Where photography meets technology. Weekly podcasts, photo tips, equipment reviews, and more. Author and pro photographer Derrick Story shares his insights, experiences, and opinions.
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My short checklist for this week's campout was: Tent, check; Food, check; Sony RX10, check. I wanted to see if just one camera, with one (impressive) zoom lens, could capture everything I wanted during the trip. I was surprised by its performance, and that's what I'm going to talk about, along with the news, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/08/Sony-RX10-V-Field-Review-Photography-Podcast.html
Inspiration is a magical thing. The flow of creative energy moves us to work a little harder, go a little farther, and not settle as quickly for an average photograph. Sometimes we find ourselves in a zone where compositions present themselves where there had seemed to be nothing before. So where do we find this inspiration? I'll share my favorite tips on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/08/where-do-you-go-for-inspiration-photography-podcast.html
Having just completed two workshops with lots of lab work, I thought it would be a great idea to compare notes with Lightroom expert, Rob Knight, about the evolution of the software, how we can use those changes to improve our workflows, and how advanced techniques mean less work in front of the computer, not more. All of that on this week's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/08/a-conversation-about-Lightroom-photography-podcast.html
Is there a single feature that drives your decision when considering a new camera - that one thing that is a go/no go factor? I know what mine is, but I was curious about the thoughts from those in our community. So I asked them. And in the first segment of today's TDS Photography Podcast, I share what they have to say - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/08/the-most-important-new-camera-feature-photography-podcast.html
Having just come off two workshops where participants experimented with gear and techniques outside of their comfort zone, I saw firsthand the wonderful, creative results that often follow. One technique along these lines that you can do at home is called the Lens on the Back of the Shelf. I'll tell you more about it on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/07/the-lens-on-the-back-shelf-photography-podcast.html
We agreed to meet at the TDS Headquarters at 3:30 am. The gates open at 4 am for the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Festival. That would give us enough time to scout out the area, have some coffee, and be ready for the Dawn Patrol Balloon Glow. After that, we would continue working on site to capture as many meaningful images as possible. Today, you'll hear from the participants about their experiences covering this event - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/07/dawn-patrol-tds-photography-podcast.html
Film simulations, photo styles, and LUTs aren't gimmicks. They are artistic tools to help photographers better match the mood of their images to the subject material they are capturing. This past weekend, I did exactly that during a visit to the classic baseball stadium, Oracle Park in San Francisco. The resulting images convey the feelings I had there spending time there with my family. I'll explain more, plus industry news, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/07/pardon-my-LUTs-photography-podcast.html
Back in May, I talked about the Panasonic FZ300 and wondered out loud where are all the new bridge cameras? Given the strides in technology, they should be more desirable than ever. Well guess what? There's a brand new one coming down the pike, and it looks like a beauty. I'll talk about it, and other industry news, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/07/bridge-cameras-are-coming-back-photo-podcast.html
As I'm sitting here on my back porch in the Cloud Forest, after spending a week with a great group of photographers, I'm thinking about the things I like about Costa Rica. Spending time here, with camera in hand, is unlike any other place I've worked. So this week, I'd thought I'd share five of those favorites with you, in no particular order - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/06/5-things-I-like-about-Costa-Rica-photo-podcast.html
During an interesting walk through a graveyard with dappled lighting, I was reminded of how powerful B&W photography can be. And at the same time, when it absolutely fails. Join me for a stroll so we can figure this out together - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/06/when-BW-is-better-and-when-it-isnt-photo-podcast.html
Smartphones are good at a lots of things. And they are really good at night photography. And when you want to escape the hot, contrasty glare of summer days, let the evening roll in, grab your phone, and go make some stunning pictures. I'll share my favorite tips for just that on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/06/nighttime-is-the-right-time-for-smartphone-photography-photo-podcast.html
Cameras today include a variety of tools, such as built-in film simulations and LUTs, to help us put our creative stamp on every picture we capture. At the same time, post production apps are more powerful than ever, and easier to use. So, what's the perfect mix of creative capture and image editing? I explore this question on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/06/capture-vs-post-production-whats-most-important-photo-podcast.html
A flash as compact as your camera. Weighing in at 4.2 ounces and a mere 2" high, the Godox iT30 Pro is available for OM System, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Leica, Sony, Nikon, and Canon. Yet it includes pro features, a gorgeous LCD screen and a $75 price tag. If you're looking to brighten up your photography, this review is for you - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/06/a-brilliant-compact-flash-Godox-iT30-photo-podcast.html
