Why I Don't Engrave (generally)

I just placed an order for a new iPad mini with Retina Display, and Apple generously offered me free engraving. I declined. I always decline... well, almost always. 

The last time that I engraved any of my devices was October 12, 2005. The object was a 30 GB iPod Video with color screen. I still use it everyday in my Audi as the music player for its audio system. 

Why October 12, 2005? Well, that was the "One More Thing Event" where Steve Jobs introduced the iPod Video, and it was my favorite Apple media event of all time. The curtains opened at 10am that day at the California Theater in San Jose. And for the next 2 hours, I was transported to another world.

Steve looked great on October 12, and he was masterful on stage. I captured one of my favorite portraits of him that morning in the California Theater. He looked truly happy. The setting, the presentation, the technology... it all was magical. 

When I ordered my iPod Video, I took advantage of the free engraving. On the back it reads: 

One More Thing Event
October 12, 2005

I will never sell that iPod, and I will never forget that day in San Jose.

So that's the one time I did engrave. I haven't since. I like to sell my devices to someone who can use them when I buy a newer model. And I don't think most people want to buy a used iPad with a sentimental message carved on the back. 

That is, unless they were shook hands with Steve Jobs on October 12, 2005. Then they might feel differently. 

-Derrick

Holiday Family Portraits

It's that time of year.

If you're going to send out a holiday card with an updated picture of your family, you better be thinking about it... now. 

I bring this up because I have a family portrait shoot today with two little ones and their parents. We'll meet at a park, try to get everyone looking the same direction at the same time, and I'll capture as many frames as possible in that narrow window of opportunity. 

The loss during these shoots is incredibly high (frames not children!). If I'm lucky enough to record 100 images before the little guys lose interest in the project, then I might have a dozen to show mom and dad. And most likely, there will only be two or three that I like. 

But the thing is, we only need one shot. And as long as we get that, the endeavor is a success. 

I have a few tricks that I use for these assignments. First, I shoot in Aperture Priority with a moderate depth of field, like f/8.  I want to make sure everyone is in focus.

But I like softish backgrounds too. So I make sure there's lots of open space behind the family.  

And my secret weapon? Well, I love my 70-200mm Canon zoom for these shoots. It makes up for any lack of talent by the photographer. 

So wish me luck today. All I need is that one great image. (Please!) 

-Derrick

This One Hurt - The Closing of Everpix

On Dec. 15, 2013, Everpix will close their doors.

I had entrusted them with a decade of images that matter most to me. I wasn't using Everpix for my professional work. Far more importantly, they had my memories - travel, family, pets, home projects - the goofy stuff that I shoot with an iPhone that increases in value each passing year.

Every day, Everpix would send me an email containing photos from that day in history. My history. For example,  I could see what I was doing on Nov. 10 each year over the last 10 years. Quite honestly, it was often my favorite email of the day. 

I could use my iPhone, iPad, and computer to browse my Everpix library. Sometimes while waiting in line at the store, I would just see what I was doing 5 years ago. It has really given me a lot of perspective. 

I met Wayne Fan and Pierre-Olivier Latour (two of the founders) at a San Francisco PR office on June 26, 2013. I was interviewing them for a TDS podcast, and was very impressed with their understanding of the problem of managing our visual memories. I remember that, as I was leaving, Pierre said to me with a smile on his face, "Make us famous." 

They did manage to attract 6,800 paid subscribers and countless free accounts. Actually, that was a pretty good start. What they didn't have was enough working capital to get them through the first years. So as the Verge wrote, "the world's best photo startup is going out of business ."

Big ideas need big money. And this is where Everpix came up short. Every Wozniak needs a Jobs. And Everpix needed $5 million to keep the doors open.

In my world, I see businesses rise and fall all the time.  There are a few that I become attached to. Everpix was one of them. And it hurts to seem them go.

-Derrick

What? No iPhone App!

If you're just not getting enough interesting mail in your inbox, then consider starting a publishing business...

I've received a few notes lately about creating a Nimble Photographer iPhone app. "It would be handy to have an icon right there on my home screen." I think that's a great idea. In fact, I've already addressed it. 

An important part of the design of www.thenimblephotographer.com is that it has automatic switching to a mobile version when such a device is detected. You may have noticed this already on your iPhone or Android handset. I've paid particular attention to ensure that the Journal, the Store, and Walkabout look good on smaller screens. 

But wait, it gets even better! You can have your own "Nimble Photographer app" right there on your home screen. Here's how you do it: 

• Navigate to the part of www.thenimblephotographer.com that you want as your home page. (For most people, it will be the Journal.)
• In iOS 7, tap the Share button that resides in the center of the bottom menu. Its icon is a rectangle with an arrow pointing upward.
• In the next popup menu that appears, tap the "Add to Home Screen" button.
• Name the button: Nimble
• Tap the blue "Add" link in the upper right corner.

You'll see the Walking Man icon on your home screen. Tap on it, and just like an app, you'll see the latest Journal entry (or whatever you selected as your default page.) 

I designed the Nimble Photographer site this way, because quite frankly, it's more nimble. I don't have to depend on the App Store for updates, I can refresh whenever I want, and it looks great on any device. 

So I guess what I'm saying is... this is my iPhone app. 

-Derrick

Finally, Some Good News for Those Who Fly

Believe it or not, there was a time when I enjoyed air travel.  

Getting on a plane meant that I was embarking upon a journey that would lead to new adventures, and most importantly, photographs. On the plane, they served you food and made every effort to keep you comfortable during the flight.

Most of that has changed over the last decade, and flying has become a series of uncomfortable situations from the moment I arrive at the airport until I finally escape upon my return. So any good news concerning air travel, no matter how small, is welcomed. 

Recently, a ray of sunshine peeked though our plastic pull-down window shade. The FAA is softening its rules on in-flight electronics, allowing us to photograph those beautiful arial views of skyscrapers, bridges, and sunrises as we take off and land. 

Each airline has to post its own certification, but that process is already underway. Chances are that the next time I board a plane, my biggest concern will be if the windows are clean. (Well, except for that trivial making my next connection thing...) 

The FAA change of heart isn't monumental in the big picture. I understand that. But given what we have to go through these days when flying, I'll take it. 

-Derrick