This is The Digital Story Podcast #967, Oct. 1, 2024. Today's theme is "Start With Your Bag, Then Work Backwards." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

It's a law of nature that any horizontal surface in the home must have stuff on it. And so it goes for our camera bags as well. If there's room inside, we will put something there. So if you want to travel lighter, get a smaller bag. I'll explain more, plus other stories, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Start With Your Bag, Then Work Backwards

In just a few hours, I depart for Durango, CO. for our early fall workshop. Since I'm making a two-day drive from Northern CA. instead of flying, I have a little more room for gear than my previous trip to Alaska.

But that doesn't mean that I want to fill up the car with stuff I don't need. I have things for the workshop - ice chest, refrigerator, water service, food, etc. - plus my suitcase and gear for the road. So my camera bag turns out to be the same size as what I flew with to Vancouver.

How do I pack tight and keep it light? It all starts with the bag.

I'm using the 18.5 L Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 150 AW Backpack ($124).

• Main opening with number 10 zipper and a configurable interior with a 60/40 split.
• Soft top section holds your travel necessities.
• Lower half protects your equipment with an integrated camera insert.
• Construction and multi-access design allows access from the side without removing the insert, which is safely connected to the inside of the bag with a strap.
• Multi-functional accessory straps allow you to carry the insert separately like a shoulder bag, or attach it to your chest.
• Use the neck or chest strap to carry your camera around your neck.
• Separate back pocket that accommodates a 14.2" MacBook Pro.
• Generous mesh water bottle holder.
• Lots of grab handles.

By sticking to 18.5 L, I can have all my valuable gear with me, whether I'm in a restaurant, cab, bus, under the seat in the plane, or hustling from terminal to terminal.

A bigger bag would mean more weight and less portability. That's why I start with the bag size I want, then work backwards.

No, This Viral 'Goodbye Meta AI' Post Won't Protect Your Photos

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com.

Skylum Launches Aperty, a Portrait Editor With AI Offering Fast Results

You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.

Celebrated photographer Stephen Shore walks out of his lecture after Chinese audience proves more interested in their phones

You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

21 World Famous Photographers and Their Photos

You can read the entire article on PhotoTraces.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.

So much has changed with my camping over the years, but the biggest improvement happened when I moved my tent off the ground and relocated it to the top of my car. There are many reasons for this adjustment, and photography is in there among them. I want to start with the tent itself, because you might have difficulty imagining what I'm talking about.

What Is a Roof Top Tent?

The TentBox Go is a 73-pound folding tent that mounts on the roof racks of my VW ID.4. Collapsed, it is 18" high, allowing me to park the car in the garage. Set up, it is 45" tall with a 90" x 45" base that looks like a trampoline. I have a matching closed-foam air mattress that goes on top of the base, and the combination has provided me with the most comfortable night's sleep of my entire camping career.

The first question that people ask me when they see the TentBox Go on my car is: "How do you get up there?" The kit comes with a collapsible ladder that hooks on to the side of the platform. I climb four rungs up and roll into the tent.

There are windows on three sides plus a skylight. Each side window has a zippered screen to keep bugs out at night, and can be opened freely during the day. This provides an elevated panoramic view of my location, which can be anywhere that I'm able to park the car.

All of my gear stays below, locked up at night. The kitchen is configured in the back hatch area. All I have to do is open the rear boot and everything is there to prepare my next meal.

Camera gear, solar power station, and other technical items are on the back seat or on the floor. If I need to grab a quick photo, I know exactly where my bag is and can access it immediately.

There are removable black screens on the inside of the VW's windows so passersby can't see in the car. I usually have a sunshade positioned in the front window.

Being able to camp anywhere I can park the car goes beyond convenience. It's also a secret weapon for photography.

In addition to a bedroom, the TentBox Go is also a rooftop studio.

From this vantage point, I can photograph sunrises through one window and sunsets out the other. And instead of waiting to return to the darkroom for processing, I can open the laptop and work on the pictures from my picturesque second-story studio. It's fun and functional.

Details About Setup and Maintenance of the TentBox Go

The tent and aluminum frame arrive in a large, single box. Even though the final configuration weighs 73 pounds, it feels heavier when all packed up. I had to drag it by the packing straps from the front porch to the garage.

Since I already had a camping trip on the books, I wanted to build this thing as quickly as possible so I could start testing it before having to depend on it in the middle of nowhere. My brother-in-law agreed to come over on a Saturday and help me with the project.

We both watched the assembly video a couple of times before our meeting. I pulled the car out of the garage to give us plenty of room for our workshop. The video says to allow 90 minutes to assemble and mount the TentBox Go on the top of the car. Three hours later, we joked that they must have meant 90 minutes per person.

Much like a complicated Ikea project, we had to take our time and double-check our work along the way. We would watch a video snippet, and then execute that particular task.

We felt there was a little sleight-of-hand involved with our instructor. He would say, "do this," then instantly be at the next stage while we hit rewind trying to figure out our misstep. But with patience, we too achieved success.

The TentBox Go is well designed, both for its use during camping, but also for living securely atop the car. But that final stage, attaching it to the roof racks, was a bit more difficult than we anticipated.

Their concept was clear and easy. Use four brackets to attach the tent platform to the roof racks. Each bracket had four long bolts and matching nylon-lined nuts. A spanner wrench was included in the kit, but we needed a second one so we could both work at the same time.

Because the bolts had such great length, it took a long time to ratchet on each nut. To say it was slow-going is an understatement. And of course, this final stage comes after a few hours of assembly.

We did secure all eight bolts, and the tent is steady as a rock on top of the car, even at 70 MPH. But it does raise an issue to be considered. What about the end of the season when you want to remove and store the TentBox Go? The tedious process of removing all eight bolts feels daunting at best. More on that later in the article.

Car Mileage and the TentBox Go

This leads to the second most common question folks ask me: "How does it affect your car mileage?"

When you drive an electric vehicle, kWhs per mile is a huge consideration. Car manufacturers consider every detail to get the greatest distance from each kilowatt. The aerodynamic design down to the wheel covers is fine-tuned. Surely, attaching a wedge-shaped tent to the top isn't what they had in mind.

When I studied the tent configuration I noticed that there was 6" of clear space between the top of the car and the bottom of the tent. In my mind, this meant that the basic airflow over the car remained somewhat the same. The question was: How much drag on top of that would the tent create?

The results were fascinating. I kept careful logs for two months.

Prior to the tent, the car averaged 3.3 miles per kWh. This includes summer, winter, air conditioning, heating, freeway driving, around town, and along mountain roads.

With the TentBox Go mounted atop the VW, I'm still averaging 3.3 miles per kWh if I keep the speed below 60 MPH. On a recent slow-going, windy road Highway 1 camping trip, I averaged 3.7 miles per kWh.

On the freeway, if I raise my speed to 70 MPH or more, my efficiency drops down to 2.7 miles per kWh. That's substantial, and it would notably decrease my range over a long trip.

I did some quick math for a long road trip with mostly highway miles. If I drive at the speed I normally prefer, 72-75 MPH, I would lose approximately 35 miles of range in-between charges. This is a tolerable compromise for adventures within a 500 mile radius. But for longer, multi-day driving excursions, I would have to factor in more time for charging.

The bottom line for me is: over the last two months is that I've slowed down on the freeway, moving from the fast lane to the middle part of the road. By doing so, I'm getting an all-around 3.3 miles per kWh with the TentBox Go on top.

But for a longer, multi-day trip to Durango, CO, where camping isn't involved, I decided to remove the TentBox and gain back the extra range. Initially, I wanted to keep it up there because I like the idea of being able to stop anywhere and set up camp. But since my destination is a cabin, the wiser decision was to leave my rooftop tent behind.

Removing and Storing the TentBox Go

Before my long trip to Colorado from Northern California, I reluctantly removed the TentBox Go from atop the ID.4. Instead of using the included spanner wrench to remove the nylon-lined nuts, I opted for a long socket and ratchet. This was a good move. It only took me 20 minutes to remove all 8 nuts and slide the bolts off the rail.

Before the next step, I marked the rails with the positioning of the TentBox on my roof racks so I could quickly reinstall it before my next camping trip. I also measured with a ruler, and took pictures of everything. This should take the guesswork out of reinstallation.

The entire unit is resting on its side in the garage. I'm guessing that it will only take about half an hour to reinstall it. I did need a second person to help me lift it off the car. And I will need help again to put it back up there.

Final Thoughts

I can't wait to go camping again. Having an upstairs bedroom on top of the car, with a patio coming off the side, has revolutionized my outdoor adventures.

As for design improvements, I would very much like a faster mounting system instead of the long bolts with nylon-secured nuts. I think the cover could have a smoother finish with less wind resistance too. That might help my Miles per kWh mileage. But other than those two wishes, I have to say that this lightweight, easy-to-set-up tent is a joy for relaxing during the day, and a good night's sleep once the campfire is extinguished.

The TentBox Go Roof Top Tent is available for $1,199. I also highly recommend the accessory fitted mattress ($125) for that extra layer of comfort.

Other Articles in This Series

The Bluetti AC70 Power Station Review - Off-the-Grid Freedom.

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Review - Power Your Roadtrips.

Jackery 40W Mini Solar Panel for Your Cameras and Devices.

Roadtripping with the BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Fridge/Freezer - A Review.

Hot Coffee, Soup, on the Road with this Portable Electric Kettle.

Note: The affiliate links in this article help support my research and writing. There is no additional charge to you the customer. Thank you for using those links.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #966, Sept. 24, 2024. Today's theme is "We Think a Picture Should Be of Something That Actually Happened." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I've been waiting for this AI shoe to drop, and now that it has, I'm loving this discussion. With the announcement of the iPhone 16, Apple put its stake in the ground regarding built-in AI for smartphone photography. And their position differs significantly from Google's and Samsung's. Today, we take a closer look at the two approaches, and think about which one we're most comfortable with. All of this, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

We Think a Picture Should Be of Something That Actually Happened

We start with the Petapixel article, If You Care About Photography, Apple's Approach Should Have You Cheering. I then comment from there.

Why the 85mm Lens Is for More Than Just Portraits

You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.

People are raging over the iOS 18 Photos app redesign - here's how to fix it

You can read the entire article on BGR.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 #965, Sept. 17, 2024. Today's theme is "Let's Get Real: A Smartphone-Only in Alaska is Ridiculous." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Alaska is geological wonder, seafaring history, indigenous culture, goldrush, hardship, wildlife, and wild west. It is truly bigger than the life most of us have ever experienced. Alaska is awe-inspiring, soaked to the bone, and warmed by Salmon bisque and fresh-baked bread. And if you're ever lucky enough to visit, take the right gear. And I don't mean just a rain jacket and boots. I'll explain more on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Let's Get Real: A Smartphone-Only in Alaska is Ridiculous

Before I get to camera gear, which is the primary topic of today's show, I want to talk a little Alaska in general. Because if you're thinking of going, there are some things you should know.

First, if you're cruising, be sure to include Glacier Bay. It's only accessible by water, and you need a captain that knows what he/she is doing. I recommend Holland America. They work closely with the U.S. Forest Service, the Indigenous tribes, and are focused on education as well as enjoyment. They have a long history in Alaska, they have the prime slips for docking while other lines often have to tender to shore.

I recommend a starboard stateroom for inside passage trips, although port side is fine most of the time. Pay extra for a balcony. Your photo library will thank you.

When in port, get outside city limits. You'll usually have plenty of time to explore the towns, but wandering beyond is where the wonder resides. Excursions led by locals in small vans is the way to go.

And finally: Gear up! You'll need real boots, rainwear, backpack with all-weather cover, and a camera that is not afraid of the elements. I was walking around in downpours as happy as a seal in a salmon pond - but only because I was prepared for the elements.

Now, let's get to camera gear. The bulk of my shots were recorded with the Nikon Zf and Nikkor 28-400mm zoom. I loved not having to change lenses in the pouring rain or blustery winds. I did use the 26mm prime for some interiors, but just a few times. Here's my focal length list:

20mm - 6, 26mm - 49, 28mm - 105, 30mm-70mm - 180, 71mm-105mm - 75, 106mm-200mm - 94, and 201mm-400mm - 70. I pre-culled my shots, so only the images I like made it in to Capture One Pro. There are hundreds more frames on the memory cards that will get backed up, but not added to my working library.

I have 121 images in my 3-Star Collection. These are my favorites. 40 of them were recorded with focal lengths beyond 120mm. I also have a collection of B&W photos captured with the Zf using Deep Tone Monotone or Tri-X. (They are amazing out of the camera.)

Resolution is 6048x4032. All the images were geotagged in realtime via Snapbridge. And ISOs crept as high as 25,600.

Now why the data dump? Because this 10-day photo shoot would have been impossible with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. I did take 140 pictures with my iPhone, but they're the stuff you would imagine: selfies, meals, signs, and grab shots. I wouldn't want to come home with only those images.

And yet, even on the photo excursions that I attended, over half the people with shooting with smartphones only. I was on one trip in the outskirts of Ketchikan, where I had the only interchangeable lens camera.

The photo guides did a great job of showing iPhone photographers tips and techniques to squeeze the most out of their cameras. I often wandered off on my own and worked the locations with the Nikon.

I know I'm speaking to the choir here. But I also know that it's tempting to rely on a smartphone more than we should.

I had this moment in Vancouver, B.C. It was twilight. I was sitting on a balcony on the 15th floor of the Blue Horizon Hotel, gazing at the beauty of downtown. A waxing moon rose over a modern apartment building. I extended the zoom to 400mms and captured the scene beautifully.

I then switched to the Tri-X B&W mode and zoomed out to 28mms for a city coming to life in the approaching evening.

As I looked at the images on the LCD, I remember thinking, "I'm so glad I have this camera right now."

Smartphones are wonderful. And they are a fantastic backup camera for documenting life as it soars by. But if you want your pictures to look different than everyone else's, there's nothing like a real camera. And never has that been more true than these days.

What Happened in the Photo World While I Was Gone

A whirlwind tour of the headlines over the past two weeks.

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 #964, Sept. 10, 2024. Today's theme is "2 Stories About Photography and Life." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Very few things happen in a vacuum, and photography is certainly not one of them. This week I have two stories that illustrate the connectedness of our artistic passion with the world in which we live. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

I Was There Among the Ballers With My iPhone

Bigger is not always better, and that includes cameras and ballparks. You can read the essay here.

Of All the Careers I Could Have Picked, Why Photography?

I finally figured it out on a road trip with my son. You can read the essay here.

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 #963, Sept. 3, 2024. Today's theme is "Print Black & White Like a Pro." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Seeing a gorgeous black-and-white print emerge from your inkjet printer will make you fall in love with photography all over again. And you don't have to spend a $1,000 on a fine art printer to experience this. In fact, by following the tips in today's podcast, you can get your Ansel Adams on with gear you already own. All of this, and more, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Print Black & White Like a Pro

I'm going to divide this discussion into three major parts: your inkjet printer, paper, and computer settings.

Printer

• Best if you have at least one gray ink to accompany your black ink.
• You can let the printer"manage" the colors. ICC profiles not required.
• Newer printers have excellent driver software.
• Pro models may have Advanced B&W Settings.
• Consumer models may have a slimmed-down version of B&W settings.
• I'm getting excellent output from a Canon G620 tank model with one gray.

Paper

• I use Red River paper.
• The type of stock you choose is very important.
• The white of your paper will be the white of your photo.
• Cool Tone Paper: Arctic Polar Luster, UltraPro Satin/Gloss, Polar Matte.
• Warm Paper: Palo Duro Satin, Aurora Art Natural, Blanco Matte Canvas.
• Glossy and Satin papers can achieve deeper blacks than Matte surfaces.

Computer and Software

• Dim your monitor to 50 percent when editing images for printing.
• Make a virtual copy of your master and label it. eg. 5"x7" satin print.
• Crop your virtual copy to the paper dimensions that you're going to use.
• Experiment with B&W presets, Silver Efex Pro, and DxO Film Pack.
• Selecting proper Media Type is critical: luster, glossy, matte, etc.
• Use "Best" quality setting for final print.
• Let prints dry down for 10 minutes before making any judgements.

I recommend that when you get a print you like, note all the settings you used on the back of the print and keep it in your paper box. That way you'll have a great starting point for that surface the next time you print.

Canon PRO-1100 17-Inch Printer Promises Richer Blacks and Blues

You can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com.

Can Photography Competitions Help You Progress as a Photographer?

You can read the entire story on FStoppers.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 #962, August 27, 2024. Today's theme is "Getting Ready for Alaska." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

In less than 2 weeks, I'm boarding a plane as the first leg of my trip to Alaska. I've never been there, and I want to be prepared for anything that I may encounter. Since I'm smack dab in the middle of my planning, I thought I'd share my thought process with you. All of that, and more, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Getting Ready for Alaska

So, let's cut to the chase... which camera am I taking? I've narrowed it down to two different systems. Here are the contenders.

OM System OM 1 Micro Four Thirds

• OM-1 camera body
• OM System 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II Zoom
• Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO Zoom
• Olympus 1.4X Teleconverter
• Olympus 17mm f/1.8 Prime
• Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Prime

OR...

Nikon Zf Full Frame

• Nikon Zf camera body
• Nikon 28-400mm Z f/4-8 Zoom
• Nikon 24-50 Z f/4-6.3 Compact Zoom
• Nikon 40mm Z f/2.0 Prime
• Nikon 26mm Z f/2.8 Pancake Prime
• Viltrox 20mm Z f/2.8 Prime

Pros and Cons

We will be traveling the inside passage via ship, but I will be hiking on photo excursions when in port. Compactness is less of an issue for this trip than others.

I'm hoping to be able to photograph the Northern Lights, wildlife, landscape, street photography, and life on the ship.

I'm leaning toward the Nikon for this trip because of its low-light capability and depth of field control, and using the OM-1 for the Durango trip that's two weeks after Alaska for its portability during hikes.

I'm discussing all of this in the podcast.

Other Essentials for the Trip

• MacBook Pro 14" M1 laptop
• Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Power Station
• Solgaard Check-In Closet Lite with FlowCloset System
• Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 150 AW Backpack (flat in the suitcase)
• Tenba Cooper 13 Slip Carry-On Shoulder Bag

WD Announces SanDisk 8 TB Memory Card

You can read the entire story on thePhoblographer.com.

Apple's 'Glowtime' iPhone event will be September 9th

You can read the entire story on DPReview.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 #961, August 20, 2024. Today's theme is "Zero Computational Photography with Process Zero." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Are you ready to see what kind of pictures your iPhone captures with absolutely no computational photography applied? You might wonder how that could even happen. The latest version of Halide (2.15) includes a feature called Process Zero. And when it's enabled, you record a RAW file with no AI or computational photography adjustments. Basically, it's like shooting slide film with an analog camera. And the results just might surprise you. I explain how it works, plus more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Zero Computational Photography with Process Zero

Halide Mark II is an iPhone camera app for enthusiast photographers. It provides lots of control over the capture process. And with version 2.15, it basically allows for complete control over the image appearance with what they call Process Zero. Here's how they describe it.

"When you take a photo on your iPhone, your photo is processed. The newer your iPhone is, the more processing typically happens: sometimes AI even comes in to make significant changes to your shot. People are made brighter, noise is reduced, details enhanced and 'flaws' removed.

Easy, quick adjustments, ideal when you want to skip the editing or get a first pass on your shots.

Feature Review

• It produces photos with more detail and allows the photographer greater control over lighting and exposure. This is not a photo filter-- it really develops photos at the raw, sensor-data level.
• Process Zero is available on every iPhone that runs Halide and iOS 17, not just the latest iPhones Pro.
• iPhone controls noise by combining multiple photos. You are no longer capturing a single moment in time, and when you average together multiple photos, noise goes away. Process Zero is a single-shot process.
• Process Zero gives you a single 12-megapixel shot. It will be less saturated, softer, grainier, and quite different than what you see from most phones. Each shot includes a true Bayer RAW file, if you want to use it in a full-fledged RAW editor, but we designed Halide so you don't need one.
• You can subcribe to get the latest version of Halide and Image Lab for $11.99 a year. They offer a 1-week free trial.

"Camera" is the indie movie every photographer will love and you can stream it now

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

Photographer Retrieves $25K Worth of Stolen Gear Thanks to AirTags, Films Encounter on Meta Ray-Bans

You can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com.

There's a cheap LED camera light hidden inside this fake film roll

You can read the entire story on TheVerge.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 #960, August 13, 2024. Today's theme is "Roof Top Camping and Nimble Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

As I wandered through the campgrounds during my latest outing, I noticed some very impressive encampments that I'm sure required plenty of manpower to set up. Being the Nimble Photographer that I am, I prefer a lighter touch, which leaves me more time for photography and campfire gazing. In this week's show I talk about the TentBox Go RTT, roll out awnings, portable fire rings and more. Time saved in camp leads to more photography. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Roof Top Camping and Nimble Photography

I'm going to break this feature story into two parts. I'll lead off with the camping set up (including a picture in the show notes), and then I'll discuss the photography rig I used in camp and on the trail.

The Camp Setup

One of the most important features or any comfortable campsite is the sleeping arrangement. Over the years I've migrated from sleeping on the ground with a closed-foam pad, to tents with inflatable mattresses, to inside the VW Vanagon, to inside the VW ID.4 SUV, to finally a Roof Top Tent (RTT) on the roof of the ID.4.

When I first describe the RTT to people who aren't familiar with them, it's hard for them to imagine. What do you mean you're sleeping on top of your car? How could that be comfortable?

Those are reasonable questions. Here's the way it works.

Believe it or not, most RTTs work on a wide variety of cars. You need to be able to put roof racks with cross bars on top. The RTT securely mounts on top of the roof racks. It is collapsed while you're driving, then opened once you're in camp.

People often ask about the amount of weight that the roof and racks can support. The answer is a surprising amount. The roof racks determine how much weight you can put on them. There are two categories: dynamic weight and static. Dynamic is during driving, and that's the rating you'll usually see listed on the rack. Mine can bear up to 165 pounds of dynamic weight.

In terms of static, when you're not driving, that can go up to 600 pounds or more of distributed weight, like people laying down in a roof top tent.

My TentBox Go weighs 73 pounds and measures Width: 50 in, Length: 90 in, Height: 45 in when open, and collapses to 18 in tall when collapsed. They achieve this light weight by using a trampoline styled base with a closed-foam air mattress on top.

I am 6'7" tall and weigh 238 pounds. I can stretch out full length in the TentBox Go and there are no weight issues with the top of my car or the racks.

And because the tent sits up on the racks, the aerodynamics of the car remain intact when I'm driving. My KwH per mile is virtually the same as without the tent at 65 MPH or slower, and a .3 loss per mile between 65 MPH and 72 MPH, and .5 loss per mile over 75 MPH. My normal average is 3.3 miles per KwH with no tent. So if I'm driving over 75 MPH, that can go down to 2.8 miles per KWH. On my recent camping trip, with car fully loaded, maintained my 3.3 miles per KwH for the entire trip.

Once the tent is erected, there are screened doors on both sides, a front screened window, and a screened skylight window. At night I would close the side and front windows and leave the skylight open so I could look at the stars.

A collapsible ladder comes with the tent that stores inside the unit during transport. I would go up four rungs then roll onto the mattress. It was easy and I never felt unsafe. Going back down is just as easy.

Inside, there is plenty of room to sit up if you want to work on your pictures. This is especially nice when the mosquitos are out and you want protection from them.

As for sleeping, I've never had a better couple of nights camping. The trampoline base is firm with just the right amount of give for sleeping on your side. Add the closed-foam air mattress that's designed for the tent (optional price), and I'm talking really comfortable.

Sleeping bag, pillows, and mattress all stay in the tent, even for transport. So it's always ready to go.

To set it up, you take off the protective cover, grab the ladder and extend it, then extend two poles inside the tent to raise it. It takes just a couple minutes. And it is very sturdy. It's rated stable up to 35 MPH winds when opened.

I add a SlimShady 6.5' ($389) lightweight roof mounted awning on the opposite side of the ladder that weighs just 29 pounds, but provides 42 square feet of covered patio space.

Both the upstairs bedroom and the patio add less than 100 pounds to the car, and don't adversely affect my mileage at normal speeds.

Now it's just a matter of adding the patio chairs, foldable table, and the propane-powered portable fire ring (though not directly under the patio cover.). I'm using the Camp Chef Juniper ($149) portable fire pit. It's also nice for grilling in a frying pan.

I also use the JetBoil Portable Stove System ($129) for rapid water boiling for coffee and meals.

I have the entire campsite set up in 45 minutes, which leaves me the rest of the afternoon for relaxation and photography.

Now for the Photography

It's been a long time since I've shot with an all-in-one zoom lens. So I wanted to test how far I could push the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens ($1,296) for the Nikon Zf ($1,996). Here's how it went.

Pre-Orders for Mint's $799 Rollei 35AF Film Camera Start September 10

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.

James Bond chooses Leica to photograph the Olympics

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

There's a cheap LED camera light hidden inside this fake film roll

You can read the entire story on TheVerge.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 #959, August 6, 2024. Today's theme is "County Fair and Fabulous Olympics Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

If the steamy summer doldrums have put your photography on ice, then a colorful county fair might provide the inspiration to get you back outside. Even though fairs themselves are timeless activities, the rules have changed considerably. This week I punch your ticket for the Sonoma County Fair in Northern California. Then we travel to Paris for some truly impressive sports photography. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

County Fair

Derrick talks about his photography at the local county fair.

• Preparation - check the fair website before leaving home.
• Camera Gear - things have changed.
• Security - getting inside the fairgrounds.
• Time of day
• Tell the Story - putting together a variety of shots.
• Save the Fun Zone for Last
• Don't Forget to Eat
• Processing and Presentation

Fabulous Summer Olympics Photography

Lots to talk about regarding the Summer Olympics, especially with the photography.

David Burnett does it again, with this epic Eiffel Tower Olympic image on 4x5 film

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

EPIC photo of gravity defying surfer Gabriel Medina in the air goes viral during Olympics

You can read the entire story on AmateurPhotographer.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.