Recently a reader asked for ideas to help him renew his creativity. Some of us chimed in with thoughts such as work with a different lens. But I've discovered that even a more powerful approach is to change aspect ratios. After working in 3:2 or 4:3, you'd be surprised how different the world looks in 16:9.

In this podcast I talk about using a Panasonic DMC-FZ8 in 16:9 mode, both for still files (Raw at that!) and for movies. I had a lot of fun, and it really got my creative juices flowing.

Photo of a school yard in Santa Rosa, CA shot in 16:9 with the FZ8, then cropped to 4x8 for printing in panoramic mode on a Canon CP-330 dye sub printer.

Monthly Photo Assignment

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Intersection. Keep your eyes peeled for elements in life that bisect. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is August 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "16:9." You can download the podcast here (25 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story Podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out.

Events! See the TDS Event Calendar for photography workshops, speaking engagements, and trade show appearances.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

Key steps to building your workflow include uploading, adding metadata, photo editing, image editing, output, and archiving. In this podcast, I explain how you can build your own photography workflow... with the tools you already have.

To help you along the way, you can download my 28-page workflow guide titled, I've Taken Great Pictures... Now What?. This guide is Free to TDS members!

Monthly Photo Assignment

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Intersection. Keep your eyes peeled for elements in life that bisect. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is August 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Build Your Workflow." You can download the podcast here (29 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story Podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out.

Events! See the TDS Event Calendar for photography workshops, speaking engagements, and trade show appearances.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

One of the toughest assignments in digital photography is to shoot in harsh light, especially portraits. There are things you can do at capture stage, such as shoot Raw, use fill flash, try reflectors, and zoom in tight when possible. We also have better tools in post production, such as Highlight and Shadow recovery. In this sample comparison here, I used the Highlight Recovery slider in Aperture to bring some skin tone back to these groomsmen.

In this podcast, I talk about surviving harsh lighting conditions and recommend techniques for coming away with professional looking images.

Monthly Photo Assignment

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Intersection. Keep your eyes peeled for elements in life that bisect. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is August 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Harsh Light." You can download the podcast here (28 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story Podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out.

Events! See the TDS Event Calendar for photography workshops, speaking engagements, and trade show appearances.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

We're often the knowledge resource that others seek when they have photography questions. But where do you start when trying to explain the basics to a novice?

In this podcast, I explain the first four things that you should teach a beginning photographer: Flash settings, ISO, white balance, and self-timer. Once a photographer understands these four tools, and knows where to find them on his or her camera, their pictures will immediately improve.

White balance settings are one of the four major topics that beginners should learn.

Monthly Photo Assignment

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Intersection. Keep your eyes peeled for elements in life that bisect. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is August 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Teaching Others." You can download the podcast here (29 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story Podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out.

Events! See the TDS Event Calendar for photography workshops, speaking engagements, and trade show appearances.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

This is a rebroadcast of Podcast 34 originally aired on May 30, 2006. I thought you might enjoy this interview with Scott Bourne again while I'm off cooling my heals on vacation. I'll be back with a new podcast next week. Until then, here are some great shooting tips...

You can learn time-tested shooting techniques that will make you a better photographer. The challenge is, remembering them while you're actually taking pictures. This week, I sit down with ace photographer, Scott Bourne, to find out how he captures everything from stunning bird portraits to bridal bliss. Scott uses clever acronyms such as EDFAT to mentally organize his compositional techniques. In this interview he reveals all so you can start using these tips today.

Scott has also provided a link to an article on EDFAT, which stands for Entire, Details, Frame, Angles, and Time. EDFAT is a method that allows you to fine-tune your photographic vision. It really makes sense once you read the article and listen to Scott discuss it.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's rebroadcasted audio show titled, "Killer Shooting Tips with Scott Bourne." You can download the podcast here (22 minutes).

The Digital Story Podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

Pop Photo's Digital Days is a two-day event that brings amateur photographers together to learn new techniques and share experiences. The workshop travels from city to city in the US, with next stops in Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago, and New Jersey. I was a guest speaker at the recent San Francisco event, and I talk about my positive experiences in this show. If you're looking to get together with other photographers to learn new techniques, then I recommend that you look at this tour. The entire weekend costs just $139, and that includes lunches and lots of goodies.

Event coordinator Phil Mistry working with models and attendees at the San Francisco Digital Days event. Photo by Derrick Story.

In this podcast, I also follow up with Colleen Wheeler to find out how her packing worked out for her trip to Ireland. Colleen reports on her experiences from that trip, including the family reunion.

Monthly Photo Assignment

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Pattern. Keep your eyes peeled for the patterns that are all around us. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is July 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Digital Days." You can download the podcast here (28 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story Podcasts are available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here. Just load the page in Safari, browse the podcast line-up, and click on the one you want to listen to.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

The recent Microsoft Pro Photo Summit in Redmond, WA featured many panel discussions on the business of professional photography today. Among the discussions, some of the most interesting involved copyright protection for photographers and the new "orphaned works" legislation proposed by Congress.

In this podcast, I discuss my impressions and some of the highlights from the Summit, including a little background on Orphan Works.

Photo of David Trust, PPA CEO speaking at the Microsoft Pro Photo Summit by Derrick Story

Monthly Photo Assignment

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Pattern. Keep your eyes peeled for the patterns that are all around us. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is July 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Orphan Works and Notes from the MS Photo Summit." You can download the podcast here (28 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

The Digital Story Podcasts are also available for direct download from Apple iPhones. I've created a special mobile download page here.

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out!

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

The ubiquitous self timer -- everyone has one, most forget to use it. In this episode I cover some of my favorite uses for the self timer, as well as remote releases. This simple function setting on your camera can help you get razor sharp images, even in less than perfect lighting.

Las Vegas Twilight by Derrick Story. Captured from the Stratosphere at the end of the Strip using the self timer with the camera resting on a flat surface.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Last month's assignment, Before & After, was so compelling I spent some time during the show discussing its results. I think there is much to be learned from the work that our club members shared.

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Pattern. Keep your eyes peeled for the patterns that are all around us. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is July 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Self Timer Tricks." You can download the podcast here (23 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out!

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

It's that time again to pack your bags and hit the road. In this year's edition of "Vacation Packing," I interview Colleen Wheeler, who is an O'Reilly editor in the Digital Media group, and an enthusiastic amateur photographer. I caught Colleen as she was preparing for a trip to Ireland to photograph a family reunion. We focused on making sure the well-heeled traveler has all the necessary pieces of equipment, but packed as compactly as possible.

It's a terrific, informative conversation that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Colleen's travel pictures will be published on the TDS Flickr Public Group.

Shown here is Colleen's "day bag" that includes her Panasonic LX2, Treo 680, and a few personal items.

Monthly Photo Assignment

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Pattern. Keep your eyes peeled for the patterns that are all around us. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is July 31.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Vacation Packing 07." You can download the podcast here (31 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out!

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

During a recent discussion about printers on the TDS Flickr public group page, I asked members what they are using to make prints. The Epson R1800 and HP B9180 were mentioned a few times, along with other options.

I thought this would be an interesting topic for the podcast, along with my three tips for great prints:

First, calibrate your monitor. I like the Pantone Eye-One Display LT Monitor Color Calibrator for about $163 US, but any good colorimeter will work.

Next, match your ICC profiles and printing paper. Usually the easiest way to do this is to buy paper manufactured by the same company that makes your printer. If you have an Epson, buy Epson paper. The corresponding ICC profile will be available in your printer dialog box because they are loaded on to your computer when you install the print driver. If they're not there, go to the manufacturer's web site, download them, and install them on your own.

Finally, let the application control the color management (Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture, etc.). Make sure you're using the matching ICC profile (usually called out under "Profile") for the paper that's in your printer, and you're set.

Monthly Photo Assignment

I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Before & After. Participants will submit two images this month: the original picture right out of the camera, and then the edited picture with all of the adjustments made in post production. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is June 30.

Listen to the Podcast

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Printers and Prints." You can download the podcast here (29 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out!

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.