I Feel Like I Can Shoot Anywhere

After Saturday's wonderful adventure at Oracle Arena for Game 1 of the NBA playoffs, I'm more convinced than ever that nimble photography is the best approach for events - at least for me. It's just so darn painless.

I entered Oracle Arena the standard way through security. I was carrying my Walking Man Shoulder Bag that contained the Olympus E-M10 with a Panasonic 20mm pancake mounted and ready for action. The guard opened my messenger bag, looked at the petite camera, and waved me through... as he should have. It's well within Oracle regulations.

I also packed the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 prime, again legal for NBA action and shot with it during the game using the 2X digital zoom function (giving me an effective 180mm f/1.8 prime lens). That's all I had: one camera, two lenses.

As I explored Oracle before the game shooting candids of the fans, people were not bothered in the least by my photography. I kept the camera around chest level using the LCD screen for composition. So I wasn't pointing it directly in anyone's face, causing that uncomfortable feeling that results from someone lining you up in their sights.

I was just another fan (which I am) in a Warrior's T-Shirt taking photos before a big game. Just like everyone else shooting with their Samsungs and iPhones. The difference being, I had a quality sensor, great glass, and a much more artistic look to my images.

Afterwards, I was reminded again at just how fun nimble photography is. I travel light, capture great shots, and am not a nuisance to others. Does it get any better for a street shooter?

This coming weekend I'm leading the San Francisco Street Shooting Workshop. Not everyone there will embrace my extreme nimbleosity. But that's OK. Those who do, will enjoy a stimulating, picture-filled weekend without tired shoulders and aching back. They will feel great.

I've never enjoyed photography more than I do now. And for a seasoned veteran such as myself, that's saying something.

-Derrick

Why I Didn't Buy an Apple Watch Today

I wasn't online last night shopping for an Apple Watch. It's rare that I pass on a new tech product designed by Jony Ive.  But to be honest, I'm not really that interested in it. I like my existing chronograph with leather band.

The Apple I fell in love with focused on desktop publishing, photography, and filmmaking. I thought Think Different was brilliant, even though personally, I preferred Think Differently. 

The tools they designed helped me become a better artist and an entrepreneur. Actually, I'm not sure what I'd be doing  today if it weren't for Steve Jobs.

But the Apple Watch is a departure from all of that. A $500 timepiece for the wrist is a fashion item. In my world, that's an accessory.

On the other hand, the iPhone is a necessity. And based on what we might see with the new camera in the 6S, it may become even more important to my work than it is already.

So I won't be writing any articles about the latest product from Apple.

That is, until later this year.

-Derrick

Pimp My Ride

Some guys like cars, others like cameras. (OK, well I love cars too, but you get my point.) And during the last week, I've been souping-up my E-M5 Mark II.

I started with a few stock accessories. First, I added the HLD-8G External Grip that looks sharp and provides more stability. Plus I gain an headphone jack to monitor the audio.

Then I switched optics to my all-time favorite, the silver M.ZUIKO Digital 17mm f/1.8 lens with metal lens cap. It's the closest thing to a chrome bumper that you can get for a camera. And to protect that beautiful glass, I added the Hoya 46mm EVO Antistatic Protector Filter that has 16-layer super multi-coating.

For the finishing touch (and after much searching), I scored the Gariz Genuine Leather XS-WB1 Camera Hand Strap for Mirrorless that looks absolutely sharp and feels great. And just to be on the safe side, I added a 3" screen protector for the articulated LCD. Nobody wants an unforeseen scratch to mar the glossy sheen of their viewing screen.

If you want to see what this all looks like, I've posted a shot of the E-M5 Mark II on my Flickr page.

When it comes to obsessive, photographers can hold their own with anyone.

And that especially applies to me.

-Derrick

We Need Something New

Here's where things stand at the moment.

Lightroom 6 is just around the corner. I'm sure it will be fine. Just fine. And the official release of Photos for OS X is imminent also. Yay.

Both present decent business opportunities for me. But it's a loveless relationship. I'm not excited. We'll go about our work and get the job done. But that's about it. It's boring sex if you ask me.

Am I jaded? Hardly. I'm spinning cartwheels over my latest camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. I can't get it in my hands often enough. I want to write about it all the time. I feel like a 17 year old with a new muscle car. 

So I know I'm alive. Really, it's not me. It's them.

With Apple selling out to iPhone snapshooters and focusing on Dick Tracy watches, and Adobe plodding along with their mandated release schedules, who's left to knock our socks off? C'mon guys, what happens after we take the picture can be exciting too.

When it comes to photography software, we need something new. Someone, somewhere has to step up to the laptop and give us code to cheer about.

Cloud storage is not the answer. Hell, not even Apple can keep their servers online. I watch what Olympus is doing with pixel shifting sensors, Fujifilm with killer film emulators, Sony with jewel like cameras that take big pictures, and wonder why they can cause tingles when supposedly the smartest companies on the planet settle for catering to the masses.

I wrote about a free app called Fotor recently. Have you seen this thing? It's terrific. Can you imagine if those creative minds attempted to do something big like Lightroom? You would be racing to your computer after a shoot to play with the images.

Here's the thing... I'm not ready for an iPhone-only, cloud storage, auto everything world. I love photography. I want applications that live up to the standards of my cameras.

Right now, I'm a bachelor when it comes to post production. I'm not tied to anyone.

So, someone please,

thrill me.

-Derrick

Now that Aperture Is Near the End

In a few weeks, Apple will remove Aperture from the Mac App Store, and it will no longer be available. This marks the end of one of the best runs of my career.

I first learned about this software for pro photographers in 2004, while having dinner at an Italian restaurant in San Rafael, CA. I was invited there because my name ranked high in a Google search for iPhoto experts. Think of this meeting as a one-on-one focus group. The name Aperture never came up that night. But we talked at great length about how to improve photo management for serious shooters.

A few months later in 2005, Aperture 1.0 was announced by Apple. Soon after, I recorded the first lynda.com training with Scott Bourne, and I was asked by IDG to teach the first Aperture workshop at Macworld Expo in San Francisco.

Over the next few years I enjoyed incredible access at Apple, created the Inside Aperture web site for O’Reilly Media, recorded podcasts on the Apple campus with project manager Joe Schorr, and started the Aperture Resource Center on The Digital Story.

And things did not slow down from there.  I recorded another six Aperture titles for lynda, was invited to speak on photo management at camera clubs and user groups, started my own workshop series teaching the application, and used it daily for my photography work. 

Then in June, 2014 I received a call from Apple PR. “We are ceasing development of Aperture.” Our growing concerns were finally realized. By April 2015, Aperture will no longer be for sale.

I’ve been asked many times what I’m going do next. Move to Lightroom, maybe? I honestly don’t know; we rarely know our next move after a loss.

As I reflect on the last 10 years, I’m grateful for my good fortune. Accepting an invitation to dine at an Italian restaurant in San Rafael was one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made.

A lot has changed since then. Apple is a much different. DSLRs no longer rule photography. My work at O’Reilly remains online, but I haven’t talked to them in years. I will never have the opportunity to teach Aperture again.

To be honest, I really wanted this to keep going. But it’s over. And soon something new will come along. 

And when it does, the adventure begins again.

-Derrick