This is The Digital Story Podcast #834, March 15, 2022. Today's theme is "Putting Together Your Back Pocket List." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Sometimes when you make things too big, they don't happen. Take for example our photography bucket list that includes exotic destinations such as Africa and India. Great stuff, but we don't want to sit idle while we wait for them to happen. So in the meantime, you can build your back pocket list. What is that you ask? Keep listening to today's TDS Photography Podcast to learn more. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Putting Together Your Back Pocket List

I've been thinking about the place where we are in 2022. We're able to move about with quite a bit more freedom, but things aren't exactly back to normal yet. We're in this intermediate zone.

And even though I'm not quite ready to get on a plane and fly to Africa right now, I do want to get out. I want to take pictures.

So I was thinking about this concept that I call the Back Pocket List. It's like a bucket list, but much smaller and more attainable. It contains locations that you can reach in an afternoon or on a day off - accessible, but still beautiful.

I started building my Back Pocket List of five places that I like in Sonoma County. And I've set the goal of visiting and photographing each one before the end of the year.

To give you a better idea of what I'm talking about, here's my Back Pocket List:

• Armstrong Woods - There are some wonderful redwood groves in Northern California (we're going to one of the best in a few weeks for our workshop), but Armstrong Woods is in my backyard, only a 30 minute drive away. I've already crossed this one off my list.
• Fort Ross - Was once a true Russian Fort, well preserved, with great ocean views as well.
• Duncans Landing, Bodega Bay - One of my favorite ocean views in all of California (and that's saying something). A great place to bring a picnic lunch.
• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park - Wonderful place for overnight camping, day hikes, and mingling with forest nature. Lots of deer, fox, birds, and more.
• Ferrari-Carano Winery, Dry Creek - A spectacular building paired with superb gardens. Plus, once you've finished taking pictures, you can sample their excellent wine.

So, what photo opportunities do you have within a few hours drive? Consider building your own Back Pocket List and revisit these sites.

And if you happen to have a new camera, oh what fun to test it out and add to your library of favorite shots.

Don't Use iCloud for Long-Term Photo Backup

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com

My friend Bill just returned from a family vacation in Costa Rica and shot lots of photos and videos on his iPhone, including some killer shots of breakfasts with local monkeys.

No surprise that once he got home, he checked his iPhone storage and found that it was 98% full. Just a few more snaps and he'd be totally out of storage space.

His solution? "I'll just put them all on iCloud, and then delete them off my iPhone," he told me.

"Backing up" on iCloud and then deleting the photos locally on the iPhone is actually the worst thing Bill could do to free up space. Because once they're uploaded to iCloud, the next time it scans his phone for an automatic backup, it will notice that the Costa Rica pix are gone and in turn delete them from the cloud backup as well.

Ever notice the fine print when you try to delete a photo? "This item will be deleted from iCloud Photos on all your devices."

For pure long-term photo backup, because of these weird, arcane rules, Apple's iCloud is about the worst place to go because it is not designed for that. Apple's help support reps told me over several calls that iCloud is meant for backup of your devices, not just your photo library, and as a way to have the same data available on all your Apple devices, not just the iPhone.

As Apple puts it: "Automatically upload and safely store all your photos and videos in iCloud so you can browse, search and share from any of your devices." Notice the word backup doesn't appear there anywhere?

So Here's What I Recommend...

First, I get the largest capacity iPhone I can afford. Then, second, I choose Optimize Storage on all of my devices. Optimized versions are created for your device, while the masters are stored (and are available) via cloud storage.

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

How to Pose Hands for Better Portraits

You can read the entire article on ThePhoblographer.com

I had no desire to be a portrait photographer when I started learning photography in college. The amount of work it takes to connect with people, pose them, and take a powerful image felt daunting. A few years later, I realized being an empathic human was an optimal job skill for portraits. Connecting with people came very easy once I leaned in and felt the energy in the room. The challenge was knowing how to direct them into a natural-looking pose once we developed a rapport. An even more significant obstacle was learning how to pose hands in a way that makes sense.

As it turns out, hands are a challenge for people on both sides of the camera. Everything can be going right in a portrait image. However, if the hands are stressed or don't make sense, that's the only thing viewers will see. An easy solution is to have the hands at the sides or hide them in pockets. This quick fix can also leave a lot on the table. Knowing how to work with hands in ways that make sense can elevate your portrait work.

More often than not, hands will be soft regardless of where they're positioned. Any stress in the hands will translate as tension. Below are a few tips that to make posing hands easier.

Then the author goes through the following poses and talks about hand positioning for each of them. Here are the poses:

• Sitting in chair
• On steps, stool, apple box
• When standing
• Utilize surroundings when standing
• Have them doing something
• Beauty photography

Very useful stuff!

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

I did get the gig at the Sonoma International Film Festival later this month, as I discussed in last week's podcast.

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #833, March 8, 2022. Today's theme is "Inside a Photo Assignment for Hire." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

On Saturday morning I climbed in to the ID.4 and plugged the address for the Fire Department Training Center into CarPlay. Fifteen minutes later I was redirected to an overflow parking lot that required a hike back to the event. Undeterred, I grabbed by camera bag, a cap, and shades an headed to the day's assignment. What happened before this moment, and what transpired afterward is the topic of today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Inside a Photo Assignment for Hire

I know that some of you are curious about the photo assignments that I work for clients. It's an important part of my job because they keep me in touch with the demands of real world photography.

So I thought it would be fun to take you through the timeline of an assignment that I just completed.

Before I do that, however, I want to tell you a little bit about this event because I think it's very cool and important.

Women's Public Safety Day will provide young women ages 15 to 20 with a hands-on public safety learning experience. This immersive day will be led by local women from EMS, police, and fire departments sharing what it's like to be a woman in public safety, both on and off duty.

OK, now on to the timeline.

• Friday, Feb. 11 - I received an email from the SRJC Communications and Marketing Coordinator stating, "Are you available to cover the Women's Public Safety Day on March 5th? I respond, "Yes, indeed!".
• Friday, March 4 - I receive a follow up email with the scheduled events, onsite contact, and suggested shot list. I prepare my camera kit, charge batteries, and made sure everything was ready for the next morning.
• Saturday March 5 - I depart for the event with an estimated arrival 15 minutes before my scheduled start. Good think, because the overflow parking set be back 15 minutes.

Now, in the podcast I describe the sequence of events that happened for the next 3 hours.

• Sunday, March 6 - I began culling pictures during my first cup of coffee. At this point in the morning, only me and Sylvester the cat are awake. I captured 325 photographs. I whittled down the shoot to 100 images that I thought told the story well.
• Monday, March 7 - I individually adjust each of the 100 shots, output them to full size resolution Jpegs, and upload them to the shared Dropbox with the client. I received word a few hours later that everything looked great, and a big Thank You!

One of the big differences that I noticed compared to the other photographers covering the event was that I use much short lenses and get closer to the action.

'Peek Performance' odds: Every Apple event rumor ranked

You can read the entire article on Macworld.com

Apple's first event of 2022 has certainly piqued our curiosity. While we usually have a pretty good idea about what's going to be released at this point--the only real surprise at the "Spring Loaded" event was Apple Card Family--Apple has done a good job keeping its "Peek Performance" event under wraps. So if you're playing along, here's what we're most likely to see on Tuesday.

• iPhone SE (A15 chip; 5G connectivity): 100%
• iPad Air (A15 chip; 5G connectivity): 95%
• M1 Pro/M1 Max Mac mini (M1 Pro/M1 Max model to replace current Intel version): 75%
• M2 Processor (the oldest M1 Macs are nearly 16 months old): 50%
• MacBook Air (if M2 processor is announced): 45%
• Standalone Display (27-inch, cheaper than current Pro display): 40%
• 13-inch MacBook Pro (with M2 chip): 30%
• iPad Pro (with M2 chip): 30%
• iMac Pro (27" version): 20%
• Mac Pro: 15%

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

The New OM-1: Impressed by the Specs? Here's my Hands-on Review of the Camera.

You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com

Author Ivor Rackham wrote:

I first trained in an engineering background. Consequently, I have always had a penchant for well-made precision instruments. When I lifted this camera from the box, my very first realization of the OM System OM-1 was how well it fits that bill; it looks and feels like a high-quality device, making it a pleasure to hold and use.

What He Liked

Firstly, I enjoy learning, and there is a lot to learn with the OM-1.

Next, there is a big leap forward in image quality; the increased dynamic range and operating speeds are noticeable in the real world, thanks to that new sensor and powerful processor that enable all the unique features mentioned above.

Third, I am glad that OMDS chose to listen to the Micro Four Thirds users and make improvements where they were needed, and not chase more megapixels, as dictated by the big brand marketing departments. I don't need bigger files.

Then there is the menu improvement. That will make it much more accessible for new users. It's color-coded and the sub-menu names are better. Although a different layout from its predecessors - I liked the previous version - it is still familiar enough to not seem completely alien. Furthermore, the four custom modes, and the customizable "My Menu" means that delving into the depths of the menu system is usually unnecessary. What is more, if something is grayed out, on the press of the Ok button, a dialog box can tell you why.

Fifth, I find the camera comfortable to use, and the buttons easy to reach, and its name is much less of a mouthful than its predecessors. It also feels really well made too. Plus that new EVF is crystal clear.

Sixth, the computational photography features are useful in the real world, and not gimmicks like fake bokeh. This is a serious photographer's camera.

What Could Be Improved

There is only one area of improvement that struck me: I wish the removable-battery charger had been included in the box. The USB-C charger and in-body charging is great, but I prefer to have my camera safely stored while I charge batteries. I also try to avoid long-term use of sockets and body covers to prevent wear. Plus, in some circumstances, I want to charge one battery while I am using the other. Consequently, the additional battery charger is on my shopping list. But that's a tiny gripe; I know photographers who are happy with in-body charging.

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #832, March 1, 2022. Today's theme is "My Favorite Tiny Lenses." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

A compact sensor doesn't make much sense unless you have a few great pancake lenses to go with it. After all, that's where the nimbleosity comes in, with the glass! Today I'm going to share 5 of my favorite tiny lenses. These are the optics that lighten my load without compromising quality. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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My Favorite Tiny Lenses

Even though I ordered the new OM System Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II Lens ($999) to go with the new OM-1, it will be used primarily for my professional work, inclement weather, and landscape. When I'm just banging around, I'll have the incredible Olympus Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Lens ($299) on the camera most of the time.

You might think to yourself, "Why would you buy a flagship pro camera body and put a $299 optic on it?" Answer: because it's that good. And I'm not the only one that thinks that.

Digital Camera World just published an article titled, Olympus M.Zuiko 14‑42mm f/3.5‑5.6 EZ review - The best pancake zoom lens ever!. In their verdict they give it 5 Stars and say:

"The Olympus M.Zuiko 14‑42mm f/3.5‑5.6 EZ is, in our opinion, the best pancake lens ever. In full frame terms it covers a 28-82mm focal range in an impossibly small form factor - not only is this a genuine feat of engineering, but its optical performance punches way above its weight. This is the kind of lens that's only possible on Micro Four Thirds, making it an absolute travel and everyday essential for Olympus / OM System and Panasonic shooters."

I couldn't have said it better. And when I put that zoom on my PEN-F, OM-D E-M10, or even the new OM-1, I have a sophisticated camera with a wonderful 28-84mm zooming range that fits in my jacket pocket. Isn't that why we shoot Micro Four Thirds?

But Wait, There's More!

Here are four more favorite tiny lenses that I adore.

• Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH. Lens ($267) - Characterized by its slender profile, the Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH. is a compact, slightly wide 40mm equivalent prime for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. Its bright f/1.7 maximum aperture offers notable control focus for working with shallow depth of field techniques and also benefits working in difficult lighting conditions. The optical design incorporates a pair of aspherical elements to suppress spherical aberrations and distortion for high sharpness and accurate rendering, and individual elements have also been multi-coated to control surface reflections and flare for improved contrast in strong lighting conditions.
• Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) Lens ($296) - The NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) from Nikon is an ultra-compact and lightweight FX-format prime lens with a traditional Nikon heritage design. This Special Edition lens inherits its design from the classic NIKKOR lenses released around the same time as the Nikon FM2 film SLR camera, with features that faithfully reproduce the designs of that time, such as knurling, and a prominent control ring. With an f/2.8 max aperture, this fast, bright lens offers beautiful details at a standard focal length. Complementing the optical design, a multi-focus system, which employs two stepping motors, helps to realize impressively fast, accurate, and quiet focus performance, along with full-time manual focus override, to suit both stills and video needs. Additionally, a programmable control ring can be set for intuitive adjustment over a variety of camera and exposure settings. It makes for a great carry-around lens for spontaneous moments at any time of day.
• Fujinon Super EBS23mm f/2 II Lens ($1,399, comes with the Fujifilm X100V camera) - An updated Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens features a revised optical design that now includes two aspherical elements for improved sharpness and clarity through the reduction of spherical aberrations and distortion. This lens's 23mm focal length is equivalent to 35mm, making it a comfortable wide-angle prime that is well-suited to a variety of shooting situations. The bright f/2 design also suits working in various lighting conditions and affords greater control over depth of field to help isolate focus on subjects. Additionally, a Super EBC coating has been applied to suppress lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.
• Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited Lens ($496) -- This lens is the reason I will never sell my Pentax KP DSLR - "The black HD Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited Lens from Pentax is a prime portrait-length lens providing a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 105mm. This short-telephoto 23° angle of view is well-suited to portrait and landscape shooting as well as general long lens applications. A high-grade multi-layer HD coating has been applied to lens elements to help minimize flare and ghosting for enhanced contrast, clarity, and color fidelity and a nine-blade diaphragm contributes to an aesthetic out-of-focus quality to benefit shallow depth of field imagery. Additionally, an SP Protect coating has also been applied to the front lens element to effectively protect it from dirt, oil, and finger prints."

I have used every one of these lenses, and they shine both in image quality and compactness. What more could you want from an everyday optic?

Panasonic Plans to Continue to Support 'Full Micro Four Thirds Lineup'

You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com

During an online event called Creators Live with Lumix GH6, Panasonic indicated that it plans to continue to support a wide range of Micro Four Thirds cameras and not restrict its development just to high-end products. Spotted by DCLife and 43Rumors, the company's marketing manager Tomonori Nakanishi seems to commit to bringing new versions of cameras from across Panasonic's lineup.

While the photography community tends to belittle or downplay Micro Four Thirds, Panasonic regularly assures fans of the format that it has no plans to ever abandon the system.

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

Acknowledging Our Friends at Skylum, MacPaw, and the Sovereign Nation of Ukraine

Recently, Ivan Kutanin, Skylum CEO posted this on LinkedIN: "IMPORTANT NEWS! Friends, partners, and loyal Skylum friends, I need to inform you that Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air, and sea, confirming the worst fears we've had. As many of you know our development and core center is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and at this strange time, we can not guarantee on-time support requesr answers and timing of updates to Luminar Neo.We strive for excellence in everything we do and make sure to further develop and improve Neo and we'll keep you updated on any news.

Stay safe there and pray for Ukraine!

My friend, Julia Petryk then posted this: "Every morning I wake up in fear in a bomb shelter. Though I could hardly call that state a sleep. The first thing we do is checking how our relatives are doing in other parts of Ukraine. The whole country is on fire.

No tears left. No mercy for the enemy. We will win 🇺🇦✊♥️

My thoughts about our friends in Ukraine...

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #831, Feb. 22, 2022. Today's theme is "Lightroom vs CP1 with a Dash of Neo on the Side." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

For the longest time, Fujifilm photographers have heard that Capture One Pro is the best Raw processor for their files. But is that true? We review a head to head test with Lightroom to find out. Oh, and Luminar Neo is now available. How does it standup against Luminar 4 and AI. All of this and more on today's TDS Photography Podcast.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Lightroom vs CP1 with a Dash of Neo on the Side

In the FStoppers article, Which Program Handles Fujifilm Raw Files Better, Lightroom or Capture One?, they pit the two premier RAW processors against one another with Fujifilm files. Some of their findings were quite interesting. Here are some excerpts from the article:

With Fujifilm medium format cameras, there is virtually no difference in how each of the film simulations are rendered. There is some back and forth between how Lightroom and Capture One work, however, for the most part, there's no clear winner.

On the other hand, it's quite a different story when it comes to Fujifilm APS-C cameras. Lightroom seems to have some problems with X-Trans sensors. Also, there are subtle differences in how the film profiles are rendered too.

Capture One has slightly more saturated red tones in the skin. This appears more pleasing in comparison to the Lightroom file, which leans more into the yellows tones. This is, of course, a matter of preference; however, the point is that for Fujifilm X-Trans cameras, there is a difference in how the film profiles are rendered.

The first thing to notice is that the Capture One image appears to have more contrast and vibrance. Due to these subtle differences, most people may likely prefer the results from Capture One. Also, Lightroom does do a better job at managing the vignette, but once again, some may prefer the darker corners.

Additionally, Lightroom seems to have a problem when it comes to rendering green tones from an X-Trans sensor. In the previous image, the blue and yellow tones were perfectly fine in how Lightroom rendered them; however, green seems to cause a lot of problems.

From the images that have been tested over the last month, it seems Lightroom mostly struggles with the color green. All of the other images tested did not demonstrate any issues. Effectively, this worming issue is going to be a problem if what you photograph contains a lot of green tones, for example, landscape photography.

If you're a landscape photographer, you will likely come across this issue in your images. If you're creating content for social media, then this may be a forgivable issue. If you're a professional photographer, it may be wise to avoid Lightroom and use Capture One instead.

Final Thoughts
In this series of articles, we covered Canon, Sony, and now Fujifilm. With Canon and Sony, the choice between Lightroom and Capture One was entirely down to personal preference. There was no clear way to determine a winner because both programs produced great results. With Fujifilm, there are objective differences that cannot be ignored.

If you shoot with medium format cameras such as the GFX 100S and the new GFX 50S II, then the differences are negligible. Capture One and Lightroom perform admirably with Fujifilm medium format cameras. This may also be the case with some Fujifilm APS-C cameras that use a Bayer sensor. However, with Fujifilm X-Trans cameras, it's clear that Capture One is the better choice.

Luminar Neo

What is Luminar Neo? Have you ever wanted to achieve more with your images? Luminar Neo is an innovative image editor powered by AI technologies of the future that simplifies complex editing routines and enables creators to bring their boldest ideas to life. And enjoy it.

• Get speed and flexibility in your editing with our brand-new core engine and layers workflow.
• The new engine we built for Luminar Neo is based on all the best solutions from our combined and evolved experience for maximum performance and creativity and is developed for achieving complex creative results.
• Adjust the light in your photo for creative control over the lighting in a scene. You can control the exposure of an image based on the distance from the lens to independently adjust the background and foreground exposure.
• Automatically remove spots on your images caused by dust and dirt on your lens and sensor.
• Clean up unwanted power lines from the skies in your cityscapes.
• Experiment with infinite creative possibilities by effortlessly combining two or more images in a shot.

The new technologies and innovative user experience in Luminar Neo make creative image editing simple and fun.

How Do You Listen to the TDS Podcast?

Here are the Poll Results from our Inner Circle Members.

• Apple AirPods
• Car Audio Speakers
• Using the Built-In Speakers on My Laptop or Mobile Device
• Wired Earbuds
• Over-the-Ear Headphones
• Home Audio System

Some comments included:

"The car was always my favourite place for podcasts, but I don't commute now, so it's starting to move more to playing it in the house on HomePod. Occasionally, I will listen on a walk with AirPods but it has to be cold enough to wear a beanie or they won't stay in my ears!" - Andrew

"I almost always listen while driving. If I do listen at home, It is usually when doing yard work using over the ear heradphones. If I try to just listen, usually get so distracted with something that I never actually listen and have to go back and listen again." - Jeff

Transistor Radio was not an option... - John

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

Free Battery + 3-Year Extended Warranty with Purchase of OM-1!

You can read the entire article at on the Olympus Site.

To celebrate the introduction of our newest flagship camera, the OM SYSTEM OM-1, we're happy to provide you additional peace of mind through our special extended warranty offer. Simply complete your product registration and we'll give you a complementary 3-Year Extended Limited Warranty on the OM-1 body, which stretches your limited warranty coverage to four years from the date of your original camera purchase!

• Preorder the OM SYSTEM OM-1 or OM SYSTEM OM-1 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II kit from your favorite OM SYSTEM retailer.
• Receive an additional OM SYSTEM BLX-1 Battery for free with your OM-1.
• Register your OM-1 camera at GetOlympus.com/register within 45 days of purchase.
• Receive an email confirmation of your Three Year Extended Limited Warranty. Hold on to that email confirmation; you'll need it along with the valid receipt from your camera purchase as proof of your extended warranty if you ever need assistance.

Offer valid from February 15, 2022 to March 3, 2022 for OM-1 preorders made in the US and Canada.

If you're going to order from B&H, please use this link.

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #830, Feb. 15, 2022. Today's theme is "How the New OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Camera Stacks Up." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

As I predicted, OM-System has released a new flagship system camera titled the OM-1. This mirrorless will succeed the popular E-M1 Mark III and includes a raft of improvements. Plus, it starts shipping in early March. So let's dig in to how the latest Micro Four Thirds release stacks up to its predecessor. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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How the New OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Camera Stacks Up

In this segment of the show, I will compare the new OM-1 to the E-M-1 Mark III. You can preorder the Olympus OM-1 for the $2,199 and it ships in early March. Preorders will receive an extra battery and 3 additional years of OM System warranty. Offer ends March 3, 2022.

Western Digital to lose out on 6.5 exabytes of flash storage following production line contamination

You can read the entire article on DP Review.

Western Digital has announced that two of its manufacturing facilities in Japan were contaminated, which has affected production and will result in a shortage of 'at least 6.5 exabytes in flash storage availability,' according to Reuters. For context, one exabyte is equivalent to one billion gigabytes.

Western Digital doesn't specify what products will be affected by this shortage, but its flash storage options include hardware under its SanDisk Professional (formerly G-Technology), SanDisk and WD brands.

Western Digital didn't specify how the contamination of its facilities happened, but says it will be working alongside Kioxia to get the facilities up and running as quickly as possible. As recent as last year, Western Digital and Kioxia were in talks to merge, according to Reuters, but nothing has come of the negotiations yet.

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

These are the 10 most complained-about cameras amongst Twitter users

You can read the entire article at on DigitalCameraWorld.

Would you believe that the GoPro Hero8 Black is the most complained about camera on Twitter? That's according to Electronics Hub, which carried out its own research into negative tweets across a broad spectrum of electronic devices.

Here's the full top 10 with the percentage of negative tweets about these cameras.

1. GoPro Hero8 Black: 8.6%
2. GoPro Hero9 Black: 6.4%
3. Ricoh GR III: 5.7%
4. Polaroid Now: 5.5%
5. Nikon Z7 II: 5.1%
6. Sony A6600: 5.0%
7. Sony A7R IV: 5.0%
8. Canon EOS 90D: 3.8%
9. GoPro Hero10 Black: 3.8%
10. Sony A7 IV: 3.7%

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #829, Feb. 8, 2022. Today's theme is "All Photography is Good Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

This is not a show about everyone is a winner and every picture is good. We know better on both counts. We also know that some people do bad things with their cameras. They're not included here either. What I mean when I say, "all photography is good photography," is that working with a camera and creating an image is good for your craft, regardless of the camera. I'll explain more on today's TDS Podcast.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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All Photography is Good Photography

In the past year, I've worked with a variety of cameras and formats. A list that named a few, but not all, would include: Olympus PEN-F, Olympus OM-D E-M-10 Mark III IR converted, Pentax KP APS-C digital, Pentax LX 35mm analog, Fujifilm X100V APS-C digital, Fujifilm GFX 100S medium format digital, Nikon D610 Full Frame digital, Nikon Lite Touch 35mm analog compact, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Olympus TG-4 Tough, and Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid.

During that time, I've captured images of flowers in the garden, my car charging off some lonely highway, my family joyous then gripped with grief, desolate stretches of Interstate 5, Maui sunsets, my cat sunbathing just hours before she passed away, an old barn that caught my eye, my boys filling their plates at a Christmas taco bar, and me, just thinking about what it all means.

In addition to light and color, pictures represent thoughts, feelings, and activities. They remind us things we may have otherwise forgotten. They help us see the beauty in everyday life. And for many of us, the more we take pictures, the more alive we become.

This is why it's important to keep embracing new aspects of photography. So that we want to take pictures. Because once we're engaged and have that camera in our hands, life becomes just a little more alive.

Keeping an open mind to analog, infrared, black & white, instant, portraits, still lifes, action, macro, large format, small format, and anything that records light and color and life is good for us.

If you're not taking enough pictures right now, you need to do something about it. And fast. Because photography is an important part of your life. And you need to make it one of your priorities.

CP+ goes online-only as Covid-19 disrupts the Yokohama trade show for the second year in a row

You can read the entire article on DP Review.

Japan's Camera & Imaging Products Association has cancelled the physical element of its globally significant CP+ 2022 camera show with just two weeks to go before the doors of the Pacifico exhibition Centre in Yokohama, Japan, were due to open. Organizers cite the high number of Omicron infections and the fact that there is unlikely to be a drop in cases sufficient to make people feel safe before the show opens. As has been the case for the previous two years, the show will be held as an online-only event. It had been hoped that the show would have been able to take on a hybrid online and in-person format this year.

The show's management says that it gives top priority to the safety and security of visitors, exhibition staff and all those involved with the event, and says too that a tight supply of antigen test kits isn't helping the situation.

The CP+ show is considered especially important now in the absence of any other major international camera shows since both the PMA show and Photokina stopped running. Historically the show was more of a domestic Japanese affair but in recent years it has gained prominence abroad and has become an important launch pad for camera and lens makers from both inside and outside of Japan.

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

Understanding the Fujifilm Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera - A Review

You can read my review at on The Digital Story.

When I was contemplating buying my first instant camera in decades, I did a little research on the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid camera. Some reviewers thought that the instant film side was good, but the digital specs were lacking. I mean, who puts a 1/5" sensor in a camera these days?

Now that I have the Mini Evo, I understand what Fujifilm was thinking, and what some reviewers missed.

It's not supposed to be a digital camera. The hybrid functions are designed to give us more flexibility with the instant shots. So instead of pressing the shutter and waiting for the print to emerge, we can take as many pictures as we want, then choose the best of them on its 3" LCD, output that and leave the rest as digitals. Not only is the Mini Evo clever, it's efficient.

The camera is available now for $199.

Fujifilm Cameras Have Serious macOS File Issue, Firmware Fix Incoming

You can read the entire article on Petapixel.

Fujifilm has issued an "important notice" to photographers using Fujifilm cameras and macOS computers, warning that a firmware incompatibility found in several popular that may cause issues with accessing files and a risk of file loss in macOS. The company says a firmware fix is in development.

In a news article titled "Important notice for consumers processing FUJIFILM digital camera files using macOS," published on February 2nd, Fujifilm shares that it has managed to track down an issue to its camera firmware. "FUJIFILM Corporation has identified a firmware incompatibility between specific X and GFX series cameras [...]," the company writes. "This incompatibility can result in macOS users being unable to directly access files if they were initially saved to SDXC memory cards in-camera.

"To address this anomaly, Fujifilm is creating a firmware patch, which is expected to be available for free download by X Series and GFX System users soon.

Fujifilm says a number of its popular X Series and GFX System mirrorless camera models have been found to have the firmware incompatibility with macOS.

The following list of cameras is affected by the issue regardless of firmware version:

GFX100
GFX100S
GFX50S II
X-Pro3
X-T4
X-S10
Fujifilm X-E4
X-T30 II
X100V

Fujifilm says the issue can arise when a photographer using an affected camera saves photos shot in-camera to an SDXC memory card and then tries to directly access those photo files using a Mac running macOS -- Windows users are not affected by this issue.

"While the current firmware versions allow these X and GFX series cameras to internally write and store 9,999 frames to a single folder, it has been observed that if more than 4,000 files are written in-camera to a single folder on an SDXC card and directly accessed using macOS," two issues could occur.

First, the photographer could be unable to access the files they are looking for.

"Some files on the memory card may become inaccessible if the card has been connected to the computer through an internal or external memory card reader and directly accessed using macOS," Fujifilm says.

Second, and likely more worrying to photographers, there could be a chance of file loss if the memory card is not properly ejected. Do not remove the card without ejecting first and/or while your Mac is in sleep mode.

"If the memory card is not ejected correctly from a computer using macOS, there is a likelihood that data may be lost if the same card is directly connected and accessed a second time using macOS," Fujifilm says. "However, risk of data loss in this situation can be prevented by following proper ejection procedures for macOS operating systems.

"If the proper procedures are followed, no data will be lost. However, files will still remain inaccessible when attempting to directly access the data on the memory card using macOS.

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #828, Feb. 1, 2022. Today's theme is "Some Excitement about the CP+ Show." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

CP+ begins on Feb. 22 in Yokohama, Japan. Typically, this is a terrific trade show for Japanese photo gear manufacturers. But this year there's an additional layer of excitement because of the possible announcements that may be timed in concert with the event. We will gaze into our crystal ball this week and hope for the news that many of us have been waiting for. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Some Excitement about the CP+ Show

CP+ 2022 will be both an online and physical event this year. But I'm particularly interested in those companies showing up in person. Why, because I think they have the best odds of announcing something new that we would want to experience firsthand. I explain why in this first segment.

How to Update Your Camera's Firmware

You can read the entire article on Petapixel.

If you are a digital photographer, it is a good idea to make sure your camera's firmware is up to date to ensure you have a reliable device with the latest features and fixes. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through updating your camera firmware.

The main reason I'm discussing this article is so that you have something to share with those you advise in your camera community (and as a reminder to you that maybe your firmware needs updating as well).

The article covers the basics nicely and has links to the update pages for: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus, Leica, and Hasselblad.

It's a pretty good reference post!

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO Hybrid Instant Camera - If You've Been Waiting for Instant, Now Is the Time

You can learn more and order the Instax Mini Evo here.

I've been following this camera since its announcement and have read favorable and lukewarm reviews about it. But now that its release date is here, Feb. 1, I'm going to chime in on why I bought it. First, a little marketing copy.

This innovative hybrid instant camera features 10 lens effect options and 10 film effect options, giving you up to 100 different ways to instantly create your own unique 2 x 3" photographs. You can experiment with vivid colors, add softness to the focus, adjust the exposure, alter the white balance, and even select a macro mode when the situation calls for a close-up.

• Hybrid instant camera combines convenient digital image capture with traditional instant film output. This method allows you to shoot freely and print whenever desired or reprint an image as many times as desired.
• Accepts INSTAX MINI instant film to produce 2.4 x 1.8" images on a credit card-sized, 3.4 x 2.1" sheet.
• Fixed 28mm-equivalent lens offers a versatile wide-angle perspective and the f/2 aperture is well-suited for working in a variety of lighting conditions. The lens also has a 3.9" minimum focusing distance for working with close-up subjects.
• Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery is used to power the camera and supports printing up to approximately 100 images per charge. It can be charged via USB in approximately 2-3 hours. Internal memory holds approximately 45 still images and a microSD/SDHC memory card slot can be used to expand storage capacity.
• Direct Print: Print pictures from your smartphone Save Printed Images: Printed pictures from the camera can then be transferred and saved to your smartphone with an INSTAX frame Remote Shooting: Use your smartphone as a remote control and wirelessly release the camera's shutter from the app.
• Measures 4.8 x 3.4 x 1.4" and weighs 10 ounces.

• Metering: Multi, TTL 256-Zones; ISO: Auto, 100 to 1600; EV Comp -2 to +2 EV; 1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Auto Mode; 2/10-Second Delay; mini-SD card plus internal memory; Rear 3.0" 460k-dot LCD screen for live view compositions, menu navigation, and print selection.

And here's why I spent the $199 to buy the camera.

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #827, Jan. 25, 2022. Today's theme is "The Forgotten Magic of Fill Flash." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Our smartphones and many of our digital cameras have built-in flash capability. And to some degree, when to use this feature is counter-intuitive. As a result, millions of pictures that could be improved with fill flash never receive that beneficial burst of light. Hopefully that's going to change after today's TDS photography podcast.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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The Forgotten Magic of Fill Flash

There's nothing new about fill flash. It's a technique that was popular in the film days that balanced a front-facing burst of light with ambient lighting. It's especially effective for outdoor portraits that can be unflattering due to harsh sunlight from above.

Yet, working with fill flash is counter intuitive for some folks. Generally speaking, I turn on the flash when there is bright light from above, and I turn off the flash in low light situations when it would artificially render a scene.

No Fill Flash - Photo by Derrick Story.

Fill Flash Turned On (Fujifilm X100V).

The principal of fill flash is that for portraits, front facing lighting is more flattering than side lighting. Front light softens wrinkles and imperfections. Side lighting increases the appearance of texture.

On modern cameras, fill flash is the best of both worlds for candid portraiture. It present a flattering front light for the subject while the ambient lighting is balanced by the camera with the flash. The result is a wonderfully exposed image for both the subject and the background.

If you leave your smartphone or digital camera on Auto Flash, your device will never tap this technique. Because the camera reads plenty of overall lighting for the scene, even if is terrible for the subject. So you have to tell the camera to enable the flash.

On an iPhone, for example, tap the upward arrow icon at the top of the interface to reveal the camera settings. Flash will be to the far left. If you tap on it, you will see three options: Flash Auto, On and Off. If you turn it to on and stand relatively close to your subject, the camera will fire the flash and balance that exposure with the ambient lighting.

On my X100V, I have additional options such as TTL, manual output (1/4. 1/2, and full), and flash exposure compensation for the flash (different than for the camera's metering system.) So I don't have to dig through the menu system when I want to enable fill flash, I assigned the flash control menu to a function button.

The most natural looking fill flash portraits outdoors use flash exposure compensation dialed back 1/3 or 2/3 of a stop. Most viewers won't even realize that a fill flash was used. I leave mine set on -1/3.

I like digital cameras better for fill flash than smartphones. The flashes are more powerful, you have better controls, and the ability to balance ambient lighting with the flash looks more artistic.

Regardless, fill flash for outdoor portraits will separate your candids from the rest of the pack. If you haven't been using it lately, give it a go.

Tokina announces new 500mm F8 Reflex telephoto lens for six APS-C, full-frame camera systems

You can read the entire article DP Review.

Tokina has announced its new SZ Super Tele 500mm F8 Reflex MF lens, a new manual focus super telephoto reflex lens that will work with six different full-frame and APS-C camera systems using a T-mount adapter system.

The fully-manual lens is constructed of seven elements in seven groups, uses a 72mm front filter thread, has a fixed F8 aperture and has a minimum focusing distance of 1.7m (5'7"). The base lens measures 74mm (2.9") in diameter, 89mm (3.5") in length and weighs 310g (10.9oz). As with its other reflex telephoto lenses, Tokina has included a T-mount system (pitch 0.75mm, thread 42mm) on a base lens and will pair that with adapters for various full-frame and APS-C camera mounts.

At launch, the lens will have mount options for Canon EF, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F, Nikon Z and Sony E mount camera systems. As with all Reflex lenses, you can expect the 'donut-shaped' bokeh from this 500mm F8 lens.

No pricing information for this lens has been announced at this time.

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• March 2022 - Writing for Online Publishing (online) Was toying with changing this workshop to Hybrid Instant Photography, Both Analog and Digital, but our Inner Circle Members were not crazy about the idea.
• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

Digital Camera Scanning Is the Best Way to Digitize Film

You can read the entire article FStoppers.

For film photographers, digitizing film is arguably the most important part of the workflow. For me, there is no longer a debate of what is the best approach. Using a digital camera to digitize film is the only way.

Brought to you by Kyle McDougall, this video goes through Kyle's process and experience of digitizing film using a digital camera. More specifically, he is using his Fujifilm X-T4 equipped with a 7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II. The film is secured by the (expensive) VALOI 360 film advancer and holders.

In this day and age where the overwhelming majority of photographs live exclusively on our phones and occasionally make it to social media and an even more select few get printed, digitizing film has never been more important. That said, the actually digitizing process can be a real pain. The gear and process can easily get more expensive and time-consuming than any other part of your photography. I used to be a real fan of the Epson V600 (review of it can be found here); before I stopped using it, I had crossed the 2,500 scans threshold. Nowadays, however, I have exclusively been using pixl-latr (the review of which can be found here). The time it takes to digitize any one negative is now a fraction of what it takes with a flatbed or a designated 35mm scanner, and the results, in my opinion, are just as good or better. True, you have to clean the dust off of the scans, but that was already a task required for black and white film.

I expect someone will say that drum scanning is the absolute best way to digitize. And sure, drum scans are now and will continue to be superior in their quality, but they are inarguably impractical for 99% of what the typical photographer needs digitized.

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #826, Jan. 18, 2022. Today's theme is "Lessons in Composition - A Visit to the Banksy Exhibit." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

The Art of Banksy is touring in San Francisco right now, with its next stop in Denver. I spent the morning sharpening my eye admiring the work of the famous street artist. In addition to just downright enjoyable, there were many takeaways for my street photography as well. I'll share those thoughts on today's TDS Podcast.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Lessons in Composition - A Visit to the Banksy Exhibit

The Art of Banksy exhibit is currently showing at the Palace of the Fine Arts in San Francisco through February 27th. Attending it is a win/win for street photographers.

"No Ball Games" by Banksy. Displayed at the Art of Banksy exhibit in San Francisco, CA.

First, you have the location itself. The grounds at the Palace of the Fine Arts are spectacular with many opportunities for candid photographs. Then you have the works of Banksy that are provocative, humorous, and stimulating for those looking to create engaging urban art. And then if that wasn't enough, you would wander off into The City itself for a day street photography.

From the Art of Banksy exhibit in San Francisco, CA.

I came away from the show with some excellent reminders for my camera work. Here are my top of mind takeaways.

• The Power of Simple Compositions - Banksy works are immediately accessible, but you can linger on them at length as well.
• The Judicious Use of Color - Most Banksy works are black plus one color, and that color is used with great care.
• Humor and Satire Turbocharge the Effect - Not only are the images visually appealing, but then they stimulate other parts of the brain with their humor and satire.

As a photographer, thinking about this work helps us ask the question before we press the shutter button, "What is this picture about?" Trying to create a clean composition with intelligent use of color and having it tell a story are excellent goals to help us improve our pictures.

The Art of Banksy exhibit is runs in San Francisco through Feb. 27, 2022, then opens in Denver on April 14, 2022.

Apple AirTags for Photographers

Over the years, I've stashed business cards in my camera pouches in case I left gear behind (which I've done) in the hope that an honest person would contact me if found. Now, thanks to AirTags, they will "call" me if I wander too far away from my devices. This is a remarkable improvement.

I have a 4-pack of Apple AirTags. I've put two of them to use, and I'm still contemplating how to use the others. Currently, one of the active units is in my everyday backpack, and the second one is in my Peak Field Pouch 2 that I use for urban photography with the Fujifilm X100V. And after a couple weeks of use, I can tell you that I'm never going back to life without them.

I particularly like an AirTag in the Field Pouch because I'm more likely to accidentally leave it behind if I get distracted at a coffee shop or set the bag down on location. Did I leave it at the studio? Is it in the car? Maybe it's at home?

I can find the answer to these questions instantly by opening the Find My app on the iPhone and tapping on the Items tab at the bottom. Both of my AirTags are displayed on the screen, each with their current location. (I've grayed out the actual address that would be displayed on my phone.)

And I've taken it a step further by configuring them to notify me if too great a distance comes between us.

The tag in my Field Pouch fits snugly in one of the memory card sleeves. I never have to fiddle with it. It's never in the way. The battery is replaceable, so this is a quality investment that will serve me well for years. And they work really well!

I have instructions for setting up AirTags here.

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• March 2022 - Writing for Online Publishing (online) Toying with changing this workshop to Hybrid Instant Photography, Both Analog and Digital.
• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

Magic iPhone Photo Trick -- Soften the Background, After the Shot!

You can read the entire article on CodeX.

This is one of my favorite iPhone techniques, and I will explain how to use it in this segment of the show.

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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 #825, Jan. 11, 2022. Today's theme is "The Joy of Everyday HDR." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Thanks to the ease of HDR merging in both Lightroom, and now in Capture One Pro 22, leveraging the advantages of high dynamic range photography doesn't have to be a special occasion activity. You can use it whenever you want a little more tonal range. How to easily do that is the first topic of today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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The Joy of Everyday HDR

Here, for example, is how I've been using it with my Fujifilm X100V and Capture One Pro 22.

Start by capturing three Raw files at -2.0/0/+2.0 exposure bracket. On my X100V, I press the Drive button, scroll down to BKT, choose AE BKT, then press the OK button. I don't have to worry about the bracket range because I've already set that by going to Menu > Shooting Setting (camera icon) > AE BKT SETTING > FRAMES/STEP SETTING. I choose +_ 3 Frames and 2 Step.

Since the camera will remember the Frame/Step Setting, I only have to go to Drive to slip into HDR mode, then Drive again to return to regular shooting.

The last thing to keep in mind is that you want to work in Aperture Priority mode. You want to frames bracketed by shutter speed, not aperture. By going to Aperture Priority mode, you set the f/stop and it remains constant forcing the camera to adjust shutter speed for the bracket. This will help keep your images sharper.

Import the images into Capture One Pro. Select all three images in the bracket, then right-click on one of them and choose "Merge to HDR" from the popup menu. A second popup menu will appear allowing you to auto align and auto adjust. I typically select both. The auto adjust presents you with a very nice merged DNG file right out of the gate.

The workflow is so easy, and I find myself merging to HDR more often now. I set my X100V to auto bracket at the -2/0/+2 range, and fire off a sequence whenever I feel a scene could use a little bit more dynamic range.

Make sure you record your files in Raw. C1P won't merge Jpegs.

Because this workflow is so easy with both Lightroom and C1P, you can capture an HDR sequence whenever you have a scene that you want to play with in post. No big deal. Just everyday shooting!

Remove Power Lines with Ease, Thanks to Luminar Neo

You can read the entire article on PhotoFocus.

In the new Luminar Neo, Skylum has added some great new tools to help save you time. One of these is the ability to remove power lines from images.

You can find this tool in the Erase tab, located under the Essentials tools. Then, you can click Remove Powerlines under the Objects Removal section.

To test out the tool, I found an old photo of a NASA rocket. I wanted to see if the AI would remove the cables holding the rocket. I simply clicked the Remove Powerlines button.

After about 5-10 seconds of the AI working, the cables were successfully removed. This is certainly an efficient feature! The clouds, blue patches, overexposed areas and painted lines on the rocket did not confuse the software.

You can buy a preliminary release of Luminar now for $79, and the final version will be made available to you in February. I'll be testing it soon and will share my initial impressions. Stay tuned.

The 2022 TDS Workshop Season

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few more coming. Here's a recap of what we have so far:

• March 2022 - Writing for Online Publishing (online)
• April 2022 - Humboldt Redwoods Workshop (physical)
• May 2022 - Infrared Photography Workshop (online event)
• August 2022 - Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop (online)
• Sept. 2022 - Eastern Sierra Photo Workshop (physical)
• Nov. 2022 - Oregon Coast Photography Workshop (physical)

You can learn more about all of these events and register by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

Nikon, Panasonic Absent from Japan's Best Selling Cameras of 2021

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.

BCN+R, a large retailer and holder of one of the largest databases of electronic sales in Japan, has published the top ten cameras sold in 2021. Notably absent from the list are Nikon and Panasonic.

BCN+R regularly publishes trend and sales reports across multiple electronics markets, including cameras. While it shouldn't be taken as the end-all of Japanese sales reports, the company does command about 40% of the Japanese sales market which does make it a very solid indication of what products are popular. For what it's worth, no such ranking like this exists in the United States as no retailer or dealer is willing or able to share its sales data publicly. So while it's not the best data, it is some of the only data that those interested in industry trends tend to get.

And as noted by Imaging Resource, it's important to keep a couple of things in mind before taking a look at the results. First, the camera market in Japan is extremely different from that of North America or Europe. Japanese sales regularly show smaller compact cameras tend to be extremely popular, while the larger and more "professional" bodies that sell well in the United States are not nearly as sought after. Also of note is that BCN+R's list includes multiple variations of the same product through kits, standalone cameras, or even color options. As a result, these numbers might be skewed a bit.

Below are BCN+R's top-selling cameras of 2021:

• Sony A6400 Double Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
• Canon EOS Kiss M2 Double Zoom Kit (White)
• Canon EOS Kiss M Double Zoom Kit (White)
• Sony A6400 Double Zoom Lens Kit (Silver)
• Sony ZV-E10 Power Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
• Canon EOS Kiss M2 Double Zoom Kit (Black)
• Canon EOS Kiss M Double Zoom Kit (Black)
• Fujifilm X-A5 Lens Kit (Silver)
• Olympus PEN E-PL10 EZ Double Zoom Kit (White)
• Fujifilm X-A5 Lens Kit (Brown)

Obviously, the aforementioned repetition of products is obvious here. Sony and Canon both have products that show up twice, which potentially squeezes out the potential for the two camera companies that are notably absent here: Nikon and Panasonic. Both companies released cameras that would have theoretically been popular in Japan last year: Nikon released the Zfc while Panasonic launched the GH5 II. Both companies could be absent from this list for a few reasons.

One other thing to note is that not a single full-frame camera made it to the top-selling cameras in Japan list, which further highlights the difference in the eastern and western camera markets. That said, Imaging Resource reports that the Sony A7 IV, Sony A7 III, and Canon EOS RP have all made the top-selling list of cameras from BCN+R last month, so it's possible that the transition to full-frame is coming along in Japan, albeit slowly.

Photos for macOS Monterey and iPhone Essential Training

You can view the course here on LinkedIn Learning.

With the free Photos for macOS software from Apple, you can manage, enhance, and share photos in a variety of ways. In this course, photographer, author, and educator Derrick Story takes you on a detailed exploration of Photos for macOS.

Derrick gives you a tour of the interface and the headline new features, then goes into detail on the ways you can use Live Text to transform your camera into your personal assistant. He shows you how to search for pictures by object type, copy images from messages to Photos, use Quick Notes with Photos, and automate common tasks with shortcuts.

Derrick walks you through the improved importing process and gives you some useful tips on organizing and editing your pictures directly in Photos. Plus, he shows you where to find more tips and techniques for working with Photos for macOS.

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

My Writing on Medium.com: I now have 51 published articles on Medium.com. And if you haven't visited the site, and enjoy good writing on a variety of topics, I suggest that you may want to take a look. You can just go to the home page and enter "Derrick Story" in the search field. And if you like what you read, then follow me!

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.