Shiny Objects

Samsung just announced a new Galaxy Note. And in just a few days, we'll know everything there is to know about the latest iPhone.

Despite all the new features highlighted, we seem too easily satisfied. Let's stop for a moment and look at the stuff we're not getting.

Alternative ways of charging - These things don't use that much energy individually. But collectively, they are a substantial drain on the grid. I'd like to see solar panels (or other means of smart energy) designed for our homes by the big companies with influence, that we will use to charge smartphones, tablets, LED lights, and low-demand devices. Less fuel consumed, less pollution produced, better for the planet.

Personal storage - It's hard to believe that in 2014, storage is still a hassle. And despite my best efforts, I still have data and pictures at risk. If we are indeed the data age, then we need persistent, robust storage solutions that work for everyone.

Security - I'm tired of the possibility that my business, and the economy as a whole, can be easily corrupted.  If you're going to come out with a cool new service, then you darn well better be able to secure it. If not, then keep working.

Waste - At some point, the landfills will have more precious minerals then our mines. If you're going to sell a million new devices, then there has to be a plan for the million that's going to be replaced. And I don't think that plan should be toss 'em in the trash.

As a whole, I feel like we're easily distracted by shiny new objects.  And as much as I like  toys, we need to be responsible about how we use energy, dispose of waste, and protect individual rights.

The new Galaxy Note and the latest iPhone seem to fall short in these areas.

At this stage of the game,

we should be further along. 

-Derrick

Hello Rocky Nook

Today is my first day working with Rocky Nook Publishing.

They've hired me as their Photography Evangelist. If you're not familiar with this group, you're in for a treat.

Rocky Nook is based in Santa Barbara, CA. Right off the top, they show good taste in location. When I met with them last month to discuss this gig, we had lunch at the Shoreline Cafe that sits right on the beach. It's not too often you get to wear shades during a job interview.

They choose titles based on their appeal to the editorial team - no focus groups, high-priced consultants, or pressure from retailers. "I like to publish books that I find interesting," remarked Gerhard Rossbach, publisher in charge of Rocky Nook. He then asked me what camera bag I was carrying. "That would look nice with my Fujifilm X-T1," he added.

We are of like minds. As I've mentioned before, I only work with companies that I respect and find interesting. If I'm going to promote something to my audience, I need to be excited about it too.

I just posted my first article for them, Tips for Photographing Birds. The editorial calendar for upcoming weeks looks fantastic.

I'm going to love this.

-Derrick

Good Bye Lowepro

Tomorrow is my last day working with Lowepro.

I've seen many changes there since I began as their Photography Evangelist (and social media guy) in the Spring of 2010. Their Facebook page had 1,400 fans. Today, we're over 72,000. On Twitter, there were 450 followers. This morning we're over 18K.

In addition to my daily posting on socials for Lowepro, I advocated for their products at user groups, trade shows, and online. I covered Photokina, Photo Plus, CES, and other major events for them. I held monthly "lunch break" photography classes for the staff.

But every business changes. Lowepro has a new senior staff that wants to handle their social media internally. I know the people who will be taking over for me. They're good folks who love photography. I'm sure it will work out well.

As for me, I'll have a bit more time to write for c't Digital Photography Magazine and lynda.com Article Center. I start a new evangelist gig for Rocky Nook Books on Sept. 1. And I have my own publishing empire :-) with The Digital Story.

I'll be fine.

But I will miss the bags.

-Derrick

The Fujifilm X30 has Wedding Hair

I have two cameras that I absolutely love: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and the Fujifilm X20.

Today, Fujifilm announced the long-awaited update to my camera, the X30. Under the hood, it's virtually the same as the model I already have: identical 2/3" X-Trans sensor, unchanged 28mm-112mm f/2.0-f/2.8 zoom, and no substantial boost in processing power.

But there are other differences between the two models. The zooming optical viewfinder with clever information overlay was replaced by an electronic viewfinder (EVF), similar to what I have on the OM-D. The battery is bigger, the camera is a tad heavier, and the LCD was upgraded in terms of resolution, size, is and now vertically articulated.

Fujifilm added a dedicated movie button on top where the Fn button once resided. The exposure compensation dial now extends to +3 and -3 instead of just two stops. The top mode dial is a bit more cluttered. A new control ring resides at the base of the lens barrel. And most importantly, WiFi is now built-in.

Many of these changes I like. Some I don't. I prefer the optical viewfinder. I already have EVFs in my Olympus cameras. I preferred the X20's top deck layout to the X30's. And the X30's back panel is totally unappealing to me.

But what really jumps out is how a few minor design changes can impact the overall aesthetics of a camera. The lack of the optical viewfinder in front, the change in proportion for the top deck, and a redesign of the back panel have really affected the camera's appearance.

I call it "wedding hair." Beautiful women in day-to-day life suddenly become less appealing thanks to a formal change in hair style. And that's the way I feel about the X30.

It has wedding hair.

So, I'll stick with the camera that I first fell in love with. Because, as we all know,

Newer isn't always better.

-Derrick

My Second Favorite Color

If you would have asked me my favorite color at age 8, I would have said, "green."

Not sure why; I just liked it. This remained true until I was 16 and bought my first car, an oxidized blue VW bug. Then green was relegated to second position. But it has remained there ever since.

If you visit The Digital Story and The Nimble Photographer websites, they are bathed in my second favorite color. There's a reason for that.

Green is alive. Most healthy plants are green. Photosynthesis is active. Green is good.

The color of conversation, renewable resources,  and recycling is green. Nobody wants to be a part of the rust movement.

Each day I attempt to embrace what my second favorite color represents. I walk to the bank instead of driving. The studio is open in the morning to air out, and closed when the afternoon heats up. I boil a small amount of water to wash dishes, and keep an eye on how much electricity I'm using. I travel light whenever possible.

The Nimble Photographer was born out of the concept of using less.

With my solar panels, twig-burning stove, and camping gear, I've wondered how long I could last if the infrastructure shut down. I hope I never find out.

I have faith that our technology will keep us one step ahead of our problems. Maybe we can innovate our way out of our shortcomings.

Which returns me to my favorite color: blue. Why does blue remain on top after all these years? It's simple.

To me, blue represents hope.

-Derrick