How many times have you gone to a movie or tried a restaurant because a friend suggested it? Personal recommendations are powerful. We know that, and so does Olympus. And this past weekend they wanted to acknowledge the efforts of some of their super fans in North America. I was there to cover the event.

One of the stops during super fan weekend was Muir Woods, just north of San Francisco. Photos by Derrick Story.

In terms of participants, it was an interesting mingling of Olympus Visionaries (top photographers who embrace the brand), Olympus marketing and technical staff, and a dozen super fans from throughout the country. They were all brought together in San Francisco for briefings, exchange of ideas, and making images with Olympus gear.

One of the first things that I noticed while working with these photographers was just how knowledgable they were about micro four thirds photography. They understood how to set up their cameras to make beautiful images. I learned a number of tips from them.

These are enthusiasts who organize user groups, build followings online, take on assignments, and sometimes even have freelance businesses on the side. Essentially, when they're not at their day jobs, they live and breath photography.

Olympus realizes how important these customers are to their community. And I think they've learned a lot over the years conducting their "experientials" for the press. Now, they're designing similar events for the influencers who promote their brand and products at the grassroots level.

Riding the Golden Gate Ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco. Photos by Derrick Story.

The exchange of ideas that flow over the course the day are invaluable to everyone involved. Olympus staff have a chance to hear directly from customers while they work together in the field. The super fans get to test new gear, ask questions, and learn more about the company.

These experientials are a substantial investment by Olympus. But they help the company stay in touch with its users while at the same time acknowledging their efforts.

Olympus staff and super fans returning from a day of micro four thirds photography in the bay area. Photo by Derrick Story.

If you want to get more involved, visit the Inspiration pages on the Olympus site and check out the photo contests and upcoming events. The hashtag for this super fan event is #CapturingSanFrancisco (if you want to see more). Use the hashtag #getolympus when posting photos online captured with Olympus gear. Follow Olympus on Twitter and Facebook. They also have a terrific Instagram feed.

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

Photos for macOS High Sierra has many functions that might surprise enthusiast photographers who underestimate its power. One of my favorite timesavers is Copy and Paste Adjustments. Here's a video that shows how to use it.

Copy and paste adjustments from Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training by Derrick Story

This function is particularly helpful when you have a series of images captured under similar lighting conditions. Edit the first photo in the sequence, copy the adjustments (Image > Copy Adjustments) then navigate to the next shot to paste them (Image > Paste Adjustments).

I find it helpful to turn on thumbnails (View > Show Thumbnails) so I can navigate from one shot to the next while remaining in Edit mode. You don't have to click the Done button until you've finished with the entire batch.

Using Copy and Paste Adjustments is a great way to speed up your workflow. Give it a try.

New Photos for macOS High Sierra Training!

Is it time for you to learn the ins and outs of the latest version of Photos? Take a look at Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning, or on lynda.com. Maximize your iPhone photography and complement the work you do with your mirrorless cameras as well. You'll love your cameras even more...

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

The future of enthusiast drone photography is unfolding, literally, before our eyes with the DJI Mavic Air, $799.

The movement took off with the diminutive DJI Spark, $399, which is a great aircraft for casual users such as myself. The Spark is compact, affordable, and well-designed. But it lacks features that enthusiast drone photographers want, such as RAW capture, a 3-axis gimble, 4K video, longer flight time, and internal memory... all of which the Mavic Air has, and in a package that folds smaller than the Spark.

Outdoor and adventure photographers now have an aircraft that they can stash in their backpacks that delivers top-notch images and video - and to be honest, at a price that seems reasonable to me.

DJI has their fingers on pulse of this growing market. Many Spark users who were recently introduced to the excitement of aerial photography will likely upgrade to the Mavic Air. Others, who have been holding out for portability and specification, will likely be tempted by this latest announcement.

For me, I'm still quite happy with my Spark. But if I ever needed to elevate my aerial photography, the Mavic Air would most likely be my choice.

More About the DJI Spark

DJI Spark: The Nimble Drone.

Elevated Panoramas with the DJI Spark

The DJI Spark, 6 Months Later

New DJI Spark Firmware.

Exporting a Single Frame from Video

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #619, Jan. 23, 2018. Today's theme is "Oh, The Assumptions We Make." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Assumptions aren't always a bad thing. In our fast-paced world, they can save us time as we move from decision to decision. But we also know that assumptions can get us in trouble, or at least lead us down the wrong path. Photography is not immune to this shortcoming, and that's the topic for today's show.

Oh, The Assumptions We Make

Not long ago, I purchased a beautiful used Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 lens. I was looking for a fast prime to use on both my film cameras as well as DSLR bodies, and this optic, at least on paper, seemed to fit the bill.

First I mounted it on a Program Plus and shot a half dozen 35mm frames with it. Then I put it on my KP DSLR and snapped a photo with it wide open at f/1.4. When I review the image on the LCD, I thought something must be wrong. It didn't look very sharp. I recorded another frame with the same result.

My immediate assumption was that I had received a "bad copy." A wave of sadness came over me. It was such a beautiful lens, and I had purchased it for only $125. Fortunately, I decided to dig a little deeper, and here's what I discovered... (story concludes on the podcast).

Here are some other assumptions to be leary of...

• Larger camera sensors are always better.
• Primes are always sharper than zooms.
• I must always shoot at a low ISO.
• RAWs are always better than Jpegs.
• Real photographers (pros) only shoot with Nikons and Canons.

DJI Mavic Air leaked ahead of announcement, looks like a Spark-Mavic hybrid

DP Review writes: If these leaked photos and specifications are accurate, the Mavic Air will put Mavic-level hardware--a 3-axis gimbal, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, 4K 60p video capture, obstacle-avoidance sensors on the front, back, and bottom--into a body that looks very much like the diminutive DJI Spark. The upside is that 4K 60p video capture that the Mavic Pro and even Mavic Pro Platium has been missing; the downside is that the smaller body means even less flight time, which is rumored at just 21 minutes. The drone is also purported to have a 32MP panorama mode.

Velbon launches the Chairpod, a tripod-chair hybrid (no, really)

Digital Camera World reports: We all love photography, but sometimes it's also nice to sit down. Well, thanks to Japanese manufacturer Velbon, these two pursuits need no longer be enjoyed separately.

Here, we present the Chairpod HY127, reported in Japanese publication DC Watch (translated version here). Able to extend to a maximum height of 1.28m with the addition of an extension rod, the Chairpod integrates a tripod and a folding chair, which allows the photographer - well, at least, a photographer that weighs less than 80kg (176 pounds), which is the maximum weight it'll support - to shoot while sitting.

The San Francisco Street Photography Workshop

San Francisco Street Photography - April 26-28, 2018 - We'll work entirely on location in San Francisco. Our hotel in picturesque Union Square will serve as our headquarters during the event. No rental car will be necessary. We'll explore the City's hidden treasures and capture them through our lenses. As always, we're adding new shooting locations again this year, including twilight assignments. This is San Francisco like you've never seen it before. And as a bonus, Olympus Visionary Mike Boening will be joining the teaching staff and leading sessions on street shooting and night photography. Two instructors, three days, and all for just $695. (That's right, it's 3 full days in one of the most photogenic cities in the U.S.)

The 2018 Nimble Classroom Series

The 2018 Nimble Classroom Series begins in February. Here are the first three sessions:

• Layers in Capture One Pro 11 - Feb. 10
• BUILD YOUR DIGITAL DARKROOM WITH PHOTOS - MARCH 10
• Digital Asset Mgmt with Luminar - April 21

You can sign up right now for each of these and reserve your spot. Only 6 participants per class.

Updates and Such

Three new training videos are now posted for our Patreon Inner Circle Members:

• Tips for Importing Images into Photos for macOS
• Using Gradient Masks in Luminar
• Working with Light Adjustments in Capture One Pro

You can become a member of our Inner Circle by clicking on this link or by clicking on the Patreon tile that's on every page of The Digital Story.

B&H and Amazon tiles on www.thedigitalstory. If you click on them first, you're helping to support this podcast. And speaking of supporting this show, and big thanks to our Patreon Inner Circle members:

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

See you next week!

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

Videoblocks - Go to videoblocks.com/digitalstory to get all the stock video, audio, and images that you can imagine for just $149. Save on millions of studio-quality clips, tracks, and graphics.

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

The Nimbleosity Report

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Six months ago I was a drone newbie. I had never flown one, didn't know the rules, and the whole project seemed daunting. But I was curious. The photo opportunities were intriguing.

Then DJI released the Spark. And I knew that my time for aerial photography had come. I got my hands on one immediately.

At first, I didn't know exactly what I was going to do with it. I had to learn how to fly it. DJI makes that relatively easy. The navigation system is terrific. I use my iPhone as the controller. (It's really nice with the iPhone X.)

But there were rules and regulations to learn. That part was a bit more thorny. I consider myself a responsible pilot. But it does take restraint at times. There are so many places that I want to fly that I just cannot.

And I had to figure out, how did I want to use this new tool? How will it mesh with the other pictures I take? This exploration has become the most exciting part.

I've become enamored with the panorama feature of the Spark. It's amazing. Because of the precise navigation electronics, the drone is a perfect capture device for building big pictures from above. I can choose horizontal framings, vertical, or spherical. All of them are interesting and at times useful, but my favorite is the horizontal panorama.

Once I position the aircraft and set the capture sequence in motion, it's fun to watch its robot-like maneuvers as it positions itself to record each frame. I can preview the stitched image with the DJI software, but the best results come later when I use Lightroom's Photo Merge technology.

What I've discovered is that the Spark fills a gap in my visual storytelling. I'm pretty good at covering my subject from different angles. But the one from above was always missing. And having it now completes many of my essays.

I'm still a terrible pilot. I keep telling myself I need to practice flying more. But I'm adept enough to get the shots that I need. And 6 months later, I have to say that the Spark is an important part of my photo kit. It's here to stay.

More About the DJI Spark

DJI Spark: The Nimble Drone.

Elevated Panoramas with the DJI Spark

The DJI Spark, 6 Months Later

New DJI Spark Firmware.

Exporting a Single Frame from Video

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

One of the joys of mirrorless photography is the camera's ability to accept a variety of classic SLR optics. In my case, when I want to scratch a creative itch, I like to mount one of my Pentax K or Zeiss Contax lenses on to my Olympus PEN-F (not to mention the occasional film camera itself).

Some photographers don't realize that there are a wide variety of adapters ranging from budget priced to top shelf, and that it's very easy to find exactly the right one for you. Here's how to do it.

Start by visiting this B&H Adapter page. At first you'll see numerous options for practically every camera and lens. But you can narrow the results quickly.

Go to the left column and scroll through the options under Camera Fitting. In my case, I go to "4/3rd Micro." Check the box next to the camera type you want to adapt to. Then go to Lens Fitting. I selected "Pentax K" because that is the optical mount that I want to adapt to my Olympus mirrorless camera. Now scan the results in the browser window, and select the best option for you.

Pentax-M 135mm f/3.5 portrait lens.

You probably already have a few favorite SLR lenses collecting dust in the closet. Prime optics are my favorite for adapting. In my own collection, I often choose a Pentax K 50mm f/1.4, Zeiss Contax 85mm f/2.8, or Pentax K 135mm f/3.5 (compact with built-in lens hood... sweet!) because I like to use these for portrait work. They meld their unique analog character to the preciseness of digital capture.

Also, there are many great vintage optics available on the market for affordable prices. Take a look at cool used lens page as an example.

Generally speaking, working with adapted lenses means shooting wide open and manually focusing. But now we're also seeing adapters that bring more functionality to SLR optics (but at a price of course). It all depends on what you're after.

Personally, I enjoy the process of controlling the focus and letting the lens apply its magic at maximum aperture. I find it creatively energizing. I hope you explore this world as well. It's a beautiful place!

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #618, Jan. 16, 2018. Today's theme is "5 Photo Tips You May Not Have Thought Of." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Evolving as a photographer is a journey of many small steps. We start with the basics, then spend the rest of our lives perfecting our technique. And along the way, we may discover a small bit of information that results in a big improvement. Today, I have five tips that may help you take the next step.

5 Photo Tips You May Not Have Thought Of

I have this running joke with myself that any given photograph has dozen components. Things like composition, aperture setting, ISO, color, motion, highlights, shadows, expression, and so on. The joke is, that I can do 11 of those things wonderfully, but if I screw up the 12th, then the image will likely fall short of my expectations.

That's why tips pieces are so popular. Because they often address the one thing we overlooked. And when applied with the other 11 variables, could turn out to be the missing ingredient to success.

I'm not saying that any of today's tips may serve as a silver bullet for you. But you never know. So let's take a look and see what we think.

• Use Your Histogram in the Field - We have this amazing tool on the back of the camera that can help us capture the best range of tones for any given image, but it's often not used: the histogram.
• Embrace Natural Light Photography All Times of Day - All sorts of things get stuck in our heads, and a popular misconception is that our travel work should only be shot during the golden hours of the day. All light is good light. Match the lighting to the story that you're trying to tell. And when needed, use your bag of tricks, such as a polarizer and RAW files to help tame extreme tones.
• Backgrounds Are As Important as Subjects - It's so easy to become mesmerized by our primary subject that we overlook non-complementary backgrounds. Practice the 1-2 punch technique: first the subject then the background... every time.



• Ask Your Portrait Subjects if They Have a Good Side - This is so simple that it's hard to believe how often it's overlooked. Even non-models often know their best side. By starting there, you not only gain their respect, but get the shoot off to a good start.
• Weight on One Foot or the Other, Never Flatfooted - This is the most basic posing technique, and one that is so important. By shifting the weight to one foot or the other, the entire energy of the shot improves.

Beer Koozie Lens Pouch

I've been offered plenty of free, promotional beer koozies over the past few months, and I have accepted every one of them. Why? Because they make great on the go lens cases. You have to get the kind that fold for them to be truly nimble. I keep a couple of them in my suitcase, along with ultralight shoulder bag for on-the-fly urban exploration.

Starbucks Lens Hood

Next time you purchase your morning Americano, be sure to hang on to the cup sleeve that we use to keep our hands for burning. Why? They make a great on-the-fly lens hood, for practically any optic in your arsenal.

The San Francisco Street Photography Workshop

San Francisco Street Photography - April 26-28, 2018 - We'll work entirely on location in San Francisco. Our hotel in picturesque Union Square will serve as our headquarters during the event. No rental car will be necessary. We'll explore the City's hidden treasures and capture them through our lenses. As always, we're adding new shooting locations again this year, including twilight assignments. This is San Francisco like you've never seen it before. And as a bonus, Olympus Visionary Mike Boening will be joining the teaching staff and leading sessions on street shooting and night photography. Two instructors, three days, and all for just $695. (That's right, it's 3 full days in one of the most photogenic cities in the U.S.)

The 2018 Nimble Classroom Series

The 2018 Nimble Classroom Series begins in February. Here are the first three sessions:

• Layers in Capture One Pro 11 - Feb. 10
• BUILD YOUR DIGITAL DARKROOM WITH PHOTOS - MARCH 10
• Digital Asset Mgmt with Luminar - April 21

You can sign up right now for each of these and reserve your spot. Only 6 participants per class.

Updates and Such

Three new training videos are now posted for our Patreon Inner Circle Members:

• Tips for Importing Images into Photos for macOS
• Using Gradient Masks in Luminar
• Working with Light Adjustments in Capture One Pro

You can become a member of our Inner Circle by clicking on this link or by clicking on the Patreon tile that's on every page of The Digital Story.

B&H and Amazon tiles on www.thedigitalstory. If you click on them first, you're helping to support this podcast. And speaking of supporting this show, and big thanks to our Patreon Inner Circle members:

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

See you next week!

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

Videoblocks - Go to videoblocks.com/digitalstory to get all the stock video, audio, and images that you can imagine for just $149. Save on millions of studio-quality clips, tracks, and graphics.

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

The Nimbleosity Report

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

Want to Comment on this Post?

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

Blue skies that aren't blue enough, office lighting that makes the walls a funny color, a shirt that's just a shade off - these are all perfect scenarios that can be addressed by the new Selective Color tool in Photos for macOS High Sierra. And I have a free video to show you exactly how it works.

Use Selective Color for specific areas from Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training by Derrick Story

Start by choosing a color well in Selective Color that is closest to the color that you want to adjust. Then use the eyedropper to fine tune your selection. Now you can adjust Hue, Saturation, Luminance, and Range. And you can perform these acts of magic on multiple colors in your photograph. And the best part is that this is a non-destructive edit. So experiment! You can do no harm.

This walkway was once yellow. Now it's green. That's Selective Color.

And once you know that you have this tool at your disposal, you can keep it in mind when you shoot. "I love this scene, just wish the car was a little brighter." Shoot the scene, then make the car brighter by using Selective Color - super handy, and fun.

New Photos for macOS High Sierra Training!

Is it time for you to learn the ins and outs of the latest version of Photos? Take a look at Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning, or on lynda.com. Maximize your iPhone photography and complement the work you do with your mirrorless cameras as well. You'll love your cameras even more...

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

Two useful Type-C accessories that I discovered at CES 2018 for photographers on the go are the Kingston Nucleum ($79) and the LaCie's DJI Copilot ($349).

The Kingston Nucleum

The Kingston Nucleum connected to a new MacBook. Photo by Derrick Story.

The Kingston Nucleum allows you to connect your favorite USB devices, plus HDMI, SD cards, and microSD cards, all in one slim, portable, stylish hub. Five ports, two card readers, and no external power required.

Aside from the handsome design, I really like the quality of the cord and its two connecting ends, which are reinforced. This is a high performance accessory that should serve you well over the long haul. And it looks great beside your new laptop computer.

LaCie's DJI Copilot

Another USB-C device that may be of interest to photographers is LaCie's DJI Copilot.

LaCie's DJI Copilot. Photo by Derrick Story.

This portable USB-C device has some impressive features:

• 2TB Storage Capacity
• USB 3.1 Type-C Interface (interchangeable with other interfaces)
• Integrated SD Card Reader
• Directly Copy Files - No Computer Needed
• Review Footage on Your Mobile Device
• Backup Battery Pack for USB Devices
• Integrated Status Screen
• Manage and Organize Files
• Drop- / Splash- / Dust-Resistant
• Windows, Mac, iOS & Android Compatible

The big selling point here is that you don't need to bring your computer in the field to backup your camera's memory cards. The Copilot will take care of that by itself, and it will provide you with completion status on its integrated screen. So you know when it's safe to reformat the card.

You can also view your files in the field if you have a table device with you. The Copilot connects to iPads and other portables as well as the computer when you return home. And with its ample 2 TB of internal storage, you should be covered, even on extended shoots.

Additionally, I saw many other USB-C devices at CES, such as the Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD and the Western Digital 1 TB stick flash drive.

So, by combining the Nucleum for your existing peripherals and adding a new accessory or two, your new state-of-the-art computer becomes just a bit more friendly.

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

CES had so much to offer today: home automation, beautiful HDTVs, robots, cars, drones, and tempting audio devices. But the booth that brought the biggest smile to my face was Polaroid.

First, they had the best free bags at the tradeshow. They are big, sturdy vessels with happy faces promoting the excellent Polaroid Pop camera. If you're on the floor today, you have to swing big and grab one.

Second, the booth design is excellent. It's bright, colorful, and for lack of a better term, joyful. I found myself circulating through it three times just to take in the cameras, displays, giant film boxes, and supporting visuals.

But the bottom line is always about the product. And both the Polaroid Pop ($199) and the Polaroid OneStep 2 ($99) are the types of cameras that I've been waiting for them to release.

The Pop combines a 20MP digital camera with a ZINK Zero Ink printer to create a stylish, versatile photography tool. The OneStep2 uses i-Type or 600 Instant Film and produces classic Polaroid prints. I have one print of each that we shot today, and they are quite different.

The output from the Pop is cleaner and more like a modern day print, except that it is semi-instant and emerges from the top of the camera. The OneStep2 output has more muted colors and isn't as sharp as the ZINK image. Instead it has that artistic vibe that looks great with creative portraits.

Choosing the right format depends on your work. If you're more inclined to have the images represent the world as we see it, I would go with the Pop. But if you like those muted colors and soft tones, then the OneStep2 might be a better choice.

Either way, Polaroid is back, and their booth represents the vibrancy and energy that I feel in their latest crop of products. If you love instant photography, be sure to visit them at booth 16615 in the Central Hall.

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