http://twitter.com/Derrick_Story
Writer, Teacher, Photographer
Areas of Expertise:
- digital photography
- Aperture
- iPhoto
- Photoshop
- Lightroom
- speaking
- training
Recent Posts | All O'Reilly Posts
Derrick blogs at:
http://blogs.oreilly.com/iphone/
http://blogs.oreilly.com/digitalmedia/
http://www.thedigitalstory.com/blog/
http://oreilly.com/blogs/
http://blogs.oreilly.com/lightroom/
May 23 2012
Subjects that we normally think of in color can often resonate without it too. That's the premise for my project, B&W Vegas. This is also the focus of today's webinar, A Fresh Look at Familiar Subjects in Black and White. For those who attended my online talk, here are some… read morePentax Refines Its DSLR Lineup
May 22 2012
I became a Pentax fan (again!) when I reviewed the Pentax K-5 for Macworld Magazine. In addition to its outstanding image quality, the K-5 felt like a camera designed by photographers. I now use it as my "hiking camera" because it's compact, weather resistant, and accepts affordable zoom lenses that… read more"LEDs Take Over, Contradictions, Somoma Coast" - Digital Photography Podcast 326
May 22 2012
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… read morePanasonic 12-35mm F2.8 Needs to Perform Better Wide Open
May 21 2012
I just read a review of the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH zoom lens on PhotographyBLOG that helped me understand more about this promising fast aperture zoom lens. As continue to depend on micro four thirds cameras for some of my work, I'm looking for a zoom… read moreWebinar - A Fresh Look at Familiar Subjects in B&W
May 20 2012
I've been fascinated with B&W photos from the moment I saw my first Life Magazine. Even today I have prints by Eisenstaedt and Bresson hanging in my studio. And currently I'm working with Nik Silver Efex Pro 2to explore subjects that we commonly think of in color, to see how… read morePros and Cons of Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Macworld Mag Review
May 18 2012
Macworld Magazine has published my full review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5, including lab test scores from the PC Mag lab. The camera earned 4.5 mice, the highest rating for a camera I've personally reviewed. In short, my pros and cons are: Pros Outstanding image quality Highly customizable feature set… read moreNEEWER 48 LED Ring Light for $30
May 17 2012
I've been having a blast with the $30 NEEWER 48 LED Ring Lightthat mounts directly to my macro lens and is powered by 2 AA batteries. Sound too good to be true? It isn't. You don't have to worry about flash sync or TTL communication since the NEEWER lighting is… read moreSonoma Coast Workshop Scheduled for Aug. 25-26
May 17 2012
I'm thrilled to be leading the Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop for a second year. I have an amazing weekend planed. The Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop begins Saturday morning, August 24, 2012 and runs through Sunday evening August 25th. Our headquarters during the day will be the lovely Library Conference Room… read moreA Better Way to Lighten Shadows in Aperture 3
May 16 2012
When there's a dark area in your photograph that you want to lighten, the common inclination is to reach for the Dodge tool. I don't know about you, but I find the Dodge tool one of the most difficult to use for getting natural looking results. On my images, it… read moreMay 15 2012
Your iPhone captures terrific pictures. And now, so does the iPad. So when you want to give a print to someone, what do you do? There are actually quite a few options available for printing directly from your iPhone or iPad. In the Macworld Magazine article, Mobile printing gets easier… read more"Back-Button Focusing, Event Workshop, & More" Photography Podcast 325
May 15 2012
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… read moreLearn More About Back-Button Focusing
May 14 2012
Typically, most DSLR shooters lock their focus by pressing the shutter half way, recomposing, then pressing further to record the image. It's a tried and true technique that I still use to this day. But there are situations, such as portrait shoots and action photography, where you might want to… read moreNew Flickr Uploader Features and Interface
May 11 2012
Popular photo sharing site Flickr has retooled its uploader interface. The new version features both improved functionality and is easier on the eyes. The first think you'll notice is that the previous stark white thumbnail background has been replaced by charcoal gray. Not only does this make the photos look… read moreCreate Your Own Paper Sample Reference
May 10 2012
I keep a box of prints handy for reference. It consists of a few images printed on 3 or 4 different surfaces. When I'm thinking about which stock to use for a photo that I want to run through my Epson, I pull out my box of sample images. It… read moreCreate Your Own Paper Sample Reference
May 10 2012
I keep a box of prints handy for reference. It consists of a few images printed on 3 or 4 different surfaces. When I'm thinking about which stock to use for a photo that I want to run through my Epson, I pull out my box of sample images. It… read moreCreate Your Own Paper Sample Reference
May 10 2012
I keep a box of prints handy for reference. It consists of a few images printed on 3 or 4 different surfaces. When I'm thinking about which stock to use for a photo that I want to run through my Epson, I pull out my box of sample images. It… read moreioShutter Release Provides iPhone Control of DSLR
May 09 2012
The iPhone display is so beautiful. Wouldn't it be great to use it as a control panel for your DSLR? Now, thanks to enlight photo, you can. The ioShutter Release Cable ($69.99) with accompanying iOS apps (free "lite" version, or the "pro" that costs $9.99, shown in the illustration to… read moreWeather Proof - Table Top Photography
May 08 2012
Regardless of the weather outside, you can still have fun with your photography inside. I just read a good article titled, How to Get Great Photos with a Cool Tabletop Home Studio that provides plenty of helpful tips.. Another point that I want to add focuses on the lights. I've… read more"ACR 6.7, Aperture Speed Boost, B&W Webinar" - Photography Podcast 324
May 08 2012
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… read moreInstall a Solid State Drive in a MacBook Pro and Enjoy the Ride
May 06 2012
I like my vintage 2008 17" MacBook Pro (MBP). But it had become too tired to run Aperture and manage my extensive photo library. Rather than give up on this otherwise beautiful machine, I decided to replace the traditional hard drive with a new Crucial Solid State Drive (SSD). Now… read moreJoin Me for "How to Pack a KILLER Camera Bag" and More
May 04 2012
On Saturday, May 19, I'll be in San Jose, CA speaking for TWiP and SmugMug on How to Pack a KILLER Camera Bag, then on Tuesday, May 23 at 10am PDT, I'm conducting an online webinar titled, A Fresh Look at Familiar Subjects in B&W. Both events are free, but… read moreStreet Shooters - Lowepro Urban Photo Sling
May 03 2012
Nimble photographers who like sling bags and want to carry their iPad with them, might want to investigate the new Lowepro Urban Photo Sling. This street camera bag has two loading options, three wearing options, and a dedicated tablet computer sleeve. It comes in two sizes: Urban Photo Sling 250… read moreiPad 2 vs The new iPad Video Capture Comparison
May 02 2012
One of the reasons that I had to get my hands on The new iPad was for a time-lapse movie project I'm working on. Yesterday, while at the TWiT Brick House shooting some test video, I decided to record sequences with both the iPad 2 and The new iPad to… read more"Eyes" - Results from Photo Assignment 73
May 01 2012
For the March 2012 Photo Assignment, TDS shooters focused their lenses on the "windows of the soul"...or a twist on that concept. See for yourself in our gallery, Eyes. And which one will be the SizzlPix Pick of the Month? Photo by Brian Reynolds. "This is the GOMZ/LOMO Sputnik that… read more"Cool Accessories, Impressive Olympus OM-D, More" - Photography Podcast 323
May 01 2012
The Olympus OM-D E-M5is 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… read moreApril 30 2012
Two of the challenges of macro photography is getting precise focusing and correct position. I've found that a focusing rail is an invaluable tool for close-up work. However, this accessory is usually a bit pricy for the enthusiast macro photographer. One exception is the Adorama Budget Macro Focusing Rail Set… read moreApril 27 2012
We need to shoot often to improve our technique and stay sharp. But it's not always easy to fit a photo expedition into our busy schedules. That's when exploring our own backyards can become a photographic paradise. Close-up photography is particularly well-suited to backyard adventures. This photo by Joel Kaneshiro… read moreApril 26 2012
Do you ever have the feeling that your Aperture library isn't feeling quite right? For those Alka Seltzer situations, try running the Aperture Library First Aid tool. Just 3 easy steps to potential relief: Quit Aperture. Hold down the Option and Command keys while relaunching the application. Choose "Repair Database."… read moreA Closer Look at Macro Mode on Olympus 12-50mm Zoom
April 25 2012
One of the features on the new Olympus ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 zoomthat intrigued me was the macro capability. I'm asked all the time if "macro modes are any good." I thought I'd run a quick test with the zoom mounted on the Olympus OM-D E-M5 16MP bodyand show you the… read more"The New iPad, Adobe Creative Cloud, and More" - Digital Photography Podcast 322
April 25 2012
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! Listen to the Podcast You can also download the… read moreAdobe Reveals Its Future with Creative Cloud Announcement
April 24 2012
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen stepped on stage at the de Young Museum in San Francisco to reveal the path to Adobe's future. Adobe is hoping that it's a path upward to the Creative Cloud. Adobe's vision of cloud computing goes beyond hosting software and sharing pictures. They see a complete… read moreLowepro Releases Flipside Sport Outdoor Camera Bag
April 23 2012
If you're an outdoor photographer who likes stream crossings on a fallen log, jogging down a winding trail, or mountain biking on a brisk Spring day, you'll probably like carrying your camera gear in the just-announced Flipside Sport. Two models of the Lowepro Flipside Sport. You can see the complete… read moreA Spate of Excellent Photo Apps for the iPhone
April 02 2009
Photography on the iPhone can be more than just snapping 2-megapixel pictures. You can also process and transfer the images from the same device that you used to record. For this to work reasonable well, you need a basic... read moreThings You Need to Know about iPhoto '09
March 19 2009
iPhoto '09 appears simple on the surface. But there are sophisticated brains clicking away beneath that pretty face. I've discovered lots of things that I think you should know about iPhoto '09, and I'll show you as many as I can. read moreNetworked Printers and Speakers with AirPort WiFi
January 14 2009
The current AirPort base station combined with iTunes, Apple TV, the iPhone, a handful of printers, and powered speakers have enabled me to configure an "upstairs/downstairs" network complete with printing and remote-controlled music streaming. Here's an overview. read moreJanuary 07 2009
The Macworld keynote today focused on three basic new products: iLife '09, iWork '09, and an updated MacBook Pro 17". Within the iLife suite resides the new iPhoto. It has some refreshing technologies, such as Faces and Places, and has added a new twist or two to the Adjust panel.… read moreO'Reilly Media Events at Macworld SF 09
January 03 2009
We've put together a killer line-up of speakers for this year's Macworld Expo in San Francisco. Here's an overview of the things you can do with just an Expo pass. And don't forget that great library of O'Reilly books to browse. read moreThe O'Reilly 5-Step Plan for Evaluating Photoshop CS4... For Free
December 11 2008
The number one question I get from photographers about Photoshop CS4 is, "Why should I bother to upgrade?" If you haven't seen the application, it's a totally reasonable query. So, we've put together an introductory package that will show you the highlights (for photographers) in CS4. It's a great plan,… read moreAmerica at Home: Make Yourself a Cover Girl or Boy
December 03 2008
AMERICA AT HOME is extraordinary book created by 100 of the worlds leading photographers and tens of thousands of amateurs over the course of one week. You can create your own custom cover for the book this holiday season. read moreGifts for Shooters - Suggestions for Your Holiday List
November 25 2008
We all know that shooters are some of the most difficult people to impress with an affordable holiday gift. If they really need it, they already have it. If they don't have it, it's probably too expensive for them -- so that means you can afford it? I think photographers… read moreInside Lightroom is Coming Back
November 19 2008
Since my post yesterday, Looking for Contributors to Inside Lightroom, I've received a terrific response from our Lightroom community. For starters, two veteran writers, Michael Clark and Brandon Oelling are returning. Both are terrific contributors, and I'll enjoy reading their... read moreLooking for Contributors to Inside Lightroom
November 18 2008
When I first started Inside Lightroom, my plan was to have a staff of knowledgeable, responsible writers who would publish on assigned days. This would provide us with the steady flow of content that ultimately we so liked so much... read moreDeciding to Upgrade (or not) to Photoshop CS4?
October 25 2008
In my Photoshop class yesterday at PhotoPlus Expo in New York, many of the attendees were there to get information for a big decision: whether or not to upgrade to Photoshop CS4. I showed them the entire workflow with CS4 -- from downloading images to finishing off the best of… read moreO'Reilly Has Landed at PhotoPlus Expo
October 23 2008
The O'Reilly crew is in New York, and today is the first day of PhotoPlus Expo. There's lots going on here, both on the Expo floor and in the sessions. If you're in town, make sure you check out the O'Reilly Media Schedule of Events. As for the rest of… read moreO'Reilly Speaking Schedule at PhotoPlus Expo
October 16 2008
O'Reilly Media has big plans for PhotoPlus Expo, October 23-25 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. If you plan on attending the event, please note these terrific talks we have scheduled in the O'Reilly booth, #448, located in the Expo Hall. read moreFree Webinar: Secrets of Digital Night Photography
October 14 2008
Photographs by Harold Davis are distinctive and compelling. Some of my favorite images by him have been captured on the edges of the day. His upcoming webinar, Secrets of Digital Night Photography, will not only give us an opportunity to see more of Harold's work, we'll also get to hear… read morePhotoshop's New Era (at least for me)
October 09 2008
I just loved reading Steve Simon's latest post about the abuses of Photoshop. Switching heads and adding fake moons has irritated me for years. So much so, that I've tried to swear off Photoshop many times. Then I started playing with the beta versions of the upcoming version of Photoshop… read moreBehind the Scenes of the Digital Media Weekly Report
October 07 2008
A few weeks ago, my General Manger, Dan Brodnitz, asked me to create a new feature for our Digital Media site. He showed me a sample video of an online editor chatting about recent topics his site was covering. Dan wanted something like that for O'Reilly Digital Media. "But," he… read morePhotoshop CS4 - Elegant Engineering
September 23 2008
I'm sitting here with the official Reviewer's Guide for Photoshop CS4, and application that has been my constant companion for the last three months. As I'm flipping through the guide, I'm thinking, "Oh, yeah, that's nice. And yes, I like that too." But it doesn't get to the heart of… read moreiPhone Forensics 101 Webcast with Jonathan Zdziarski
September 09 2008
In this free, live webcast, iPhone hacker and data forensics expert Jonathan Zdziarski guides you through the steps used by law enforcement agencies to bypass the iPhone 3G's passcode lock by creating a custom firmware bundle. The webcast airs Thursday,... read moreRecent Posts | All O'Reilly Posts
Webcast: Five Ways to Make Your Photos Look Better
March 27, 2008
In this webcast, Derrick Story, digital photographer, blogger, and author of The Digital Photography Companion, gives you the tools to capture the high quality pictures you've always wanted--photos that will distinguish your work from others. Thousands...
Snapshots and TAT in ACR 5.2: Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers Screencast 5
Publish Date: Dec. 3, 2008
Adobe Camera Raw 5.2 features a handful of terrific new tools, including Snapshots and the Targeted Adjustment Tool. In this screencast designed to supplement The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Derrick shows you how to use these great new components.
A Look Inside the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop
Publish Date: Nov. 18, 2008
While at PhotoPlus Expo in NY, Derrick Story sat down with Rob Trueman and Cathy Chung to talk about their experiences with the Fall 2008 Aperture Nature Photography Workshop in the Grand Teton National Park. Rob and Cathy were two of the four contest winners who earned a trip to the Grand Tetons where they received one-on-one instruction. During this discussion they talk about what they learned and how they are applying that knowledge now.
Batch Processing in ACR: Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers Screencast 4
Publish Date: Nov. 12, 2008
Not only is Adobe Camera Raw terrific for processing individual files, you can batch process with it too. In this screencast, based on Chapter 4 of The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Derrick shows you how ACR makes easy work of multiple images.
Collections in Bridge: Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers Screencast 3
Publish Date: Oct. 29, 2008
Collections are one of my favorite new features in Adobe Bridge CS4, which comes bundled with Photoshop. In this screencast, based on Chapter 3 of The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Derrick shows you how Collections add the flexibility to Bridge that we've been waiting for. Plus you'll learn how to build Smart Collections based on a variety of search criteria. This is truly fun stuff.
Photo Downloader: Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers Screencast 2
Publish Date: Oct. 23, 2008
Photo Downloader is one of the unheralded stars included in Photoshop CS4. In this screencast, based on Chapter 2 of The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Derrick shows you how Photo Downloader can help you keep your images organized. Plus he demonstrates how to add your copyright and how to simultaneously back up your photos to another drive — all automatically during the downloading process.
The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers Screencast 1
Publish Date: Oct. 14, 2008
Photoshop CS4 contains all the tools you need for a complete photography workflow. In this series of screencasts based on the book, The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers, Derrick shows you techniques from a chapter of the book. This week he starts with Chapter 1: The Quick-Start Roadmap. Here, you'll see the basic overview of this workflow and how the pieces fit together.
From Windows to Aperture - Interview with Ben McMillan
Publish Date: Oct. 2, 2008
Ben McMillan has been a working photographer in Beijing for more than four years. During that time, he's seen the city go through dramatic changes, leading up to the Olympics. In this conversation, Ben talks about his Beijing experience, and how he also went through a personal change when he discovered Aperture during the games.
Getting Smart About Smart Objects - An Interview with Deke McClelland
Publish Date: Sep. 30, 2008
What makes Smart Objects in Photoshop CS3 so compelling to power users? Derrick Story wanted to get the inside scoop on non-destructive tools, so he sat down with Photoshop expert Deke McClelland to find out how Smart Objects can improve his photography workflow. This interview was recorded at Photoshop World in Orlando during the Spring of 2008.
Mine Kasapoglu on Location in Beijing
Publish Date: Sep. 11, 2008
Mine Kasapoglu photographed her first Olympics in 2002 at Salt Lake City. She's been shooting them ever since, including this year in Beijing where I caught up with her for this interview. Mine was first introduced to Aperture at the 2006 Torino Olympics. Nobody really knew about Aperture then, including Mine. But she was in great photographic pain and gave it a try. Here's her story two years later.
Sean Duggan on Digital Darkroom
Publish Date: Sep. 9, 2008
Sean Duggan is an art photographer, educator, and Photoshop expert. He's recently teamed up with Katrin Eismann to publish The Creative Digital Darkroom. In this interview Sean talks about his approach to processing images and how to get the most out of digital capture.
The Story Behind the Olympic Picture of the Day
Publish Date: Aug. 26, 2008
The Kodak Picture of the Day has been an Olympic tradition for decades now. While I was in Beijing, I had a chance to sit down with Rich Connolly, Director of Olympic Operations for Kodak, to talk about how the Picture of the Day came about, and the behind the scenes process for its daily selection during the Games.
Aperture Screencast 5: Managing Previews
Publish Date: Aug. 19, 2008
Aperture's previews are an important link to sharing your images with the outside world. Previews are JPEG renderings of your processed Raw files and, once generated, are easily accessible via other applications and output methods. In this screencast, Derrick Story shows you how to expertly manage your previews so you are always in control of your images.
Vincent Versace on Photography and Creativity
Publish Date: Aug. 13, 2008
Vincent Versace, noted photographer, author, and photography instructor, sits down with Derrick Story to discuss the some of the larger philosophical questions that inform the photographic creative process during this video interview from Photoshop World Orlando.
Noise Ninja Plugin for Aperture
Publish Date: Aug. 5, 2008
PictureCode has released Noise Ninja for Aperture, and it's the latest in the series of Edit Plugins that expand Aperture's image editing abilities. In this podcast, Derrick Story talks with Joe Schorr about Noise Ninja, and about the new plugins resource page on Apple's web site.
Off to Beijing - An Interview with Derrick Story
Publish Date: Aug. 4, 2008
On August 4, Derrick Story is boarding a plane to Beijing to work in the media center at the Summer Olympics. In addition to his job of helping photographers get their images out to the world, he'll be blogging, podcasting, and tweeting, not to mention capturing his own Olympic images. In this interview, Dan Brodnitz asks Derrick how he's preparing for this assignment.
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