just half a pound, so combined with the iPad mini 7, you have a full-featured, lightweight setup for writing as well as photography.

Moko Folding Stand

Many iPad cases double as a table stand. But for maximum steadiness and adjustability, it's tough to beat the Moko folding standing that's pocket-sized and weighs a mere ounce. I keep one in my camera bag and another in the backpack, so I always have it available.

USB-C Flash Drive

The Files app in iOS makes it easy to manage Flash drives for transporting files from device to device and for backing them up. In fact, in Lightroom, you can set up export parameters and choose to send those images to Files. If you have a connected Flash drive, it will appear in the Files dialog box, essentially enabling you to export from Lightroom to a Flash drive.

USB-C Hub

My favorite is the Kingston Nucleum USB-C hub, which provides seven ports of potential from one USB-C connection, including USB 3.1 Type-C power pass-through, USB 3.1 Type-C data transfer port, SD card slot, Micro SD card slot, USB 3.0/3.1 backward compatible with USB 2.0, and 4K HDMI.

It's feather-light, slender, and fits practically anywhere. Yet, when plugged into the iPad mini 7, it can connect it to just about anything, including an external 4K LCD monitor via HDMI.

Because the Nucleum provides pass-through power, the iPad mini can maintain its charge through long work sessions and still read SD cards, connect to Flash drives, and even output HDMI.

Wrapping Up

The iPad mini A7 Pro combined with your favorite mirrorless camera and an iPhone can replace pounds of equipment, yet provide all the tools an enthusiast photographer needs on the road.

Its flexibility, thanks in large part to USB-C connectivity, allows creatives to design a kit that matches their specific needs.

In my case, as a photographer/writer, the Bluetooth keyboard and Moko folding stand enable me not only to process my travel pictures, but write about them while still on the road.

The wait is over. The iPad mini has come of age.

Affiliate links are used in this article for the iPad mini and its accessories. Any revenue earned from those links help support my writing and research.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #975, Nov. 26, 2024. Today's theme is "Planned Obsolesce Doesn't Work for Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

If you're lucky, your smartphone is viable for 4 years. Your laptop... not much longer than that. Planned obsolesce is a real problem in the world of technology. It's expensive and it creates tons of hazardous waste that's harmful for our planet. But one area in particular seems immune to this diabolical scheme despite manufacturers' efforts: photography. I'll explain why, and its benefits to you, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Planned Obsolesce Doesn't Work for Photography

Today's feature story talking points:

• In digital photography, software is extending the life of hardware. AI upsampling and noise reduction are great examples.
• In addition to my OM-1, I'm packing a 2017 Pentax KP and a 2015 Olympus TG-4 for Costa Rica. Why? Because they are perfect for the subject and conditions.
• Never underestimate the value of a great lens on an older camera. Case in point, my PENTAX-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR zoom lens. Even on the older Pentax body, the images are amazingly sharp and colorful.
• All of our cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. Both Pentax and Olympus have amazing weather resistance.
• We can still get batteries for older cameras. So if your existing cell is underperforming, you can replace it.
• Photography is also a creative pursuit. So we can go all the way back to film cameras and uncoated lenses to create looks that are artistic and unique. And yes, relevant today.
• Have you ever pulled out an old camera, put on your favorite lens, then after an hour thought to yourself, "Now I remember why I loved this camera so much!" That's not going to happen with a 10-year-old smartphone.
• I understand the need for manufacturers to have us regularly upgrade our cameras. We can be more choosy about how we do that thanks to the longevity of our existing gear. And by doing so, we're saving money and reducing electronic waste that is so very harmful to the planet.

Another angle to this is buying used gear, at a reduced price, instead of always going to something new.

Photography is one area where we can say no to the endless treadmill of upgrades. The power is in our hands as to when we buy and what we choose to invest in.

Canon and Amazon Win Lawsuit Against Counterfeit Batteries and Chargers

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.

Radiant Photo 2 Arrives, Promising Next-Generation Photo Editing

You can read the entire article on FStopperes.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.

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.

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 #974, Nov. 19, 2024. Today's theme is "The 2025 Photography Workshop Season." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Whether we gather together in the great outdoors or in front of our computer screens for an online class, TDS workshops are our opportunity to learn new techniques and share the ones we know with others. The 2025 season provides many options for us to work together. And on today's podcast, I'm going to cover what we have in store for next year. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

The 2025 Photography Workshop Season

You can review the entire 2025 TDS Photography Workshop Season here.

Here's a note from a first-time workshop participant:

"Why was this workshop so special to me as a 1st timer at a photographic workshop, it wasn't just the amazing locations, which were spectacular, but the leader, and the people who were a part of this adventure.

What else was special, well, it was the people who participated in this workshop. We all had an instant connection, the fact that we love to take pictures. This was not a competitive group which made it even more enjoyable. I felt so comfortable with everyone right away, and they were always happy to share ideas, and knowledge, I felt inspired by everyone."

Janet

Reserve your spot now. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.

I hope to work with you in 2025!

This Grandma AI Bot Will Waste Scammers Time by Staying on the Phone for Hours

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.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.

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 #973, Nov. 12, 2024. Today's theme is "Tips for Showing Your Pictures on a 4K TV." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Family gatherings, special occasions, wedding receptions, and photography workshops - these are all great opportunities to show your pictures on a big screen. But how do you set things up so they look as good as possible? I have a few tips for you, and I'm going to share them on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Tips for Showing Your Pictures on a 4K TV

On the final day of our photography workshops, we all gather around a big 4K TV and share a handful of our pictures from the week. This is always a highlight of the event for me, and I think it's the same for each photographer.

Over the years I've used and experimented with different systems for large-screen display. In the early days, I used an Epson projector with a screen. At the time, it didn't seem too terrible, but I do remember turning around my laptop and showing the audience its display so they could see what the picture "really looked like." By today's standards, this method just isn't good enough.

Now we have big 4K LCD screens with HDMI input. Depending on the brand and model, these can be quite good. They're still not as excellent as our laptop screens or dedicated computer monitors, but with a little tweaking, the results can be quite pleasing. Here are a few tips to get the most from these TVs.

Making the HDMI Connection

I always carry an HDMI cable that plugs directly into my MacBook Pro. I recommend at least 6' long so you don't have to sit right under the big LCD during the presentation.

The great thing about HDMI is that you only need a cable and that's it. No fiddling with WiFi sharing and other wireless options. The signal is robust and the quality is good.

You will need the TV remote control to change the Input from the current HDMI input, probably a cable box, to the HDMI input you're using for your presentation.

Using Apple AirPlay

An Apple TV box isn't quite as simple as a single HDMI cable, but it does have a few advantages.

First, you're not tied to the TV itself as you are with a cable, and you can put the laptop anywhere in the room. And second, others can share their images as well. You're not limited to just one device accessing the TV screen.

But there are more steps involved for this arrangement.

• You have to pack an Apple TV, power cord, and HDMI cable.
• There needs to be a WiFi network available for both Apple TV and the laptop.
• Once you have the Apple TV connected to the LCD via HDMI, go to Settings and make sure it's on the WiFi Network.
• Then put your laptop, iPhone, or iPad on the same network.

• On the laptop, go to the Control Panel and click on Screen Mirroring. The Apple TV should show up in the list of options.
• For an iPhone or iPad, go to the Photos app, pick the picture you want, go to Sharing, and choose AirPlay.

Adjusting Tone and Color

Regardless of which method you use, you'll probably have to adjust tone and color if that's important to your viewing audience. Using the TV remote, go to Menu > Picture Settings. You should have options for Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Color, Tint, and Color Temperature, depending on the brand and model of the TV.

Adjust the sliders in the TV Settings while comparing the appearance to the picture on your computer or device. You might not be able to get a perfect match, but I've found that I can get it pretty close.

A Reminder for Success

Regardless of which method you use for displaying images on an LCD TV, allow for time beforehand to set up and test your configuration. It's easy to forget when the share buttons are and other settings for your presentation.

If it's an important once in a lifetime occasion, such as a wedding reception, practice at home before you get on location. Make notes as to where the settings are for your devices, and make a few dry runs to get everything dialed in.

Upgrade your iPhone's weak flash with this adjustable MagSafe light

You can read the entire article on TheVerge.com.

The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD Punches Way Above Its Weight

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.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.

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 #972, Nov. 5, 2024. Today's theme is "Post Mortem Lightroom: What Happens When the Subscription Ends?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

For many photographers, their life's work is organized inside a Lightroom catalog. Most often, the software is part of an Adobe subscription for $9.99 a month. So what happens if that photographer passes away? Are those images in jeopardy? What is the best move forward for those entrusted with the catalog? I address those issues on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

First, A Note to My Fellow Americans

Today, Nov. 5, 2024, is national election day. Each citizen has the opportunity to cast a ballot for their choice for president, and in many cases, down-ballot as well for Representatives to the House, the Senate, local officials, and sometimes even propositions.

If you're registered, please vote. The foundation of this country's political system is based on one person, one ballot. And this country depends on your participation. If you haven't done so already, please make time today to make your voice heard.

Post Mortem Lightroom: What Happens When the Subscription Ends?

A friend of mine, and a very dear friend of my brother-in-law Pat, recently passed away. He was an avid photographer who had more that 45,000 images in his Lightroom Classic catalog.

Pat is helping his family by taking a look at the MacBook Pro that houses the Lightroom catalog, the Photos app, and anything photography-related. He's going to make a recommendation to the family about the best way to preserve this work for others who may want to view it.

Our friend was a biologist who documented his observations with a Nikon D500. He was also a family man and a father. Like so many, most of the family moments are in his Photos library, and his work in the Lightroom catalog.

Pat and I have met twice to brainstorm on the best path forward. My recommendation is to "Freeze It In Time." Since everything is well organized in both Photos and Lightroom, we already have a card catalog of sorts since both applications have database underpinnings.

In addition to the User Collections in Lightroom, and the User-Created Albums in Photos, both applications have various forms of search that could help relatives find images they may be looking for. So if we just preserve the laptop as is, it will be available for future reference. And as an added measure of security, everything should be backed up onto secondary drives.

The potential fly in the ointment are the subscription services tied to those applications. What happens to the functionality of those libraries if the subscription ends.

According to Adobe, with Lightroom Classic, "You can continue to access all your photos on your local hard drive through Lightroom for the desktop. You can continue to import and organize photos and output your edited photos through Export, Publish, Print, Web, or Slideshow. Access to the Develop & Map modules and Lightroom for mobile is not available after your membership ends."

So in theory, we can continue to use Lightroom Classic as an organizer, export images when needed, and even use some of the presentation features. What we can't do is further edit the photos. So the images are literally frozen in time.

The news could be even better for the Photos library. If storage doesn't exceed the free iCloud plan, then everything should be there indefinitely. Things aren't quite as clear if paid storage is involved.

According to Apple:

• If your iCloud storage exceeds your new storage plan capacity, iCloud won't sync or update your information, and iCloud backups won't complete. iCloud starts syncing again and iCloud backups resume when you increase your storage capacity or delete information to make more space.
• If you downgrade to the free iCloud plan, you will no longer have access to iCloud+ features like Hide My Email, Private Relay, and HomeKit Secure Video support.2
• If you pay for both Apple One and an iCloud+ plan, you can downgrade or cancel the iCloud+ plan and just use the iCloud+ plan included in Apple One. After you select Change Storage Plan, there might be additional steps before you can downgrade or cancel your storage.

Some sites claim that Apple will delete your data after 30 days of unpaid subscription. But I couldn't find anything official to corroborate that.

Regardless, it seems wise to download the entire Photos library on to a computer or hard drive. And before doing that, go to Settings in Photos, under the iCloud tab, and choose Download Originals to This Mac.

I have used the "Freeze It In Time" approach with my Aperture libraries. I have an old MacBook that maintains my archive, and I can export images out of them anytime I want.

Also, innovative software like Mylio and Peakto provide access to Lightroom and Aperture libraries, as well as Capture One. Going this route allows us to use modern computers that are faster running software that's current.

There is a time investment and software cost to go this route, but it is also a stable option that should work well for years to come. That is, as long as they aren't subscription-based.

The Bottom Line

When we debate the pros and cons of renting our software, we tend to think in present terms. But all of us have an expiration date. So it's wise to think about image preservation now, and build in a plan that others can easily access.

That way our families can focus on the memories we captured with our cameras instead of worrying about how to maintain them.

It's a Big Deal That Apple is Getting Back into Photo Editing Software

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.

DEAR PANASONIC, MICRO FOUR THIRDS NEEDS SOME LOVE, TOO

You can read the entire article on Phoblographer.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.

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 #971, Oct. 29, 2024. Today's theme is "The iPad mini A17 Pro - Nimble Powerhouse for Photographers." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Combined with iOS 18.1, the iPad mini A17 Pro is a compact photo powerhouse that fits in practically any camera bag. I've been putting one through its paces, and I have lots to report on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

The iPad mini A17 Pro - Nimble Powerhouse for Photographers

The lead story this week is my review of the iPad mini A17 Pro for photographers. Tune in to hear what I have to say.

For more information, links to accessories, illustrations, and more, read my article, How to Set Up the New iPad mini A17 Pro for Photographers.

iPadOS 18.1 now available with these Apple Intelligence features

You can read the entire article on bgr.com. (Boy Genius Report)

The New M4 iMac Aims to Be Apple's Best Value for Photographers

You can read the entire article on Petapixel.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.

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.