The Digital Story Photography Podcast

LED lighting for photographers has evolved from exotic to affordable. No better case in point than the Neewer Ring Light for $30. I talk about the joys of using LEDs, and how we're never going back. Then we take a look at the new Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 pro zoom for micro four-thirds. One report says it's tack sharp wide open, then another says it's soft. Which is it? After sharing a favorite image editing tip, I wrap up with an inside peek at the upcoming Sonoma Coast workshop in August. Yes, we're returning to the Bodega Bay Lodge, but this year we'll have the VW Vanagon parked at the beach as a field station. It's going to be so cool! All this and more on the TDS podcast.

Back-button focusing allows you to separate the auto-focusing function from the shutter release button. I talk more about how to do this, and why you might want to consider it for your shooting. I also discuss a unique opportunity where you can help me cover the Wine Country Big-Q Competition as part of the Event Photography Workshop that begins on July 13. I then gripe about the lack of availability of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 and touch on a great new technical backpack, the Lowepro Flipside Sport 10L. Enjoy the show!

Adobe just released ACR 6.7 that includes RAW support for 9 new cameras plus 30 new lens profiles. Heavy hitters are included such as the Canon 5D Mark III, Nikon D800, and Olympus OM-D. Plus Creative Suite 6 is now available. I finally found a way to speed up Aperture on an older Mac: replace its spinning platter with a Solid State Drive. I talk about my experiences with that project. Would you like to improve your B&W photography? I have a webinar coming up on May 23, "A Fresh Look at Familiar Subjects in B&W." It's free, but you have to reserve your seat in advance. All this, and more, in this week's podcast.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is about ready for its North American release. I've spent a few weeks with this beautiful micro four thirds system camera, and walk you through its highlights and a few of my nits. Then I switch gears to a handful of photo accessories that I've enjoyed using lately. Plus, there's a new photo assignment this month! All this and more with TDS Podcast Episode 323.

Lots of news this week and I'm covering four topics that have been on my radar: The New iPad, Adobe Creative Cloud, Lowepro Flipside Sport AW, and the just-concluded TDS Close Up Photography Workshop. More fun that you could even imagine!

With the closing of MobileMe and Flickr seeming to fall behind the pack, it reaffirmed my belief that it's best to have complete control over your photos. In this week's podcast, I talk about the balance between local storage, online storage, and sharing via social media. Each avenue presents its own challenges and benefits. The trick is using them correctly, and staying on top of the game.