When I decided to join Instagram, I wanted to be somewhere special. I made that decision two years ago, and the location was Maui.

Today, I've published my 500th Instagram post. I chose an image from my stay in Hawaii in August 2012. I selected a colorful sunset image with a sailboat and light reflecting on the water. For some reason, that picture radiates the good feelings I have about this project.

Instagram has had its share of controversy. But for me personally, it has helped me become a more creative photographer. Every day, I think about what would be a good post as I navigate my world at home, or while I'm on the road working. It keeps my gears turning.

I follow a lot of shooters on Instagram. Some depend on their celebrity status, others are beautiful and capture selfies as the mainstay of their feed. But a lot of people are like me too: photographers who love taking pictures for the pure joy of it. And we have a place to celebrate our passion. That's what hooked me.

The images on this feed are different than my work as a photographer for hire. Assignments tend to have restrictions. I need to produce images that match a description. Even my publishing on The Digital Story is illustrative. I'm creating photos to describe a product or technique.

But when I press the shutter button for Instagram, it's just a picture. It could be anything in any style with any filter. It doesn't matter. Some images resonate and others don't. Like any photographer, I appreciate a "like." But I'm not thinking about that when I create the photograph. My thought is, "What can I do that's interesting?"

And that's why I love Instagram.

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Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.

Not every tweet should include an image (thank goodness!), but on occasion, a picture really helps tell the story. If you use iPhoto to organize your captures, then you might be interested to see just how easy it is to enhance your tweets.

In my free training video, Using Twitter to Share Photos, I show you how to connect iPhoto to your Twitter account, then post tweets directly from the picture management application.

Regardless of how you like to use iPhoto, I think you'll find many useful tips in Up and Running with iPhoto. This title is for the latest version of iPhoto that runs on Mac OS X Mavericks.

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This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Off the Grid Photography (the Green Photographer), SizzlPix Award Winners, EISA Awards: the Best of the Best from Europe - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Weekly Update: Sony a5100 First Impressions Review - "Based on my initial experiences with the a5100, it seems like a very compelling midrange ILC. For $699 with the 16-50mm power zoom lens, you're essentially getting an a6000 without an EVF and a few dials. If you don't mind losing that feature, you're getting what seems to be a lot of camera for $699 (with a 16-50mm lens)." (Source: DP Review.

In other news, The European Imaging and Sound Association Awards 2013-14 include the Olympus OM-D E-M10 (Best Consumer Compact System Camera), FujiFilm X-T1 (Best Advanced Compact System Camera), and the Sony RX100 III (Best Compact Camera). You can see all of the winners at the EISA site.

And finally, onOne Software is giving away Perfect Effects 8 ($79 value) in exchange for your email address and a free subscription to their Fotocommunity newsletter. You can take advantage of this offer at the onOne web site.

Olympus camera being charged via USB by a WakaWaka solar charger.

Story #2 - Off the Grid Photography (The Green Photographer) - Our digital tools have made us dependent on Internet connectivity and power outlets. But if you wanted to get off the grid for a week or two, could you? Yes, and fairly easily. Because technology is advancing in renewable energy too. Here are a few of the items that I discuss in today's Green Photographer segment.

• TheWakaWaka USB Solar Charger and Light ($69)
• The BioLite Wood Burning Campstove and USB Charger ($129)
• The Olympus TG-3 waterproof digital camera ($319)
• The Levin Sol-Wing 13W Ultra-slim Highest Efficiency Solar Panel Portable Solar Charger ($69).

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - GarageBand Essential Training with Garrick Chow. Garrick is one of the most season lynda trainers, and he specializes in Mac software titles. If you've wanted to learn GarageBand, but just found it a bit overwhelming, Garrick will break it down for you in digestible parts.

You can watch Garrick in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com/thedigitalstory. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch other design, photography, and computing titles, plus every other topic in the library.

Story #4 - SizzlPix Winners! Here are the latest class of winning photographers for the SizzlPix Pick of the Month:

• Michael Hoffman -"HDR" - March 2014 Photo Assignment
• John Dillworth - "Flower Power" - April 2014 Photo Assignment
• Victor Hermand - "Around the House" - May 2014 Photo Assignment
• Richard Messenger - "Any Kind of Light but Natural" - June 2014 Photo Assignment

Congratulations on your excellent work!

Virtual Camera Club News

The SizzlPix Challenge is Back! (for one month only). Each week the first 10 TheDigitalStory listeners/readers to order SizzlPix from their own favorite images will receive a mini-sample of each SizzlPix prior to production by return mail absolutely free! Just put the words "free sample first" and your mailing address in the comment space of SizzlPix's new simplified order form.

Visit the Red River Paper Card Shop. You can peruse top selling cards, order the card sample kit, and read tutorials on card printing. Save on Ground Shipping for Red River Paper. Use coupon code ground50c to receive a 50 percent discount on UPS ground shipping for Red River Paper. No minimum purchase required.

Photo Assignment for August 2014 is "My Favorite Close-up".

If you haven't done so already, please post a review for The Digital Story 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

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (31 minutes). 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. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until January!

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Getting close doesn't have to mean going broke. You can create professional macro images with a little ingenuity and tape... literally.

In the article, Gaffer's Tape Plus Prime Equals Magnification Boost, I explain how you can attach a reversed 50mm lens to a telephoto or macro lens for a substantial increase in magnification. It's a very easy technique, and the image quality is excellent.

In the article, Gearing Up for Macro, I show you how inexpensive accessories can enhance your capability and enjoyment when shooting close-ups.

Gaffer's tape, LED lights, free iOS apps... all add up to big fun, not large charge balances. Take a closer look.

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There are many athletes, who because of their busy jobs, can train only after they clock-out on Friday afternoon. They're weekend warriors. And for many photographers, the situation is similar.

A great way to unwind on Friday evening is to fill your favorite daypack with photo gear, and make plans for a short hike. It doesn't have to be all day or on a trail in an exotic location. The local park will do just fine.

What is important is getting out in nature, or the city streets if that's your preference, and taking pictures. In just a few hours, you will capture a handful of images that you can use for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, or your web site. And if you're lucky, maybe something that would make a nice print too.

Yesterday, after I had met my work obligations. I grabbed my Lowepro bag and drove 30 minutes to Sugarloaf State Park. Patrick, my camping buddy, had already set up the site. We grilled a couple burgers for dinner, then went exploring on a twilight hike.

In just a 90-minute span of time, I photographed deer grazing in tall grass (went on Instagram and Twitter), two girls riding their bikes (TDS, Facebook), and a sunset vapor trail from a jet (probably Instagram tomorrow).

Will I win a contest with any of these images? No.

But I had a great time, got some exercise, practiced taking pictures, played with a new lens (75-300mm), and acquired fresh content that I would never have captured in front of the TV or at the grocery store.

Athletes forced to train on the weekend would love to work out more often than that. But they realize by staying in shape, they can take advantage of any opportunities that may present themselves in the future.

For photographers, it's even better. Embracing your weekend warrior makes you a better shooter. And you're rewarded with new images right on the spot.

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Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.

I have camera bags dating back to the 1980s. They might not have the styling and features of my current favorites, but they certainly are functional. And some of them have been pressed back into service.

For example, this Lowepro Elite Convertible contains the flash kit I use for location portrait work. I have twin Sunpak units with CowboyStudio Wireless Flash Triggers mounted on an adjustable bracket. On location, I simply pull the entire unit from the bag and attach it to a stand. It literally takes a minute, and I'm ready to shoot.

Having a bag that allows me to work quickly on location is a blessing as I move from site to site. Nobody likes to wait for the photographer as he fiddles with his gear for 15 minutes before he's ready for the next location.

In the front pocket, I stash all of my Rogue FlashBender light modifiers. I open the pouch and choose the appropriate accessory for the lighting I'm configuring.

And because this is a bag from yesteryear, I can set it down anywhere and not worry. It's like having an old car to park at the airport for a week while traveling. You just don't worry about it.

Old camera bags also make excellent storage units at home. You can organize gear by brand or type, and have everything at your fingertips when needed.

Do you have an empty camera bag or two in your closet? Think about reenlisting it into your workforce. You'd be surprised at how useful your old friend can be.

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Over the years, we don't realize that one of our best picture archives is our email account. Numerous images are sent and received, and are still available... if there was only an easy way to retrieve them.

The Mac app, Lost Photos does exactly that. It's like a time machine for imagery. And the best part is that it's on $2.99.

You can download Lost Photos from the Mac App Store for free and give it a spin. Just point it to one of your email accounts, and it will retrieve images that you've forgotten you have, and place them all in a folder.

If you go past the 100 mark, it will prompt you to upgrade to the unlimited version for $2.99. From this point on, you can merrily take a trip back in time with each of your email accounts.

After Lost Photos has gathered all of your pictures, it will move them to iPhoto if you wish. Or you can leave them in the organized folders. Either way, I'm sure you'll discover many snapshot gems that you had forgotten about.

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Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: New Gear Rumors for Photokina, Aperture Update, Photoplus Expo - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Weekly Update: Apple RAW Compatibility Update 5.06 Adds 10 Cameras to Aperture - Even though development of Aperture is paused, its maintenance is ongoing. We get 10 new RAW profiles including the EM-10 and the GH4. (Source: The Digital Story).

In other news, I've accepted a contract gig with Rocky Nook Publications to serve as their Photography Evangelist. Rocky Nook publishes finely crafted books on photography technique.

And finally, I'll be in New York on Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 covering PhotoPlus Expo. And I'll be visiting with attendees in the c't Digital Photography booth. (We'll have giveaways too!)

Story #2 - My Favorite New Gear Rumors for Photokina. The list includes releases from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Fujifilm, and more. I add my comments to a fun post published on www.camyx.com.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Up and Running with iPhoto with Derrick Story. The current version of iPhoto has tremendous capability. And it's going to be around for a while, and possibly even after Photos is released. This title includes the features you should know about.

You can watch me in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com/thedigitalstory. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch other design, photography, and computing titles, plus every other topic in the library.

Story #4 - Winner! A Free Photo Workshop. So many great suggestions and notes to go along with them. The topic I've settled on as one of the new additions to the 2015 TDS Workshop Lineup is: "Transitioning From Aperture." We'll examine the various options for Aperture users including migrating to Photos, moving to Lightroom, establishing a long term Aperture archive, integrating with iCloud, and more. Thanks to TDS virtual camera club member, Kevin Miller for this topic idea. Kevin will be invited to this workshop, tuition free.

Virtual Camera Club News

The SizzlPix Challenge is Back! (for one month only). Each week the first 10 TheDigitalStory listeners/readers to order SizzlPix from their own favorite images will receive a mini-sample of each SizzlPix prior to production by return mail absolutely free! Just put the words "free sample first" and your mailing address in the comment space of SizzlPix's new simplified order form.

Visit the Red River Paper Card Shop. You can peruse top selling cards, order the card sample kit, and read tutorials on card printing. Save on Ground Shipping for Red River Paper. Use coupon code ground50c to receive a 50 percent discount on UPS ground shipping for Red River Paper. No minimum purchase required.

Photo Assignment for August 2014 is "My Favorite Close-up".

If you haven't done so already, please post a review for The Digital Story 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

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (34 minutes). 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. SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until January!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This professional reporter's bag was co-designed by former Washington Times photographer Kevin Gilbert who covered the White House among his many assignments. B&H is now featuring the Stealth Reporter D200 AW Shoulder Bag for $59. That's a savings of $47 from its normal $106 price (with free expedited shipping).

Top features include:

• Padded, Tricot-lined pocket offers protection for photo viewers or other digital devices
• Removable memory card wallet protects up to 12 memory cards
• Removable accessory pouch provides easy access to cables, adaptors and other digital accessories
• An All Weather Cover provides protection for your gear in extreme conditions
• Padded Tricot lined top lid (will not scratch your SLR when placed in the bag)
• Water-resistant top zipper provides quick access to gear
• Uses attachment loops for optional SlipLock add-on accessories
• Luggage trolley strap quickly secures your bag to luggage handle
• Key fob on front of case
• Customizable stability strap distributes weight evenly when used in shoulder strap or waist applications

And the "stealth" feature is that there's an opening on the top of the bag that allows you to reach in and grab your camera without having to open the flap.

It's a very cool shoulder bag at a great price...

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At the moment, iPhoto is still the go-to picture management app for many snapshooters. And rightly so. You can organize, edit, and create cool output such as custom greeting cards featuring your own photography.

If you haven't tried making your own foldable artwork, take a look at my tutorial, Designing a Greeting Card from my title, Up and Running with iPhoto. This training is for those using the latest version of iPhoto with Mac OS X Mavericks.

Once you design your custom card in iPhoto, you can have it professionally printed in any quantity you want. But you also have the option of saving your design as a PDF and printing it with the inkjet you have sitting idle in your office.

Another handy tip is that these designs make terrific title and chapter openers for slideshows. Simply design your "greeting card" as a title slide and save it as a digital file. Then add it to your presentation along with the other images. It's easiest if you use the "flat" style of card design.

Regardless of how you like to use iPhoto, I think you'll find some useful tips in Up and Running with iPhoto.

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