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This is The Digital Story Podcast #506, Nov. 17, 2015. Today's theme is "Top 10 Gifts for Photographers." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I'm so jazzed because I just finished and published the itinerary for the SF Street Photography Workshop. This 3-day event takes us to the coolest locations throughout the City, and even on a ferry to Sausalito (one of the best ferry rides around). Signups are already underway, so please don't procrastinate if you plan on attending.

Photographer's Top Ten Gift Guide

Here are 10 gift ideas that should surprise and delight the photographer in your life.

  • The ikan Micro Spot On-Camera Light $69.95 - This lightweight, cool-to-the touch, daylight-balanced, on-camera LED about the size of a small flashlight. The front of the light incorporates a lens system that creates a 30° beam angle providing a directional light well suited for on-camera use or also as a kicker light. The unit features a discrete on/off switch and is dimmable from 100 to 10% on using an integrated thumb wheel on the side. You can read more about in my article, Super Nimble LED Lighting Kit for Photogs on the Go.
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  • The Koolertron Pan and Tilt Flex Head $39 is a foldable, Z-shaped tripod head or standalone support. It's constructed of high quality aluminum, folds flat for easy transport, and can be used by itself or mounted on a tripod. It weights only 1 pound, but can hold a camera up to 6 pounds. When folded flat, it only measures 4.7" x 2.4" x 1.2". Note: If you want it by Christmas be sure to choose Expedited Shipping. It';s $15, increasing the total price to $54.
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  • The RavPower All-in-1 Filehub $45.99 - is a 5.4 ounce device that measures a mere 3.82 x 1.06 x 2.13 inches is WiFi enabled with a USB port on one end and a SD card reader on the other. Using the free iOS or Android FileHub Plus app, travelers can copy files from the SD card to an USB Flash drive for backup. There are many more functions available with the RavPower, but this one in particular is vital to mobile photographers. You can read more about it in my article, RavPower All-in-1 Filehub for Super Nimble Backup.
  • The Manfrotto Compact Xtreme $44.88 boasts 4-section tubes made of a combination of Adapto and aluminum and can hold a payload up to 1 kg. It features a 1/4 thread both on top and underneath, allowing a rapid change in the product's configuration in just a few easy steps.
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  • The Vanguard Havana 21 Shoulder Bag $39 - Whether you're going on a desert safari or an urban one, the tan Havana 21 Shoulder Bag from Vanguard will hold and protect your DSLR or Mirrorless camera with attached lens, 1-2 extra lenses, flash unit, accessories and a 7" tablet. The bag features a zippered main compartment with a removable, padded insert. Simply remove the insert to free up space for everyday excursions which don't involve photography. Within the shoulder bag next to the insert is a slip-in pocket with a touch-fastening tab for storing your 7" tablet.
  • The Tile (Gen 2) - Phone Finder. Key Finder. Item Finder $25 is a great way to keep track of keys and camera gear. The Tile works with its free companion iOS or Android app to log the last time the device was "seen," and you can instruct it to chime when in range. I keep one on my key ring, and drop my keyring into my messenger bag when on the go for double protection.
  • The Olympus 9mm f8.0 Fisheye Body Cap Lens $89 is one of the coolest optics for Micro Four Thirds camera bodies. About the size of an Oreo cookie, this little wonder provides amazingly sharp, gloriously wide views of the world. Easy on both the pocketbook and camera bag.
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  • The Cooperative of Photography Original Photo Glove 139 Euros are possibly the nicest gloves I've ever used for photography. Made from super soft leather with silicon logo imprints on the palm side for better grip, these gloves are as fashionable as they are functional. The index finger on each hand is specially designed for precision control of camera buttons and dials, plus works with touchscreen devices. So you can operate all of your devices while keeping your hands warm in the gloves. European customers can order in sizes ranging from Small to XXL from the COOPH online store. I recommend that you purchase one size larger than you normally wear. U.S. customers can buy the Original Photo Gloves from these U.S. dealers.
  • The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens $149 is a wonderful optic for street photographers providing a versatile 38mm focal length on APS-C bodies (lens does not work on full frame Canons). With its slim design that only measures 1" thick, plus 7 blade aperture for smooth bokeh effects, not to mention the relatively fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, this optic is light enough to take anywhere, yet provides pro results everywhere.
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  • The The Essence of Photography $29 by Bruce Barnbaum demonstrates that photographic seeing and creativity can be taught, learned, and improved. This book expands on the ideas that are central to Bruce's method of teaching photography, which he has used in workshops for the past 41 years. 196 pages, soft cover, 10" x 10".

And I have two copies of Bruce's book to give away this week. All you have to do to enter is sign up for The Nimbleosity Report before Monday, Nov. 23. You'll receive twice-a-month highlights from The Nimble Photographer and The Digital Story, plus be eligible for a free copy of the book. I'll announce the recipients on next week's show.

Get Your Training On

This week's lynda recommendation is iPhone and iPad Photography with iOS 9 with Sean Duggan. We have these powerful devices with us practically everywhere we go. Here's how to get the most out of them as imaging tools.

Software Download

iWatermark +. The Essential Watermarking App for Professional and Beginning Photographers. Watermarks, once added to a photo or video, display that it was created and is owned by you. Easily, secure and protect your photos by signing them with 9 visible and 2 invisible = 11 watermark types. These days any unique photo can suddenly go viral and lose all connection to it's owner/creator. A watermark subtly displays, no matter where your photo goes, that it's your property and can provide a link to your website. $3.99 - available for iOS, Android, Mac OS X, and Windows.

Cash In on Greeting Cards

Red River Paper posts in their blog: "The Greeting Card Association estimates that more than 7 billion paper cards were sold last year at prices ranging from $2 to $10 and that women accounted for 80% of the sales. Despite the e-card phenomenon, nine out of ten people still prefer receiving (and keeping) a card they can display- on a desk, bedside table, or taped to the fridge." Red River Paper is the longest running sponsor of The Digital Story.

See you next week!

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (33 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Zenfolio If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit www.zenfolio.com today.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

The Nimbleosity Report

Do you want to keep up with the best content from The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer? Sign up for The Nimbleosity Report, and receive highlights twice-a-month in a single page newsletter. Be a part of our community!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #505, Nov. 10, 2015. Today's theme is "Getting Our House in Order." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

As we settle in to the new format for the show, I have to say that I'm really excited about our momentum going in to 2016. Participation is at an all time high, the photo industry is showing signs of creativity, and we're going to get some stuff done.

Getting the House in Order

We have roughly 6 weeks before the end of 2015. Some of that will be consumed by the holidays. What I'm proposing is that we use this time to get ourselves organized so we can have a solid start to 2016. Here are some of the items to consider.

  • Equipment Inventory - have you logged your purchases for 2015?
  • Hard Drive Evaluation. What is the state of your archiving system, and do you have the hardware to match your needs?
  • Photo Management Software. Would be nice to start our the New Year with the system you're going to rely on for 2016. Are you in good shape with that?

I talk about these in today's first story.

In the News

How to create a mirror image photo effect in-camera. I found this interesting post on Digital Camera World where they show you how to duplicate a cityscape and create a mirror image effect in-camera using little more than plexiglas, perspective, and precision. The result is a water-like reflection... without the water.

In other news, DP Review's 2015 Roundup of Fixed Prime Lens Cameras. The included on their list: (can you guess?)

  • Leica Q (Typ 116)
  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II
  • Fujifilm FinePix X100T
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Sigma Quattro series
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Gear We Like

The Ricoh WG-M1 Waterproof Action Video Camera with 1.5-Inch LCD ($133) initially caught my eye with its intense rugged looks. But the features are noteworthy too - Wi-Fi enabled, waterproof to an impressive depth of 32 feet without requiring a protective housing, shock-resistant against a fall from 6 feet, and cold-resistant to temperatures as low as -10 Degree C.

With its ultra-wide-angle lens, this rugged little camera captures dynamic Full HD movies with a realistic sense of depth. The WG-M1 provides a host of advantageous features including multitasking that allows the user to check real-time images during both still and movie recording, and a 1.5-inch color LCD monitor. Approximately 14.0 effective megapixels captures high-resolution still images, while its high-speed, continuous shooting capability records subjects at a speed of roughly 10 images per second.

Brighten Up Your Store Front

The folks over at Zenfolio have added some new features that will help you better serve your customers. If you're a freelance photographer who wants present a professional customer experience, check out these additions to the comprehensive Zenfolio experience.

  • Email Templates - Customize your email templates for group, gallery, collection and event invitations to make sending personalized invitations a snap. You can also personalize gallery expiration emails and create your own custom templates to use for any kind of client communication. To change a system template or create a new one, go to Visitors from Edit View and look for the new Email Templates page.
  • One-Click Price Lists - Price lists are easier than ever to create now that we do the work for you! Your new price list comes with the most popular products pre-selected. You can start bringing in sales in 2 clicks and with no hassle. You can of course still easily add or remove products and adjust each product pricing to suit your needs.
  • Shopping Improvements - We've made the shopping experience more visual, sleek, and simpler to navigate. Large preview images of your products add more detail and polish to the Shop, and the new sidebar makes it easier for your clients to browse products with fewer clicks. These improvements will help your customers find the products they want quickly and customize and buy them with ease.

Member Quote of the Week

Intelligent comments culled from The Digital Story Facebook page.

In regard to my post, Aerial Photography Without a Drone, David Michael Rogers writes, "I used a similar setup to investigate some squirrels who'd taken up residence in a brick column in my building. I couldn't see exactly where they were getting in and out, so I stuck the Air on a monopod and poked it up into the rafters. Got a somewhat oof shot of a squirrel sticking her nose up out of the access they'd made. I have an inexpensive monopod that doesn't have a quarter-twenty at both ends. But I can use a small Pedco Ultrapod (the tiny one), and the velcro strap wraps just tightly enough around the bottom extension that I can use the full length of the monopod."

Post your thoughts on our Facebook page. Believe me, I read them.

Software Download

Pixelmator Rewritten, Now OS X Photo Extension Too. Pixelmator 3.4 was rewritten for Mac OS X El Capitan and includes support for multitasking via Split View and a Photos Extension with powerful Distort tools. This is the fifth editing extension for Photos for OS X. Pixelmator 3.4 is available in the Mac App Store for $29.99 and is compatible with OS X 10.9.5 or later and a 64-bit processor. Via TDS.

Cash In on Greeting Cards

Red River Paper posts in their blog: "The Greeting Card Association estimates that more than 7 billion paper cards were sold last year at prices ranging from $2 to $10 and that women accounted for 80% of the sales. Despite the e-card phenomenon, nine out of ten people still prefer receiving (and keeping) a card they can display- on a desk, bedside table, or taped to the fridge." Red River Paper is the longest running sponsor of The Digital Story.

Found in the Bottom of the Bag

I've added the Nimble Ultralight Shoulder Bag to the Nimble Photographer Store. This is a limited edition. The Eastern Sierra Fall Color Workshop holds the top spot on the TDS 2016 Workshops Reserve List. And if you plan on ordering through B&H Photo or Amazon, please stop by the TDS site first, click on their respective ad tile, then place your order. That extra step helps support the site.

See you next week!

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (31 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Zenfolio If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit www.zenfolio.com today.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #504, Nov. 3, 2015. Today's theme is "We're going to make some changes." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

There are only two directions in publishing: moving forward or falling back. In the last year, I've seen plenty of each. In the moving forward category, the team at Rocky Nook is definitely on the rise. They invested in personnel who have brought new ideas to the company, and their risks are paying off. I'm lucky enough to be part of that change, and I'm excited about the prospects for 2016.

As for falling back, I think the old Digital Story served its purpose, but I have not been feeling the passion that I want from this enterprise. So we're going to shake things up, and as of today, I'm presenting to you a new show. If you like what you hear, I want you to get behind it. So let's get to it.

It's Not a Paperweight; It's a Flash

I just finished a new eBook titled Rocky Nook's Guide to Flash Terminology. It's a free download, and in it I illustrate and explain the meaning of all those terms we hear in flash photography.

We all have these things, but I sometimes get the feeling we're too lazy to pull them out of our camera bags. Here's a scenario when I think it's worth your trouble to power up the speedlight.

Twilight Portraits. These are the coolest images. Whether you're shooting a wedding or visiting a big city, go outside at twilight, find a stunning sunset or city light backdrop, steady your camera, and make a portrait using slow synchro flash.

Don't overexpose your subject. Dial down flash exposure compensation to pull the speedlight illumination into alignment with the background lighting. These portraits can be stunning.

Get Your Training On

This week's lynda recommendation is Street Photography: The City at Night with Steve Simon. After you finish your twilight portrait, explore the mysterious side of the city with a fast lens and a sharp eye. Steve Simon will provide the inspiration and technical knowhow to help you get the most out of this adventure.

In the News

  • Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II sales to resume on November 7 - DPReview
  • World-Famous Instagram Model Essena O'Neill Quits Social Media, stating that, "Since the age of about 15, O'Neill had cultivated an identity of false perfection that she obsessively shared with the world and filled an endless need to acquire more validation through social media. O'Neill is now reorienting her career to speak about how the creation of this fake persona that was based completely on physical appearance has had a tremendously negative impact on both the perception of her own self-worth as well as starving her from experiencing life outside social media." - FStoppers Original Article.

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Gear We Like

The Tenba Cooper Luxury Canvas 13 Slim Camera Bag with Leather Accents ($229). The exterior features Peach-wax cotton canvas (20% polyester reinforcement) with 2x water-repellent PU coating, waterproof, full-grain leather base and accents. Inside you'll find ilicone-coated, water-repellent ripstop nylon and soft, brushed tricot. Hardware: YKK® zippers with hand-riveted full-grain leather zipper pulls. The Cooper 13 Slim accommodates a mirrorless camera with 3-5 lenses or a DSLR with 2-3 lenses (up to 70-200mm 2.8). The rear padded sleeve will hold a laptop up to 13 inches.

Support This Show

What does Jon, Christopher, Ed, Craig, Edward, Tim, Kevin, Larry, Thomas, Byron, Gary, Randall, and Sean have in common? They have pledged their support of this podcast by becoming an Becoming an Independent Online Supporter. Their support of Independent Online Publishing has helped fund our latest server upgrade to ensure that this content reaches anyone who wishes to listen. You can do your part today by clicking on the Sponsorship tab at the top of TheDigitalStory.com.

Member Quote of the Week

Intelligent comments culled from The Digital Story Facebook page.

In regard to my post, Why I Take My Bag to Breakfast, Steve Blazevich writes: "I always go straight home after I'm done shooting what I have to, I can't stand the idea of going in a store while leaving my camera bag in the car. Most times it's not practical either for me to carry everything in to a store. I should look in to a better bag." I agree Steve, get yourself a nimble bag and you won't have to rush home after a shoot.

Post your thoughts on our Facebook page. Believe me, I read them.

Software Download

Camra camera app saves photos and video directly to the cloud. The newly released Camra apps aims to make things easier by uploading images and video straight to the cloud as you shoot. The added bonus is that you can keep shooting, even if you are out of storage, as Camra never stores the files locally. A free Camra account offers up to 5GB of storage space but $0.99 a month buys you a full 100GB. If you'd like to give the app and service a closer look you can download Camra now from Google Play and the Apple App Store. Via DPConnect.

How Long Should You Let Your Inkjet Prints Dry?

Red River Paper posts in their latest newsletter: "As a general rule, you can handle and work with photo inkjet prints as soon as the come out of your printer. They are "dry to the touch" but in reality it takes about 24 hours for an inkjet print to fully cure and dry." Red River Paper is the longest running sponsor of The Digital Story.

What the Heck?

My inaugural "What the Heck?" goes to the development team at Apple responsible for Photos for OS X. Why don't you give us star ratings? Really. You've created this beautiful editing interface and integrated cloud connectivity, and yet you refuse to provide a reasonable method for enthusiast photographers to rate their images.

I'm begging you. Get off the stick and give us a front end that's deserving of the genius that we see in the other parts of the app. It's not too late. We're asking you to please give us the tools we need to do our job.

Found in the Bottom of the Bag

I've added the Walking Man Flask Set to the Nimble Photographer Store. The Eastern Sierra Fall Color Workshop holds the top spot on the TDS 2016 Workshops Reserve List. And if you plan on ordering through B&H Photo or Amazon, please stop by the TDS site first, click on their respective ad tile, then place your order. That extra step helps support the site.

See you next week!

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

On today's The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Favorite Hardware from PPE, Interview with Simone Wilson and John Hershey, TDS Fall Photography Workshop Wrap-up - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - c't Digital Photography reports: Noteworthy Announcements from PhotoPlus Expo:

Canon has done their part with the G5X (Oct. 13) and a new mirrorless model. They also had a solid printer announcement (Oct. 21). Sony dropped the RX1R II with 42MP sensor and EVF (Oct. 14), and then Leica's cool SL system with Type 601 full-frame mirrorless camera and lenses (Oct. 20) was a great surprise. Sigma piled on with the 20mm f/1.4 (Oct. 16), And I love Fujifilm's unveiling of the weather-sealed 35mm F2 lens and 1.4x teleconverter (Oct. 21).

In other news, "How to make a dead simple DIY speedlight grid" Imaging-Resource reports: "If you're looking for a fun, simple DIY project this week, photographer Isiah Xiong has you covered. In his latest video, shared on YouTube, he shows off a simple way to make a speedlight grid with nothing more than straws, tape, scissors and thick construction paper."

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Story #1 - "Interview with Simone Wilson and John Hershey"

Simone Wilson has authored the beautiful, informative Sonoma Coast book featuring images by herself and TDS member John Hershey. I sit down with Simone and John at the TDS Studio to discuss what it takes to conceive, author, and publish a book.

Story #2 - Wrap-up from the TDS Fall Photography Workshop

We covered everything from color temperature for portraits, to wildlife photography, to shooting landscapes. Here's a brief wrap-up of the just-concluded TDS workshop in Sonoma County.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Up and Running with FotoMagico with Richard Harrington. Slideshows are a great way to showcase your favorite photos. FotoMagico is an easy-to-use Mac application for exporting high-quality slideshows in variety of formats, including movies, DVDs, and even standalone iOS apps. FotoMagico lets you combine photos and music as well as add narration, movies, transitions, and movement. In this course, Rich Harrington shows how to set up a new slideshow; customize the display and playback options; enhance the slideshow with layers, graphics, and watermarks; and publish it as a self-contained movie, an iOS app, and as a reel for posting on YouTube or Vimeo.

You can watch Richard in action by visiting lynda.com. And you can sign up for your 7-day free trial by visiting the TDS Screening Room.

Virtual Camera Club News

TDS Workshops 2016

We've had a change at the top spot for week two of the Reserve list with Fall Color in the Eastern Sierra garnering the most reservations. If you're looking for a satisfying photo adventure, take a look at the TDS Workshops Page for more information.

Holiday Note from SizzlPix

5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix orders received over the next few weeks can be guaranteed to beat the rush and be delivered for the holidays. (a surprise for that person who "has everything.")

For The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club members ... if you'd like additional copies of for gifts, or 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix of any other of your images to make spectacular, amazing holiday gifts, order any two SizzlPix to be shipped together, and we'll give you 20% off on the second one! Order any sizes from 18-inches up to a mind-boggling 48 by 72". Imagine -- six feet! and no sacrifice in resolution, luminance, and impact. You can walk up to even the biggest 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix as close as you can focus your eyes, and every detail will be there, without grain, noise nor distortion, just as you see it on your phone or pad! Yes, it is like retina display for your wall.

Note from Kevin Miller about Red River Paper - Kevin did some price comparisons with Epson stock, and here's what he found for 10 mil thickness and luster/satin surface:
Epson Ultra Premium Luster 13x19 (from Epson site), #50, $115 or $2.30 per sheet. Thickness 10 mil.
Epson Ultra Premium Luster 13x19 (from B&H Photo), #50, $77.50 or $1.55 per sheet. Thickness 10 mil.
Red River Arctic Polar Satin 13x19, #50, $64.76 or $1.30 per sheet. Thickness 10.5 mil.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (41 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Zenfolio If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit www.zenfolio.com today.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Today on The Digital Story Photography Podcast - Interview with Sony Artisan Brian Matiash, Adjustable Color Temperature LED Lighting, and Drone Registration - all of this and more with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - DP Review reports: FAA reportedly developing mandatory drone registration system: The U.S. government may soon require most drones to be registered, according to the Associated Press. Sources speaking on the matter state the FAA is working with unspecified industry and government officials to create a registration system. While the exact requirements aren't known, it is believed small and toy drones will not require registration.

The registration requirement would help officials track operators who do not follow the appropriate regulations. The FAA reportedly wants the registration requirement implemented before Christmas, as it is anticipated hundreds of thousands of drones will be sold. The FAA is less concerned with lightweight drones that can't fly above a few hundred feet, as they're not as risky as heavier and more powerful drones.

In other news, "Live GIF app easily turns your iPhone's Live Photos into GIFs and videos" Imaging-Resource reports: "Rather than relying on the support of a few social networks, Live GIF lets you easily turn your photo/video hybrid into an animated GIF or video to share with the world across social media.

The process is simple. Open Live GIF, select the Live Photo you want to convert, choose whether you want it as a GIF or video file, and you're done. Saving and sharing is done via iOS' baked-in share sheet."

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Story #1 - "Adjustable Color Temperature LED Lighting"

I've been testing the Dracast LED500 Pro Bi-Color LED Light and have found it amazing for my location photo shoot assignments because of its variable color setting from 3200K to 5600K. Here's how it works.

Story #2 - Interview with Sony Artisan Brian Matiash

Brian is an accomplished photographer who now uses Sony mirrorless cameras for his work. In this discussion, we talk about the switch to mirrorless, Sony cameras, and the ever-changing photo industry.

Story #3 - Uploading Directly from Lightroom to Zenfolio

There are two plug-ins available to connect your Lightroom workflow to Zenfolio. The first is ZExport-to-Zenfolio by Jeffrey Friedl and the other is Photo Upload Zenfolio by New P Products, which allows you to upload your photos from either Lightroom's publish services or from the Export window.

There are also connectors for Eye-Fi, Photo Mechanic, and Windows Live Photo Gallery. You can find out more at the Uploading Photos page on zenfolio.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

TDS Workshops 2016

The Reserve List is off to a great start, with the Pt. Reyes National Seashore event garnering the most entries the first week. The August 2016 workshop will be our first visit to this location. If you're looking for a satisfying summer adventure, take a look at the TDS Workshops Page for more information.

Holiday Note from SizzlPix

5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix orders received over the next few weeks can be guaranteed to beat the rush and be delivered for the holidays. (a surprise for that person who "has everything.")

For The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club members ... if you'd like additional copies of for gifts, or 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix of any other of your images to make spectacular, amazing holiday gifts, order any two SizzlPix to be shipped together, and we'll give you 20% off on the second one! Order any sizes from 18-inches up to a mind-boggling 48 by 72". Imagine -- six feet! and no sacrifice in resolution, luminance, and impact. You can walk up to even the biggest 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix as close as you can focus your eyes, and every detail will be there, without grain, noise nor distortion, just as you see it on your phone or pad! Yes, it is like retina display for your wall.

Note from Red River Paper - Red River Paper will be exhibiting at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, October 22-24, at the Javits Center in New York City, and we want to see you there! Stop by booth 1158 to be the first to see their two new paper additions for 2016!

New Title Coming from lynda.com

I'm in the middle of recording Photos for Mac OS X Essential Training, and I think you're going to really like this title. It will be out before the end of 2015. Apple's latest photo management app has more than initially meets the eye. In the meantime, I have Up and Running with Photos for OS X to get you going while I finish the essential training title.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (49 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Zenfolio If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit www.zenfolio.com today.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Mac OS X El Capitan for Photographers, TDS 2016 Photography Workshop Lineup, Revisiting the DxO ONE with the iPhone 6S - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - DP Review reports: Adobe issues Lightroom 6.2 apology and update: Adobe has issued an apology over the 'significant crashing bug' introduced in Lightroom 6.2. The latest version of the software was released last Monday, and brought with it a redesigned import experience. That new experience, unfortunately, also introduced instability into Lightroom and removed some import functions; users reported issues with the software crashing and running poorly.

Adobe's Tom Hogarty issued the apology on Friday, revealing that Adobe was aware of the issues but due to 'the scope of the bug' being unclear, the company decided to ship the software regardless while continuing to 'search for a reproducible case.' Adobe issued a new update on Friday, version 6.2.1, that corrects the problem. It appears what Adobe called, "very low usage features" indeed were not.

In other news, "Light announces the L16, a 52-megapixel 'DSLR-killer' that fits in your pocket" Imaging-Resource reports: "The L16 packs in sixteen 13-megapixel camera modules at three different focal lengths - 35mm (5), 70mm (5) and 150mm (6) - for a total of 52-megapixels. Each of these modules captures an individual image, which is then stitched together via software to yield a photo that Light claims is equal to the quality of a DSLR with a large lens attached."

Light has officially opened up pre-orders for the L16, which will set you back $200 for an immediate deposit and a remaining $1,100 (and applicable taxes) when it ships in 'late summer 2016'. Snagging one after November 6th will bump the price up by $400.

Story #1 - "Mac OS X El Capitan for Photographers"

In general, the update to Mac OS X 10.11 has been a smooth one. Aperture still works well, Photos for OS X receives some nifty new tools, and overall speed seems better. I cover the good and the not so good in today's top feature story.

sf-night-scene.jpg

Story #2 - The 2016 TDS Photo Workshop Season

I've added two new workshops this year: Pt. Reyes National Seashore in August and Reinvent the Wedding in February. Plus, in 2016 we're going to the Eastern Sierra for Fall Color and exploring Bodie. In April, we'll return to San Francisco for the very popular Street Shooting workshop. I cover all of these in today's second feature. You can reserve your spot now on the TDS Workshops page.

Story #3 - Looking at Presets and Customizing in Zenfolio

To help you get started, Zenfolio provides designer presets. They are site design and layout settings that have already been adjusted and optimized to make your various Zenfolio pages have a well coordinated presentation. A preset can be applied to your entire site or individual pages. They are comprehensive, affecting your site settings, theme, layouts, and page options.

As you spend more time with your site, you may want to customize particular areas. There are many ways to do this, today I want to mention that you can import and export the custom themes created through the Zenfolio Theme Designer. So you can share your custom themes with other Zenfolio users and also use themes created by other Zenfolio users. You can also purchase themes from third party sites like Zenjoyable.

The bottom line is this: with Zenfolio, you can combine the design expertise of others with your own personal tastes to create a look that suits your photography perfectly. Find out more at zenfolio.com.

Story #4 - Revisiting the DxO ONE with the iPhone 6S

When I first started shooting with the DxO ONE, I was using my iPhone 5S. Now that I've upgraded to the 6S, I want to update my notes on this interesting high resolution camera.

I'm currently using the Apple leather case with the 6S, and happily, I can connect the DXO ONE to the phone with the case still on. This is a major usability improvement.

Also, the ONE seems to lock-in better with the 6S than with the older model. To me, it felt very secure in use.

And finally, the larger screen and beefed up processing power of the 6S further enhanced operation. There's a real advantage to having direct connection instead of using WiFi for camera communication. Overall, I like the DxO ONE even better with the new iPhone.

Story #5 - From the Screening Room

The DIY Photographer with Joseph Linaschke. In the world of photography, even the simplest accessories can cost a few days' salary. The answer? Don't buy it. Build it! That's the idea behind The Do-It-Yourself Photographer. Every other week, photographer and educator Joseph Linaschke shows how you can fashion ordinary items--from plastic cups to clamps to parchment paper--into accessories that will improve lighting, stabilize your camera, and much more.

You can watch Joseph in action by visiting lynda.com. And you can sign up for your 7-day free trial by visiting the TDS Screening Room.

Virtual Camera Club News

A Word from SizzlPix

The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

Note from Red River Paper - "Choosing the Right Paper for Portraits and Weddings Images" - The de facto standard for wedding and portrait prints over the past four decades has been luster paper. Photo labs refer to this lightly textured media as the "photo e-surface." The terms satin, luster, and sometimes pearl can be used interchangeably. It strikes a good balance between the glossy and matte surfaces, offering the benefits of excellent color reproduction, a non-distracting surface, and fingerprint protection.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (32 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Zenfolio If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit www.zenfolio.com today.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Episode 500 begins with a stroll down memory lane, with the first steps at Podcast 1, then wandering through events over the last decade. This special 1-hour presentation is a retrospective that you don't want to miss. So sit back and join me as we celebrate 10 years The Digital Story.

"After 499 shows, Derrick Story finally gets it right..." A Photographer in Northern California.

"The best Digital Story ever! Santa Rosa Shooter.

Show 001 - Photo Flash Techniques - Oct. 4, 2015

Compact cameras generally use "Auto Flash" as their default mode. And for most flash photography, auto gets the job done. But if you want to improve your photos, to the point where they rival professional images, spend a few minutes exploring the other flash modes on your camera.

derrick-2006-ready-to-record.jpg Derrick Story in 2006, ready to record a remote interview for the TDS podcast.

Show 069 - What's in My Bag - Feb. 13, 2007

There's no greater satisfaction than having packed the perfect camera kit for the assignment at hand. In this podcast, I discuss what was in my camera bag as I ventured out to shoot an indoor basketball game. After covering all the items in the picture above, I then solicit readers for what's in their camera bags.

Show 100 -Top Ten $100 Photo Accessories - Sept. 25, 2007

Tony writes: I can't believe it's 100 Digital Story podcasts already! Congratulations! I've been there since the beginning - I think I first heard about your podcast on the Inside Mac Radio podcast. If I remember correctly, Scott interviewed you to debut your podcast.

Anyway, it is by far my favorite podcast. Your topics are interesting, relevant, and inspiring and your delivery truly encourages the sense of community that you like. And don't worry about the production quality of those first few podcasts (I do remember those); the slickest production means nothing if you don't have good content, and good content stands on its own without any gloss. Keep up the great work!

Show 138 - Visit to the Olympic Media Center - Aug. 4, 2008

The Olympic Media Center has over 200 workstations set to help journalists share Olympic moments with the world. In this podcast, I'll provide some insights about this "city within the city," which will also be my home for the next 10 days.

Show 181 - Meet the Olympus E-P1 - June 16, 2009

State of the art technology melded with Olympus Pen tradition, the E-P1 digital camera is a new breed of DSLR featuring HD video, Raw format, micro 4/3rds, in a stylish stainless steel compact body. In this podcast, I walk you through the feature set of this latest innovation by Olympus.

Show 199 - Tom Hogarty on Lightroom 3 beta - Oct. 26, 2009

Tom Hogarty, Lightroom senior product manager, talks about Lightroom beta 3 that was announced on the eve of PhotoPlus Expo in New York.

Show 363 - No Camera for You - Feb. 19, 2013

Derrick, Very funny stuff today, absolutely loved this podcast , not that I don't like them all, I do! As well as really hitting my funny bone, it happened to be very timely to boot, as I had just yesterday finally succumbed to the wicked call of the OMD! And of course this came after weeks and weeks of finding reasons why I shouldn't buy it. It's absolutely hopeless resisting! Take care, and keep up your excellent work. -Brad

Show 434 - End of Aperture - July 1, 2014

Apple Halts Development of iPhoto and Aperture, Migrates Users to New Photos App. Aperture users have three basic options: do nothing, switch to Lightroom, or migrate to Photos. I talk about these options in today's second segment.

Thank you for being with me all these years

I can't tell you how important your support has been for the last decade. I do this show for you, and your feedback and support has fueled its evolution. Thank you so much. Let's do another 500!

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (59 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Our Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Zenfolio If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit www.zenfolio.com today.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Top 10 Things I Like with the iPhone 6S, Zenfolio for Working Photographers, My iPhone Upgrade Program Experience - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - DP Review reports: Phottix launches Laso Transmitter and Receiver for Canon flashes: "Phottix has launched its Laso Flash Trigger System today for the Canon RT Wireless radio flash system and the camera maker's non-radio E-TTL flashes. The Laso Transmitter can be used with up to 15 radio flashes in five groups, while the Laso receiver enables the setup to be used with non-radio E-TTL flashes. The Phottix Laso Receiver is available now for $99.95 USD from B&H Photo.

The Laso Transmitter can be used to trigger non-radio E-TTL flashes with the Laso Receiver; photographers can also use the Canon ST-E3-RT flash transmitter or similar devices instead of the Laso Transmitter if desired. The transmitter supports a variety of flash modes, including Manual, Ext.A, MULTI, Linked Shooting and E-TTL II/E-TTL. The receiver, meanwhile, supports studio lights in addition to non-radio flashes for incorporating them into a triggering system. The Phottix Laso Transmitter is available for $159.95 USD."

In other news, "How the iPhone 6S Camera Compares to All Previous iPhones" Petapixel reports: "One of the big improvements in the new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are the new camera modules, which now shoot 12-megapixel photos. If you'd like to see how the new camera stacks up to its entire line of predecessors, Camera+ co-founder Lisa Bettany has published a series of side-by-side comparison images showing the same scenes captured with each camera."

palace-fine-arts-iphone6s.jpg The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Image captured with an iPhone 6S, automatically saved to Photos and backed up in iCloud. Image by Derrick Story.

Story #1 - "Top 10 Things I Like with the iPhone 6S - My Review"

I've upgraded from an iPhone 5S to 6S, and the differences between the devices are distinct. Here are the things that have jumped out at me.

  • Improved screen. Larger size 4.7" or 5.5", 3D Touch, different resolutions (Display Zoom) - the viewing experience is better than ever.
  • New 12-megapixel iSight camera with A9 processor. (Beautiful pictures!) Every pixel in the sensor has been reengineered to prevent crosstalk between the sub pixels, meaning we could fit a lot more pixels in the sensor for a sharper photo that has less noise and truer color.
  • Live Photos. Some might call this a gimmick, but I really like it. Water shots are the coolest.
  • Touch ID that really works.
  • Low Power Mode.
  • Selfie Flash via Retina Display
  • 4K Video - have to turn it on. 1080p is the default.
  • Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video.
  • AirPlay faster and more responsive than ever.
  • iPhone Upgrade Program - unlocked phone plus AppleCare.

Story #2 - Zenfolio for Working Photographers

Zenfolio is a new sponsor of The Digital Story, and I want to introduce you to them today. They are a portfolio and online client proofing website. Based on my testing, you can be up and running in 30 minutes. The service is perfect for photographers shooting weddings, senior portraits, and business events. The tools and design are fantastic.

One of the coolest features is the Photo Moments app for Android and iOS. It allows your clients to instantly gain access to their digital photos, view them in a beautiful presentation, download to their device and share with others. Users simply open the app, add their gallery, and their images become instantly accessible for client viewing--anytime, anywhere. Sophisticated features include: Option for the photographer to disable photo downloads for extra protection, gallery password protection, gallery expiration dates, watermarking options, and plenty more.

You can learn more about Zenfolio by visiting their site, www.zenfolio.com. You can sign up for a 15-day free trail. And if you like what you see, prices start at only $60 a year. If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit Zenfolio today.

Story #3 - iPhone Upgrade Program

For this iPhone, I made an appointment with my local Apple Store so I could enroll in the iPhone Upgrade Program. Here's the story of how it went.

The details look like this: iPhone 6S 64GB ($749) plus two years of AppleCare ($129) Sales tax ($65.54). Total $943.54

My first installment plus tax is $102.12. Then after that, it's $36.58 a month for 24 months. 0% interest. I can upgrade when the next iPhone comes out. Or I can pay off the 6S and keep it. The phone is unlocked. AT&T has acknowledged the new phone, and I don't see any additional charges for going this route.

Virtual Camera Club News

A Word from SizzlPix

The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

Note from Red River Paper - Red River Paper is proud to be exhibiting at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, October 22-24, at the Javits Center in New York City, and we hope to see you there. Look for them in booth 1158. And if you don't have a Expo pass yet, you can get one for free from RRP.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (38 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Zenfolio If you want your site to look as good as your photos, visit www.zenfolio.com today.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Tips for Better High School Senior Portraits, Pentax Full Frame DSLR Coming this Spring, It's Time to Reinvent the Wedding, Free Photo Plus Expo Pass from Red River Paper- all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - Petapixel reports: New Pentax Full Frame DSLR Teaser Site Says Camera Coming in Spring 2016: "Ricoh has put up a new teaser page for its upcoming full frame Pentax DSLR. Back in February 2015, Ricoh announced that the camera would arrive by the end of the year. It looks like that date got pushed back a bit, as the website now says the debut will happen in Spring of 2016."

In other news, "Reports State Canon Working on a New 24-70mm f2.8 L IS Lens." The Phoblographer reports: "Canon's lineup of lenses currently includes both a 24-70mm f4 L IS and a 24-70mm f2.8 L USM-but no f2.8 version with IS built in. There were rumors being passed about this for a while now due to a patent, but Canon Rumors and Photo Rumors are saying that it's a very strong possibility that we may see one in the near future. With Tamron, Tokina and Nikon all having their own version, it just makes sense."

Story #1 - "5 Tips for High School Senior Portraits"

Personally, I really like shooting high school senior portraits. I learn stuff from these kids. The ideas they bring to the photo shoot help me become a better photographer. And in return, I can help capture this important moment in their life. Here are five tips to help you get the best shots possible.

  • Find the right location
  • Insist on wardrobe options
  • Get your lighting act together
  • Help them with posing
  • Capture a variety of poses

bridal-poker-chip.jpg

Story #2 - Reinvent the Wedding

You may have noticed a new tab on The Digital Story nav bar labeled Weddings. What's up with that? Well, I've stepped back and had a close look at wedding photography. And this new site, Reinvent the Wedding is a refreshed approach to capturing the pinnacle of social events. I discuss the details in today's second feature story.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Creating Black-and-White Landscape Photos with Lightroom with Taz Tally.

You can watch Taz in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Taz's movies, plus every other title in the library.

Story #4 - Rocky Nook Evangelist Program

You can read all about the new program on the Evangelist landing page. Highlights include: early access to eBooks and 5 free print books per year. Plus other goodies such as T-Shirts and coupons. What you need to bring to the table is an online community to share your reviews with. If you have that, then take a look at this cool new program.

Virtual Camera Club News

A Word from SizzlPix

The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

Note from Red River Paper - Red River Paper is proud to be exhibiting at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, October 22-24, at the Javits Center in New York City, and we hope to see you there. Look for them in booth 1158. And if you don't have a Expo pass yet, you can get one for free from RRP.

Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (37 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Sony Alpha a7S II, Custom White Balance, Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 for M4/3, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Hands On - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "The Mitakon Speedmaster 25mm f/0.95 Lens: "An ultra-fast prime lens that provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 50mm for the MFT system. A maximum aperture of f/0.95 makes it perfect for low light conditions without flash. The lens weighs 0.51 pounds and is 2.5 inches long. Despite the light weight, the optic incorporates 11 elements in 9 groups, including 1 Extra-low dispersion element, 4 Extra-high Refractive Index elements, and 2 High Refractive index elements. Also, 11 aperture blades."

Note however, that the manufacturer warns that this optic is not compatible with the Olympus E-PL6, E-PL5, E-PM2, and OM-D E-M5 Mark I (Mark II is compatible). Set price is $395 from the manufacturer's site with free shipping, which should start in late October.

sony-a7s-2-front.jpg

In other news, "Sony Alpha a7S II records 4K internally, shoots up to ISO 409,600." DP Review reports: "Sony has introduced the Alpha 7S II, a second iteration of its video-centric Alpha 7S. The a7S II adds a wealth of videography features, including the ability to record 4K footage internally with full pixel read-out. Its full-frame 12MP sensor features an expanded ISO range of 50 up to 409,600 (100-102,400 native). Sony's in-body 5-axis image stabilization has also been added, introduced with the Sony a7 II." Other features include:

  • 2.36m-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF
  • 3.0" 1,228,800-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
  • Up to 5 fps Shooting and ISO 409600
  • Fast Intelligent AF, 169 AF Points
  • Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC

The price has gone up $500 from the previous model to $2,999 for body only. It's scheduled for release on Sept. 17, 2015.

Story #1 - "Custom White Balance"

Because I've started streaming images from the camera to my iPad for immediate review and posting, color accuracy has become even more important than before. I review some of my tips for capturing the best color possible in-camera.

Story #2 - Hands On with the OM-D E-M10 Mark II

I've had the camera in hand for a week now, and it is a different experience compared to the original E-M10. Aside from the enhanced feature set that I discussed earlier, the physical interaction has changed considerably. Here's what jumped out at me.

  • Right side grip makes it easier to shoot with one hand.
  • Mode dial is now on the right side. I don't see an advantage to that.
  • Fn3 function button added to the left side.
  • Power on switch now on top deck, left side.
  • Raised shutter release button is more comfortable, but it's also easier to accidentally change the exposure compensation.
  • Playback button moved to the lower right of the back panel.
  • Battery remains the same size and with good life.
  • Overall looks a bit more stylish.
  • Frame rate refresh needs to be set to High in the Mark II for an equivalent experience.
  • Flash popup lever is now part of the power switch.
  • The OM-D E-M10 Mark II is available now for $649.

    Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Lightroom CC Essential Training (2015) with Chris Orwig.

    You can watch Chris in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Chris' movies, plus every other title in the library.

    Story #4 - Rocky Nook Evangelist Program

    You can read all about the new program on the Evangelist landing page. Highlights include: early access to eBooks and 5 free print books per year. Plus other goodies such as T-Shirts and coupons. What you need to bring to the table is an online community to share your reviews with. If you have that, then take a look at this cool new program.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    A Word from SizzlPix

    The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

    SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

    Idea from Red River Paper - Do you know a Scrapbooker? Red River Paper has a page dedicated to those who love making scrapbooks, including a link to their Scrapbooker's sampler for only $14.99.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (35 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

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