At last night's Warriors vs Rockets game at Oracle Arena, I was literally the only guy in my section with a non-smartphone camera. I decided to document my observations and share how basketball fans were capturing the moment at a big time sporting event. Here are a few of the images.
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Sometimes when I leave the house, I just want my camera, a lens or two, an iPad mini, and a few accessories. The bag I've been reaching for lately is the Vanguard Havana 21 Shoulder Bag ($39).
Top view of the Havana 21 camera bag - Warriors Ground enamel pin is optional.
For example, I used the Havana 21 last night when attending the Warriors vs Rockets NBA playoff game. Inside, I carried my Olympus OM-D E-M10, a second lens, the Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.8, and an iPad mini. There was still plenty of room for accessories and even the rolled-up playoff T-Shirt I brought home.
The bag easily fits any mirrorless system camera and accessories, plus a 7" tablet.
There's a sewn-in tablet sleeve inside of the bag. It will hold a 7" device, up to an iPad mini. The iPad mini is a bit sung in the sleeve, and it will only fit without a case. I tried a couple Android tablets that were a bit smaller, and they slid in easily. You can also use the back pocket for the 7" tablet if you want quicker access. Again, the iPad mini fits there, albeit snugly.
The front zippered pocket is perfect for accessories. The detachable rain cover is shipped in there. You can remove it for storage if you wish. There are two stretchy side pouches that can be use for a water bottle or more accessories. The bag also ships with two dividers that allow you to configure the interior to you specific equipment.
There's a pocket on the back that's secured with a velcro tab, plus stretchy pockets on each end for water bottles or more accessories.
The Vanguard Havana 21 is a fun bag. It goes anywhere with you - including passing through the security check at sports arenas - and it has a long padded strap that allows you to carry it over one shoulder, or cross-ways messenger style. The leather pull-tabs and accents are a nice touch, and the construction is quite good.
And in addition to all of that, it's downright handsome. Highly recommended.
The Vanguard Havana 21 has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.
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My publisher over at c't Digital Photography Magazine notified me of a 50-percent-off the newsstand price subscription deal as part of their celebration of National Photo Month. This is the best discount I've ever seen for my favorite enthusiast/pro photography magazine. (And it's not just because I work with them...)
May is National Photo Month. Image by Derrick Story. This blooming "weed" was captured handheld with an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and an Olympus 60mm macro lens - ISO 400, f/4, 1/400th, EV +0.7. Click on image to enlarge.
This offer is valid for the duration of May. So don't procrastinate. Take a positive step to improve your photography by subscribing today.
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This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: The Fujifilm X-T10 Mirrorless Digital Camera, Mobile Lightroom Without a Creative Cloud Subscription, Dates Set for the "Moving from Aperture to Photos or Lightroom" Workshop, and the Five-Step Creative Process - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.
Weekly Update - "The New Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7" is on its way. Let's see what's in store for us.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 should be available by the end of June for $1,097.99 with zoom lens.
In other news... "The New Fujifilm X-T10 Mirrorless Digital Camera" debuts also, the little brother to the X-T1. But check out these features.
The Fujifilm X-T10 should be available by mid-June for $799 (body only) or $899 (with kit zoom lens).
Story #1 - "Mobile Lightroom Without a Creative Cloud Subscription" - If you prefer the perpetual license to a Creative Cloud subscription, there are options for serving a Lightroom catalog to mobile devices and other computers. I provide an overview in today's first feature story. And if you want to try it for yourself, read my article on how to set up this system on ct-digiphoto.com.
A note from the publisher of c't Digital Photography Magazine: May is National Photo Month, and to celebrate c't Digital Photography is offering its biggest discount of the year - 50 percent off newsstand price (for a limited time).
Story #2 - "MP3 vs M4a for the TDS Podcast" - Some of you may have noticed that I switched from MP3 to M4a for the weekly podcast format. For most of you, all this means is higher quality audio in a comparable file size. For those of you with older MP3 players, here's how you can still get the MP3 format version of the show.
Story #3 - "Dates Set for the Moving from Aperture to Photos or Lightroom" - The 2-day workshop begins Friday, August 7 and ends on Saturday August 8, 2015. If you want a reservation form, visit TDS Workshops Page and use the Send Me Info form. This workshop is listed in the popup menu.
Story #4 - From the Screening Room - Five-Step Creative Process with Stefan Mumaw. Creative problem solving is an important part of our work. Stefan Mumaw shows us how to improve this process in just 5 steps.
You can watch Stefan in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Stefan's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).
Virtual Camera Club News
Red River Paper for Ink. I just ordered a handful of replacement cartridges for my Epson R2000 printer. It's so easy to do this at Red River, and our discount code STORY10X worked for ink as well as paper. It's much easier than dealing with those large online retailers!
News from SizzlPix! Introducing 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix photographs for the wall, stunning in their clarity, resolution, depth, luminance, and vibrancy. Unlike traditional prints, new 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix defy intuition by appearing even more realistic and vibrant, the closer you look.
TDS listeners are the first to be able to purchase a 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix, and for the same price as the original SizzlPix. Just write TDS or The Digital Story in the comments field, and your order will be upgraded for free.
Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!
BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.
Download the Show - MP3 Version
In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (33 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.
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.
SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.
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When you take your seat on the plane, don't leave your camera in the overhead bin. You never know what you're going to see at 35,000 feet.
When I spotted this anvil cloud formation outside my window, I pulled the Olympus OM-D E-M10 with a Panasonic 20mm F/1.7 II ASPH lens, then used the 2X doubler to better frame the composition. I only had about 30 seconds to get this shot before we moved out of position.
If the camera had not been with me, no picture.
Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.
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Being on the move is good, but I also like to find a place to set up camp for my street shooting. This picture is an example of a good spot that I found on W. 54th in NYC. I loved the reflections of the two facing marble surfaces. And I discovered that I could play with those elements as people walked by.
Generally speaking, city dwellers ignored me. Not only was I able to catch some individual frames that I liked, but I also have a solid series of images that I might use as a collection up the road.
So, next time you're out street shooting, and you don't think you're as focused as you'd like to be, find a place to work and lock in. You might be surprised at the results.
Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.
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I just read an interesting post titled, Can't Win for Losing, where the author wrote about an incident that happened to a photographer:
"Rather than ask for a copy of the print, she snapped a picture of the print with her cellphone and posted it on Instagram!"
If you're around teens and young adults, you've probably seen this practice. I remember thinking, "What's he doing?" I've handed my iPad displaying a portrait that I thought they would like, only to have them pull out their iPhone, take a picture of the iPad screen, then post it on their social.
On one level, it's flattering. Obviously the person likes the picture that I've captured of them. On the other hand, it's a bit weird. Making an instant low grade digital version of my photo feels inconsiderate.
There's a pretty good discussion that follows the Online Photographer post. You might be interested in what others have to say. And I'll be sure to put this on our TDS Facebook page if you want to chime in there.
Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.
Want to bring a new perspective to your Micro Four Thirds photography? This might be the answer. Olympus just announced the 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO Lens, available for preorder for $999.99. Highlights include:
This handsome optic is also tough, with built-in weather sealing enabling photographers to creatively capture just about anywhere.
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This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Interview with a Book Author from our Virtual Camera Club, Understanding the Photography Rules on Private Property, New Canon 50mm (for $125), Flickr 4 - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.
Weekly Update - "Flickr for iOS update brings camera roll look and feel" - "The new version of the app also emphasizes the auto upload feature, trying to convert Flickr from an image-based social network into everybody's go-to photo app and directly competing with services like Dropbox or Google Plus Photos. When you launch the app for the first time you are asked if you want to activate the feature. If your answer is yes, images are uploaded automatically but set to private, though you can easily make your favorite ones public. Flickr offers 1TB of free storage, so you shouldn't have to worry about running out of space anytime soon, even with auto upload activated." And on a related note: Bernardo Hernandez, chief of the photo sharing service since 2013, has left his position at Yahoo. (Source: DP Connect)
In other news... "Canon patent reveals potential update for its EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens" - "The design of the overall lens doesn't appear to change much, but as Canon Rumors notes, this update could very well be meant to incorporate Canon's stepping motor (STM) to better suit video needs over Canon's Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology." And on a related note, Canon has announced an update for its 50mm f/1.8 "nifty 50" that includes a metal mount, STM focusing motor, and a more compact size. (Source: Imaging-Resource.com)
Story #1 - "The Rules Change on Private Property" - After a recent lunch meeting in the Metreon, Doug Kaye and Frederick Van Johnson, and I want to snap a quick group shot of the three of us. Before the first click of the shutter, we were informed by security that we were on private property, and that photography was not permitted.
I was reminded of this again when I read the article titled, Yes, Airlines Can Legally Ban Photography, And Some Are Doing Just That on PetaPixel. This quote sums it up nicely: "You can't prohibit photography in public," attorney and photography rights' expert Daniel Greenberg tells the Post. "But the prohibition of photography on private property is legitimate. That decision is up to the property owner. If you don't want to follow the carrier's rules, don't get on the carrier's plane." I discuss this topic in today's first story.

Story #2 - Interview with Craig Tooley, co-author of "Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year - The fascinating world of nature on the Mendocino and Sonoma Coast." Craig talks about the book project, that has since won a silver medal at 2015 Benjamin Franklin Awards competition in the category nature and environment held in Austin Texas, and at the 2015 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS a bronze metal under regional awards. We now carry signed copies of these books in the Nimble Photographer Store.
Story #3 - "Reservation Forms Have Been Sent for the TDS Fall Color/Safari West Photo Workshop" - The event begins on the evening of Friday Oct. 23, and it concludes on Sunday Oct. 25th in Sonoma County, CA. If you were on the reserve list, you should have received a reservation form. If not, please contact me. If you want a reservation form, visit TDS Workshops Page and use the Send Me Info form.
Story #4 - From the Screening Room - Introduction to Photo Compositing with Julieanne Kost. As I've remarked before, Julieanne is one of the best Photoshop instructors ever.
You can watch Julieanne in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Julieanne's movies, plus every other title in the library (including over 20 by yours truly).
Virtual Camera Club News
News from SizzlPix! Introducing 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPixTM, photographs for the wall, stunning in their clarity, resolution, depth, luminance, and vibrancy. Unlike traditional prints, new 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix defy intuition by appearing even more realistic and vibrant, the closer you look.
TDS listeners are the first to be able to purchase a 5K Ultra High Definition SizzlPix, and for the same price as the original SizzlPix. Just write TDS or The Digital Story in the comments field, and your order will be upgraded for free.
Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!
BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.
Download the Show - MP3 Version
In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (35 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.
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.
SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.
Want to Comment on this Post?
You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.
Canon has updated its "nifty 50," and it appears to be a terrific upgrade. The new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens will begin shipping on May 21 for $125. And for that reasonable price, Canon shooters will get what appears to be a quiet, fast, sharp prime optic.
In addition to the lens being more compact than its noisy predecessor, it includes a gear-type STM stepping motor designed to provide quick, smooth, and near silent autofocus performance. The STM focusing mechanism also pairs well with EOS cameras featuring the Movie Servo AF mode to enable continuous focusing performance when working in live view.
An optional ES-68 Lens Hood ($28) and E-49 49mm Lens Cap ($9.95) will also be available later this month.
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