The Digital Photography Show #92: We Answer Your Questions
The Digital Photography Show #92: We Answer Your Questions
June 26, 2008 : Today, Michael and I try and answer some of your questions that we’ve received on our voicemail and email.
For full show notes and links to the things we discuss on today’s show, hop on over to my photography blog: ScottsPhotoBlog.com
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Wanna participate in the show?
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- Check out my first novel on Amazon.com - First You Fall. Fair warning -it’s only for grownups!
Thanks!
Scott
June 28th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Guys,
Love the show.Glad you’re back. On show # 92 a listener asked about hosts for selling prints. printroom.com is an excellent place to sell your prints and gives you freedom and options galore. Check it out.
Jim W.
Austin, TX.
June 28th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
As another long time listener (from around episode #3), I’m glad you guys still have time to do the show. Since podcasting started several of my regular shows slowed down and then died, so I’m just happy to see that you haven’t given up. I’d much rather have one or two commutes with you guys a month than none at all!
Concerning technical issues — I have noticed that the size of your podcasts is getting quite large. Could this be contributing to the problems people are having? I have space on my device but it makes the downloading more problematic; I know I’ve lost the end of a couple. I enjoy the length (in time), but I don’t think the show would be harmed by some additional file compression. Just a thought.
Keep up the good work!
June 28th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Thanks for another great show! Every two weeks is fine. Enjoy the summer!
But why no show notes on this website? Are you still having hacker problems?
June 29th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Hey Guys.
Loving the show and it’s great to sit and listen to it whilst editing images!
You mention Smugmug as a site that will enable you to upload your photo’s and for users then to purchase and you set a mark up etc.
A great UK site for this which your listeners may be interested in is Photobox - http://www.photobox.co.uk
They have what they call proffessional galleries where you can upload for people to view and you can set the size of prints available and what it will cost.
You receive the difference between phoobox’s usual charges for the prints and what you set (less a 10% commission).
I’ve recently set up as a pro - full time and I’ll be using them for one of my events packages.
I’ve used Photobox a lot in the past and always been very happy with their print quality.
oh, and i’m not related to photobox in any way!
Kind regards
Richard Hobson
Richard Hobson Photography
http://www.ricardhobsonphotography.co.uk
June 29th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Now if you guys don’t get a show out on time (and you won’t) every two weeks you going to look like real shmucks!
As for good sites for hosting and selling prints i have two to look at . 1. squarespace.com and 2. photrade.com. Take a look…
June 29th, 2008 at 4:42 am
Hi, enjoyed the episode. Rudy was never going to spill the 5D Mk2 beans! But nice try Scott.
I have been using the Huey pro and can testify that it has been really easy to use and that the difference it has made to my Sony Vaio laptop screen has been significant. There was a blue cast to the screen that I wouldn’t have noticed, but when you view the before and after it’s obvious. I then spent some time printing from lightroom and adjusting the colour management settings until the prints were a really close match for the calibrated screen in daylight. I am delighted by my print quality and would highly recommend the Huey if you are unsure about its worth.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:19 am
A Q&A show? You put out maybe four real shows out in the last three months and you didn’t address anything. You guys are either ignorant or arrogant to think your fans, who have been asking what is going on, to just ignore the situation.
If you have lost your creative steam and desire to continue the show just say so. Is it the new computer Scott? Is it your book? Be honest and if it’s too technical let the fans know what the problem is because the B.S. is pretty transparent.
ALSO: The Rudy Winston thing was hilarious. I could just imagine Rudy telling his boss ” but Scott tricked me and he asked me so nice”. (about the 5D replacement) I guess your just not the bulldog you think you are!
June 30th, 2008 at 4:19 am
Michael Cortina…CHILL…your posts indicate an anger issue…seek help!!
June 30th, 2008 at 4:23 am
I so agree with Mary.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:32 am
My tongue is always firmly planted in cheek and Scott and Michael know that (we all met at Vegas meet-up). I am hyper-critical of the show and that is just my way. My apologies to MaryG and Sue.
Scott and Michael are great guys and have been very nice and helpful to me. Nothing I say is out of anger but only from love. So MaryG and Sue, If you really feel that way your time and energy could be better served if you just go buy a couple Scott’s book http://tinyurl.com/6hydrk
July 1st, 2008 at 5:55 am
Thanks for all the comments.
Some responses to you all:
Tim - We’re glad to still be around, too! Yes, the issue of podcasts disappearing is pretty commonplace - there’s actually a name for it - “podfading.”
I think the three biggest contributors to podfading are
1) It’s fun to try new things; not so fun to maintain them: Starting a podcast isn’t that hard to do. But keeping it going is. Some people have enough on their chosen topic to do a handful of shows, but then they run out of steam. Or motivation. Think of all the people who take up photography, or writing, or painting, or stamp collecting, who stick with it a few weeks and then lose interest. Since their efforts are largely invisible to the world, who even knows that they’ve moved on? But with podcasting, the whole point is to put it out there for the world. If you’re lucky enough to pick up some early listeners, your departure is sure to be noticed. I don’t think there’s anything “wrong” with ceasing to podcast - it is, for most podcasters, a hobby or a side interest, not a life sentence. If you don’t want to do it, don’t do it. However, Michael and I are also proud to have stuck around, to have put 10-20 hours a week into something that we often do for nothing other than the joy of sharing and building a community of really cool friends.
2) Sensitivity to criticism: We all know that people on the web, whether in email, on iTunes reviews, or in public forums like this one, tend to be much more critical and even nasty than they would ever be in “real life.” I’ve known podcasters who became so disheartened by the negativity that they’ve given up. Although we’ve taken some hard knocks over the years (years!), we’ve always been pretty lucky that the kind comments have greatly outnumbered the haters. Which is not to say that criticism doesn’t sting, you just have to keep in perspective. It can also be helpful to pay some attention to it - while personal attacks are never helpful, I’ve gotten some critical feedback that has been absolutely on target. It’s made me a better podcaster. But I can certainly see why some people figure that the “benefits” of podcasting are outweighed by the costs (including the emotional ones).
3) Where’s my fame and fortune?: A lot of podcasters have overly optimistic ideas of what kind of audience to expect and what the odds are that they’ll be able to monetize their shows. The producer of The Podcast Network, Cameron Reilly, was always very wise in counseling his hosts that they had to be careful about how they defined “success.” If they measured it in fame and fortune, well, podcasting is a hard way to go. If they, instead, were interested in communicating their ideas and maybe touching even one life in a meaningful way, then they were much more likely to find the satisfaction that would sustain them over the long haul.
I know that’s a long answer to a short comment, but I’ve always found this an interesting topic.
Sue - in regard to your question as to why I moved the show notes to Scott’s Photo Blog, there are several reasons. The first is that when the TPN servers went down, people had no idea where to find us. There were times when we couldn’t even post a note to let you know we hadn’t given up the show! I thought that getting people used to a second “home” for us, on my personal blog, would make easier for people to find us. It’s all about redundant systems.
There’s also an entrepreneurial desire at work: By posting the notes on my own site, I can link to products discussed on the show and, if people purchase them through the link, I make a small amount of money. I do mean small - I think it’s come to $10 in the past two months. But there are real costs associated with doing the show, so every little bit helps! Sorry if people are annoyed with clicking on the extra link, but I do try to put up other content on the blog to make the visits worthwhile.
Lastly, if you’re on my photo blog (at http://www.scottsphotoblog.com), it’s easier for me have static links to other places you can find me: My personal blog (www.scottshermanonline.com,) and my book’s blog, (www.firstyoufall.com). I can also put MySpace and LinkIn links there.
Also, you should all know that I’ve invited Michael Stein to post on Scott’s Photo Blog anytime he likes. But he tells me he’s not much of a blogger. He is, however, a terrific photographer, so let me take this as an opportunity to once again direct you to his photos at http://www.stein.phanfare.com.
Mary and Sue - thanks for the support. I have met Michael C. in person, and Michael S and I really enjoyed his company. I’ve also enjoyed chatting and emailing with him.
But Michael C., if you’re reading this far down on this post, you’ve already read my thoughts on the value of “hearing” feedback, even when it is not positive. In that spirit:
You say that your harsh remarks are meant to be read as “tongue in cheek.”
By definition, tongue-in-cheek means saying something you know to be untrue for the purpose of being funny.
The problem is, on the web, it’s impossible to see or hear the inflections or facial expressions that might alert people you’re talking “tongue-in-cheek.”
And even if you did tell people you were “just joking,” you have to remember the part of that definition that requires things said “tongue in cheek” to be funny. What’s funny about calling me and Michael S “stupid and arrogant” or that saying we’ve “run out of steam” or that the show doesn’t “address anything?” Is there a joke there? Cause, um, I don’t hear anyone laughing.
Verbiage like that is is off-putting to your fellow listeners and to potential guests and advertisers (not to mention the past guests, like Scott Kelby and Rudy Winston, who were nice enough to come chat on the shows you criticize). Posted comments like those hurt the show’s ability build an audience and to attract quality guests and sponsors. I and others have told you that before, so I don’t understand why you keep doing it.
I can, of course, delete offensive comments, but I hate to do that. I’d rather we all just treated each other with respect and kindness. There are ways to be critical without being ugly, and there are ways to be funny without being insulting. I know you can do it.
So, just dial it down, bro. You have my personal email - you even have my phone number! You can always write or call me directly if you feel the need to rant.
I do, however, agree with you, Michael C, that everyone should buy my book (everyone, that is, who would enjoy a funny, sexy book about a male hustler who finds himself involved with men, murder and an impossible mother!) Mary G liked it - you can read her review on http://www.firstyoufall.com/First_You_Fall/Reviews.html. Thanks, Mary!
Thanks again for all your comments! Michael and I love doing the show, and we love chatting with you. You are the reason we do this.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:13 am
STUPID - I never said stupid!!! As a matter of truth you are far from stupid…(no humor intended this time)
Mr. Scott Kelby’s recent appearance on the show was acknowledged in a positive manner by myself. I not only posted on this site I also posted to SK’s site as well! Please take note of this.
F.Y.I.
As Emeril always “go and get a couple thousand copies for you and your friends”
http://www.firstyoufall.com
July 1st, 2008 at 10:26 am
Sorry, you are right, Michael C. You didn’t call us “stupid,” you called us “ignorant.” How kind of you clarify that. What a world of difference!
Listen, Michael C, if Michael S ever needs someone to fill in for him, maybe we’ll have you audition. Imagine the banter between us! Think we could keep our “G” rating?
July 1st, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Hey Guys,
I’m listing to the show where a listener called in and wanted a suggestion for an online portfolio site with the option for selling prints.
I have looked around forever and found Zenfolio to be the best, for me anyway. It has the cleanest layout I could find. I use it to shoot my kids little league games and let parents buy prints. If you sign up for a Pro account you can set the prices.
Here is my url:
chrisrocket.com
or
images.chrisrocket.com
or
zenfolio.com
Thanks for doing such a great show!
Chris Roqué
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Chris, how much is their pro account?
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
They have three plans.
Basic is $25/year
Unlimited is $40/year
Premium is $100/year
Here is the url for the plan details:
http://www.zenfolio.com/zf/features.aspx
I have the Premium. One feature I would like to see added would be the ability to have digital downloads. There has been talk about them adding it.
Also, here is my referral code: UPT-MTQ-7TY I think you would get $5 off and I get a $5 credit. It’s not much but at least it’s something.
Chris
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:54 am
Thanks Chris!
July 6th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Hi Scott and Michael,
I have been listening to your podcast for perhaps the last 20 episodes or so and I have to say I always look forward to your energetic and humorous shows. Just wanted to say keep up the good work. I am also in the DC area and if there is ever a walk or meetup in this area, I hope we can meet.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I’m going to address Michael Cortina’s comments: I like the format just the way it is. A sprinkling of interviews (esp. around shows when you guys can get several interviews at once), mixed in with your observations and banter. That’s what makes this show fun. Sure, we could all listen to a “pro” drone on for an hour or more about hyperfocal planes, ISO equivalencies, color-casts and other miscellany. But that’s not why we listen to this ‘cast.
Finally, I don’t think you would enter someone’s home and insult the owner. Don’t do it here, either. I don’t care if its “tongue in cheek”, its jut plain rude. If you’ve got something constructive to add, say it. Otherwise, as your mother no doubt said, if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything.
July 11th, 2008 at 2:21 am
I take full credit for the following:
1. Scott listens to his guests better and repeats the same question less frequently.
2. Scott no longer munches in the microphone (which he still denies!)
3. Scott has toned down untimely humor and puns at nonsensical moments of the show. Without losing the spirit of the show.
4. Michael Stein has been more intricate part of the show (a nicer way of not saying Scott is hogging the podcast).
5. My sole focus is now is getting the podcast out in a timely manner. How can I be called rude when I call the show out for being a weekly show to a whenever show? The true answer has never been explained.
So “JOE” - if you were invited into someone’s home every week and then suddenly they ask you over once or twice a month wouldn’t you at least ask why. Well I did, as did many others also did. So even on a “Q & A” they didn’t address the full reason. They did take the initiative to take a summer schedule (every two weeks). What if it was a job? What if you and I were to tell our boss that we are only going to be at work every other week.
Who am I to try to push the show the way I see it should go. I AM NOBODY. I couldn’t do a podcast let alone a highly rated (at one time) podcast. I am a pain in the *ss and I know it. Ignore me - I am along time loyal listener that wants the podcast to do well and along the way be entertained and learn about photography like everyone else!
July 11th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Michael Cortina may be a little bit too passionate but you guys would do well to at least consider his point of view. What one person may say, many more may think. I myself dont totally disagree with what he’s saying. Can you blame us? we love your show and we don’t want to see it go down.
And Scott, I know you need to plug for your new book but why don’t you blog on this page instead of your personal blog? This page feels dead.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:18 am
As everybody I feel the change and miss the show, however I would try to say it nice! Guys don’t let us down, we love the show and not having you as frequent as before is sad! Please keep it up, go find more sponsors to make it worth! But the most important thing as I think is, have fun doing it, because we get that too!
I am also here in DC metro area, what about a get together sometime soon? Maybe even a photographic walk as some people do! Just a thought!
Last, I had a paid account at phanfare and loved it, but I gave up on it when they changed the format! Now that they’re back to the old model I’d like to go back, but I couldn’t find how to make my webpage show like before, my page still request membership, how Michael Stein did it? Do I need to go back to the paid version to do it?
Thanks for the show and please do it as frequent as possible! :-)
July 13th, 2008 at 2:02 am
It is Saturday, 8:40 am pst. and was expecting to listen to this show on my drive in to work. After all, I wouldn’t dream that after the promise of a bi-weekly self imposed summer schedule there would NOT be a show today. I can’t fathom how they could fail to have a show ready of some kind.
How Scott certainly has time to update his blog (Scott’s Photo Blog) as well as stay current with his MySpace and Facebook pages. That does not or should not get lost on his remaining fans of this show. Scott took acceptation to me calling him arrogant in a previous thread but that is exactly the tack Scott is taking. Even if the show is released later today or possibly Sunday it’s still a slap in the face.
SAILA and ELADIO - I thank you! Even if Scott and Michael do not respond to their fans I know that someone else is paying attention.
July 13th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Oh come on, Michael. Give it a rest already.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I’m still curious to know what happened to Wacom and DxO, and no more contests?
July 14th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Hi Scott, Hi Michael,
can you guys do a review of the pentax 200d. and k20d/ samsung gx-20. I have a bunch of pentax stuff and it will fit. I would be happy with the k200d as I am not sure what I would gain from the k20d or samsung gx-20. But the samsung is alleged to have better glass.
been listening from the beginning in Adelaide, South Australia.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Scott/Michael,
Take your time with getting the next episode out if you like; I’m still listening my way through all of your old episodes [listening to #1 at the moment; whatever happened your "news alert"!]
July 14th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Sue: if I could contact you differently I wouldn’t have to do this here. But what is it that you find objectionable? You just want me to give “IT” a rest. I can respect that and I will try to respect your wishes.
In the future I would appreciate some degree of what your meaning is. As a active fan and friend of the show who just so happens to like to spew my opinions toward the hosts. I will let you know that a new show is promised out shortly according to a recent email (promise may not be the exact word that was used).
Saila : If you really listen and read the comment strings as well as the blog you will understand the whole picture. In my eyes the Podcast Network went down for a considerable amount of time. Long enough for the sponsors to lose interest.
That left the hosts of the show back at square one. Doing the show out of passion and the love of photography without any of the perks. That along with the fact that nothing (trade shows) is really happening right now. Unless of course your a Nikon Fan and we all know the host that runs the show is a Canon guy soooo…!
So the creative well ran dry because how many times can you interview the same people about the same products without repeating the same questions. So the show may go one of two ways: 1. The show just fades away like many other podcasts or 2. The show reinvents itself. I vote #2! A voice added to the dynamic duo wouldn’t hurt. Perhaps a looser interview where it’s more an open round robin the structured Q & A.
So back to what you asked Saila I am sure the contests, Wacom, DxO, and Lens Baby will be back in there and the show will return in top form. RIGHT GUYS!!!
July 14th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Oh yeah -and add to the mix a newly released book by Scott Sherman called First you Fall or something like that…
July 14th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
First of all, I would like to make it clear that I don’t know and have never met Scott or Michael, any of the guests on the show, or anyone who posts in the comments. What follows is my opinion *only*.
Michael C. : There is a big difference between speaking to someone who knows you and writing something that is read by people who don’t know you. Reading your comments over the past months I have not been able to see your tongue-in-cheek. So, to me, your writing comes across as something written by a spoiled 9-year-old.
Sorry, but there it is. You are entitled to your opinions but, at this point, I think they are clear enough. Chill. Enjoy the summer while you wait for the next show.
Take the last word if you want it. I will not respond again. I can only hope a new show *is* posted soon so this comment thread can move down the page and into oblivion.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:32 am
CHILL ? - It’s going to be close to 110° today in Vegas. My association tells me I have to trim bushes that are not even on my property. I may not live to hear another show. I may not even get to read novelist Scott Sherman’s book “FIRST YOU FALL”. Available @ Amazon!!!
Your point of view is not lost on me Sue. I understand where you are coming from. I am just one of those “smart *ss” kids that sits in the back of the classroom and disrupts the flow of things. As if there is one right now. I can’t explain what compels me to write what I write. I listen to probably 30-40 different podcasts a week during my commutes and breaks at work and have never given any of them the attention I give this one.
So the next chalkboard eraser you see fly over your head Sue - think of me - I am that spoiled 9 year old in the back of the classroom! Have a good summer as well!
July 18th, 2008 at 5:28 am
I don’t know why Scott or Micheal won’t post anything. Scott is obviously still blogging. Don’t we, loyal fans of the DPS at least deserve an explanation as to what is going on?
Wouldn’t it suck if they announce that they wont be doing this show anymore?
July 19th, 2008 at 12:58 am
I don’t mind responding here on the blog, but I thought we already answered these questions.
I’m glad so many people are concerned that we haven’t been posting as frequently. We haven’t quit doing the show. We don’t intend to quit podcasting. Promise. If you want to listen, we’ll talk.
However, as we said on our last show, we are on a summer schedule that is intermittent.
And even THAT schedule has been delayed by ANOTHER technical meltdown that would be too tedious to recount here - although you’ll hear the result of it on show #93, which should post soon. It’s been taped for over a week, but then…oh, let’s just save the whining, shall we? It should be up later today (see, I no longer say “will,” I say “should,” as life - and technology - keep making a liar out of me.)
July 19th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Something computer-related not working right? Who’d thought? Hee hee hee….
If (and when) you post, we will listen.
July 19th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Oh come on, Sue. Give it a rest already.
July 19th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Tongue-in- cheek visible in this post! Go Michael C.
July 26th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Comments on your show.
1. The Nikon D3 allows the use of DX lenses at lower resolution; Michael Can still use his wide angle lenses. The D700 also allows the use of DX lenses (seee dpreview.com for specs)
The D300 is probably a better camera for Michael with 12 M sensor on a DX; if you crop the D3 you would only get an 8M file (12/1.5x factor). For your portrait and newpaper work the D700 would probable be better with the higher ISO/low noise. You could get both for the price of the D3!!!
2. The Eye One Display at about $200 is really a great deal. People also need to consider how much it costs to print pictures and books. I’ve had mine for over 2 years and save the extra $100 dollars over the base models with much better results (I had the cheaper spyder unit and moved to this when I didn’t get acceptable results). The hardest part is not the software bundled - it’s using the controls on your monitor to correctly adjust to a standard brightness, RGB values, etc.
Great shows!!!