PhotoActive

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**PhotoActive**

Jeff Carlson and Kirk McElhearn discuss photography and the Apple ecosystem. We cover using an iPhone or any other camera with Apple hardware and software, and we welcome photographers to discuss their work.

Latest Episodes:

**Episode 98: Camera Accoutrements** Aug 06, 2021
Show notes

There are all sorts of camera accessories out there, but for this episode, Kirk and Jeff challenged themselves to consider only add-ons that stay affixed to a camera all (or most) of the time. From additional shutter buttons to thumb rests and screen protectors, we look at whether these items are worth consideration, and if they help or hinder one’s photographic experience.

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Episode 95: Lens Filters Are Cool

Foto&Tech Soft Shutter Release Button

Fujifilm MHG-XE4 Metal Hand Grip for X-E4, Black

Fujifilm VG-XT4 Vertical Battery Grip, the “Big-Ass Grip” mentioned in the episode. The model for Jeff’s X-T3 is no longer available; this is the one for the X-T4.

Haoge THB-XB Metal Hot Shoe Thumb Up Rest Hand Grip for Fujifilm Fuji FinePix X-E4 X100F X-100F X-Pro2 XPro2 X-Pro3 XPro3 Accessories Camera Black

Fujifilm Fuji XT4 L Plate L-Shape Bracket Holder Aluminum Alloy Quick Release Plate (This is one for a Fujifilm X-T4; find an L-bracket that matches your camera.)

Colorado Tripod Arca Plates 40mm Universal Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate for Tripod Ball Head with Hand-Adjustable Stainless Steel Screw & Removable Rear Stopper

Peak Design Cuff

Luma Labs QD Loop with QD Mount

Peak Design Anchor Links

Tempered glass screen protector

SmallRig Cages and Accessories

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: Marine Traffic app

Kirk: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

Soft shutter button

Jeff’s Fujifilm X-T3 with an L-bracket

Thumb rest on Kirk’s X-E4

**Episode 98: Camera Accoutrements** Aug 06, 2021
Show notes

There are all sorts of camera accessories out there, but for this episode, Kirk and Jeff challenged themselves to consider only add-ons that stay affixed to a camera all (or most) of the time. From additional shutter buttons to thumb rests and screen protectors, we look at whether these items are worth consideration, and if they help or hinder one’s photographic experience.

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Episode 95: Lens Filters Are Cool

Foto&Tech Soft Shutter Release Button

Fujifilm MHG-XE4 Metal Hand Grip for X-E4, Black

Fujifilm VG-XT4 Vertical Battery Grip, the “Big-Ass Grip” mentioned in the episode. The model for Jeff’s X-T3 is no longer available; this is the one for the X-T4.

Haoge THB-XB Metal Hot Shoe Thumb Up Rest Hand Grip for Fujifilm Fuji FinePix X-E4 X100F X-100F X-Pro2 XPro2 X-Pro3 XPro3 Accessories Camera Black

Fujifilm Fuji XT4 L Plate L-Shape Bracket Holder Aluminum Alloy Quick Release Plate (This is one for a Fujifilm X-T4; find an L-bracket that matches your camera.)

Colorado Tripod Arca Plates 40mm Universal Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate for Tripod Ball Head with Hand-Adjustable Stainless Steel Screw & Removable Rear Stopper

Peak Design Cuff

Luma Labs QD Loop with QD Mount

Peak Design Anchor Links

Tempered glass screen protector

SmallRig Cages and Accessories

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: Marine Traffic app

Kirk: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

Soft shutter button

Jeff’s Fujifilm X-T3 with an L-bracket

Thumb rest on Kirk’s X-E4

**Episode 97: William Neill's Landscape** Jul 23, 2021
Show notes

William Neill’s photographic career began in the Ansel Adams Gallery and continues as a long-time resident near Yosemite, leading one-on-one tours and writing about the craft in columns and books. We talk about his latest book, Light on the Landscape, and how his vision of the splendor in his backyard has changed over the years.

**Guest:**

William Neill: Instagram, website

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Light on the Landscape, by William Neill

The Ansel Adams Gallery

Desert Cantos, by Richard Misrach

Cape Light, by Joel Meyerowitz

Landscapes of the Spirit, by William Neill

Hardbound special edition of Light on the Landscape

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: TripMode

Kirk: Sasuke, by Masahisa Fukase

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

Bill Neill and Ansel Adams, photo courtesy of William Neill

Bill Neill by Joel Meyerowitz, photo courtesy of William Neill

Kirk holds up a copy of Sasuke, by Masahisa Fukase

**Episode 97: William Neill's Landscape** Jul 23, 2021
Show notes

William Neill’s photographic career began in the Ansel Adams Gallery and continues as a long-time resident near Yosemite, leading one-on-one tours and writing about the craft in columns and books. We talk about his latest book, Light on the Landscape, and how his vision of the splendor in his backyard has changed over the years.

**Guest:**

William Neill: Instagram, website

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Light on the Landscape, by William Neill

The Ansel Adams Gallery

Desert Cantos, by Richard Misrach

Cape Light, by Joel Meyerowitz

Landscapes of the Spirit, by William Neill

Hardbound special edition of Light on the Landscape

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: TripMode

Kirk: Sasuke, by Masahisa Fukase

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

Bill Neill and Ansel Adams, photo courtesy of William Neill

Bill Neill by Joel Meyerowitz, photo courtesy of William Neill

Kirk holds up a copy of Sasuke, by Masahisa Fukase

**Episode 96: Photographing Kids** Jul 09, 2021
Show notes

We’d bet that a sizable portion of the DSLR or mirrorless camera market wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for parents wanting to take photos of their kids. Too often, though, people think that just buying a “good camera” will ensure good photos. Then they discover just how fast kids move. In this episode, Kirk and Jeff talk about overcoming challenges unique to photographing children using traditional cameras. (And why using an iPhone instead can be a better option most of the time.)

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Fuji 35mm f/1.4

DPReview Fuji Primes video

Episode 70: One-Light Portraits with Sandra Coan

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: Softbox Diffuser for LED Video Light Panel

Kirk: Fujifilm MHG-XE4 Metal Hand Grip for X-E4

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

Photo by Kirk McElhearn

Ellie Hair Flip, photo by Jeff Carlson

Ellie Hair Fan, photo by Jeff Carlson

Summer, photo by Kirk McElhearn

Fleur, photo by Kirk McElhearn

Summer, Lightroom Edit, photo by Kirk McElhearn

One of Jeff’s Favorite Photos, photo by Kimberly Carlson

**Episode 96: Photographing Kids** Jul 09, 2021
Show notes

We’d bet that a sizable portion of the DSLR or mirrorless camera market wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for parents wanting to take photos of their kids. Too often, though, people think that just buying a “good camera” will ensure good photos. Then they discover just how fast kids move. In this episode, Kirk and Jeff talk about overcoming challenges unique to photographing children using traditional cameras. (And why using an iPhone instead can be a better option most of the time.)

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Fuji 35mm f/1.4

DPReview Fuji Primes video

Episode 70: One-Light Portraits with Sandra Coan

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: Softbox Diffuser for LED Video Light Panel

Kirk: Fujifilm MHG-XE4 Metal Hand Grip for X-E4

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

Photo by Kirk McElhearn

Ellie Hair Flip, photo by Jeff Carlson

Ellie Hair Fan, photo by Jeff Carlson

Summer, photo by Kirk McElhearn

Fleur, photo by Kirk McElhearn

Summer, Lightroom Edit, photo by Kirk McElhearn

One of Jeff’s Favorite Photos, photo by Kimberly Carlson

**Episode 95: Lens Filters Are Cool** Jun 25, 2021
Show notes

We’re talking filters in this episode—not the kind you apply in Instagram to make your photos look different, but actual glass filters that change how light passes through the lens. Neutral density (ND) filters, circular polarizing (CPL) filters, infrared (IR) filters, and the debate over whether ultraviolet (UV) filters are worthless junk or actually useful.

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Hoya: How Black & White Filters Work

Breakthrough Photography

Infrared Photography with the Hoya R72 Filter

Episode 86: Jordan Drake on Shooting Video

Episode 69: What to Print, with Rick LePage

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: Printerville

Kirk: Lake Pictures, by Lucinda Devlin

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

Camping Dog, photo by Jeff Carlson

Broken Lens Filter, photo by Jeff Carlson

Breakthrough Photography ND Filter and Step-Up Ring, photo by Jeff Carlson

Photo Shot with Infrared Filter, Black and White, photo by Kirk McElhearn

Photo Shot with Infrared Filter, Red, photo by Kirk McElhearn

**Episode 95: Lens Filters Are Cool** Jun 25, 2021
Show notes

We’re talking filters in this episode—not the kind you apply in Instagram to make your photos look different, but actual glass filters that change how light passes through the lens. Neutral density (ND) filters, circular polarizing (CPL) filters, infrared (IR) filters, and the debate over whether ultraviolet (UV) filters are worthless junk or actually useful.

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Hoya: How Black & White Filters Work

Breakthrough Photography

Infrared Photography with the Hoya R72 Filter

Episode 86: Jordan Drake on Shooting Video

Episode 69: What to Print, with Rick LePage

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: Printerville

Kirk: Lake Pictures, by Lucinda Devlin

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

Camping Dog, photo by Jeff Carlson

Broken Lens Filter, photo by Jeff Carlson

Breakthrough Photography ND Filter and Step-Up Ring, photo by Jeff Carlson

Photo Shot with Infrared Filter, Black and White, photo by Kirk McElhearn

Photo Shot with Infrared Filter, Red, photo by Kirk McElhearn

Episode 94: All About SD Cards Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

You can shoot the most amazing photos using the best gear you can afford, but it doesn’t mean anything if the pixels you capture aren’t saved to a storage card. In this episode, Kirk and Jeff talk about SD cards: what do the symbols on the card stand for? What speeds are good? How best to transfer images from the camera to the computer? What capacities should you buy? If your camera includes two card slots, do you write to them sequentially or for simultaneous backup? And how in the world did Jeff manage to shoot a Hawaiian sunset and end up with zero images?

Hosts:

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
SD memory cards: The features and specifications to look for
Charge and connect with the USB-C port on your iPad – Apple Support
The Best USB-C Memory Card Readers
Update to My USB-C Memory Card Reader Article: Verbatim  
The 16 Best USB-C Cables and Adapters 2021 | Reviews by Wirecutter
Cig Harvey (Instagram)
Lexar Professional 1667X 128GB (2-Pack) SDXC UHS-II Card, which Jeff bought after recording the episode.

Our Snapshots:

Jeff: NITECORE FX1 Digital USB Camera Battery Charger
Kirk: Blue Violet, by Cig Harvey

Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

**Episode 93: P Is for Professional** May 28, 2021
Show notes

Do you capture photos using your camera’s automatic modes, or do you shoot using manual settings? Jeff and Kirk debate both approaches, looking at situations where each is appropriate and clarifying which features constitute “auto” modes.

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Episode 89: Buttons and Knobs

Opinion: Do we really need all those buttons and dials?, Kirk’s article at DPReview

David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020, Royal Academy of Arts

David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy 2020 Hardback

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: Glide Gear TMP100 Adjustable iPad/ Tablet/ Smartphone Teleprompter

Kirk: Spring Cannot Be Cancelled, David Hockney and Martin Gayford

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

David Hockney’s book Spring Cannot Be Cancelled

Episode 92: Sensors and Megapixels with Richard Butler May 14, 2021

Show notes

Camera marketing often leans heavily on sensor size and numbers of megapixels, because those are numbers that are easy to sell. But are they easy to understand? When does an APS-C sensor outperform a medium format one? Are larger pixels better? Should Jeff take the plunge and buy the 100 megapixel Fujifilm GFX 100S? Our guest Richard Butler, technical editor at DPReview, helps clarify how sensor sizes and megapixels affect the way you shoot photos.

Guest:

Richard Butler: Instagram, website

Hosts:

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Our Snapshots:

Jeff: Exposure, Netflix
Kirk: Videos about photographers curated by Masters of Photography

Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

**Episode 91: iOS Editing Workflows** Apr 30, 2021
Show notes

In episode 87, we explored Kirk’s workflow for importing and editing images into Apple’s Photos app. Now, we revisit the topic by focusing on how Jeff works with photos on the iOS side, using both the Photos app and Lightroom on the iPhone and iPad. And has Jeff fallen in love with presets?

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Episode 87: Apple Photos Workflow on Mac

Episode 83: Raw and ProRAW on the iPhone

Snapseed

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: UTEBIT Heavy Duty Tripod Camera Mount Clip Clamp

Kirk: LiveScan app

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

The edit bar at the top of the Light controls in Apple Photos for macOS

The Noir preset in Apple Photos (iPhone)

Kirk’s Portrait mode photo from 2019

Options for Live Photos in the Photos app on an iPhone

A Live Photo turned into a long-exposure image

Portrait mode photo at the default (f/4.5) simulated aperture

Setting the simulated aperture to a depth of f/1.4

Setting the simulated aperture to a depth of f/16

**Episode 91: iOS Editing Workflows** Apr 30, 2021
Show notes

In episode 87, we explored Kirk’s workflow for importing and editing images into Apple’s Photos app. Now, we revisit the topic by focusing on how Jeff works with photos on the iOS side, using both the Photos app and Lightroom on the iPhone and iPad. And has Jeff fallen in love with presets?

**Hosts:**

Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram

Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Episode 87: Apple Photos Workflow on Mac

Episode 83: Raw and ProRAW on the iPhone

Snapseed

**Our Snapshots:**

Jeff: UTEBIT Heavy Duty Tripod Camera Mount Clip Clamp

Kirk: LiveScan app

**Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter** at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

*Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.*

The edit bar at the top of the Light controls in Apple Photos for macOS

The Noir preset in Apple Photos (iPhone)

Kirk’s Portrait mode photo from 2019

Options for Live Photos in the Photos app on an iPhone

A Live Photo turned into a long-exposure image

Portrait mode photo at the default (f/4.5) simulated aperture

Setting the simulated aperture to a depth of f/1.4

Setting the simulated aperture to a depth of f/16

Episode 90: Bryan William Jones on How We See Apr 16, 2021

Show notes

Retinal neuroscientist Bryan William Jones joins us this week for a fascinating discussion about how our eyes, brains, and technology work together to create and record images. Can we apply the understanding of the way we see to the way the camera sees?

Guest: