I was going to start this episode by reporting on the photo news from CES 2026, only to discover there was none. Wow. Fortunately there are some excellent events coming up that will scratch our trade show itch. And I'm going to cover the best ones on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/01/get-your-photo-tradeshow-on-in-2026-photography-podcast.html

As I mentioned last week, my iPhone has saved me countless times. Plus, it's so convenient. So much so, that when I'm working on an article, I often pull it out of my pocket for a few quick illustration snaps. But then, I had an interesting revelation that caused me to recalibrate. I'll share that story on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2026/01/I-thought-my-iPhone-shots-were-fine-until-I-didnt-photo-podcast.html

We had a tremendous opportunity this holiday season to gather family members from all over to meet at my brother-in-laws house on Christmas Day. To help with the festivities, we all contributed to the event. My job: To set up and run an Irish Coffee bar after the meal. I took my job seriously, but one can't foresee every ramification. And that's what led to a near historical disaster. I'll explain all in the first story of today's podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2025/12/the-Irish-coffee-incident-photo-podcast.html

Film simulations by Fuji, Nikon, and OM System are great for color and tones, but there's a missing ingredient when compared to actual analog shots: grain! This week we're going to explore the virtues of a few dashes of grain and learn how to apply it for more realistic film simulations. All of that, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2025/12/more-realistic-film-simulations-with-a-dash-of-grain.html

I'm lucky enough to be able to test loaner gear for my podcasts and articles. But sometimes I like something so much that I buy it with my own money and incorporate it into my workflow. Today, I will share my five favorite purchases in 2025 - plus some industry news as well. All of that, and more, on Today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2025/12/my-5-favorite-photo-purchases-of-2025-photography-podcast.html

It's easy for photographers to be distracted by holiday sales as the year closes. Black Friday discounts and Cyber Monday deals are indeed tempting. But instead of focusing on acquiring new gear, this is a great time of year to manage what we already have. And that's what we're going to talk about on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2025/12/year-end-organizing-checklist-for-photographers-podcast.html

We've been so busy with workshops and gift guides that I haven't been able to share the latest interesting news stories in our space. Well that changes today! I have the DP Review Camera of the Year, the Leica Photo of the Year, and the scoop on what really killed Minolta. All of that, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2025/12/catching-up-on-the-latest-photo-news-podcast.html

The 2026 workshop season features more events than ever! We have informative webinars, online intensives, and in-person explorations to exciting locations. I'll go over the entire lineup today, and then chat with Rob Knight who is leading some of the events. It's going to be a great year of photography - https://thedigitalstory.com/2025/11/the-2026-Photo-Workshop-Season-Photography-Podcast.html

Over the course of a year, I test many cool photo and camping accessories. Most of these would make affordable, excellent gifts for the photo enthusiast in your life. This week I'll share my favorites, just in time for the holiday season - https://thedigitalstory.com/2025/11/photographers-gift-guide-photo-podcast.html

The first day of our Autumn Workshop was exploring the Sonoma Coast. It was a gray day, perfect for experimenting with mood-enhancing techniques. I slowed the shutter to 1/2 second to create a somber, peaceful environment. That technique, plus more about our workshop on this week's TDS Photography Podcast - https://thedigitalstory.com/2025/11/using-motion-to-enhance-mood-photography-podcast.html