The Digital Story Photography Podcast

There are millions of smartphone cameras out there clicking billions of photos every year. Styles range from snaps of a sweetheart to attempts at fine art. Now, more than ever before, everyone is a photographer. Which is great, that is, unless photography is your craft. And if it is, how do you distinguish your work from those who don’t know the difference between an f-stop and a bus stop. Thoughts about this, and more, on today TDS podcast.

Spring is in the air, and the allure of the great outdoors calls to our spirit of adventure. What a pleasant thought after a long winter: bubbling mountain springs, picnics beneath a shady tree, and expansive vistas to ponder and photograph. But Mother Nature isn’t just flowery meadows and puffy clouds. So a little preparation goes a long ways toward a safe and satisfying adventure. And that’s the first story in today’s TDS Podcast.

When you press the shutter button, what is your goal for that fraction of a second? Are you recording a slice of life? Capturing something beautiful? Not sure really why you took the picture? One exercise that I find useful is trying to tell a complete story within one frame. Everything the viewer needs to know is right there within the boundaries of your viewfinder. And we explore this concept in today’s TDS photography podcast.

After years of donning the official uniform of a wedding photographer - Dual DSLRs tugging at my neck, a utility belt pouches crammed full with flashes and lenses, and a creased white shirt pulled three different ways a once - I am now a civilian. I wear a tailored suit without budging pockets, accessorized by a handsome mirrorless camera accenting my tie as it hangs lightly from my neck via its matching leather strap. And not only has my attire changed, but my attitude as well. And that’s the topic of today’s TDS Photography Podcast.

One of the more interesting conversation threads during our SF Street Photography Workshop was about motivation. Our photographers would talk about periods of time where life overtook their art, and during those stretches, the camera seldom saw the light of day. On the flip side, however, it was interesting how quickly they could build momentum once they set aside some time for their camera work. Getting there is half the battle, and how to do that is the topic of today’s show.

I find it interesting that photographers often are absent from the stories they tell. Whether it be a family vacation, a gathering with friends, or a somber occasion, we tend to record everyone but ourselves. But as the storyteller, we are most likely part of the narrative too. And exploring how we can better integrate ourselves is the subject of today’s show.

One of my favorite Jerry Seinfeld routines polks fun at the system failure of car rental agencies. "Anyone can take a reservation," he says. "It’s the holding of the reservation that’s important." At work and at home we are constantly creating routines and systems to manage our lives. But if put to the test, do they really work? We'll explore in more detail on today's show.

Many of us have toyed with the famous hypothetical question: "If you could only take one lens to a desert island, what would it be?" My view on this has changed over the years, and now there is one clear answer... at least for today. And I will reveal my choice in the top story of today's TDS podcast.

Having departed to Southern California on a minute’s notice last week, I grabbed my daily shoulder bag and headed out the door. It contained the gear I carry on a daily basis to the office, nothing more, nothing less. The only flash I had was the popup on the Pentax KP. And as it turned out, I never used it. So capturing life by existing light is the top story for today’s show.

Adobe just announced a Lightroom Mobile update that includes an HDR feature that makes use of the Raw capture capability of the latest mobile devices. The app instructs your cameraphone to scan the scene to determine the exposure range, then it captures 3 DNG files that it uses to build the HDR image. We wanted to learn more about this, so we invited Adobe’s Josh Haftel to the show to explain how this all works. And that’s our lead story for today.

Over the years, I’ve had many people ask me, “So, how many cameras do you own?” I’m never sure if the motivation is pure curiosity, or if they’re seeking rationalization for their own gear acquisition habit. But believe it or not, there is science to my inventory management. And that’s the lead story for today.

After the WildSpeak Conference last November in Washington D.C., I had quite a few inquires about the best ways to get involved with conservation photography. I guess I wasn’t the only one. So the folks at ILCP came up with 1Frame4Nature, and it's the perfect way to have your images published right alongside pro conservation photographers. And that’s the lead story in today's TDS podcast.

As much as I love outdoor portraiture, some shoots are just better inside. Wardrobe changes are easier, lighting is controllable, and the temperature is far more comfortable. And if you do product photography too, a home studio becomes a necessity. But how much room and equipment do you need to have a functional workspace? Probably less than you realize. And that’s what I’m going to discuss in today’s show.

The profession of photojournalism is changing, as is media in general. How do professional photographers find their voice in a world where social media and citizen reporting compete for your attention, alongside established news outlets such as the San Francisco Chronicle and the Washington Post? Fortunately, Pulitzer Prize honored photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice took time out from her busy schedule to discuss these very issues with me. And I think you’ll be fascinated by what she has to say.

The phrase, "You can’t have your cake and eat it too," refers to telling someone that they can't have two good things that typically don’t go together, like eating a cake and then continuing to have that same cake so you can eat later. An exception to this rule in the world of photography is with our photo management apps and plugins. I explain more in today’s show.