My Extra Layer of Security

Before digital cameras, casual photographers used Polaroids to shoot nude pictures.

They had to. Unless you had your own darkroom, it was difficult, and somewhat awkward, to find a commercial lab that would make prints of naked people. Now, all anyone has to do is point their smartphone at the subject, and tap. 

Very convenient.

Photography today is easier... and a bit more risky - especially the part about sharing the images. Doesn't seem like we have complete control over who can access our shots.

I used to send 4"x6" glossies to family and friends (to be clear, fully clothed pictures). I would order "double prints" so I would have enough to go around. I would organize the snapshots on the kitchen table, write the letter, address the envelope, determine the correct postage, and get it all to the mailbox before the postman arrived.

The process was a bit clunky, but relatively secure. Unless I had a rogue lab worker or incompetent mail handler, I was in good shape.

Today, I press a button to take a picture, then another to share it with the world - whoops, I mean my friend. Yes, there's risk associated with convenience. If someone really wants to get in my business, they probably can. 

Our house, computer, and cloud storage site can all be targets for those who think it's acceptable to take what isn't theirs. Does that mean we shouldn't use these services? I don't think so. 

But at least we can make it difficult to break in. Practice good password security, and hope for the best. And in my case, I have a little extra.

The pictures of me aren't as desirable as those of beautiful Hollywood actresses. A few more years and a couple pounds have become my outer layers of security.

I mean, really. Who's going to pay

to see those shots?

-Derrick

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