This is The Digital Story Podcast #641, June 26, 2018. Today's theme is "Overcooked." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

A by-product of today's amazing post production software is sometimes images that are over-saturated, sharpened, and in general, overdone. You may think that the creators of these images would see their overzealous processing. But realizing it is trickier than you'd think. We're going to take a closer look at this phenomenon in today's TDS podcast.

Overcooked

I remember standing before a series of images printed by Ansel Adams. The photo was the famous Moonrise Over Hernandez. There were about a dozen prints on the wall, and as I examined them from left to right, each image became darker and more intense.

The image on the far left was an early print. The one on the far right was one of the last prints. It was amazing to me to stand back and watch how the artist keep pushing the envelope as he printed the image over the years. My favorite version was one of the earlier prints.

I thought about Adams again recently when reviewing images by very good photographers online. Nearly all of them were great captures. Some of them had complementary post processing that enhanced the original image. Many of them had gone too far in editing and had created striking but unnatural works. I wondered that if the same phenomenon that led to Adams overcooking Moonrise Over Hernandez applies to editing with software. My conclusion is they are very much the same.

Here are five suggestions to help you check your processing to prevent overcooking your images.

• Determine the Objective of the Image - Is this shot meant to be surrealistic or abstract? If not, what is your goal with it? Have some idea before your start editing.
• Study the Works of Photographers You Admire - One of the best ways to refine your visual voice to study the works of those you admire. When do they push the envelope, and when do they show restraint?
• Stop Editing and Walk Away - This is a critical step, especially when working late at night. Let your eyes reset by focusing on other things, such as the outdoors during a breath of fresh air.
• Show Others Your Work - Most of us realize that we are sometimes not the best judge of our work. Show different versions of the image to someone you trust artistically. Listen to their comments with an open mind.
• Learn Your Visual Weaknesses - Do you tend to over sharpen or use too much clarity? Do you have a track record of opening up shadows too much and killing the highlights? Are your a saturation fiend that think if a little color is good, then lots is even better?

It's hard to show restraint sometimes. We've all been there. But keeping this guidelines in mind will help you develop a more consistent, appealing visual voice.

The Portfolio Project - Week 8 - The Directory is Live!

You can now visit our Directory of Portfolios by TDS Photographers. I will continue to add sites to this page on a weekly basis.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I will also maintain the link to the directory in our show notes, and I will add it to the Member Participation page on TheDigitalStory.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

Hands on with the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet

I published a hands-on review of the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet. This is a handsome and useful storage unit for photography gear and prints. It's available at B&H for $249 with free shipping. And it might be something that would look great in your office or studio.

Luminar Deep Dive Workshop

July 21, 2018 - 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Santa Rosa, CA Facilitators: Derrick Story and Angela Andrieux

Practically every photographer who comes to Luminar arrived from somewhere else.

Maybe you're a Lightroom user who wants to get away from the Creative Cloud subscription. Many Aperture users have been waiting for the next big thing that they can migrate to. Regardless of where you're coming from, Luminar offers both the traditional editing tools that we've come to love, plus innovation that we've never seen before... all in one affordable package.

If you're interested in the future of image editing, this workshop is for you. Derrick and Angela will show you how to apply your favorite techniques in Luminar, such as using a gradient screen to tame an overly bright sky, plus introduce you to the next generation of image editing with tools such as Accent-AI.

The four-hour workshop will be divided into 3 segments.

Session 1 - Luminar Basics: How to Accomplish Everyday Tasks

Session 2 - Traditional Techniques in Luminar: Working with Layers, Screens, Blending Modes and More

Session 3 - The New Age of Image Editing: How Luminar's New Tools will Change Your Photography

Plus, we'll provide the latest information about the Skylum Digital Asset Manager, lead Q&A sessions, and share our experiences working with the Skylum team.

If you want to explore the Luminar alternative, then this is an event you don't want to miss.

About the Facilitators

Angela a photographer, blogger, and photography coach living in Chesapeake, VA. She is a working photographer, educator, and works with Skylum, helping to facilitate their community forum. Angela provides both creative and technical support. And she truly understands the Luminar image editing process.

Derrick is a writer, photographer, teacher, and podcaster. You can follow his weekly shows on TheDigitalStory.com, as well as read his blog posts, check out his workshop schedule, and find links to his social accounts, including Instagram (DerrickStory), Twitter (Derrick_Story), and Facebook (thedigitalstory). TheDigitalStory show is also available where ever you download your podcasts. Derrick is the moderator for Skylum's Public Group on Facebook.

Workshop Fee: $69

You can register here at: our workshops page.

Updates and Such

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #640, June 19, 2018. Today's theme is "The Fascinating ProGrade Digital Story." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

How many times have you thought to yourself at work, "If I was in charge, we would do things much differently."? Industry veteran Wes Brewer, who spent years working with SanDisk and Lexar, got his chance to do exactly that. And the result of that effort is a new company called ProGrade Digital. We learn about their story in today's TDS photography podcast.

"The Fascinating ProGrade Digital Story"

ProGrade CEO Wes Brewer had seen just about all there is to see in the Flash storage industry. He was at SanDisk when the Extreme series was developed. And he was at Lexar during the coming and passing of the Micron ownership. And now he's the chief executive office of ProGrade Digital.

Wes and I sat down for a chat over Skype where we discussed his observations about the industry in general, and ProGrade Digital specifically. We talked about the ins and outs of Flash storage, and how ProGrade Digital is positioning themselves to be the company that serious enthusiasts and professionals want to work with.

I think you will enjoy this conversation.

The Portfolio Project - Week 7 - Tom Bodley Photographs

Tom Bodley is our featured photographer this week with his Portfoliobox site, www.tombodleyphotography.com.

"Derrick - I very much enjoyed your recent podcast on the future of Adobe LR, and the introduction to Portfoliobox. I signed up for a pro account and set up a few galleries to share at tombodleyphotography.com.
I have been using Squarespace, but find it kind of clunky, and not really suited for photography. Right out of the box I find Portfoliobox to be far superior--many thanks for the tip! I intend to add a few more galleries to my site (Japan, Columbia Icefield Parkway, etc). "

Tom has wonderful images of Alaska and Yellowstone. But my favorite page is the featuring birds. Some very cool shots there. I hope you view them for yourself.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I'm also building a directory of user sites and publish it on TheDigitalStory. And all through the month of June, I will feature one of those sites on this podcast.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

The Compact, Affordable Olympus 30mm f/3.5 Macro

I published a quick hands-on review of the Olympus 30mm macro lens. This is a wonderfully compact and affordable optic. It's available at B&H for only $240 with free shipping. What a great value!

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #639, June 12, 2018. Today's theme is "The Art of Festival Photography." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Whether you're covering a music festival or a dazzling display of hot air balloons, it's hard not to be mesmerized by the main attraction. But if you really want to tell the story of the event, you have to get past that as quickly as possible. That process - of going from being in awe to taking awesome photos - is the topic of today's TDS photography podcast.

"The Art of Festival Photography"

Our workshop crew arrived on the scene at 5am Saturday morning. The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic was already a beehive of activity. There were vendors selling pancakes and hot chocolate, little kids in adorable hoodies, and couples arm-in-arm sharing a moment as dawn approached.

But all I could see at that moment were the flames lighting up the colorful balloons. And had I not shaken myself from that hypnotic state, I would have come back with just a couple postcard images. Fortunately, I rallied, and soon began to photograph the environment around me, as well as the main attraction. And here are the five steps that I kept in mind along the way.

• Yes, Get the Postcard Shot - You need to have the image that everyone expects. So be sure to capture it, review it so that it is high quality, then check it off your mental list.
• Turn Your Attention to the Crew - It takes many hands to pull off any type of event. And those behind the scenes images are excellent for storytelling. Viewers like to know how things happen.
• What's Going on in the Audience? - Because they are often so engaged with the main event, audience members often won't even realize that you're taking their picture. And that engagement can be very interesting.
• Get Tight on the Gear - Whether it's a Fender guitar, propane burner, or a shining row of wine glasses, the stuff of an event deserves its own images.
• Move Your Feet, Bend Your Back, Stretch Your Arms - Don't fall in love with just one position or angle. Stay on the move, go high, low, and all around, and see what you can find.

Not only will you come home with the postcard shot to share on Facebook, you will have an entire photo essay that presents unlimited possibilities.

The Portfolio Project - Week 6 - Dan Horton-Szar Photographs

Dan Horton-Szar (pronounced SHAR) is our featured photographer this week with his Portfoliobox site, www.danhortonszar.com.

"Photography has been a much-loved hobby for most of my life, and I started to work on it more seriously in the last few years. A couple of things in particular helped me on the way - starting a 365 project on Blipfoto and joining a camera club. With the experience gained through the discipline of going out and making a daily photograph, and the advice and support I received from camera club members, I've gone on to join the Royal Photographic Society and gained my ARPS distinction in October 2014."

Dan has wonderful images of the Kent countryside and street photography as well. But my favorite page is "Raising Boys," a predominately B&W tribute to the exuberance of childhood. It's really good.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I'm also building a directory of user sites and publish it on TheDigitalStory. And all through the month of June, I will feature one of those sites on this podcast.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

I'm Taking the Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Rebate Challenge

This appears to be a deal too good to be true, so I'm testing it. I purchased a Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer for $309 (including 50 sheets of 13"x19" Luster paper). The real deal is that this offer comes with a $250 rebate. So this professional printer with paper will only total $60. Seems too good to be true? I sent off the rebate form today. Will let you know what happens.

Rebate offer ends June 30th, 2018. In order to get the full discount for your order, you'll need to send back a $250 mail-in rebate and use the following code at checkout: BHOPTIC18.

Basic product highlights include:

• 4800 x 2400 dpi
• Print 8 x 10" in 51 Seconds
• Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPrint, PictBridge
• Print Sizes up to 13 x 19"
• 8 Ink Cartridges
• Front-facing USB port
• True monochrome prints with Black, Gray, and Light Gray cartridges
• Print photos, email, Web pages and documents from a MacBook, iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch directly to your printer without installing a driver thanks to AirPrint technology

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #638, June 5, 2018. Today's theme is "Scott Kelby's Surprising Printing Talk at Photoshop World" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I was anticipating a number of topics covered at the Photoshop World Keynote address. But the importance of printing was not one of them. Yet, after the T-Shirt tosses and Beatles parodies, Scott Kelby maneuvered from the importance of backing up to the even greater value of printing. The five points that he used to build his argument is the top story of today's TDS podcast.

"Scott Kelby's Surprising Printing Talk at Photoshop World"

It was interesting how Scott led into his printing talk - by outlining the shortcomings of most backup systems. Prints are the exception. They are device independent. He then told a story to illustrate may of the reasons why he thinks prints are important.

Here are the five points that Scott covered in his talk:

• Connection to the Viewer - Holding a print elevates the experience to a whole new level.
• Stand Out from the Competition - The gift of a print blows away an email attachment.
• Impact - A 13"x19" print has more impact than tiny images we view on our digital devices.
• A Print Has Value - If you were willing to pay $200 for a print to hang on your wall, how much would you spend for a digital version of it on a flash drive?
• Protect Your Visual History - Will our generation be able to leave behind a visual history as rich as what our parents left for us?

You can imagine how thrilled I was by this talk...

The Portfolio Project - Week 5 - James Batt Wildlife Photographs

James Batt is our featured photographer this week with his Portfoliobox site, www.jamesbatt.com.

His incredible collection of bird images are categorized in a beautiful, wildly educational way. I'm keeping his page bookmarked not only for its beauty, but for reference as I enjoy my own birdwatching activity. You have to check this out.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I'm also building a directory of user sites and publish it on TheDigitalStory. And all through the month of June, I will feature one of those sites on this podcast.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

Interview with Rick Sammon

After reading Rick's new book, The Route 66 Photo Road Trip, I sat down with him in Orlando for this interview. My opening question, "Rick, why do we need another book about Route 66?" Here's what he had to say.

Signed Print Winner!

Congratulations to Craig Tooley who wrote, "I very much enjoyed your title on Luminar 'Mastering the Basics,' as with all of your titles, very well done."

Craig will receive the signed print from the Maui Project. Woohoo!

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #637, May 29, 2018. Today's theme is "The Future of Lightroom" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

After the fall of Aperture, Lightroom stood tall as the best all around digital asset manager for serious enthusiasts and many pros as well. But a number things have changed since then - some initiated by Adobe, and others by external forces. And suddenly, Lightroom's future is a bit more cloudy than it was a couple years ago. And that's the top story in today's TDS Podcast.

"The Future of Lightroom"

It's probably a good idea or a really bad one to discuss the future of Lightroom as I board a plane for Orlando to attend Photoshop World. But here we are.

Here are the five factors that I think will influence Lightroom's future:

• The End of the Perpetual License - In October 2017 Adobe announced the end of its perpetual license for new versions of Lightroom. If photographers want to stay current, they will need Creative Cloud subscriptions.
• Locked In Workflow - A few years back, Adobe redesigned Lightroom's import dialog. What followed was a good example of how software design becomes locked-in and unable to change to meet an evolving ecosystem.
• New Competitors - Later this year, Skylum will release their digital asset manager for Luminar. This highly anticipated update, if good, will continue to erode Lightroom's existing user base.
• Smartphone Popularity - Even though Adobe has done a good job with its mobility apps, the trend among consumer photographers is to let their smartphones handle all of their photography needs. For this group, a Creative Cloud subscription might not be that appealing.
• Software Fatigue - Sometimes you just need a change.

What Adobe has going for it... First, it's not easy to switch from one digital asset manager to another. Many photographers will remain with Lightroom as the path of least resistance. Plus, Adobe has done a good job with its mobility apps. So those in the Adobe ecosystem can integrate their smartphone photography with their more serious work. And finally, Lightroom is a good app. It's had its ups and downs, but at the end of the day it is a solid processor, editor, and manager.

The Portfolio Project - Week 4 - Your Portfoliobox Sites

I've received enthusiastic mail about how setting up a Portfoliobox site has rekindled the creative juices. So I thought what we could do is share this work with each other.

If you've signed up for a Portfoliobox Pro account, and have published at least one page, then send me the link to that site. Use the Contact Form on the Nimble Photographer and provide your name, the link, and the subject of the page or site you've published.

I will build a directory of user sites and publish it on TheDigitalStory. And all through the month of June, I will feature one of those sites on this podcast.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

The Creative Luxli Cello 10" RGBAW LED Light

I recently reviewed the Luxli Cello 10" RGBAW LED Light, and I want to talk about why I think this is an incredible LED panel for photographers.

Great Online Training Titles for Efficient Learning

I have some terrific photography titles on both LinkedIn Learning and lynda.com. You may want to visit my lynda.com Author Page or my LinkedIn Learning Author Page. Here's a look at some of the titles waiting for you.

• Capture One Pro 11 Essential Training
• Luminar Essential Training
• Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training
• Dropbox for Photographers
• Sharing Photos with Flickr
• A Photographer in Cuba
• High School Seniors Portrait Photography

Signed Print Giveaway - If you watch one chapter for any of my training videos on lynda.com or LinkedIn Training during the month of May, send me a notification after the viewing via the Contact Form on The Nimble Photographer. (You can sign up for a free trial on lynda.com.) Just say, "I watched a chapter on lynda.com or LinkedIn Learning!"

You name will be entered into a drawing for a signed print from the Maui Project. The lucky recipient will be announced on the June 5, 2018 podcast. (Promotion ends on May 31, 2018. Void where prohibited.)

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #636, May 22, 2018. Today's theme is "The True Summer Advantage" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Summer is the season of family vacations, solo adventure, BBQing, baseball games, picnics, and bare feet. But for photographers, there's another benefit that might not be immediately apparent, but can be wildly useful and enjoyable - and that's the subject of today's TDS photography podcast.

"The True Summer Advantage"

Light is the one thing that we need for photography, and there's plenty of it during the summer. And it's not so much the warmer days that I'm talking about, but the longer ones.

Even if you can't take as many photo vacations or workshops as you wish, with a little planning, you can substantially increase your captures. Here's how.

Let's say that you have a job that requires your presence from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. If you're lucky, your workplace isn't far from home. Typically, that's not the case, however. But you can use this to your photography advantage.

If the commute to work is 30 minutes, for example, then that puts you in a new environment away from the house. In prime summer, there's working light until roughly 8:30 pm. Using your workplace as a jumping off point, you have 3 extra hours for creative pursuits that you did not have in the winter.

Open a map and draw a 1-hour radius from your work. What are the photo opportunities within that circle? Conceivably, you could bring your camera gear to work, leave the office at 5:30 pm, travel to one of these locations within radius, shoot a series of images, and be home by 9 pm.

That is one extra shoot that didn't require you to use any of your weekend or vacation time. And what if you identified numerous locations within this radius? (And that's not to mention revisiting the ones that you liked the first time.)

If you set this up to do just twice a month during the summer, you could add 6 or more quality photo shoots to your library without disrupting family obligations or daily routine. Think about the possibilities here.

The Portfolio Project - Week 3 - Wandering

The latest gallery that I added to my Portfoliobox project is Wandering. And the process that led me to this topic is quite interesting (as explained during the podcast).

I also tried a new feature. Mouse over any of the images on the gallery page, and a very attractive screen appears show the location for the shot. This allows me to add context to the image without cluttering up the gallery.

One of things that I really noticed when assembling this collection was how important it was for the images to work together on the page. I started with over 60 candidates, and experimented with many combinations before I settled on the 16 that's displayed there now.

I love using Portfoliobox for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I'm adding a high quality page in just minutes.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

Panasonic Lumix TS7/FT7 is the first rugged compact camera with a built-in EVF

DP Review reports: "Panasonic has announced its Lumix DC-TS7 (FT7 outside of North America) which is the first waterproof/rugged compact to have an electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder is 0.2" in size and has an resolution equivalent to 1.17 million dots and a magnification of 0.45x equivalent. Obviously, you won't be able to use the EVF if you have a scuba mask on, but for shooting in bright light on land it could come in handy. There's also a 3" non-touch LCD available for composing and reviewing your photos."

"The TS7 has a 20.4MP, 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor and an F3.3-5.9, 28-128mm equiv. lens. It's able to go 31m/102ft underwater, can take a fall from 2m/6.6ft and can withstand 100kg / 220lb of crushing force. It's also freezeproof to -10C / +14F."

Great Online Training Titles for Efficient Learning

I have some terrific photography titles on both LinkedIn Learning and lynda.com. You may want to visit my lynda.com Author Page or my LinkedIn Learning Author Page. Here's a look at some of the titles waiting for you.

• Capture One Pro 11 Essential Training
• Luminar Essential Training
• Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training
• Dropbox for Photographers
• Sharing Photos with Flickr
• A Photographer in Cuba
• High School Seniors Portrait Photography

Signed Print Giveaway - If you watch one chapter for any of my training videos on lynda.com or LinkedIn Training during the month of May, send me a notification after the viewing via the Contact Form on The Nimble Photographer. (You can sign up for a free trial on lynda.com.) Just say, "I watched a chapter on lynda.com or LinkedIn Learning!"

You name will be entered into a drawing for a signed print from the Maui Project. The lucky recipient will be announced on the June 5, 2018 podcast. (Promotion ends on May 31, 2018. Void where prohibited.)

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #635, May 15, 2018. Today's theme is "The Right Drone for You - An Interview with Mike Boening" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Ever since I read about the new Mavic Air, I have wondered if I should replace my beloved Spark. To help me decide, I called up my friend and drone enthusiast Mike Boening to discuss the latest in quadcopters, their accessories, and a few important flying tips. I also recorded it to share with you on this week's TDS Podcast.

"The Right Drone for You - An Interview with Mike Boening"

Mike and I get to the bottom of the question: "Should I replace my DJI Spark with a new Mavic Air?

The Portfolio Project - Week 2 - Portraits of Women

The latest gallery that I added to my Portfoliobox project is Portraits of Women.

My thinking was that I have all these galleries that I've produced for these women, wouldn't it be fun to pick one image from each of my favorites, and build a Portfoliobox page with those shots? And the answer is: it was very fun.

As with my first gallery, the bulk of the work was deciding which shots I wanted to feature in the portfolio. Once I made those decisions, I put the gallery together in Portfoliobox in just a few minutes. I love using their service for these reasons:

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I built my first two pages in under an hour. I will be adding a page a week throughout May.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

Great Online Training Titles for Efficient Learning

I have some terrific photography titles on both LinkedIn Learning and lynda.com. You may want to visit my lynda.com Author Page or my LinkedIn Learning Author Page. Here's a look at some of the titles waiting for you.

• Capture One Pro 11 Essential Training
• Luminar Essential Training
• Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training
• Dropbox for Photographers
• Sharing Photos with Flickr
• A Photographer in Cuba
• High School Seniors Portrait Photography

Signed Print Giveaway - If you watch one chapter for any of my training videos on lynda.com or LinkedIn Training during the month of May, send me a notification after the viewing via the Contact Form on The Nimble Photographer. (You can sign up for a free trial on lynda.com.) Just say, "I watched a chapter on lynda.com or LinkedIn Learning!"

You name will be entered into a drawing for a signed print from the Maui Project. The lucky recipient will be announced on the June 5, 2018 podcast. (Promotion ends on May 31, 2018. Void where prohibited.)

Aerial Photography Workshop

Public registration is now open for the Sonoma Country Hot Air Balloon and Drone Photography Workshop, June 8-10, 2018. We're combining two very fun aerial activities into one workshop. Be sure to get on the Reserve List for this one!

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #634, May 8, 2018. Today's theme is "What's Your Online Gallery Strategy?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

If you're like me at all, you have your images spread across various sites online. At one time, you may have had a master plan - best shots go here, family stuff there, everyday life somewhere else. And chances are, as good as that plan was, it went out the door long time ago. So maybe it's time to revisit your portfolio site - a place for only your best shots, the ones that you would show to other photographers and potential clients. Creating such a place these days is easy and very satisfying. And that's the focus of today's show.

What's Your Online Gallery Strategy?

My original plan wasn't too bad. Instagram for everyday life, Facebook for news and conversation, Smugmug for client galleries, and Flickr for the photography that I wanted to show off.

The problem was, however, that Flickr is just so darn versatile. I started using its embed feature to publish photos on other sites, and the next thing I knew, it wasn't my best work. It was just my work. That's fine. But it left me without a true portfolio page. I knew it was time to do something.

As I was thinking about this, two other important things happened. First, I was contacted by the folks at Portfoliobox. They asked me if I would take a look at their product. Not long after that, I had a very interesting conversation with an upcoming photographer. I told him he could ask me anything he wanted. His question? "What should I do about an online portfolio?"

I don't believe these three events were coincidence. So I decided to investigate the best lead I had: Portfoliobox. More on that in a bit.

So why do we need an online portfolio?

• We need a place where our images look really good - By now everyone knows that Facebook makes your stuff look like crap. Flickr is better, but cluttered as well. When you open a real portfolio, one with paper and pages, the images are presented in the highest quality possible. So it's an opportunity to display our photography as we see it during creation. And we don't have to apologize for the quality.
• Our portfolio page is dedicated to great photography, and nothing more - Social network sites pull you into to fishing for likes, sharing, and posting everyday. A portfolio page is more like a fine wine that we craft over time. Forget about likes, just put up great images.
• It's a chance to tell a story - Photo essays can be powerful. But we need to be able to craft those stories without clutter and interference. A portfolio site provides the platform to do so.
• Custom Domain Name - Nothing fancy here, just www.derrickstoryphotography.com. But using your name or photo business name for your images establishes your credibility when people search for your work.
• Links to your other sites - Once you've established your creditability as a photographer, then people will look at your other sites in a more favorable light. Put those links on your about page.

By way of example, I've begun a portfolio page that you can view - www.derrickstoryphotography.com. I'll be adding to it weekly over the month of May, so together we can watch it grow.

Portfoliobox - A High Quality, Affordable Gallery Site for Photographers

As I mentioned earlier in the show, my quest for a gallery page let me to Portfoliobox, based in Stockholm, Sweden, with over 740K users from around the world. Here's what I love about this service.

• My images look great, both on my computer and on my mobile devices.
• It's easy to use. Without any instruction, I built my first two pages in under an hour. I will be adding a page a week throughout May.
• It's affordable. There's a free plan and a Pro version. The Pro version is only $82.80 per year or $8.90 per month USD, and that's before the 20 percent TDS discount.

Highlights with the Pro Plan

In addition to unlimited pages, you get a personalized domain name, web hosting, and up to 1,000 images.

Get Started Today

Just go to the TDS Landing Page to get started with your free account, or to receive the 20 percent discount on the Pro version. And if you want to see the page that I've begun, visit www.derrickstoryphotography.com.

Pour One Out for Casio: Pioneering Digital Camera Maker Pulls Out of Market

As reported on F-Stoppers:

"Casio, known today for rather pedestrian point-and-shoot compact cameras, wasn't always that way. In the late 1990s, they were at the forefront of digital imaging, but now, that's no more.

In the 1990s, it was so weird to frame up an image using an LCD screen. It just wasn't a thing. In fact, this was the first consumer digital camera to offer up a screen for composing and viewing photos, a fact that they even tout in the instruction manual. There was room for 96 images on the camera's built-in memory. The terminology wasn't even invented to describe using this whole process. Casio had to tell people to "think of camera memory like a 96-page album of the images you record," which sounds quaint today. The main way the manual suggested to save your images was to hook up to a TV and record the images onto a video tape."

Great Online Training Titles for Efficient Learning

I have some terrific photography titles on both LinkedIn Learning and lynda.com. You may want to visit my lynda.com Author Page or my LinkedIn Learning Author Page. Here's a look at some of the titles waiting for you.

• Capture One Pro 11 Essential Training
• Luminar Essential Training
• Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training
• Dropbox for Photographers
• Sharing Photos with Flickr
• A Photographer in Cuba
• High School Seniors Portrait Photography

Signed Print Giveaway - If you watch one chapter for any of my training videos on lynda.com or LinkedIn Training during the month of May, send me a notification after the viewing via the Contact Form on The Nimble Photographer. (You can sign up for a free trial on lynda.com.) Just say, "I watched a chapter on lynda.com or LinkedIn Learning!"

You name will be entered into a drawing for a signed print from the Maui Project. The lucky recipient will be announced on the June 5, 2018 podcast. (Promotion ends on May 31, 2018. Void where prohibited.)

Aerial Photography Workshop

Public registration is now open for the Sonoma Country Hot Air Balloon and Drone Photography Workshop, June 8-10, 2018. We're combining two very fun aerial activities into one workshop. Be sure to get on the Reserve List for this one!

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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

Portfoliobox - Create the site that your best images deserve by visiting Portfoliobox. And get a 20 percent discount by using our landing page!

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #633, May 1, 2018. Today's theme is "Street Photography 2.0." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Many people think of street photography as this stealthy activity that can lead to confrontation if the subject suddenly detects their being the unsuspecting target. But there's another approach, and it's one where the photographer openly integrates with the environment instead of hiding within it. I call this technique Street Photography 2.0, and it's the subject of today's TDS podcast.

Street Photography 2.0

I think some folks are nervous about street photography because of the way it's often portrayed online. But I think it can actually be a very fulfilling activity.

Stephanie Zhu attracting attention in Chinatown, San Francisco. Photo by Derrick Story.

Here's how:

• It's Not Us vs Them - The idea of going to battle and engaging in confrontation might appeal to some personalities, but that's not the way I do it. Everyone has something to do when in public: going to work, shopping, visiting friends, searching for shelter, etc. Our activity on this given day is to take pictures. We are part of the ecosystem.
• Know When to Hold Em; Know When to Fold Em - That being said, you have to have your finger on the pulse of the environment you're working in. There are times when you need to keep your gear tucked away and out of sight. And there are some people who you need to stay away from.
• Be Complementary - When you approach a potential subject, make a note of what you find attractive about them. Is it their wardrobe, an accessory, an attitude? It could be a smile. When your introduce yourself, complement them as well and say that you would like a portrait. That complement will go a long ways toward winning them over.
• Work Quickly - Have your camera configured for the shot before you approach the subject. Once they give you approval, complete the shoot within 20 seconds. Don't make them regret giving you permission.
• Be a Man or a Woman of Your Word - If they ask for a copy of the picture, then give them your card, tell them to email you, and you will reply with the photo. Follow through is very important to us maintaining our reputation on the streets.

By being genuine, smart, and respectful, you can capture wonderful images on the street without drama and deceit. At the end of the day, you'll like your pictures and yourself as well.

More on DxO Labs chosing to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

"We are very confident that this procedure, which should not last for more than a few more weeks, will not affect our customers in any way. In fact, we are pleased to announce the following upcoming product releases:

• In June, we will release a free update (version 1.2) of our flagship software, DxO PhotoLab. Recently awarded the TIPA 2018 Award for Best Image Processing Software, this latest version of DxO PhotoLab will include improved local correction features, and will add support for 7 cameras, including the Canon EOS 2000D and the Sony A7 III. This release will also be an opportunity for us to reiterate our commitment to the "perpetual license" model (as opposed to a subscription model) that allows our customers to update their products according to their needs, rather than in a constrained manner.
• In June, we will release the new version of the Nik Software Collection, which DxO acquired from Google at the end of 2017. Much awaited by the Nik software community, this first "by DxO" version focuses on fixing bugs that up until now could disrupt the user experience, as well as on ensuring full compatibility with the latest Mac OS and PC platforms.

Great Online Training Titles for Efficient Learning

I have some terrific photography titles on both LinkedIn Learning and lynda.com. You may want to visit my lynda.com Author Page or my LinkedIn Learning Author Page. Here's a look at some of the titles waiting for you.

• Capture One Pro 11 Essential Training
• Luminar Essential Training
• Photos for macOS High Sierra Essential Training
• Dropbox for Photographers
• Sharing Photos with Flickr
• A Photographer in Cuba
• High School Seniors Portrait Photography

Signed Print Giveaway - If you watch one chapter for any of my training videos on lynda.com or LinkedIn Training during the month of May, send me a notification after the viewing via the Contact Form on The Nimble Photographer. (You can sign up for a free trial on lynda.com.) Just say, "I watched a chapter on lynda.com or LinkedIn Learning!"

You name will be entered into a drawing for a signed print from the Maui Project. The lucky recipient will be announced on the June 5, 2018 podcast. (Promotion ends on May 31, 2018. Void where prohibited.)

Aerial Photography Workshop

Public registration is now open for the Sonoma Country Hot Air Balloon and Drone Photography Workshop, June 8-10, 2018. We're combining two very fun aerial activities into one workshop. Be sure to get on the Reserve List for this one!

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #632, April 24, 2018. Today's theme is "Postcard Gravity." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

In my previous life as a cubical worker, we used to have this term for high-flying good ideas that were eventually pulled back to earth to meet their inevitable demise. We called this phenomenon, "corporate gravity." And believe it or not, it has an artistic sibling for photographers that I call that "postcard gravity." And the battle against it is the subject of today's show.

Postcard Gravity

Engaging in personal projects is one of the ways we can save our artistic souls as photographers. There are no bosses, committees, focus groups, or editors to shoot down our ideas. We come up with a concept, photograph it, then determine how we feel about its merits.

"Fishing, Lahaina" - Kodak ColorPlus 200 film - From the Maui Series by Derrick Story.

But sooner or later, even our personal projects find themselves in front of others for their opinions. And how many times have you heard them thinking, "Why can't you just take a pretty picture and leave it at that?"

To help you battle Postcard Gravity, I have five techniques that I'm going to share with you right now.

• Be clear on the concept of the project. Art for art's sake can lead you down some very weird alleys. But if you've thought through your project from start to finish, you have a better opportunity of creating something truly unique, and possible even appealing to the masses.
• Leverage all of your technical expertise. By combining craftsmanship and artistry, you can impress viewers who might not initially grasp the concept, but appreciate your skill.
• It's OK to explain what you're doing. You're asking a lot of your audience to perceive in seconds an idea that took you days, or even weeks to perfect. By letting your viewers know something like, "I wanted to create a very graphical look," helps them understand what you're doing.
• Don't argue with critical feedback. It doesn't do any good.
• But don't discount positive feedback either. This is especially helpful for a gallery of images. If people express a favorite, then consider showcasing it to promote the entire collection.

The main thing is to avoid becoming addicted to sugary likes. Everyone loves a sunset, but generally speaking, that is the artistic work of God, not the photographer.

Thomas Hawk Publishes, "My Thoughts on the SmugMug Flickr Acquisition"

In his Petapixel article, Thomas Hawk writes:

"First off, I have to say that I think that the acquisition news is very good for Flickr users and the Flickr community. While time will tell how this acquisition goes, I have much more faith in SmugMug running Flickr than I do Verizon."

"For SmugMug, I think what is probably most exciting is that they are getting a very large community of photographers by purchasing Flickr. I think that this will allow them to do even more with community, photowalks, meetups, etc. They will need to make sure Flickr is profitable (and it will be) but they will have a much larger group to build a bigger and stronger community with. While Google+ sort of became a place for the photographic community for a bit, before Google largely abandoned it, there really is not a good place for a larger community of photographers today and I think with the acquisition of Flickr, SmugMug hopes that it can build this and I think they have a pretty good chance at doing it."

I think both Thomas and I are excited about this announcement.

The Apple Photos Book for Photographers, 2nd Edition

The Apple Photos Book for Photographers, 2nd Ed is now available on Amazon. If you purchase the book, send me proof, and I'll send you an official book plate that you can print out on a standard 4"x6" sheet of photo paper. This offer is good until April 30, 2018. Use the Contact Form on The Nimble Photographer site. Also, feel free to post a review on Amazon once you've read the book. They're helpful to potential buyers.

Do You Have a Film Camera that Needs a Good Home?

Over the last year, I've received donations from TDS members who have film cameras that need a good home. What I do is inspect the items, repair and clean as I can, then list them in TheFilmCameraShop where I can find a good home for them. If you're interested in donating, please use the Contact Form on TheNimblePhotographer site. And thanks for you consideration!

Aerial Photography Workshop

Public registration is now open for the Sonoma Country Hot Air Balloon and Drone Photography Workshop, June 8-10, 2018. We're combining two very fun aerial activities into one workshop. Be sure to get on the Reserve List for this one!

Reservation Forms have been sent for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop

We have our cabin reservations secured for Sept. 27-29, 2018 for the Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park Workshop. I sent out reservation forms this last weekend. So if you are on the reserve list, you should have received an invite.

Updates and Such

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

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.