Auto Lighting Optimizer is one of those features that we have on our newer Canon cameras, but we might not know exactly what it does. In this article on Digital Photography School, Peter West Carey explains, What Is Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer.

And if you shoot Nikon, you'll find this helpful too, since it's called Adaptive D-Lighting on your camera.

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When you have a new camera that produces Raw files not immediately supported in Aperture (and iPhoto), how should you approach the situation? Here's the process that I go through.First, I look at Apple's track record with the camera brand. If there's a history of support, then odds are good that an update will come. I shoot primarily Canon and Olympus. I know that the Canon updates will come pretty fast, and those from Olympus will lag behind. But I have confidence that both will be supported.

Case in point: Apple just released Raw Compatibility Update 3.7 that adds support for my XZ-1 and for the E-PL2. The E-PL2 came out in January of this year, so the update didn't follow until 4 months later.

While I wait for the update, I'll shoot Raw+Jpeg in the camera, then upload the files in Aperture choosing "Both (Separate Masters)" in the Raw+Jpeg Pairs popup menu (in the Import dialog box). Once imported, the Jpegs will show (as in the illustration above) and the Raws will not. If you find this distracting, you can always stack the pairs with the Jpeg as the select, then collapse the stacks. You can do this quickly with the Auto Stack command, then Close All Stacks.

Once the update arrives, and you've installed it, the Raw file just has to be processed. Usually, you can simply click on the thumbnail with the Adjustments tab open, and Aperture will process it automatically. After that, you can either make the Raw file the "pick" for the stack, or delete the Jpegs from your library.

If Apple doesn't have a history supporting a particular line of cameras, then you're rolling the dice. You can always shoot Jpeg only. Or you can process the Raw files in Adobe Camera Raw when it's supported there.

What's the biggest difference I notice between the Raw and Jpeg versions? I'm better able to display highlight and shadow detail in the images. And for me, that benefit is worth the trouble.

More Aperture Tips and Techniques

My next Aperture Workshop is May 21, 2011 in Santa Rosa, CA. We'll probably schedule the next for Nov. 2011. write me if you're interested in attending either.

To learn more about Aperture 3, check out my Aperture 3 Essential Training on Lynda.com. Also, take a look at our Aperture 3 Learning Center. Tons of free content about how to get the most out of Aperture.

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You may remember Stephanie Scheetz from our Creative Output Series. She's an artist, photographer, and frequent model for TDS Workshops. We haven't worked together for a while. But when Lowepro wanted me to make a couple short movies on some new stylish bags that are perfect for female shooters, I immediately thought of Stephanie in front of the camera.

Stephanie explaining the ins and outs of the Lowepro Compact Courier 70 in this YouTube video.

For those of you who have worked with Stephanie in the past as a model, or enjoyed her Creative Output work, I thought you'd like to see her again. You can watch the movie here.

Video was captured with a Canon 60D with the 15-85mm zoom lens. Audio recorded with the Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Shotgun Microphone.

I also have a set of stills from the movie that are fun all by themselves.

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The first consideration is color temperature. What type of lighting are you working in, and do you need to compensate for it? Then, the use of color in your composition. Often, by working with complementary colors you can add punch to your image. Or, maybe working with a specific color for a specific item. Then there is the lack of color: B&W photography. Sometimes removing color is the answer to the perfect image. I discuss all of these topics, and more, in this week's podcast.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (31 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Shades of Green is the May 2011 Photo Assignment. You can read more about how to submit on our Member Participation page. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2011.

TDS Fall 2011 Photography Workshop

We're making plans now for the Fall 2011 TDS Photography Workshop. If you want your name on the reserve list, just drop me a line.

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

Red River Paper -- Try the $7.99 Sample Kit.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Need a New Photo Bag? Check out the Lowepro Specialty Store on The Digital Story and use discount code LP20 to saven 20% at check out.

I first read about the The DIY Ring Flash Kit on the Strobist blog. And I was intrigued by the possibility of having this portable modifier for producing even light for less than $30.

As part of the bargain, the user does have to do some assembly, as demonstrated on the The DIY Lighting Kits site. But it seems simple enough. And once it's finished, you can use it on a variety of flashes including the Nikon SB28, SB80dx, SB800, SB26 and Canon 430EX, 580EXII.

If you've ever wanted to experiment with ring flash, this might be the ticket for you.

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When Theresa got to the top of the bluff, I said, "Don't move!" because I saw this shot instantly. Even for simple day hikes in my neighborhood, I always pack a camera. (Yes, this spot is walking distance from my front door.) I had the Olympus XZ-1in my pocket this day.

It was quite bright during the hike. I had my sunglasses on, which makes it even harder to compose images on the camera's LCD. Fortunately, I had the VF-2 electronic viewfinder on the XZ-1. This improved my odds of getting a good composition.

I sent the photo to Theresa at work the next day. She had it up on her computer screen when a coworker stopped by. "What a great shot!" Then another coworker viewed it, and another after that. It's now Theresa's desktop wallpaper, and she says it brings that good feeling from the hike to her hectic office environment.

I know I've said it a million times, but take your camera with you when you walk out the door. You might capture a moment that makes someone else's day too.

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We need the light for taking our pictures, but it can really work against us when it's time to review them on the camera's LCD. Hoodman to the rescue with the HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional ($79.99).

Hoodman HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional comes with a quick release neck strap and case with belt loop. Works on cameras with 3" LCD screens and smaller.

I must admit, I felt a bit like a big time Hollywood director when working with the HoodLoupe around my neck. It has a +/- 3 diopter adjustment for precision viewing. The hard rubber hood feels durable, yet won't scratch the back of your camera. I've used it on my Canon DSLRs, Olympus PENs, and even the new Olympus XZ-1. Here's a brief into video about it.

If you want to use the HoodLoupe for LiveView video recording, there are accessories for attaching to your camera.

You can order the Hoodman HoodLoupe 3.0 Profession from the good folks at Hunt's Photo & Video.

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I've used Canon flashes for a number of years, but none of them have delighted me like the new Speedlite 320EX($275 US). It's a truly useful accessory for the new breed of DSLRs, specifically, the Canon 7D, 60D, and T3i.

Canon 320EX. Notice the LED light in the body.

Feature Highlights

This 1.1 pound strobe fits easily in nearly any camera bag, yet includes:

• Bounce and swivel head
• LED light that can be used for video recording, as a modeling light, or just to help with focusing
• Wireless capability with 4 channels
• 24mm full-frame equivalent coverage at the wide end with maximum guide no. 79 ft./24m at ISO 100; and at the tele end, 50mm full-frame equivalent, max. guide no. 105 ft./32m at ISO 100
• Remote release button to fire camera from a distance
• Easy to operate switches and buttons
• Up to 4 hours continuous light from LED from a set of fully charged 4 AA batteries

No LCD on this flash. Easy to operate buttons and switches instead.

Buttons and Switches

I don't know if it was a conscious decision on Canon's behalf, or just that an LCD wouldn't fit in the limited real estate of the 320EX, but all of the controls are handled by buttons and switches on the flash itself, or via the menu on the camera. I love this!

If you're going to work wirelessly, then put the 320EX in Slave mode with the switch in the lower left. Most of the time you'll be working in Group A, Channel 1, but if you need to change those, then use the two switches above the On/Off. If you want to use the LED light, move from Auto to Manual with the switch in the lower right, then press the LED Light button. The remote trigger is a button on the side of the flash above the battery compartment. If you want to move the zoom head out to Tele position, just pull it. The TELE light on the back of the flash will illuminate to let you know.

Remote flash trigger button is located above the battery compartment.

Remote Trigger

You can fire you camera remotely with the 320EX. Basically this works with any Canon that accepts the RC-1 remote controller, which is many of them. Set the camera to Self Timer in the Drive mode, then it's ready to accept commands from the 320EX. There's a 2-second delay that allows for last minute adjustments.

This is handy for off-camera flash work. You could use the LCD as a modeling light to position the 320EX just where you want it. Then use the remote trigger to take the shot. On the 60D or T3i, you could have the Vari-Angle LCD turned around so you can see the image from the remote position to decide if you need to make further adjustments. Slick!

The LED throws a decent circle of light. The distance here is 28" from the wall. As I stepped back, the circle became larger, but not as bright.

LED Light

The LED light is bright enough for work within 8 feet. When you're close to the subject, the diameter of the circle is tighter, as shown in the illustration above. As you move back the diameter grows larger. This addition fits perfectly with the direction our DSLRs are going. Now, while recording video and stills together, we have a flash that can accommodate both.

Bottom Line

I think the Canon Speedlite 320EX might motivate photographers to consider off-camera flash and creative lighting more often. It's so compact that there isn't really an excuse not to bring it. Plus, it performs triple duty because it is a terrific hot shoe/wireless flash, includes an LED light for video and modeling, and serves as a remote trigger.

Highly recommended, especially for Canon 7D, 60D, and T3i users. Available for about $275from Amazon. Kit includes mini stand and case.

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Adobe released a handful of demonstration apps for the iPad to show off their new set of developer tools. I downloaded Adobe Nav for Photoshop ($1.99 in the App Store) and connected it to Photoshop CS5 12.0.4 on my MacBook Air.

Browse Mode on the iPad

You have two basic modes to work with: Tools, which gives you access to your Photoshop tools on the iPad, and Browse mode that allows you to view all of the images you currently have open in CS5. If you double-tap on an image, you're presented with some basic metadata about it. Double-tap again and you return to the photo. There are three basic viewing sizes: thumbnail, medium image (shown in this illustration), and full screen.

The tools are fun, but you still need to operate them on the computer. I did like hitting the Tab key to hide the tools on my Mac, allowing me a cleaner view of the image, then switching among the tools on the iPad. You can organize the tools on the iPad any way you want, which could turn out to be one of the most alluring features of this app. One of my favorirte Nav functions is the Screen Mode that allows me to switch to full screen mode on the Mac with just a tap on the iPad. Actual Pixels is pretty good too.

But I think the real fun is being able to walk over to a coworker's desk with iPad in hand and discuss an image or two that you have open in Photoshop back at your desk. It's another bit of freedom that isn't going to change the world, but is nonetheless enjoyable.

What Adobe hopes will happen is that developers will start using the SDK to create new iPad apps that no one had previously imagined. In the meantime, Adobe Nav is a tiny peek into the future.

Follow me on Twitter

I have new way to share the best of your photo contributions with our virtual camera club... and the world. We now have the TDS Member Photo of the Day on The Digital Story Facebook Fan page. Those images are curated from our vast collection on The Digital Story Public Group on Flickr (which has over 1,700 members and 17,000 images.) In this week's podcast, I talk about the role our Facebook page will play in our overall virtual camera club, and how you can particiapte (or at least, just enjoy).

I've also posted more details about this in the article, Why You'll Like TDS on Facebook. Please stop by, "Like," and start enjoying great imagery from our virtual camera club members.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (29 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Shades of Green is the May 2011 Photo Assignment. You can read more about how to submit on our Member Participation page. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2011.

TDS Fall 2011 Photography Workshop

We're making plans now for the Fall 2011 TDS Photography Workshop. If you want your name on the reserve list, just drop me a line.

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

Red River Paper -- Try the $7.99 Sample Kit.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Need a New Photo Bag? Check out the Lowepro Specialty Store on The Digital Story and use discount code LP20 to saven 20% at check out.