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

Opening Monologue

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

Digital Photography Podcast 964

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

I Was There Among the Ballers With My iPhone

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

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

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

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

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

Opening Monologue

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

Digital Photography Podcast 963

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Print Black & White Like a Pro

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

Printer

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

Paper

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

Computer and Software

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

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

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

You can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com.

Can Photography Competitions Help You Progress as a Photographer?

You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #962, August 27, 2024. Today's theme is "Getting Ready for Alaska." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

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

Digital Photography Podcast 962

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Getting Ready for Alaska

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

OM System OM 1 Micro Four Thirds

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

OR...

Nikon Zf Full Frame

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

Pros and Cons

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

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

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

I'm discussing all of this in the podcast.

Other Essentials for the Trip

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

WD Announces SanDisk 8 TB Memory Card

You can read the entire story on thePhoblographer.com.

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

You can read the entire story on DPReview.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #961, August 20, 2024. Today's theme is "Zero Computational Photography with Process Zero." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

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

Digital Photography Podcast 961

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Zero Computational Photography with Process Zero

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

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

You might love this, or you might not. That can even change for photo to photo. That made us think: why shouldn't you be able to choose your processing the way you choose a lens?

Where Halide previously allowed you to reduce processing, Halide 2.15 gives you total control: we now let you choose your image processing from the go. When you first set up Halide, or when you tap the format picker in the app, we now offer a choice:

Apple's standard image processing, reduced image processing, or something new: Process Zero.

PROCESS ZERO

Process Zero is our own process. We take raw sensor data, and do minimal processing to make a beautiful, natural and film-like shot. It's very quick (up to 20 times faster than ProRAW) it is saved along with a 12 megapixel native RAW file. You can choose it at any time by tapping the "RAW" / "HEIC" format picker icon in the Halide interface, or you can read more and select a process in the Capture settings.

After taking a few shots, using it is simple: on your iPhone, any app you open your photos in will use the Process Zero image, and any editor that supports RAW will open the RAW data for further editing. Easy!

Process Zero is not made for low light photography, as it will get noisy and can get color cast. It has no HDR or AI to tweak its detail or dynamic range. Use this if you want to shoot entirely without Apple's processing -- a bit like an older digital camera, for natural looking shots, or as a starting point for editing.

IMAGE LAB

When we shot with Process Zero, we found we often didn't want to edit the results much, but we did want to tweak exposure at times. Since all Process Zero shots contain the original RAW data, we decided to add our first editing feature: the Image Lab.

In the reveiwer, tap the small +/- icon to open the Image Lab. Adjusting exposure here will re-process the raw data with Process Zero, letting you often recover lost detail in shadows or highlights. Saving it will keep your RAW intact and save a new Process Zero shot.

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

Feature Review

• It produces photos with more detail and allows the photographer greater control over lighting and exposure. This is not a photo filter-- it really develops photos at the raw, sensor-data level.

Process Zero is available on every iPhone that runs Halide and iOS 17, not just the latest iPhones Pro.

iPhone controls noise by combining multiple photos. You are no longer capturing a single moment in time, and when you average together multiple photos, noise goes away. Process Zero is a single-shot process.

Process Zero gives you a single 12-megapixel shot. It will be less saturated, softer, grainier, and quite different than what you see from most phones. Each shot includes a true Bayer RAW file, if you want to use it in a full-fledged RAW editor, but we designed Halide so you don't need one.

You can subcribe to get the latest version of Halide and Image Lab for $11.99 a year. They offer a 1-week free trial.

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

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

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

You can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com.

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

You can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #960, August 13, 2024. Today's theme is "Roof Top Camping and Nimble Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

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

Digital Photography Podcast 960

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Roof Top Camping and Nimble Photography

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

The Camp Setup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now for the Photography

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

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

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.

James Bond chooses Leica to photograph the Olympics

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

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

You can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #959, August 6, 2024. Today's theme is "County Fair and Fabulous Olympics Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

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

Digital Photography Podcast 959

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

County Fair

Derrick talks about his photography at the local county fair.

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

Fabulous Summer Olympics Photography

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

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

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

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

You can read the entire story on AmateurPhotographer.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

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 #958, July 30, 2024. Today's theme is "Hiking or Biking for Summer Photo Adventures?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Two popular summer activities for outdoorsy types are hiking and biking. The days are longer and the air is warmer, tailor-made for both forms of exercise. But what if we want to combine our favorite year-round hobby, photography, with these pursuits? Which is better? On today's TDS Photography Podcast I'll take a look at the pros and cons of each. I hope you enjoy the show.

Digital Photography Podcast 958

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Hiking or Biking for Summer Photo Adventures?

Having grown up in Southern California, hiking and biking have been part of my life since I was a kid.

At first, biking. Any boy worth his salt had a set of wheels by the time he went to school. For us, a bicycle was freedom. Since parents in those days didn't think much about their kids until the nosecounts at dinner time, boys and girls with bikes could roam the earth freely until the street lights came on.

Riding a bike is second nature for me. I don't really think about it any more than I do breathing or walking. The magically stays upright as I move from place to place. Even while waiting at traffic lights I can balance with feet on the pedals for a short time.

These days, when I ride to work, I'm traveling between 18 and 22 MPH. That's a lot of ground compared to 3-4 MPH walking speed. My office is 6.5 miles from home. With traffic lights, I get from one place to the other in about 25 minutes. That's a nice commute. If I were to walk it would take 2 hours.

So you'd think that biking would be great for photo adventures. Yes and no. Let's look at the pros and cons.

Biking Pros for Photography

• Can cover more ground. If you're exploring somewhere like wine country, where locations are spread out, then a bike allows for a wider variety of photo opportunities.

Can carry more weight. I prefer bike trunks to panniers, but even a midsize trunk can transport a decent amount of photo gear that isn't on your shoulders. Plus bottle cages secure your water for the day.

Bikes provide a variety of options. If you're riding on trails, choose a mountain bike, rough surfaces a gravel bike, and strictly asphalt, go with a nice hybird. Plus now you can supplement your peddling with an electric motor, further increasing your range and conserving your energy.

Biking Cons for Photography

I pass up too many shots. Once I get going on a bike, I don't want to stop until I reach my destination. So if I'm gliding along at 20 MPH and see a potential photo subject, I contemplate for a few seconds, and typically keep peddling.

Cycling requires looking forward, not gazing at the surrounding landscape. He who does not watch the road is doomed to disaster. Even on routes I know well, there are potholes, debris, and of course, cars.

Hiking Pros for Photography

• It's easier to scope out shots, and once you see them, you'll actually take the time to photograph them.

Photography provides natural breaks from hiking. If I'm trudging up a hill and ready for a break, I'll scope out a scenic overlook and make that my goal. Not only do I have a chance to catch my breath, I often get a lovely shot.

Day hiking requires less gear. There's no bike to lock up and worry about, and the odds of a flat tire are much lower with boots than wheels.

Hiking is more social than biking. If you have friends joining you on a photo walk, it's so much easier to converse than group bike rides.

Hiking Cons for Photography

• You have to be in better shape for hiking than biking.

All of your gear must be carried on your back or waist.

You can cover as much ground as with a bike.

Bottom Line

In my opinion, bikes are best to get you to locations in a point A to point B fashion. But once you're there, it's best to get off the bike, lock it up, then explore your photo opps on foot.

I love the freedom of riding a bike. It's the closest thing I've experienced to flying like a bird. I like that bikes don't pollute the atmosphere. And you can combine biking with public transportation - buses and trains.

But I've learned that for photography, I have to get off the bike if I'm going to fall into a creative zone and make good pictures. Because otherwise, I'll just keep riding, and riding, and riding.

I can't believe Olympus walked away from this camera - if only we had it now

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

Apple may use Samsung for iPhone cameras, ending longtime Sony run

You can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

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 #957, July 23, 2024. Today's theme is "Behind the Scenes at the Olympics." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Opening ceremonies for the Paris Summer Olympics are this Friday. Certainly this is a thrilling moment for athletes from all over the world who will compete for their countries. But it's also an exciting time for the media specialists who are preparing to capture those moments. I've been lucky enough to witness firsthand the Olympic experience. And to celebrate the Paris event, I will take you behind the scenes to the Beijing Summer Olympics. I hope you enjoy the show.

Digital Photography Podcast 957

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Behind the Scenes at the Olympics

Derrick tells the story of his Beijing Olympic experience.

"The Summer Olympics in Beijing were held from August 8 to 24, 2008. A total of 10,942 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in 28 sports and 302 events, one event more than those scheduled for the 2004 Summer Olympics.[2] This was the first time China had hosted the Olympic Games, and the third time the Summer Olympic Games had been held in East Asia, following the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. These were also the second Summer Olympic Games to be held in a communist state, the first being the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Soviet Union (with venues in Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, and Estonia)."

"During the 2008 summer games, an unprecedented 87 countries won at least one medal. Host nation China won the most gold medals (48), and became the seventh different team to top an overall Summer Olympics medal tally, winning a total of 100 medals overall. The United States placed second in the gold medal tally but won the highest number of medals overall (112). The third place in the gold medal tally was achieved by Russia." Source: Wikipedia.

Camera sales hit highest level for three years driven by mirrorless and a compact rebound

You can read the entire story on DPReview.com.

This $479 Smart Telescope Lets Anyone Shoot Beautiful Astro Photos

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

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 #956, July 16, 2024. Today's theme is "How Still Photography, Once Again, Tells the Story" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

New York Times photographer, Doug Mills was on stage just a few feet from Donald Trump when an assassin's bullet grazed the former president's ear. Mills, who has been covering the presidency since the days of Ronald Regan, recorded a series of images that help tell the story of that terrible day. This week, I'm thinking about the value of photojournalism as we try to understand these events.

Digital Photography Podcast 956

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

How Still Photography, Once Again, Tells the Story

Essay read by Derrick Story.

Source credits from the essay.

From The Daily: The Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump, Jul 15, 2024.

Associated Press: In a world of moving pictures, photographs capture indelible moments in Trump assassination attempt.

The Art of Stills Photography on Movie Sets

You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.

Canon teases 'Something Big' on July 17th

You can read the entire story on DPREview.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

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 #955, July 9, 2024. Today's theme is "Are You an Off-the-Grid Ready Photographer?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Some of the most important images in my personal library were captured during the Tubbs Fire of 2017. I documented the events the best I could during our 10-day evacuation flee. But I could have done better, much better, had I been prepared. And I wasn't. Whether it's in time of emergency, or fulfilling a desire to just get away, off-the-grid readiness is sure to pay dividends at some point in the near future. In this week's podcast, I share what I've learned over the last seven years. I hope you enjoy the show.

Digital Photography Podcast 955

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Are You an Off-the-Grid Ready Photographer?

On Monday, July 8, 2024, the Texas Tribune reports: "Hurricane Beryl has knocked out power for more than 2.7 million Texas customers, as of 12:59 p.m. Monday, based on estimates from PowerOutage.us and CenterPoint Energy.

At 3:08 p.m., PowerOutage.us reported that more than 2.1 million of CenterPoint's 2.6 million Texas customers lacked electricity. CenterPoint has not yet provided an estimate of when millions of its customers will regain electricity.

"As soon as safe to do so, you'll see our crews headed out to start assessing damage and developing restoration plans," CenterPoint said on social media platform X.

Outages are most extensive in the Houston area and coastal counties including Matagorda, where Beryl landed as a Category 1 hurricane at approximately 4 a.m., Monday. Significant outages are also in Galveston County, Calhoun County and Jackson County. As the morning progressed, outages extended further inland and into Deep East Texas to areas including Polk, San Jacinto, Montgomery, Grimes and Washington Counties.

As we all know, reports like this are commonplace. Now, this show isn't about doom and gloom. But, what if we could combine emergency preparedness with outdoor adventure and photography? In other words, doing what we like helps prepare us for an event that we don't want, but need to be ready for?

I have a camping trip coming up in a few weeks that I'm so looking forward to. These outings have evolved a lot over the last few years, becoming more enjoyable than ever.

In part, that's because camping gear has improved - many of those new items I will talk about today. Additionally, getting away from early morning leaf blowers, cranky commuters, and the steady stream of discouraging news has its advantages as well.

I also view my solo camping trips as dry runs for disaster preparedness. In a most enjoyable way, I test my evacuation system for our family, including cooking options, sleeping accommodations, power supply, and more.

One new example that I'll be writing about later next month is an item called TentBox. It's a tent that mounts to the top of the car and can sleep 2 people. It collapses to only 18" tall while driving, but is a full-fledged living space when erected. One of the many advantages is that it can be set up in just a minute or two, and I don't have to unload anything out of the car to get some shuteye. Stay tuned for that review in mid-August.

In addition to these dry runs helping me improve my preparedness, this type of exercise will allow me to be a better storyteller. I will spend less time dealing with the elements, and will have more time for documenting with my photography and writing.

Sounds efficient, doesn't it? Let's dig into some of the specifics.

The Shortlist of Considerations

So I'm going to start with the basics for car camping and emergency preparedness, then get into our photography and computer gear after that.

• Food - Food is important, obviously, but my experience has been there isn't a lot of time, or the facility, for cooking meals. That's why I like having dehydrated backpacking meals in the mix. If you haven't had one for a while, I think you'll be surprised at how good they taste, and they are satisfying. My camping trips allow me to rotate stock, using up the older ones and replacing with new meals.

Water is more difficult because it's bulky. We can only store and transport so much. I prefer 1-gallon containers that are easier to stash in odd places than bigger containers that are heavy and bulky.

Sleeping - Unless you have a Rec Van, you're most likely looking at some sort of tent for shelter. Personally, I like tents. Sometimes I even feel like a kid in a fort with them. But I don't like pitching them. And they take up room in the back of the SUV where I'd rather be storing other supplies. So, I'm hoping that my top-of-car mounted tentbox is the answer that I've been looking for. Be sure to have an inflatable mattress and a good sleeping bag for each person in your party.

Power - This is where things have really changed for me over the last couple years. I once looked at power as a luxury. It's nice to have camp lighting, laptops, and air compressors. I now look at these items as necessities. If I'm going to be able to do my thing in any location, I need power.

USB-C Power Delivery (PD) has improved charging my electronic devices substantially by sending up to 100 watts through the USB-C cable. Because the Power Station monitors the charging, devices such as my laptop are refueled quickly and efficiently. All you need is the cable.

So now I'm more interested in higher-capacity Power Stations, such as the Bluetti AC70 1,000 Watt Power Station (768Wh Capacity for $429) and the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus (632Wh capacity for $399). Not only can the keep my cameras and computers running, but they can also power portable refrigerators, lighting, compressors, hot water kettles, and more. And they are compatible with portable solar panels.

Clothing - I know this category isn't as sexy as electronics, but it makes a world of difference when it comes to comfort. Hats, gloves, boots, jackets, and both short and long pants are worth testing on your camping trips. Keep the good stuff. Move along the rest.

Once you've tested (and enjoyed) your outdoor equipment on a camping trip, pack it in an organized way back home. I like stackable plastic containers that are efficient in both the garage and in the car. If you need to make a quick get-away, everything is already organized and ready to go.

The Bluetti AC70 Power Station Review

One thing I've learned while testing portable power stations is the importance of finding the right balance between ample energy storage in a unit that's still light enough to carry around. That's why I've come to appreciate 1,000-watt models, which walk that line between capacity and mobility, and most recently in that category, the Bluetti AC70.

This 22.5-pound unit measures 12.4" x 8.2" x 10.1". I can pick it up with one hand, carry it to the car, and it doesn't take up much room in the boot. Its LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries have a total capacity of 768Wh with two AC outlets (1,000W Rated Power/ 2,000W Lifting Power), two USB-C ports (100 watts), a pair of USB-A ports (12 watts), and a 12V DC car accessory outlet. If needed, surge power can go up to 2,000 watts.

During testing, the AC70 powered a mini fridge, hot water kettle, room fan, laptop, stereo system, LCD television, and living room lamps. It's beefy enough to serve as a backup power source at home and mobile enough to run an entire campsite on the road. This type of versatility means that the AC70 will provide a return on its modest investment regardless if you're a road-tripping photographer or someone who wants to trim energy costs at home with portable solar.

Things I Like (and what also could be improved)

What I liked

• Bright, informative LCD screen
• Dedicated standard DC input for solar panels
• Excellent mobile app for monitoring the unit and adjusting its settings
• Fast recharging via AC outlet, solar, car accessory port, or gas generator
• Simultaneous input/output capability
• Customizable configuration
• Robust design
• Excellent value for 1,000-watt unit (currently available for $429)

What could be improved

• Lacks built-in emergency light
• Bluetooth only, no WiFi to extend range of mobile app

You can read the entire, comprehensive review here.

Amazon Prime Day Sale

The Bluetti AC70 Portable Power Station is on sale for $399 as part of Amazon Prime Day, until July 15, 2024.

The OM-5 Advantage | 4 Computational Features You Need to Know

You can read the entire story on GetOlympus.com.

Enhance Your Photos With NASA's Sharpening Technique

You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

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 #954, July 2, 2024. Today's theme is "How Megatank Printers Change Everything - Canon G620 Review." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

When my aging All-In-One Canon printer rattled out its final 5x7, I began shopping for a replacement. There are many options in this category, but I wanted to take advantage of the latest innovations. That's when I discovered that mega-tank printers were becoming viable for cost-consciousness photographers. I opted for a 6-ink Canon Pixma G620. And Oh My how things have changed. Find out how on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Digital Photography Podcast 954

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

How Megatank Printers Change Everything - Canon G620 Review

My dedicated photo printer is the venerable Canon Pro-100. It has 8 ink cartridges, each with 13 ML of fluid. A full replacement set costs $120. Based on the reporting of other photographers, ink costs per 4"x6" print is about 50 cents per. The Pro-100 produces lovely prints and has served my well for years.

My new Canon PIXMA G620 Printer ($249) is a 6-ink printer with user-replaceable print heads and is refueled with 57 ML ink bottles that cost $15 each - $90 for a complete set which can output approximately 3,800 4"x6" prints at about 2.5 cents each.

One Canon GI-23 bottle of ink contains more fluid than 4 Canon CLI-42 cartridges for the Canon Pro-100 that sell for $17 each.

This is quite a difference! Are we giving up print quality or longevity? Not at all. Both printers are dye-based. The Chromalife 100 System 3 ink in the G620 protects your photos from fading up to 100 Years in a photo album, 30 Years behind glass (Light Fastness), or 20 Years without the glass (Gas Fastness), approximately the same as prints from the Canon Pro-100.

The Canon G620 is developing an interesting reputation among reviewers. Across the board they agree that the photo output is amazing, worthy of serious enthusiast photographers.

But as a multi-functional device is has shortcomings compared to the competition - slower page output, no duplex printing, no automatic document feeder, and a very basic LCD panel. I agree with all of these nits.

But I'm a photographer who sometimes prints documents. And the photo output is more important to me than document speed. The Canon PRINT app allows me to set up jobs directly from my iPhone. And the scanner and copier work great.

Maximum print size is 8.5"x14". So, for the bulk of my daily work, the G620 works fine. And if I need bigger, my Pro-100 is still firing on all cylinders.

But there is one important drawback for Mac users. Canon leans on the AirPrint driver for the Mac, so you can't use ICC profiles. Red River paper has published a set of ICC profiles for the G620, but they can only be used via Windows machines.

I was more worried about this until I actually started printing. Setting up the jobs with the proper parameters such as paper surface and quality, the output was fantastic. I know I should be missing the ICC profiles. But to be honest, I can't say that I would get anything better out of the printer using them.

Bottom Line

The Canon PIXMA G620 Printer has changed my everyday printing. It's affordable to run, had great image quality, and I feel much better about tossing less stuff in the landfill.

Japan's Olympic athletes will wear outfits designed to block infrared cameras

You can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.

Nikon announces $600 Z 35mm F1.4 - its first F1.4 for Z mount

You can read the entire story on DPReview.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

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.