As we sift through all of the announcements from Apple's Sept. 9, 2015 event in San Francisco, a minor feature is actually one of the most interesting to me: Live Photos.

If you have it enabled, via the "Live" icon in the center of the top toolbar on the iPhone 6S camera app, every time you take a picture, the app will capture a second and a half of content on either side of the image. Then, when you view the snapshot, you can press and hold on it (thanks to the new 3D Touch feature), and the picture comes to life for a couple seconds.

It's a small thing, until you think about the type of pictures many of us are capturing with our smart phones. They're family moments, outings with friends, interactions with pets... in other words, the things that matter dearly to us. Imagine missing your wife while on a business trip and being able to see her come to life just for a few seconds. I can see the value in that.

It gets to the point where I sometimes wonder what else I need from my mobile devices. I don't need Live Photos. But I do want it. It's one of those little things that can help me stay connected to those I love. And in this busy, multitasking, world of ours, I can use as much of that connection as I can get.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

It's nimble photographer meets wedding photographer.

If I've learned nothing else about shooting weddings over the years, it's the importance of keeping track of your stuff. This was more difficult in the DSLR days because it wasn't practical to have all of your equipment on you. So I ended up locking a roller bag to a table near the DJ and worrying all night. But those days are over.

I now can carry my entire photo kit, including an iPad mini, in a Lowepro Pro Messenger 200 AW and have my equipment with me at all times. In large part, mirrorless cameras have made this possible. Here are the main ingredients for this recipe:

• Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
• Olympus OM-D E-M10
• Olympus 75mm f/1.8 prime (for portraits and low light work)
• Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 Asph. lens (for general shooting)
• Olympus 45mm f/1.8 prime (for portraits and low light work)
• Olympus 17mm f/1.8 prime (for low light work). Sometimes I use the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 II instead of the Olympus 17mm. It's really a mood choice.
• Plus battery grip so I can load two batteries at once, two flashes, flash bracket, and Rogue FlashBenders to modify the light.

One of the reasons why I like the Pro Messenger is that it can accommodate my flash bracket in the front pocket. So when I'm not using it, I have it neatly stashed away. I keep the iPad in the zippered back pocket. I use it to review images during the event, share them with others, and post online if the client wishes me to do so.

During the shoot, I leave the bag open so I can access all of my gear quickly. It's like a portable workbench that rests on my hip. I use solid, non-bending dividers inside the Pro Messenger to keep the bag from collapsing (as messengers will do). This makes it much easier to remove and replace the cameras.

The 12-35mm zoom stays mounted on the E-M5 Mark II and the 75mm f/1.8 is on the E-M10. I don't like changing lenses unless I have to, so I just grab the body I need at the moment. If I do employ the flash bracket, it goes on the E-M5. I'll depend on existing light for the 75mm f/1.8 on the E-M10. I do keep the Neewer L-Plate Bracket Grip on the E-M10 to help protect the body and to give me a better hold. Plus I can change batteries without removing the grip.

I feel much better these days having all my gear with me at all times. And thanks to the nimbleosity of the mirrorless kits, I can do so without wearing myself down over the course of the event.

If you want to learn more about my wedding photography, visit www.ReinventTheWedding.com. I have a gallery there plus more details about my approach to wedding photography.

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: Canon's 250-million-pixel imaging sensor, C-Clamps 'n Things, The Reciprocal Rule of Shutter Speeds - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Canon Develops 250-Megapixel Sensor" Photography Blog reports: "Canon is developing an APS-H-size CMOS sensor incorporating approximately 250 million pixels. With CMOS imagers, increases in pixel counts result in increased signal volume, which can cause such problems as signal delays and slight discrepancies in timing. The new Canon-developed CMOS sensor, however, despite its exceptionally high pixel count, achieves an ultra-high signal readout speed of 1.25 billion pixels per second, made possible through such advancements as circuit miniaturization and enhanced signal-processing technology."

And then Amateur Photographer adds on: "Canon Europe is developing a 250-million-pixel imaging sensor designed to be capable of distinguishing the lettering on the side of a plane around 11 miles (18km) away."

In other news, Amateur Photographer posts: "Olympus Japan suspends sales of OM-D E-M10 Mark II" - Olympus Japan has suspended sales of its new OM-D E-M10 Mark II owing to an apparent glitch with the lens mount when using plastic-mount lenses. Olympus Europe has yet to respond to a request for comment and Amateur Photographer will publish an official statement when one becomes available.

Story #1 - The Reciprocal Rule of Shutter Speeds

I read an article about the reciprocal rule on The Photoblographer, and I thought it would be a good idea to cover that ground here too. Because image stabilization has become so effective, we don't cover the reciprocal rule as much as we used to. But I still find myself in many situations without IS, such as shooting with the Olympus Air. Plus, applying this rule with image stabilization helps ensure sharp images. The basics go like this (as posted on The Photoblographer):

• In order to achieve a stable image that is devoid of camera shake, you must shoot at a shutter speed that is the reciprocal of the minimum of the field of view.
• What does that mean? If you're using a 100mm lens on a full frame 35mm sensor/film body, then you need to shoot at at least 1/100th to produce an image that contains no camera shake when shooting handheld.
• If you're shooting with a 100mm lens on an APS-C sensor that has a 1.5x crop factor, then you need to shoot at 1/150th at a minimum. Here, the crop factor is taking into consideration.
• If you're shooting with a 100mm lens on an APS-C sensor that has a 1.6x crop factor, then you need to shoot at 1/160th at a minimum. Here the crop factor is also taken into consideration.
• Micro Four Thirds shooters need to shoot with a 100mm lens at a minimum of 1/200th because of the crop factor.

I talk about this in today's first feature story.

Story #2 - "C-Clamps and Things"

Since I've been shooting with the Olympus Air A01, I've been digging around in my box of c-clamps that I typically use for my various flash rigs. Doing so has had me thinking how much fun it is to rig up shooting and lighting contraptions. I talk a bit about this in today's second feature.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Exploring Photography: Exposure and Dynamic Range with Ben Long.

You can watch Ben 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 Ben's movies, plus every other title in the library.

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 their 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.

Mastering the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II - A new 528-page guide by Darrell Young and James Johnson cover every feature of this superb mirrorless camera by Olympus. You can get 40 percent off the eBook price by using discount code: omdm540 at www.rockynook.com.

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.

The toughest part when mixing photography and cycling is fumbling with the gear. Thanks to the new Olympus Air with 14-42mm EZ lens, that problem is solved. Let me show you how it works.

Photos by Derrick Story

What I've done is combined a quick-release mount with a photographer's c-clamp and attached them to the handle bars of my bike. Everything is quite secure. I then attach the QR plate to the Olympus Air so I can easily remove the camera from the handle bars as necessary. I need this for both photography composition, and for bike security when I dash into a convenience store.

Manfrotto quick release combined with a c-clamp allow me to mount the camera to the handle bars.

The idea isn't to shoot while riding, although I could if something interesting was going on. This setup is more about access. When I see an interesting picture, I can stop and capture it quickly. I can trip the shutter button on the top of the Air immediately, or use my iPhone as a viewfinder and control center.

I don't leave the iPhone mounted to the Olympus Air while riding, even though it's pretty secure there. But when I've stopped and am composing shots, I do use the tandem together.

If I need to take a long exposure, I can use the bike as a makeshift tripod and control the camera with the iPhone detached from its back. And if I want to get off the bicycle all together and wander off, then the Air quickly dismounts from the handle bars to do so.

And unlike many compact cameras, I have a high quality Four Thirds, 16 MP sensor with a variety of different lenses to choose from. So image quality is top notch.

I keep the Olympus Air in my bike bag, and have been mounting it on the handlebars before I head out for any ride, even if it's just to run errands. You never know when a great shot will present itself. And now I'm ready for it.

The Olympus Air has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.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.

Regardless of the subject you're shooting when working in the field, keep your eyes open for other interesting opportunities.

Photo by Derrick Story. Click to enlarge and enjoy the details.

For example, I discovered this image during a model shoot. I was waiting for a wardrobe adjustment, so I started examining my surroundings for a creative photo during the interlude. I looked all around me, and then finally, down at my feet.

You just never know...

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: Is the U.S. Ready for the Canon EOS M3?, Be Kind to DSLR Shooters, 39 MP Jpegs with the Sigma DP1 Quattro, Is Apple the Most Important Camera Company? - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "Thinking Outside the Square: Support for Landscape and Portrait Formats on Instagram" Instagram reports: "Today, we're excited to announce that -- in addition to square posts -- you can now share photos and videos in both portrait and landscape orientation on Instagram. Square format has been and always will be part of who we are. That said, the visual story you're trying to tell should always come first, and we want to make it simple and fun for you to share moments just the way you want to. It turns out that nearly one in five photos or videos people post aren't in the square format, and we know that it hasn't been easy to share this type of content on Instagram."

In other news, PetaPixel posts: The One Thing Apple Understands is Photography - "Photos and video are the currency of social media. The iPhone prints this currency. There are better smartphone cameras, but not a better ecosystem. And if the rumors are true, the iPhone 6s will continue to trailblaze with a 12MP camera, 4K video, and who knows what other behind-the-scenes improvements to its processing algorithm.

Traditional camera manufacturers can try to evolve, but they are at a distinct disadvantage by not being Internet-enabled devices. Imagine if your Nikon or Canon point and shoot could run Instagram and wirelessly connect to the Internet. Would a material percentage of 2014's 1.5 billion smartphone purchasers choose these dedicated cameras? Very possibly enough to alter the downward growth trajectory."

Story #1 - Is the U.S. Ready for the Canon EOS M3?

Earlier this year, when Canon released the EOS M3 mirrorless camera in Europe and Asia, some wondered why not a worldwide rollout including the United States? Well, in October, that changes. The EOS M3 is coming to the U.S. Now the question is, is the U.S. ready for the M3? I explore this topic in the first feature of today's show.

Story #2 - "39 MP Jpegs with the Sigma DP1 Quattro"

I've been testing the Sigma DP1 Quattro that has a 28mm equivalent with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, 9 blades, and 9 elements in 8 groups. The DP1 features a 14-bit, 19.6 MP X3 APS-C Foveon sensor that captures its information using a three-layer design. This is a different approach than the mosaic Bayer filter other cameras use to interpolate the color. And when I look at the processed RAW files from the DP Quattros, I do notice a film-like difference in color and gradation.

Because of the 3-layer Foveon design, you can create 39.3 MP Jpegs at a crazy resolution of 7680 x 5120. If you want to capture in RAW, then the DP1 allows in-camera processing to make 39.3 MP Jpegs from those RAW files. I explain more in today's second feature story.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Up and Running with Google Photos with Nick Brazzi.

You can watch Nick 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 Nick's movies, plus every other title in the library.

Story #4 - Mastering the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II - A new 528-page guide by Darrell Young and James Johnson cover every feature of this superb mirrorless camera by Olympus. You can get 40 percent off the eBook price by using discount code: omdm540 at www.rockynook.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

Notice from Red River Paper - For years, 60lb. Pecos River Gloss has been your best choice for glossy inkjet printable card stock. Its smooth glossy surface and plain paper back make it uniquely suited for printing greeting, note, and thank you cards.

Due to issues with the source paper mill - base stock and coating inconsistency - we have chosen to discontinue 60lb. Pecos River Gloss. We feel you deserve the best in terms of quality and consistency. Therefore, the current stock of 60lb. Pecos River Gloss will be the last available.

Because 60lb. Pecos River Gloss is such an important product, a replacement is on the way.

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 (34 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.

If you like a nice, big screen for composing your images, but don't like holding an iPad up to eye level to take the shot, here's a super high quality alternative.

I've attached a DxO ONE 20 MP RAW shooting camera to the iPad mini. Because you can rotate the camera in both directions, I typically hold the tandem at waist or chest level to compose the shots. It feels very natural, I have the benefits of the big screen to work with, yet I don't look like a tourist on vacation.

The DxO ONE app, now available in the iTunes App Store, provides all of the camera controls I need. I have it set up to send the Jpegs directly to the iPad's Camera Roll for immediate use. At the same time, the high quality RAW files are stored on the memory card in the ONE for processing at a later date. BTW: the image quality of the RAWs when edited in DxO Optics Pro 10 (included with the ONE) are gorgeous.

I've always wanted to take advantage of that beautiful Retina Display on my mini for capturing photos. Now I can, and I can do so in style.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

NASA astronauts shooting with Hasselblad cameras created many iconic space photographs. And now we can read the same training manual NASA used to help them capture the best images possible.

I just read a terrific post on www.ephotozine.com titled Take A Look At A NASA Astronaut Photography Manual where they share some of the tips from the manual and even provide a link to download it.

I'm having a blast reading it. And I'll probably even pull out my 500C this weekend just for fun.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

My view of Dropbox has expanded over the time that I've been using it. Initially, I just wanted offsite storage to protect my content. And it's great for that. But I've noticed that I have many shared folders, often containing that very content I've backed up, with just about every client and collaborator whom I work with. And I would say at this point in time, that I would miss the sharing aspect of the service just about as much as the storage.

That's not to say that protection of my images isn't still the top priority. And to highlight that point, that's what I talk about in this movie: basic backup that can integrate with Lightroom, Photos for OS X, your mobile devices, and just about anything else.

But once that need has been met, sharing becomes just as important. That's a real need today: finding an easy way to collaborate in the business environment. And as I work through the lynda.com title on "Dropbox for Photographers," I show how to integrate these two features - both of which are valuable for the modern digital photographer.

More Dropbox Tips and Techniques

If you want to dig into Dropbox, take a look at my lynda.com training, Dropbox for Photographers. For those who want to learn more about Photos for OS X, I also have the title, Up and Running with Photos for OS X.

Previous articles on The Digital Story about Dropbox include:

• Why Photographers Should Consider Dropbox
• Using Dropbox and Photos for OS X Together
• Exploring Dropbox's Carousel on an iPhone
• Dropbox for Photographers Debuts on lynda.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.

Canon releases an update to one of the most useful prime lenses for DSLR photographers: the 35mm f/1.4. The optic features Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics with a fast maximum aperture for shooting in low-light situations and controlling depth of field.

Full time manual focus override, two aspherical elements, and one Ultra Low Dispersion element highlight this well-specified optic.

Other noteworthy features include:

• Works with both full frame and APS-C bodies.
• A minimum focus distance of 11" with a 0.21x maximum magnification benefits working with close-up subjects.
• Fluorine coatings on the front and rear surfaces help reduce fingerprints and smudging.
• Featuring the L-series designation, this lens is also dust and moisture-resistant.
• A nine-blade aperture provides smooth out-of-focus areas in selective focus images.

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens can be preordered for $1,799.

Want to Comment on this Post?

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