New Tools for the Creative Mind. Weekly digital photography podcasts, photo tips, reader submitted pictures, equipment reviews and more. The Digital Story is about making photography, music, and filmmaking enjoyable. Creativity flows better when technical issues are resolved. Instead of trying to figure out every blessed control on your digital camera, we want to show you the simple things that help it become an extension of your vision and a tool for your expression. http://www.thedigitalstory.com/feed/podcast.xml No Derrick Story http://thedigitalstory.com/ New Tools for the Creative Mind New Tools for the Creative Mind. Weekly digital photography podcasts, photo tips, reader submitted pictures, equipment reviews and more. The Digital Story is about making photography, music, and filmmaking enjoyable. Creativity flows better when technical issues are resolved. Instead of trying to figure out every blessed control on your digital camera, we want to show you the simple things that help it become an extension of your vision and a tool for your expression. en-us 2006-2008 Story Photography Story Photography webmaster@thedigitalstory.com http://www.thedigitalstory.com/img/tds_logo_144_web.jpg http://www.thedigitalstory.com 144 144 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:23:28 -0800 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:16:36 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=4.37 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 2006-2008 Story Photography dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) Curious about what the Mac App Store has to offer for photographers? You might want to take a look at the Apps for Photographers collection. Three sections are featured there: Organize & Share, Digital Darkroom, and Cool Creations. There's plenty of interesting software to peruse and experiment with, such as the just-released CameraBag 2, that's 20 percent off right now to celebrate its launch ($18.99). One of the things I like about buying programs through the App Store is that the updates are easily managed there, very much like new version notifications on your iPhone or iPad. To see the... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/1UYB0Xusu1g/apple_curates_apps_f.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/02/apple_curates_apps_f.html Photography Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:23:28 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/02/apple_curates_apps_f.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) The new Lowepro Event Messenger is a good looking shoulder bag that holds your DSLR, Compact System Camera, lenses, and laptop or tablet computer. It has a distinct urban style that doesn't scream "camera bag!," yet provides fast access to all of your gear. Aside from the looks and functionality of this shoulder bag, I like the pricing. Suggested manufacturer's price is $79, $69, and $59. TDS members who use our Shop Lowepro store and add the discount code "LP20" at checkout will get an addition 20 percent off. I've had a chance to play with this bag in person,... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/CFEf-KeS9eY/lowepro_announces_ev.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/02/lowepro_announces_ev.html Photography Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:06:32 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/02/lowepro_announces_ev.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) For the Dec. '11 Photo Assignment, TDS shooters looked close to home for exploring the theme Family. One of the things I enjoy most about this gallery are the captions that accompany the images. Make sure your read them as you view the pictures. And which one will be the SizzlPix Pick of the Month? Photo by Fred S. Brundick. To see all of the other terrific shots from Dec., visit the Family gallery page. Participate in This Month's Assignment The Feb. 2012 assignment is "Rule of Thirds." To qualify, the entry image should take advantage of the rule of... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/oA1nbl8afIs/family_-_results_fro.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/02/family_-_results_fro.html Photo Assignment Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:11:01 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/02/family_-_results_fro.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) You have to wonder how secure manufacturers feel right now as they release the barrage of new compact cameras in a declining market for them. In Canon's latest financial results, sluggish sales of compact cameras were a primary culprit for their annual shortfall. This trend persists throughout the market affecting both hardware manufacturers and accessory companies. Unfortunately for everyone, it's a fairly long pipeline for hardware product releases. So those compacts you see announced today were conceived some time ago. It will be interesting to see how the low end market shakes out in 2012. My feeling is that... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/u2-Un5-VtWs/compact_camera_sales.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/compact_camera_sales.html Photography Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:43:04 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/compact_camera_sales.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) I've had a chance to work with Lightroom 4 public beta and publish an article about it for Macworld Magazine. That release has led to speculation about an upcoming Aperture 4 update. While all of this was going on, Corel rolled out their non-destructive pro photo management app, AfterShot Pro. In this week's podcast, I start with a basic review of Lightroom 4 public beta, then discuss some of the features I'd like to see in Aperture 4. I wrap up with a few thoughts about AfterShot Pro. It's great to be back! Listen to the Podcast You can also... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/f8DoieoKv5Q/lightroom_4_aperture.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/lightroom_4_aperture.html Show Notes Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:03:54 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/lightroom_4_aperture.htmlhttp://media.thedigitalstory.com/tds120131.mp3 dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) I keep waiting for the charm to wear off. But it hasn't. My favorite camera when heading out the door for a walk is the Olympus PEN E-PM1with the 17mm f/2.8 pancake lens.I barely feel it around my neck. It lies flat against my chest. And I get terrific looking RAW files that look great for printing and Web publishing. Captured during a stroll by the shore with the PEN Mini and 17mm lens. I often carry the 14-42mm zoom (that comes with the camera) in my pocket, just in case I need a bit more reach or width.... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/fFVGHzmwi_k/olympus_e-pm1_-_qual.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/olympus_e-pm1_-_qual.html Photography Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:12:14 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/olympus_e-pm1_-_qual.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) Creative exercise is much like physically working out: it makes you stronger. And one of my favorite creative activities is focusing on a compositional element over the course of a day. On a recent vacation to Monterey, CA, I decided to work on pattern and texture. (What a great place to do so!) The original shot had more boats in the scene, but the pattern and textures weren't hanging together the way I wanted. When I cropped to just two boats, I thought the image became more powerful. It's interesting when you begin to look for certain compositional elements.... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/6eZ2VhQvmpk/focusing_on_pattern.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/focusing_on_pattern.html Photography Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:18:44 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/focusing_on_pattern.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) The HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275 multifunctional printer produces fast B&W or color output (17 PPM black & 4 PPM color), is network enabled including AirPrint for iOS devices, and has a 3D scanner. Since its scanner is the most unique feature, I wanted to explore that function first. The bundled HP Scan software includes basic image adjustments so you can create a final product quickly. The TopShot uses a raised arm with camera and LED lights to capture the image. You simply place an object on its white platform, raise the arm, and set up the job. You can... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/1iS-85oraWA/testing_the_hp_topsh.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/testing_the_hp_topsh.html Photography Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:36:54 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/testing_the_hp_topsh.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) There are plenty of refinements and new features in the public beta of Adobe Lightroom 4, but the two tools that caught my eye are the robust video handling capabilities and soft proofing. I cover both of these, and more, in my latest Macworld Magazine article, Adobe Lightroom 4 Beta shines with new video capabilities. The Lightroom 4 public beta can be downloaded from the Adobe Labs site. You don't need prior versions of the application to try the latest. Once the final release comes out, you either have to buy it, or take the beta off your hard drive.... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/DrIPLkgp3m8/highlights_of_adobe.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/highlights_of_adobe.html Photography Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:45:12 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/highlights_of_adobe.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) It was the craziest thing. I was out for a walk along the shore, and I saw these talking deer. But because of the sound of the pounding surf, I couldn't hear what they were saying. (Don't worry: today is the last day of my vacation. I'm back to "real work" tomorrow...)... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/ts2BDkmtHCs/talking_deer.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/talking_deer.html Photography Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:51:06 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/talking_deer.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) As you look at this picture, what to you see? Ocean, sky, rugged shoreline? Those were the elements that I noticed as I hiked by. But as you look closer, you might see that the beach is filled with dozens and dozens of Harbor Seals. Many hikers missed it on that day. Make sure that doesn't happen to you.... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/jxQfsdz3PFw/really_seeing_a_land.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/really_seeing_a_land.html Photography Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:29:19 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/really_seeing_a_land.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) This is ingenious. A compact, machined-metal, ball head, tripod that you can leave mounted on your camera, yet, it doesn't get in the way. That's the JOBY GorillaPod Micro 800that I've been testing. This particular size is great for Sony NEX, as well as Panasonic and Olympus micro four thirds, and other cameras that size. For the Olympus Mini and Panasonic GX 1, however, I would go a size down to the Micro 250. When not in use, the metal legs fit beneath the camera. When you need to steady a shot, just spread them out and precisely position... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/9VSwmmWeBjo/the_clever_joby_micr.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/the_clever_joby_micr.html Photography Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:15:14 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/the_clever_joby_micr.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) When I travel, I'm impressed with the exercise bikes I see in modern hotel gyms. They have a complete multimedia setups that help pass the time while I'm peddling away. After I got an iPad 2 for a client assignment, I contemplated ways to put my original iPad to good use. Then the lightening bolt struck: upgrade my exercise bike. The iPad fits wonderfully on the handlebars. It's a great size for this use. But how to secure it? I used a modul R case with the optional hand strap. It protects the iPad and creates a snug fit. For... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/avRWrxEX-gU/ipad_for_exercise_bi.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/ipad_for_exercise_bi.html Photography Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:15:13 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/ipad_for_exercise_bi.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) Photographers and other creatives can help connect with others by understanding the benefits of social media. I think the best approach is "be yourself." Share with others the things you find interesting, and take interest in what others do. How to accomplish that can be a bit more challenging. Fortunately, PhotoShelter is offering a very helpful guide titled The Photographer's Social Media Handbook to help us with those details. You can get the PDF by requesting it here, and they will send it to you (in two parts) via email. It's free, and it's quite well done. The Digital... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/ZOTvsFqEh5E/photoshelter_offers.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/photoshelter_offers.html Photography Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:35:09 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/photoshelter_offers.html dstory@gmail.com (Derrick Story) When I first picked up the Polaroid Z340at CES, the sensation was more old than new. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Even though the Z340 has a digital camera on the inside, it feels and shoots like the traditional instant print cameras that were so popular in the 70s. Using a second generation ZINK printer engine, you get ample-sized 3" x 4" prints within minutes. The images look like the Polaroid prints of yesteryear. But there's also a 14MP digital camera inside that writes files to an SD card. Controls include ISO settings, scene modes, and more. What you... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDigitalStory/~3/RBUde7yI0r0/polaroid_z340_instan.html http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/polaroid_z340_instan.html Photography Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:00:30 -0800 Technology http://thedigitalstory.com/2012/01/polaroid_z340_instan.html Derrick Storynonadult