Photographers looking for a new twist on HDR processing might be interested in Aurora HDR, a joint venture by Trey Ratcliff and Macphun Software.

In addition to a sophisticated HDR merging tool and editor, the pro package includes signature presets by Ratcliff; plug-ins for Lightroom, Photoshop, and Aperture; and native RAW processing of source images.

To sweeten the pot, Macphun has created a holiday special for $99 that includes the pro version of Aurora HDR, licenses for 5 Macs, a copy of Noiseless CK (noise reduction software), and a free month of the Arcanum membership... all for $99.

I think this package is particularly interesting for Aperture users looking to expand the capabilities of their photo management workflow. And Photos for OS X users should be able to use Noiseless CK as a plug-in for that app.

As a side note, I don't recommend the $39.99 version of Aurora HDR that's available in the Mac App Store. It has a limited feature set and doesn't include the plug-ins or Noiseless CK.

No word on how long the holiday special will last.

The Nimbleosity Report

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When I decided to embark upon The Film Project, I needed an easy way to create journal entries to accompany my analog images. Since I have the iPhone with me at all times, finding an iOS app seemed like the smart way to go. And what a terrific app I found.

Day One for iOS ($4.99) is handsomely designed software that runs on both iPhones and iPads. I can attach an image to the top of the journal entry, write the information that I want to retain, and even have the weather, location, and date automatically recorded.

I can choose to have the entries backed up to my iCloud account where they are synced across all of my devices, including my Mac if I also purchase Day One for Mac OS X ($9.99).

The workflow goes something like this. I shoot the image with my Contax T2 film camera. I then take a second shot with the iPhone 6S. I open Day One on the iPhone, add the iPhone photo to the latest entry, and type all of the information that I want to retain about the analog shot, such as shutter speed, f/stop, exposure compensation, and details about the composition itself.

The same entry on my Mac where I can edit, review, and enhance. All of the changes are pushed back to iCloud and appear on my iOS devices.

Then, when the processed film comes back from the lab, I can match up the journal entries to the prints. Plus, I can compare the differences between how the film interpreted the scene compared to the iPhone. The iPhone lens is 29mm wide while the T2 is a more narrow 38mm. So the journal images have a wider aspect, which I like, because it captures the surrounding story too.

The bottom line is this: If you need a well-designed journal application to accompany your photography work, you'd be hard pressed to find a better fit than Day One.

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This is The Digital Story Podcast #508, Dec. 1, 2015. Today's theme is "Top 5 Nimble Cameras of 2015." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

What a great year in photography it's been. I think aside from some terrific new cameras, which I'm going to talk about in the next segment, I've been most excited by LED lighting for my studio and on location.

I'm particularly impressed by the bicolor lights that allow me to precisely adjust color output from 3200K to 5600K. This solves a huge problem on location in particular, where office lighting often pollutes the background. Now I just match the ambient color temperature with my LEDs, then correct the entire image in post. It's wonderful!

Top 5 Nimble Cameras of 2015

Wow! Some great cameras were released this year. Here are my five favorite nimble models.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II - A superbly crafted, technology-packed Micro Four Thirds body that is a pleasure to shoot with. When I have to get the shot, and get it right, I reach for the E-M5 Mark II.

Fujifilm X-T10 - Revolving around the 16.3 MP APS-C-sized X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II, the X-T10 is capable of up to 8 fps continuous shooting and full HD 1080p/60 video recording, and features an expandable sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200. You get most of the benefits of its larger brother, the X-T1, but in a smaller package and at an affordable price.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV - World's first1 20.1 MP 1" Exmor RS stacked back illuminated CMOS, High resolution 4K movie recording with direct pixel readout and no pixel binning, Super slow-motion movie3 HFR (High frame rate) up to 960 fps (40x), and if that wasn't enough, a bright F1.8- F2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonar T* lens (24-70mm) and electronic viewfinder in this palm-sized beauty.

Canon PowerShot G5 X - Features a 1.0-inch, 20.2 Megapixel* High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor combined with Canon's powerful DIGIC 6 Image Processor creates the Canon HS SYSTEM for outstanding low-light performance up to ISO 12800. Plus EVF and fast f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens. It looks great, and Canon nailed it with this compact.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX8 - Unique, in-body stabilization in combination with select optically stabilized lenses work together for class-leading Dual Image Stabilization results, 4K video recording, and a breakthrough 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor.

In the News

Phase One Capture One Pro 9 brings updates to image editing algorithms - DPReview

"Phase One has launched Capture One Pro 9, the latest iteration of its tethering and image editing software. Capture One Pro 9 offers a 'completely updated contrast engine,' additional brushes, color editor masks and new keyword tools, among other features. Phase One also now offers three activations of the software for each standard license a photographer purchases. Also on the list of updates is the ability to apply curves locally, the addition of a Luma option to the curve tool palette and a battery status icon for the tool bar to view tethered camera battery life."

"Capture One Pro 9 is available now for Mac and Windows for $299 / €279 to new customers. Capture One Pro 7 and 8 customers can upgrade for $99 / €99. Anyone who purchased Capture One Pro 8 after October 30, 2015 will be exempt from the upgrade fee."

Clean Out the Cruft

I've been testing CleanMyMac 3, and I have to tell you, I love this app. Using the Smart Clean feature, I removed 20GBs of cruft from my MacBook Pro. Here's an overview of how it works:

• One-click Smart cleanup to do all the cleaning automatically.
• An Uninstaller to remove apps completely, leaving no parts behind
• Large & Old Files finder to dig out heavy files you've forgotten about
• A set of Maintenance tools to make your system work smooth again
• Cleans Faces Cache (Photos for OS X)
• Cleans local Photos app Cache (Photos for OS X)
• Cleans iCloud local copies (with user's permission)
• Replaces RAWs with JPEGs (with user's permission)
• CleanMyMac also continues to support iPhoto library cleaning.

And for one week, TDS listeners can save 30% (URL is: http://macpaw.com/tds) and get this essential app for $27.97 (instead of the normal $39.95). Start out the New Year with a clean, lean Mac, and leave the cruft behind.

Street Photography Book Winners

Congratulations to Evelyn Rude and Dennis Moon for being randomly selected to receive Street Photography by Gordon Lewis. They were selected from the subscriber list of The Nimbleosity Report, a twice a month newsletter with inside scoops and discounted deals. (Next Edition comes out Wed., Dec. 2nd.)

This week's giveaway is two copies of How Do I Do That in Lightroom by Scott Kelby. Everyone on the subscriber list for The Nimbleosity Report is eligible. If you haven't signed up, the link is in the show notes. The next drawing is Monday, Dec. 7, 2015.

Member Quote of the Week

Intelligent comments culled from The Digital Story Facebook page.

In regard to last week's podcast question: Cameras at the Dinner Table - Terry Doner writes: "Cameras at the dinner table. OK. Run by your people first. I have decades of photos from the dinner table. It is a nice piece of family history." And Fred counters: "I'm against cameras at dinner. You'll be concentrating on getting a good shot instead of participating with your family. The other people will be self-conscious because they'll never know when you're going to take a picture. Wait until everyone is relaxing and the camera won't be intrusive (especially if you use a flash)."

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

Palo Duro SoftGloss Rag Sheets Available

Red River Paper reports: Made from 100% cotton rag and featuring a lightly textured soft gloss surface, Palo Duro SoftGloss Rag surpasses the saturation, tonal range, and depth of classic darkroom printing. Reminder: This paper is very heavy and thick. Do not use if your printer only feeds paper from the front!

Found in the Bottom of the Bag

Wood Prints from inkdot.com - They are 5/8" thick and printed on Baltic Birch. They are archival, moisture, and UV resistant. They take two days for printing, then of course ship time. Sizes range from 6" x 6" to 24" x 36". And they make a crazy attractive gift.

Registration is open for The 2016 Street Photography Workshop in San Francisco. And I've posted the full preliminary itinerary on the Workshops page.

And if you plan on ordering through B&H Photo or Amazon, please stop by the TDS site first, click on their respective ad tile, then place your order. That extra step helps support the site.

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

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

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

inkdot Innovative printing output and accessories for the creative photographer. Visit www.inkdot.com today.

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

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I do a lot of product shots, close ups, and "need to shoot it quick" photography at my studio. The Koolertron Folding Pan & Tilt head ($49) has proven to be a terrific accessory.

This "Z-folding" aluminum alloy stand can be used independently or mounted on a tripod. I tend to use it by itself. I've added a Manfrotto 323 RC2 Quick Release Adapter ($29) to make it easier to attach and remove my Olympus OM-D E-M5 camera.

What's interesting, however, is that I rarely remove the Koolertron from the camera. When I'm handholding the E-M5, I simply fold up the stand and use it as a bottom grip. When I need a quick product shot or long exposure, I fold out the stand, position the camera, and take the shot. It's amazingly handy.

The device comes with an hex wrench for quick adjusting of the tension joints. I've done so once, when I first unpacked the device, and that's been it. Mount the camera so the lens is facing the back of the "Z" shape (or facing the "K" in Koolertron). If the lens is pointed upward, lower the "Z" for proper balance. When shooting downward, as with macro shots, expand the "Z" upward. You'll get the knack of the device quickly, and it's remarkably stable in use.

Because of its weight (1 lb), I don't recommend the Koolertron for field work. I think it's a bit heavy for a portable device, although fine if you're carrying a large tripod. But for around the house or studio, it's a terrific and clever aid for stabilizing your camera.

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The day after Thanksgiving seemed like a good opportunity for updating the firmware on my OM-D E-M5 Mark II. And as it turned out, I did need more time than I expected. But like they say on the Upgrade page: you're downloading a whole new camera.

The first step is to launch the OLYMPUS Digital Camera Updater app that came with your camera (Mac or PC). You can also download it from the Olympus site. Connect the OM-D via its USB cable, and let the application walk you through the steps. Be sure to pay close attention to the prompts, and do not turn off your camera until you see the OK message on the LCD.

There are a few lenses that you might want to update at the same time. The Updater app reads the firmware for both camera and attached optic. In my case, I also needed to update the 60mm f/2.8 macro, 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO zoom, 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO zoom, and the 14-42mm EX pancake zoom. Each of these take a few minutes to update, so make yourself comfortable as you perform the operation on each one.

Once body and optics are up to speed, you'll need to reconfigure your menu settings. I reprogrammed my function buttons, added my copyright information, turned off Quick Sleep Mode (Hate that one! Gear Menu K > Quick Sleep Mode), and made sure my Jpegs were recording in SuperFine, not fine. This process takes another 15-30 minutes.

But now you get to enjoy the fruits of your efforts. As you can see by the above list, there are plenty of new goodies to play with. I reprogrammed Fn1 to enable the Simulated Optical Viewfinder (S-OVF), so I can now toggle between that view and the standard EVF rendering.

I'm also able to use Focus Bracketing (Shooting Menu 2 > Bracketing > Focus BKT ) to automatically record a series of images at different focusing points that can be composited into one sharp image in post production. I recommend the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 for this task.

4K Time Lapse Video output is also available. You can find that setting in Shooting Menu 1 > time lapse (bottom of the menu)> Time Lapse Settings > Movie Settings. This allows you to save your time lapse masterpieces in full 4K glory.

And finally, for those of you who have been befuddled by accidentally sliding your PRO lens into manual focus, you can now prevent that from happening by turning on Manual Focus Clutch Disable via Gear Menu A > MF Clutch > Inoperative.

These are my favorite improvements, but as you can see from the list, I still have more to experiment with. It does feel like a whole new camera...

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The annual Nimble Store Sale starts now and runs through CyberMonday, Nov. 30th. Some of our most popular items are deeply discounted. Plus, there's free shipping for everything using discount code: FreeShip2015.

Just a few of the items on sale in The Nimble Store.

The discount code is only valid through Nov. 30th, 2015, as are the sale prices. Some of the goodies that you might want to browse include the Nimble Fingerless Gloves ($8.99), the Walking Man Flask Set ($24.95), and the Walking Man Cap ($19.95).

Quantities limited on all of these items. When they're gone, they're gone. There are no rain checks for sold out items. We ship to U.S. addresses only.

It's turkey and Black Friday and Cyber Monday all rolled up into one event. Take a look for yourself. And Happy Holidays!

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This is The Digital Story Podcast #507, Nov. 24, 2015. Today's theme is "When Manual is Actually Easier." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

During the holidays, should you bring your camera to the table? This is a discussion we had the other night, at of all places, the dinner table.

My initial feeling is, that if you demonstrate some common sense and respect for others, then it's OK to bring your smartphone or digital camera to the dinner table during the holidays. Other folks believe that we should stay in the moment and leave our digital devices elsewhere.

I can see both sides to the story. How do you feel about it? Post your comment on the TheDigitalStory Facebook page, and I'll read one from each side next week.

When Manual is Actually Easier

Open with the anecdote with a booth visitor in Texas.

My default settings, before I turn off the camera are Program Exposure Mode, Auto ISO, and Auto White Balance. I do that because if a great photo op presents itself, I want to be able to capture the image quickly, and have a reasonable file to work with.

But I do switch to Manual Exposure and Manual Flash regularly. Not because that's how real photographers shoot, but because it's actually easier sometimes.

My favorite scenario for this approach is for portraits when I want to balance ambient lighting with the flash. Here's how I do it. First I use Manual Exposure for the ambient lighting. I make sure the shutter speed stays below flash sync. Then I manually adjust the flash output for the subject. Now I can enjoy wildly consistent exposures knowing that a false TTL reading won't fool the camera. More on this during today's feature story.

The Screening Room

This week's Screening Room selection is Using Wacom Tablets with Photoshop with Kevin Stohlmeyer. In this course, Adobe Certified Instructor Kevin Stohlmeyer shows how to optimize your Wacom tablet for use with Photoshop. He reviews each component of the tablet and Grip Pen and shows how to adjust preferences and customize your tablet to work best with Photoshop. Plus, he helps you experiment with Photoshop's default brushes, natural tips brushes, erodible brushes, and Mixer Brush.

In the News

Alien Skin Exposure X 'nondestructive' photo editor to launch by year's end - DPReview - "Exposure X won't use a catalog file in an effort to keep things simple and fast. For this reason, the application doesn't require photos to be imported, instead it uses any folder the user selects to access photos and save image edits. In a new post published today, the company detailed how new brushing and layers features will work. The software will be available as a standalone application or as a plug-in. Additionally, Exposure X supports file management, including renaming and moving images, and offers organization tools like star ratings, flags, and colors." No price yet.

Wood Prints

When Leah was at work the other day, and I was at home, I got this text from her: "O my gosh, is hat really a photo somehow miraculously pressed onto wood? It's gorgeous!" I replied, "Yes, indeed. It's a Wood Print by inkdot. And I think it's really cool too.

They are 5/8" thick and printed on Baltic Birch. They are archival, moisture, and UV resistant. They take two days for printing, then of course ship time. Sizes range from 6" x 6" to 24" x 36". The 12"x12" print I have of mother and daughter zebras runs $58.

Inkdot makes a variety of cool stuff, and you'll be hearing more about that on future shows. But for the holidays, you definitely should consider the wood prints. Learn more at www.inkdot.com.

Essence of Photography Book Winners

Congratulations to Linda Sullivan and Harold Mancusi-Ungaro for being randomly selected to receive The Essence of Photography by Bruce Barnbaum. They were selected from the subscriber list of The Nimbleosity Report, a twice a month newsletter with inside scoops and discounted deals. Adorama is coming onboard and will be offering a special item at a super discount for each edition.

This week's giveaway is two copies of Street Photography - The Art of Capturing the Candid Moment by Gordon Lewis. Everyone on the subscriber kist for The Nimbleosity Report is eligible. If you haven't signed up, the link is in the show notes. The next drawing is Monday, Nov. 30.

Member Quote of the Week

Intelligent comments culled from The Digital Story Facebook page.

In regard to last week's podcast, Top 10 Gifts for Photographers, Fred Brundick comments about The Tile: "The Tile wouldn't help me because I'm always misplacing my iPhone ;-) I've used Find My iPhone a few times when I couldn't find my phone in my condo."

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

Eight Printing Tips for Greeting Cards

Here are Eight Card Printing Tips complements of Red River Paper. The first one is "Create a Custom Paper Size in your Printer Properties" and they show you how. Then go on from there. Check out all eight and make some wonderful gifts this holiday season.

Found in the Bottom of the Bag

Registration is open for The 2016 Street Photography Workshop in San Francisco. And I've posted the full preliminary itinerary on the Workshops page. And if you plan on ordering through B&H Photo or Amazon, please stop by the TDS site first, click on their respective ad tile, then place your order. That extra step helps support the site.

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

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

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

inkdot Innovative printing output and accessories for the creative photographer. Visit www.inkdot.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!

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Sometimes your lighting has to move as quickly as your subjects. My FlashPole rig is a variation on a setup I saw a wedding photographer use on location in San Francisco. It requires an assistant, and the results are terrific.

My kit includes the Manfrotto Compact Xtreme 2-in-1 Monopod & Pole, flash mounted on a bracket, wireless trigger, and a 27" photo umbrella. The lighting is attached on the "selfie end" of the Manfrotto pole (or the ground end of the monopod) so your assistant has a solid grip for holding the rig.

The pole can be extended for when the lighting needs to be at a high angle, and collapsed for low angle positioning. Thanks to the excellent design of the Manfrotto Xtreme, the rig is very balanced and easy to hold for long periods of time. When the shoot is finished, the entire kit collapses into a highly totable bundle.

As for the results, it's studio lighting in an outdoor setting. Standard light stands are too cumbersome for these types of assignments, plus any puff of wind will blow them over. And young subjects just don't have the patience for you to fiddle with your gear.

Family portrait captured with the FlashPole rig. OM-D E-M5 Mark II with Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 zoom. All Photos by Derrick Story.

I prefer to set my lighting manually and use manual exposure on the camera. That way I can lock-in the mix of ambient lighting with just the right amount of output from the flash, and not worry about random TTL readings that might provide inconsistent results. Plus this approach allows me to use inexpensive strobes and triggers.

The FlashPole rig works well for event coverage, weddings, and outdoor portraits. It's inexpensive, and very easy to use. I also use the Manfrotto Xtreme for high angle photography. Check out the article, Aerial Photography Without a Drone.

The FlashPole has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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I've been waiting for this price drop for some time. The highly rated Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 with 12-32mm lens is now half price at $469. That's a deal.

Consider that the 12-32mm image stabilized zoom runs $299 by itself. I've wanted that lens because it's wider (12mm) than my Olympus 14-42mm pancake zoom (that I also love!). Subtract the zoom from the kit, and essentially you're getting the camera for $170. The same Micro Four Thirds compact that earned a Silver Award from DP Review and includes a built-in electronic viewfinder.

The kit is available in both red and black. Either way, you can't miss with this one.

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LED panels for photo work have many advantages over previous light sources. They are cool to the touch, easily adjusted for output, and we can even tweak the color temperature. One thing that LEDs do share with their predecessors, however, is the need to be diffused.

Take a look at the example below. The image on the left was captured with a simple diffusion panel over the light. The photo on the right had a Rosco frosted gel over the lights, but nothing more. As a result, the highlights are quite bright and the shadows are intense.

The product shot on the left used an additional diffusion panel; the image on the right had just a basic frosted gel.

Granted, this is a difficult subject with its dark color and reflective surface. But we have to photograph these types of objects all the time.

For my lights, I've added a fabric diffusion panel made from the same material as our traditional soft boxes. By doing so, I've tamed the light when needed, making it easier for both product shots and portraits.

Diffusion panel added to the LED light to soften the contrast.

This doesn't mean that I won't use strobes and soft boxes when the job demands it. I will. But for quick product shots and basic portraits, this system works great.

Note: The light illustrated in this article is the Dracast LED500 Pro Bi-Color LED Light with V-Mount Battery Plate outfitted with the optional Barndoors kit.

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