http://twitter.com/Derrick_Story
Writer, Teacher, Photographer
Areas of Expertise:
- digital photography
- Aperture
- iPhoto
- Photoshop
- Lightroom
- speaking
- training
Derrick Story has more than 25 years as a photojournalist, including serving as managing editor for O'Reilly Network. He speaks at technology conferences including Macworld, PMA, PhotoPlus, and Santa Fe Workshops. He is the author of Digital Photography Hacks, Digital Photography Pocket Guide, 3rd Ed., The Digital Photography Companion, and his latest, The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers. He coauthored iPhoto: The Missing Manual with David Pogue.
Derrick likes to keep his shooting skills sharp by running his photography business, Story Photography. You can listen to his photo podcasts and read his tips at The Digital Story (thedigitalstory.com) and follow him on Twitter. Aperture fans might want to check out his co-authored video training on Lynda.com: Aperture 2 Essential 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/
TDS Workshop at the Hot Air Balloon Classic
June 17 2013
The Movie Making for Photographers Workshop focused on the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic for its filmmaking subject. We spent portions of both Saturday and Sunday at Keiser Park in Windsor, CA capturing content for our work in Final Cut Pro X. Here's more about it - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/tds-workshop.html read moreFlickr for Android Gets Much Needed Facelift
June 14 2013
When Yahoo! released Flickr v2 for iOS, iPhone users had a more appealing experience than their Android counterparts. In late May, that discrepancy was diminished... for the most part. Here's more about it - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/flickr-for-android.html read moreFlickr for Android Gets Much Needed Facelift
June 14 2013
When Yahoo! released Flickr v2 for iOS, iPhone users had a more appealing experience than their Android counterparts. In late May, that discrepancy was diminished... for the most part. Flickr for Android brings the visual beauty of the iOS version with much, but not all, of its functionality. Since I'm… read moreLowepro Transit Sling 250 - Light, Tight, and Looking Alright
June 13 2013
When I'm working in an urban environment, I want to travel light, have fast access to my equipment, and carry a bag that doesn't scream "camera gear." Lately I've been packing my OM-D kit in the Lowepro Transit Sling 250 AW ($99) and feeling great, even during extended shoots. Here's… read moreDP Review Gives Canon 40mm Pancake Gold Award
June 12 2013
Great minds thinks alike. And in this case it's Canon and DP Review. But I like the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens too. And DP Review just honored it with Gold Award. Here's more about it - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/canon-40mm-pancake.html read moreJune 11 2013
The new Eye-Fi Mobi 16GB SDHC Wireless Memory Card does what I've always wanted an Eye-Fi card to do: easily connect my iOS device to my camera regardless of my location. Here's more about it - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/eye-fi-mobi-review.html read more"Samsung Galaxy Camera, Eye-Fi Mobi, Olympus 75mm Lens" - Digital Photography Podcast 379
June 11 2013
This week on The Digital Story: Samsung Galaxy Camera, Eye-Fi Mobi, and the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 lens. All of this and more on The Digital Story podcast. Listen in here - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/tds-podcast-379.html read more"Samsung Galaxy Camera, Eye-Fi Mobi, Olympus 75mm Lens" - Digital Photography Podcast 379
June 11 2013
This week on The Digital Story: Samsung Galaxy Camera, Eye-Fi Mobi, and the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 lens. All of this and more on The Digital Story podcast. read more3 Things I Like About Lightroom 5
June 10 2013
Even though there are more than 50 new features in Lightroom 5, there are three in particular that I like. First, we finally have a true full screen preview mode. Now, when I press the "F" key, I get what I've always wanted. And there's more - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/Lightroom-5-favorites.html read more3 Things I Like About Lightroom 5
June 10 2013
Even though there are more than 50 new features in Lightroom 5, there are three in particular that I like. First, we finally have a true full screen preview mode. Now, when I press the "F" key, I get what I've always wanted. And there's more - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/Lightroom-5-favorites.html read moreApple RAW Compatibility Update 4.06 Supports 9 New Cameras
June 08 2013
With RAW Compatibility Update 4.06, your Mac (Aperture, iPhoto, and Preview) now supports the following new cameras: Canon EOS-1D C Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D / Kiss X7 Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D / Kiss X7i Hasselblad Lunar Nikon COOLPIX A Nikon D7100 Nikon 1 J3 Nikon 1… read moreApple RAW Compatibility Update 4.06 Supports 9 New Cameras
June 08 2013
With RAW Compatibility Update 4.06, your Mac (Aperture, iPhoto, and Preview) now supports the following new cameras: Canon EOS-1D C Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D / Kiss X7 Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D / Kiss X7i Hasselblad Lunar Nikon COOLPIX A Nikon D7100 Nikon 1 J3 Nikon 1… read moreJune 07 2013
They hardly take up any space in your camera bag, yet they're often left behind. The cable release allows you to trip the shutter without jarring the camera, enabling you to capture sharper images. Here's more about it - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/wheres-your-cable-re.html read moreJune 07 2013
They hardly take up any space in your camera bag, yet they're often left behind. The cable release allows you to trip the shutter without jarring the camera, enabling you to capture sharper images. Here's more about it - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/wheres-your-cable-re.html read moreYou Can Get Soft Backgrounds with Micro Four Thirds
June 06 2013
The ability to create soft backgrounds is important for pros and serious enthusiasts. Some have shied away from micro four thirds cameras, such as the Olympus OM-D because its sensor is smaller than full frame or APS-C -- an important factor in creating soft backgrounds. But the lens you put… read moreYou Can Get Soft Backgrounds with Micro Four Thirds
June 06 2013
The ability to create soft backgrounds is important for pros and serious enthusiasts. Some have shied away from micro four thirds cameras, such as the Olympus OM-D because its sensor is smaller than full frame or APS-C -- an important factor in creating soft backgrounds. But the lens you put… read moreHow Often Do You Close Apps and Restart Your iPad?
June 05 2013
When our computers start acting doggie, we close down our apps and restart. Do you ever do that with your iPad? Here's how - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/how-often-do-you-clo.html read moreHow Often Do You Close Apps and Restart Your iPad?
June 05 2013
When our computers start acting doggie, we close down our apps and restart. Do you ever do that with your iPad? Here's how - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/how-often-do-you-clo.html read more"Lightroom 5, Aperture on iPad, Interview" - Digital Photography Podcast 378
June 04 2013
This week on The Digital Story: Aperture on your iPad and a Lightroom 5 preview with Chris Orwig. All of this and more on The Digital Story podcast. Story #1 - Serving Up Aperture on Your iPad - You can browse your entire Aperture library on an iPad, and even… read moreNatural Light Portraits with the Sigma 17-70mm "C" Lens
June 04 2013
Can you shoot quality natural light portraits with a standard zoom lens? I recently put the Sigma 17-70mm f/ 2.8-4 Contemporary zoom to the test during a photo session to see what kind of results we could produce together. Here are the results - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/portraits-with-the-s.html read moreAperture on an iPad - Anywhere
June 03 2013
You can browse your entire Aperture library on an iPad, and even grab the photos you need, using the iOS app Plex ($4.99) and the free Plex Media Server for your Mac. Here's how to do it - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/browse-your-aperture.html read more"Architecture" - Results from Photo Assignment 86
June 02 2013
For the April 2013 Photo Assignment, TDS shooters captured the glory of manmade structures. See for yourself in our gallery, Architecture. And which one will be the SizzlPix Photo Assignment Pick of the Month? - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/06/architecture---resul.html read moreInterview in San Francisco with Frederick Van Johnson
May 31 2013
Frederick and I grab a table at an outdoor cafe in Yerba Buena to discuss mobile photography and to answer the question, "Can you travel with just an iPad and your digital camera?" The short answer is, "Yes." Watch this interview and discover, in detail, how nimble photography can enhance… read moreBuild a Better Slideshow on Your iPad
May 29 2013
You might not realize that iPhoto and iMovie can talk to each other on your iPad. This is great news for those wanting to author slideshows with a bit more pizzaz and control compared to what can be created in the Photos app. In my latest Macworld Magazine article, Building… read moreMay 29 2013
Infrared image of trees at 75 miles per hour captured with a Fujifilm X-20 at 1/8 of a second - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/05/trees-at-75.html read more"Joby UltraPlate, Flickr Facelift, Interview" - Digital Photography Podcast 377
May 28 2013
This week on The Digital Story: The Flickr Facelift, Joby UltraPlate accessory, and an interview with Oliver Breidenbach, CEO of Boinx Software. Plus, a special offer from SizzlPix! All of this and more on The Digital Story podcast. Story #1 - The Flickr Facelift: Many of the pages, but not… read moreMacro Mode on Sigma's 17-70mm Enthusiast Zoom
May 28 2013
There are many things to like about the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens. Its high quality optics, built-in image stabilization, fast f/2.8-f/4 maximum aperture, affordable $499 price tag, and... built-in macro. I decide to give the macro mode a spin to see just how good it is… read moreVersatile Joby UltraPlate Quick Release Is a Great Value
May 27 2013
Most Arca-Swiss quick release plates cost between $30-$50.The new Joby UltraPlate quick release plate that's Arca-Swiss compatible is only $19.95, plus it has a few very handy features. Here's more about it - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/05/versatile-joby-ultra.html read moreAre Aperture and iPhoto Libraries Truly Interchangeable?
May 24 2013
Some photographers question the ability to move content seamlessly from iPhoto to Aperture, and back again. It almost sounds too good to be true. In this 5-minute movie that I created for the lynda.com title, Using iPhoto and Aperture Together, I compare how an iPhoto library looks in Aperture, and… read moreNow that the Flickr Dust Has Settled
May 23 2013
The first shock waves have passed. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has apologized for her statement, "there's really no such thing as professional photographers anymore." Flickr Pro users can continue to renew at the current $25 a year price. And the new look, though not evenly applied throughout the site, is… read moreStylish Gariz Half Case for the Olympus OM-D
May 22 2013
When I'm traveling light and street shooting with a prime lens, I'm enjoying the Gariz Leather Metal Half Case for Olympus OM-D ($90) that's less bulky than the power grip. The half case also provides good bottom protection for the camera and allows quick access to all of the ports,… read more"Mashup 3 - The Ultimate Podcast FAQ" - Digital Photography Podcast 376
May 21 2013
This week on The Digital Story - "The Ultimate Podcast FAQ: Juan Pons moderates the third and final installment of our Spring Photography Mashup and asks our panel of experts a variety of questions. We discuss inspiration, overcoming challenges, equipment, how we got started in the photography business, plus much… read moreInto Fresh Air with the Lowepro Photo Sport Pro 30L
May 21 2013
It's difficult to describe how an overnight hiking trip can rejuvenate the soul. So instead, I'm going to express those thoughts via a short movie that I created after my last adventure - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/05/into-fresh-air-with.html read moreCan a Camera Be Creative for You?
May 20 2013
I like some of the creative features offered by the latest batch of cameras. I look at them as suggestions. But I'm still in charge of the final product. - http://thedigitalstory.com/2013/05/can-a-camera-be-crea.html 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 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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