PhotoActive

By Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearnTechnology Arts Visual Arts

PhotoActive episodes

October 12Episode 218: iPhone 18 Pro Camera Hands On
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro gains a variable aperture and a faster main camera, but that’s not all. In iOS 27, Apple has also revamped the Camera app somewhat. Jeff has been shooting with the iPhone 18 Pro since its release, and we talk about his hands-on experiences.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Tyler Stalman: iPhone 18 Pro: A Photographer’s Review
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

iPhone 18 Pro, main camera, f/1.48, 1/1575 s (Photo by Jeff Carlson)

iPhone 18 Pro, main camera, f/1.8, 1/296 s (Photo by Jeff Carlson)

iPhone 18 Pro, main camera, f/4, 1/236 s (Photo by Jeff Carlson)

iPhone 18 Pro, main camera, f/1.8, 1/4098 s, Grain applied (Photo by Jeff Carlson)

iPhone 18 Pro, main camera, f/4, 1/561 s, Grain applied (Photo by Jeff Carlson)

iPhone 18 Pro, main camera, f/4, 1 s (Photo by Jeff Carlson)
37 min
September 18Episode 217: iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro
Apple has announced its new iPhone lineup and for the first time it includes a foldable, the iPhone Duo. But photographers will want to check out the iPhone 18 Pro. We discuss what's new, from the variable aperture to improved maximum f-stop to (finally) manual controls in the Camera app.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Design for iPhone Duo, Apple
Why Apple Really Waited 10 Years to Make a Foldable Phone , Tom’s Guide and TechRadar
Last year’s iPhone share amongst users of Widgetsmith, Daring Fireball
The iPhone 18 Pro Could Get a Variable-Aperture Camera, but What Does That Mean?, CNET
[Imperfect-Loaf.com](Imperfect-Loaf.com)
Apple Reference Image: A New Approach for Verified Photography
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.
Closeup of the main iPhone 18 Pro lens. (Image: Apple)
This photo captured by an iPhone 17 Pro’s main camera shows natural focus falloff in the background, which is not created by artificial portrait mode blurring.
33 min
August 29Episode 216: Cameras Are Everywhere
From Meta’s “pervert glasses” to rumored camera-equipped AirPods, cameras are making their way into more of our personal technology.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Airpods with Cameras, MacRumors
Meta Can’t Stop the Avalanche of Content Filmed on Pervert Glasses, PetaPixel
How People With Meta Glasses Can Secretly Record You, Joanna Stern
UK Venues Ban Meta Smart Glasses En Masse, PetaPixel
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.
30 min
August 17Episode 215: "It Feels Un-Apple-y"
With new iPhones on the horizon, we discuss the new Apple Upgrade program -- and why it feels less like the Apple we knew. We then pivot to amazement about the photographers who shoot the Tour de France every year. And then Jeff shares details about the Godox iT32 flash, a flash and wireless controller that’s affordable and clever for how it works.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Apple Upgrade Trades Ownership for Lower Monthly Payments, MacStories
Motorbikes and mountains: photographing the 2026 Tour de France – photo essay, The Guardian
Tour de France 2026 Stage 21 Onboard
At the Tour de France, One Family Wins Every Year, The New York Times
The $100 Godox kit that finally killed my excuse to not use flash, DPReview
Godox iT32, Amazon
If you don't know this, listen to in relation to the discussion around 21:00. But you should also listen to the song that comes after.
The Load Out
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.
32 min
July 20Episode 214: Dealing with Heat and a Drone Made for Water
The recent heat waves in the US and UK have us thinking about ways to keep our cameras and phones cool. We also look at a report on Apple’s new raw processing technology coming in iOS 27, and Jeff talks about the HoverAir Aqua, a camera drone designed to be used on the water.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Don’t Let Your Phone Overheat This Summer
Batsday (Goth Day) at Disneyland
Apple overhauls RAW photo processing with iOS 27, showcases impressive results
HoverAir Aqua
Hands-On With HoverAir Aqua, a Drone That Isn't Afraid of the Water
Take Control of AirPods
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

I took the HoverAir Aqua kayaking and tossed it into the water. (Photo by Jeff Carlson)

Sea lions on the docks at Shilshole (Photo by Jeff Carlson)
31 min
July 09Episode 213: Jeff Goes to the Dark Side (Sony)
We’ve mocked YouTubers who make a fuss about selling all their camera gear to switch brands and systems, only to do it all again later for clicks. Well, the universe has a sense of humor, because that’s just what Jeff has done—the first part, anyway. He sold his Fuji X-T3 and lenses in became a Sony photographer. And it was the last thing he expected. We also talk about Apple raising the prices of most of its products.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
GTA 6 is the cheapest 3D universe GTA game at launch (when adjusted for inflation) - Reddit
Apple Just Increased Prices on MacBooks, iPads, and More - MacRumors
Episode 204: Storage Prices — PhotoActive Podcast
Apple's Price Increases Extend to Refurbished Macs and iPads - CNET
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.
35 min
June 21Episode 212: Craig Grannell on Apple’s New AI Photo Announcements
Apple introduced its next OS 27 systems at its Worldwide Developers Conference, which included changes to the Camera and Photos apps that revolve around AI features. Actually, that’s almost literal: the new Spatial Reframing feature lets you rotate a scene and generative AI fills in the missing details. Is it a slide into AI slop or a legitimate tool to help photographers? We’re joined by writer and photographer Craig Grannell to talk it out.
Guest:
Craig Grannell: Revert to Saved, Craig on Mastodon, Linktree
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
In my opinion, Apple is about to take a very dangerous step towards fake photography – here’s why, by Craig Grannell at Amateur Photographer
Apple's Spatial Reframing Is Generative AI I Can Get Behind as a Photographer, by Jeff Carlson at CNET
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

Titus Making Bread (AI Photo by Kirk McElhearn using Apple Playground iPadOS 27 beta app)

Titus On a Skateboard (AI Photo by Kirk McElhearn using Apple Playground iPadOS 27 beta app)

Titus Current Tech (AI Photo by Kirk McElhearn using Apple Image Playground iPadOS 26 app)

One of Apple’s Spatial Reframing examples; notice the new white building created behind the subject. (Photo: Apple)
Special Guest: Craig Grannell.
41 min
June 12Episode 211: Obsessive Isn’t a Bad Word
We often talk about framing a photo to get the best composition, but sometimes we don’t nail it. Or we realize in editing that a tighter crop would be better. Or something crept into the edge of the frame at the last second. In this episode, we talk about cropping photos, whether AI cropping is worth trying, and why there’s only One True Aspect Ratio.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
LUMIX L10 Uncompromising Image Quality
Panasonic Lumix L10 Review: Compact, Stylish, and Capable | PetaPixel
Episode #13 - Aspect Ratios and Why They're Important — PhotoActive Podcast
When editing this episode, Kirk went to the Guardian website, and the photos of the day were not all in 3:2 aspect ratio, whereas he is sure that in the past they almost always were. Most photos in this daily selection are in 3:2 but this is changing. Photos of the day | The Guardian
Enlarging easel: this is the tool you use to crop when printing photos with an enlarger.
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

Lumix L10 Aspect Ratios (Credit: Panasonic)

Kirk’s bread (Photo by Kirk McElhearn)
27 min
May 26Episode 210: Photo Scouting
Before you go out to do some photography, how do you determine where to go? Jeff had a portrait session booked and discovered that the location was fenced and blocked -- but scouting in advance gave him time to find a new spot. We talk about tools and techniques for finding the best photo spots and conditions.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Google Maps
Storm Radar app
TPE
Lumy
Best Budget Coffee Grinders for 2026, CoffeeGeek
Jeff’s Snapshot
MiiCoffee DF54 Single Dose Coffee Grinder
Kirk’s Snapshot
Ankarsrum Mixer
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

Jeff defends his spot throughout the day in the Piazzale Michaelangelo in Florence, Italy. (Photo: Jeff Carlson)

One of the photos from that spot in Florence. (Photo: Jeff Carlson)

The Photographer’s Ephemeris (TPE)
29 min
May 11Episode 209: What If Apple Makes a Camera?
Our conversation in this episode started with news of John Ternus becoming the next CEO of Apple as of September 1, but that led to an intriguing concept that isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem: What if Apple makes its own camera? Imagine a fixed-lens compact mirrorless with a larger sensor, better glass, and all of the technologies Apple has developed for the iPhone. Could it happen? We get into the details.
(Photo: Apple QuickTake 200, by Don DeBold. Used by Creative Commons license.)
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon, Jeff on Bluesky
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon, Kirk on Bluesky
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Apple Leadership - John Ternus
Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company, Patrick McGee
tado smart thermostat
AppleCD - Wikipedia
StyleWriter - Wikipedia
Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.
27 min

About PhotoActive

From the publisher's feed

Jeff Carlson and Kirk McElhearn discuss photography and the Apple ecosystem. We cover using an iPhone or any other camera with Apple hardware and software, and we welcome photographers to discuss…