PhotoActive

Latest Episodes:

Episode 168: Image Stabilization Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

Many cameras now feature IBIS: in-body image stabilization. But do you really need a stabilized body? Can you use just a stabilized lens? And for that matter, is image stabilization just a crutch for lazy photographers? Also in this episode, we ponder perfect photo destinations.

Hosts:

Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Snapshots:

Jeff’s snapshot: JOYROOM Portable 2000mAh Wireless Charger Compatible for Apple Watch
Kirk’s snapshot: Camel Camel Camel

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 167: Sensors and LUTs Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

Touting Panasonic’s new LUMIX S9 camera, a representative was quoted saying that Micro Four Thirds sensors are more difficult to understand than full-frame sensors, especially for people with “low camera literacy.” That piqued our interest, because many photographers assume that a full-frame sensor is just inherently better. But is that true? And is it really that confusing? We also touch on LUTs, which Panasonic is pushing on the S9 by dedicating a button to choosing different look-up tables for creative color rendering in camera.

Hosts:

Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

Sponsor:

Photo Scout from Cascable

Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.

Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!

Find it at photo-scout.app.

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Panasonic LUMIX S9 Initial Review, DPReview
Panasonic Lumix S9 Initial Review: Small, Pretty, and Confusing, PetaPixel
Micro Four Thirds is Hard for Those With Low Camera Literacy to Understand: Panasonic
Image Sensors, Wikipedia
Julia (TV Show, 2022-2023)

Snapshots:

Jeff’s snapshot: France Is a Feast
Kirk’s snapshot: The Scarlet Papers, Matthew Richardson

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

Episode 166: Pentax 17 and Photo Social Apps Jul 06, 2024

Show notes

If you're wondering whether film photography is really experiencing a resurgence in popularity, the announcement of the Pentax 17 is your answer. It's a brand-new film-only camera with some interesting design choices. Also in this episode, we talk about social media alternatives to Instagram for photographers.

Hosts:

Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

Sponsor:

Photo Scout from Cascable

Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.

Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!

Find it at photo-scout.app.

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Snapshots:

Jeff’s snapshot: Aputure Amaran MC RGB Light
Kirk’s snapshot: LEGO Architecture Notre Dame de Paris

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

**Episode 165: AI and Photography from WWDC** Jun 21, 2024
Show notes

Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is where we learn about what’s coming in the company’s many operating systems, and this year was focused on machine learning features and AI - Apple Intelligence. That turns out to have a lot of significance on photography, such as in searching your photo library and making edits in the Photos app. We look at what was announced and how it will affect the way we work with photos in the fall.

**Hosts:**

**Jeff Carlson:** website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon

**Kirk McElhearn:** website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

**Sponsor:**

**Photo Scout from Cascable**

Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.

Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!

Find it at photo-scout.app.

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

14 Compelling Features Coming to Apple’s Operating Systems in 2024

Apple Intelligence: Why most users won’t get it

Apple announces AI operating systems at WWDC24: macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and more

**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.*

Kirk’s iPhone lock screen

One example of Jeff’s iPad Pro lock screen showing a new landscape photo every hour.

Jeff’s photo of a beach in Hawaii.

**Episode 165: AI and Photography from WWDC** Jun 21, 2024
Show notes

Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is where we learn about what’s coming in the company’s many operating systems, and this year was focused on machine learning features and AI - Apple Intelligence. That turns out to have a lot of significance on photography, such as in searching your photo library and making edits in the Photos app. We look at what was announced and how it will affect the way we work with photos in the fall.

**Hosts:**

**Jeff Carlson:** website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon

**Kirk McElhearn:** website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

**Sponsor:**

**Photo Scout from Cascable**

Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.

Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!

Find it at photo-scout.app.

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

14 Compelling Features Coming to Apple’s Operating Systems in 2024

Apple Intelligence: Why most users won’t get it

Apple announces AI operating systems at WWDC24: macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and more

**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.*

Kirk’s iPhone lock screen

One example of Jeff’s iPad Pro lock screen showing a new landscape photo every hour.

Jeff’s photo of a beach in Hawaii.

**Episode 164: M4 iPad Pro** Jun 03, 2024
Show notes

Apple has released the new M4-powered iPad Pro, and Kirk bought one straightaway. Is it worth buying for photographers? Plus, we mention what’s changed in the new Lightroom releases and welcome a new sponsor: Photo Scout by Cascable!

**Hosts:**

**Jeff Carlson:** website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon

**Kirk McElhearn:** website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

**Sponsor:**

**Photo Scout from Cascable**

Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.

Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!

Find it at photo-scout.app.

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

**Snapshots:**

Jeff’s snapshot: Fujifilm XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 LM WR Sample Gallery, DPReview

Kirk’s snapshot: Pen Tips

**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.*

Using the new Generative Remove feature in Lightroom Classic. This car is selected to be removed. (Image: Jeff Carlson)

Using the new Generative Remove feature in Lightroom Classic. In this image, the normal Remove tool has been used, creating a mess of pixels borrowed from elsewhere in the image. (Image: Jeff Carlson)

Using the new Generative Remove feature in Lightroom Classic. With Generative Remove enabled, Lightroom has reconstructed the area based on what it deduced about the overall image and replaced the white car with pixels that cleanly match the scene. (Image: Jeff Carlson)

**Episode 164: M4 iPad Pro** Jun 03, 2024
Show notes

Apple has released the new M4-powered iPad Pro, and Kirk bought one straightaway. Is it worth buying for photographers? Plus, we mention what’s changed in the new Lightroom releases and welcome a new sponsor: Photo Scout by Cascable!

**Hosts:**

**Jeff Carlson:** website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon

**Kirk McElhearn:** website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

**Sponsor:**

**Photo Scout from Cascable**

Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.

Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!

Find it at photo-scout.app.

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

**Snapshots:**

Jeff’s snapshot: Fujifilm XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 LM WR Sample Gallery, DPReview

Kirk’s snapshot: Pen Tips

**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.*

Using the new Generative Remove feature in Lightroom Classic. This car is selected to be removed. (Image: Jeff Carlson)

Using the new Generative Remove feature in Lightroom Classic. In this image, the normal Remove tool has been used, creating a mess of pixels borrowed from elsewhere in the image. (Image: Jeff Carlson)

Using the new Generative Remove feature in Lightroom Classic. With Generative Remove enabled, Lightroom has reconstructed the area based on what it deduced about the overall image and replaced the white car with pixels that cleanly match the scene. (Image: Jeff Carlson)

Episode 163: Photo Criticism May 17, 2024

Show notes

Part of enjoying photography is understanding photography. What makes a “good” photo? How much of that is based on the circumstances around its creation? In this episode, we talk about looking at photography with a critical eye.

Hosts:

Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

Sponsor:

Nitro from Gentlemen Coders

Nitro is the brand new photo editor and manager from the developer of RAW Power. Designed for every photographer and every photograph, Nitro combines flexible storage options, unmatched camera support, and professional editing tools. If you liked Aperture or RAW Power, you’ll love Nitro.

On the editing side, Nitro includes full masking support with AI masks, gradients, and brushes. Remove dust blemishes and other imperfections using Clone and Spot Removal tools. And, just like RAW Power, you can apply raw-specific tone and tuning adjustments. Nitro gives you more control over Apple's RAW decoder than any other app.

For organizing, your photos can live in Apple’s Photos library or in the file system, with support for XMP sidecars and synchronizing metadata and edits with iCloud Photo Library. Nitro also supports more cameras and formats than Photos, Darkroom, or Photomator, including compressed Fujifilm raw files. And while comparing shots, synchronize pan and zoom up to 16 images at a time.

Try Nitro for free for 7 days without any obligation. No subscription signup, no nonsense.

Check it out at [https://nitrophoto.app](nitrophoto.app).

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Snapshots:

Jeff’s snapshot: Peakto Search
Kirk’s snapshot: Jonathan Jones: Earthly Delights: A History of the Renaissance

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

Episode 162: Gear Acquisition Syndrome May 03, 2024

Show notes

Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) is a running joke among photographers (and musicians), but it's also a real thing that can spin us up with the desire to buy some new camera or lens. We look at what drives this compulsion, and try to be honest about whether it affects us as photographers.

Hosts:

Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

Sponsor:

Nitro from Gentlemen Coders

Nitro is the brand new photo editor and manager from the developer of RAW Power. Designed for every photographer and every photograph, Nitro combines flexible storage options, unmatched camera support, and professional editing tools. If you liked Aperture or RAW Power, you’ll love Nitro.

On the editing side, Nitro includes full masking support with AI masks, gradients, and brushes. Remove dust blemishes and other imperfections using Clone and Spot Removal tools. And, just like RAW Power, you can apply raw-specific tone and tuning adjustments. Nitro gives you more control over Apple's RAW decoder than any other app.

For organizing, your photos can live in Apple’s Photos library or in the file system, with support for XMP sidecars and synchronizing metadata and edits with iCloud Photo Library. Nitro also supports more cameras and formats than Photos, Darkroom, or Photomator, including compressed Fujifilm raw files. And while comparing shots, synchronize pan and zoom up to 16 images at a time.

Try Nitro for free for 7 days without any obligation. No subscription signup, no nonsense.

Check it out at [https://nitrophoto.app](nitrophoto.app).

Show Notes:

Snapshots:

Jeff’s snapshot: Photographer documentary series
Kirk’s snapshot: Riply series

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

Episode 161: Nitro with Nik Bhatt Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

Gentleman Coder Nik Bhatt returns to talk about Nitro, his all-new photo editor for macOS (and soon, iOS and iPadOS). As the successor to RAW Power, Nitro has a lot to live up to. Nik talks about what prompted him to build a new app from the ground up, adding new features like masking, supporting cameras that Apple ignores, and more.

Update since this episode aired: Nitro for iOS/iPadOS, which we talk about as coming soon, is now available.

Guest:

Nik Bhatt

Hosts:

Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

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

**Episode 160: Primed by Seeing** Mar 22, 2024
Show notes

We were recently asked about where we find inspiration while making photos, which led Kirk and Jeff to muse on the idea of being primed to find photo subjects. It’s not enough to arrive at a destination with a blank slate—you’ll create better photos and enjoy the experience more if you prime yourself to see what’s in front of you. That can come from photo books, online photos of the same area, and more.

**Hosts:**

**Jeff Carlson:** website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon

**Kirk McElhearn:** website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon

**Show Notes:**

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

**Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!**

Behind the Gare Saint Lazare

Episode 155: Favorites from The Photo Book

Episode 157: Photos at the High End: Hasselblad 907x/CFV 100C

**Snapshots:**

Jeff’s snapshot: Leica SL3 Sample Gallery, DPReview

Kirk’s snapshot: The Creative Act: a Way of Being, Rick Rubin

**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.*

Behind the Gare Saint Lazare, by Henri Cartier-Bresson

Episode 159: Fuji X100VI and the Appeal of Small Fixed-Lens Cameras Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

The entire Internet - yes, the whole thing, trust us - is going crazy for the new Fujifilm X100VI compact fixed-lens camera. What’s the appeal of this not-inexpensive camera? Its predecessor was in such demand that Fujifilm just stopped manufacturing it because it couldn’t keep up...for more than a year. And now the X100VI is backordered until summer. Is it all just influencer hype?

[Main photo credit: Fujifilm]

Hosts: