Time for a New Personal Project - TDS Photo Podcast

04/26/22 • 33 min

1 Listener

This is The Digital Story Podcast #840, April 26, 2022. Today's theme is "Time for a New Personal Project." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Photography is most interesting when we continually challenge ourselves. And the best way to do that is through personal projects that take us just a bit out of our comfort zone. Now that we're well into 2022, it's time to find that next personal project for you, and that's the top story in today's TDS Photography Podcast.

Digital Photography Podcast 840

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Time for a New Personal Project

I'm in the business of reinvention. That wasn't my intention, but it certainly has worked out that way. So I'm very familiar with personal projects that help open new doors.

I'm talking about endeavors that you may have had an interest in, but until this point, stayed on the sidelines. What kind of projects could those be? Let's take a look at 5 possible examples.

Portraits - The pandemic has certainly confined most of us to our corners. But maybe it's time we start working with people again, and even more creatively, begin making portraits. There are so many different types, outdoors with fill reflectors, natural light window, flash and soft boxes. Pick one and shoot a series.

Macro - Very few subjects garner attention like a beautiful macro photo of an insect or flower. We often have the tools already, but never really got serious about taking our close-up work to the next level.

Action - Fast cars, horses, and even kids playing soccer present their own unique challenge, both technically and artistically. I'm not talking just any old action photo, but one that is beautiful and captivates the viewer.

Infrared - This was my 2020 personal project, and it has lead to a series of satisfying online workshops, with our next installment beginning in May. IR has so many facets, both technically and artistically, and it's a true challenge to merge the two camps together into an image that is at once unique and beautiful.

Analog - So you think you're a good photographer? Load up a roll of color film and see how you feel when it comes back from the lab. My guess is that you will find it humbling. But don't stop there. Challenge yourself to create a series that satisfies you technically and appeals to others artistically.

If you have additional ideas for personal projects, please send them to me or post them on our Facebook page in the comments sections for this podcast. I may just share them in a future show.

Good luck with your project. I hope you helps you expand your photography boundaries.

The 2022 TDS Workshops Update

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few ...

This is The Digital Story Podcast #840, April 26, 2022. Today's theme is "Time for a New Personal Project." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Digital Photography Podcast 840

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Time for a New Personal Project

I'm in the business of reinvention. That wasn't my intention, but it certainly has worked out that way. So I'm very familiar with personal projects that help open new doors.

I'm talking about endeavors that you may have had an interest in, but until this point, stayed on the sidelines. What kind of projects could those be? Let's take a look at 5 possible examples.

Portraits - The pandemic has certainly confined most of us to our corners. But maybe it's time we start working with people again, and even more creatively, begin making portraits. There are so many different types, outdoors with fill reflectors, natural light window, flash and soft boxes. Pick one and shoot a series.

Macro - Very few subjects garner attention like a beautiful macro photo of an insect or flower. We often have the tools already, but never really got serious about taking our close-up work to the next level.

Action - Fast cars, horses, and even kids playing soccer present their own unique challenge, both technically and artistically. I'm not talking just any old action photo, but one that is beautiful and captivates the viewer.

Infrared - This was my 2020 personal project, and it has lead to a series of satisfying online workshops, with our next installment beginning in May. IR has so many facets, both technically and artistically, and it's a true challenge to merge the two camps together into an image that is at once unique and beautiful.

Analog - So you think you're a good photographer? Load up a roll of color film and see how you feel when it comes back from the lab. My guess is that you will find it humbling. But don't stop there. Challenge yourself to create a series that satisfies you technically and appeals to others artistically.

If you have additional ideas for personal projects, please send them to me or post them on our Facebook page in the comments sections for this podcast. I may just share them in a future show.

Good luck with your project. I hope you helps you expand your photography boundaries.

The 2022 TDS Workshops Update

We have great events lined up for this year, and there are a few ...

Previous Episode

Camera Bag Odd Couple: GFX + MFT - TDS Photo Podcast

This is The Digital Story Podcast #839, April 19, 2022. Today's theme is "Camera Bag Odd Couple: GFX + MFT." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I'm planning a couple outdoor preflight camping trips in preparation for our upcoming Eastern Sierra Workshop, and I had to laugh when I looked down into my camera bag. What I saw was the photography version of the Odd Couple. How did I end up here? Stay tuned for the first story on today's TDS Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Digital Photography Podcast 839

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Camera Bag Odd Couple: GFX + MFT

I've owned the Fujifilm GFX 100S for about a year and the OM System OM-1 for just over a week. The GFX is a handsome medium format mirrorless camera with an impressive sensor. The OM-1 is a svelte micro four thirds body that is a nimble little minx. And funny enough, they make a great tandem.

Fujifilm GFX 100S Medium Format Camera

To be honest, I didn't warm up to the GFX right away. I only had one lens for it, a hefty GF 80mm f/1.7 that was amazing for portraits, but not so good for lightly exploring the world.

Everything changed however, when I purchased the GF 50mm lens. With a full frame equivalent of 40mm (a focal length you know I like), weather resistant design, fantastic aperture ring with 1/3 click-stops, and very smooth focus for both AF and manual, I suddenly fell in love with the camera.

The call the 50mm a "pancake," but that's relative to medium format. And what it did was make the 100S feel like a very sophisticated full frame camera (about the same size), but oozing of Fuji magic and an amazing sensor.

I used the camera exclusively in the Humboldt Redwoods, and I just love many of the images I came home with. Honestly, the most beautiful greens I've every captured. After that trip, I decided that the GFX100S with the 50mm lens belongs in my travel camera bag.

My default settings are Aperture Priority (using that wonderful aperture ring on the lens), Velvia film simulation, auto white balance, and processing the RAW+Jpegs in Capture One Pro.

OM System OM-1 MFT

The OM System OM-1 is my camera for everything else. First, there are the lenses.

Next Episode

Mother's Day and Other Great Family Photos - TDS Photo Podcast

This is The Digital Story Podcast #841, May 3, 2022. Today's theme is "Mother's Day and Other Great Family Photos" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Some folks will be spending time with their family this weekend thanks to Mother's Day on Sunday. Generally speaking, Moms don't like having their picture taken. But I have a few tips for you in today's show that will not only help you get her in front of the camera, but will also ensure she looks great in the picture. I hope you enjoy the show.

Digital Photography Podcast 841

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Mother's Day and Other Great Family Photos

Here are my 5 tips for great Mother's Day photos.

No Solo Portraits - Very few moms will stand for a solo portrait. But if you get the kids involved, she will gladly pose with them. And that's the secret: small group photos with those she loves.

Work Fast - Whatever trust you gained with the group photo approach, you can just as quickly lose if you take too long to complete the picture. Before the gathering begins, set up your camera so it is ready to go and all you have to do is compose, focus, and shoot.

Use Fill Flash Outdoors - There's a reason why so many wedding photographers use fill flash outdoors: it is flattering for the subject. Bringing light from the front softens textures and adds a twinkle to the eye.

Bring an Instant Printer - Making prints on the spot is a hit. And you can let people take their favorites with them when they return home. I use a FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO Hybrid Instant Camera ($199) for this purpose. I send the pictures from my camera to the iPhone, crop and edit as needed, then send the image to the Fujifilm camera/printer.

Email Photos to Everyone - If you establish a track record of following through and sending everyone shots of the day as promised, you'll find that they will more eagerly pose for you during family events.

And finally, those of you lucky enough to spend time with your Mom and other family members this weekend, take a moment to appreciate the gift you are receiving. And to all the moms listening, Happy Mother's Day, and thank you for everything you do.