
PhotoActive
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 their work.
Latest episodes

Aug 16, 2024 • 38min
Episode 169: Peakto 2.0 with Matthieu Kopp
Is your photo library spread out among different drives and apps? We’re not talking about maybe having a couple of Lightroom Classic catalogs—it’s not uncommon now for a photographer to have Lightroom libraries, Capture One libraries, Apple Photos libraries, even old iPhoto and Aperture libraries collected over the years. In this episode we welcome back Matthieu Kopp of CYME to talk about version 2.0 of the utility Peakto, which can bring sense to all of that accumulated chaos.
As a bonus, Matthieu also shared a discount code for PhotoActive listeners to get 15% off any CYME app: PHOTOACTIVE15.
Guest:
Matthieu Kopp, CYME
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Episode 144: Wrangling Libraries with Matthieu Kopp
Peakto
15% discount code for CYME apps: PHOTOACTIVE15
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
Kirk: Civil War
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.

Aug 2, 2024 • 39min
Episode 168: Image Stabilization
Many cameras now feature IBIS: in-body image stabilization. But do you really need a stabilized body? Can you use just a stabilized lens? And for that matter, is image stabilization just a crutch for lazy photographers? Also in this episode, we ponder perfect photo destinations.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Hurtigruten
Why IS/VR Matter, Ken Rockwell
Episode 157: Photos at the High End: Hasselblad 907x/CFV 100C
Tyler Stalman
Snapshots:
Jeff’s snapshot: JOYROOM Portable 2000mAh Wireless Charger Compatible for Apple Watch
Kirk’s snapshot: Camel Camel Camel
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.

Jul 19, 2024 • 36min
Episode 167: Sensors and LUTs
Touting Panasonic’s new LUMIX S9 camera, a representative was quoted saying that Micro Four Thirds sensors are more difficult to understand than full-frame sensors, especially for people with “low camera literacy.” That piqued our interest, because many photographers assume that a full-frame sensor is just inherently better. But is that true? And is it really that confusing? We also touch on LUTs, which Panasonic is pushing on the S9 by dedicating a button to choosing different look-up tables for creative color rendering in camera.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Sponsor:
Photo Scout from Cascable
Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.
Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!
Find it at photo-scout.app.
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Panasonic LUMIX S9 Initial Review, DPReview
Panasonic Lumix S9 Initial Review: Small, Pretty, and Confusing, PetaPixel
Micro Four Thirds is Hard for Those With Low Camera Literacy to Understand: Panasonic
Image Sensors, Wikipedia
Julia (TV Show, 2022-2023)
Snapshots:
Jeff’s snapshot: France Is a Feast
Kirk’s snapshot: The Scarlet Papers, Matthew Richardson
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.

Jul 7, 2024 • 34min
Episode 166: Pentax 17 and Photo Social Apps
If you're wondering whether film photography is really experiencing a resurgence in popularity, the announcement of the Pentax 17 is your answer. It's a brand-new film-only camera with some interesting design choices. Also in this episode, we talk about social media alternatives to Instagram for photographers.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Sponsor:
Photo Scout from Cascable
Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.
Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!
Find it at photo-scout.app.
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Pentax 17 Film Camera
Back to the future: Pentax 17 film camera review
Episode 85: Film Camera Love with Dan Bracaglia
Kodak Ektar H35
Episode 61: Choosing What to Photograph
Episode 111: The Glass App(roach) to Photography
Foto
Lego Architecture
Snapshots:
Jeff’s snapshot: Aputure Amaran MC RGB Light
Kirk’s snapshot: LEGO Architecture Notre Dame de Paris
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.

Jun 21, 2024 • 31min
Episode 165: AI and Photography from WWDC
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is where we learn about what’s coming in the company’s many operating systems, and this year was focused on machine learning features and AI - Apple Intelligence. That turns out to have a lot of significance on photography, such as in searching your photo library and making edits in the Photos app. We look at what was announced and how it will affect the way we work with photos in the fall.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Sponsor:
Photo Scout from Cascable
Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.
Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!
Find it at photo-scout.app.
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
14 Compelling Features Coming to Apple’s Operating Systems in 2024
Apple Intelligence: Why most users won’t get it
Apple announces AI operating systems at WWDC24: macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and more
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.

Jun 3, 2024 • 36min
Episode 164: M4 iPad Pro
Apple has released the new M4-powered iPad Pro, and Kirk bought one straightaway. Is it worth buying for photographers? Plus, we mention what’s changed in the new Lightroom releases and welcome a new sponsor: Photo Scout by Cascable!
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Sponsor:
Photo Scout from Cascable
Photo Scout is an app for people who love to take photos, but don’t love checking sunset calculators, aurora reports, and weather forecasts every single day. Simply tell Photo Scout what you want and it’ll keep an eye on everything for you and notify you when it’s time to go get that perfect shot.
Need a particularly vibrant sunset? The moon perched directly atop a mountaintop? The sun hitting that perfect spot in the sky? Photo Scout has you covered with all that and more - you say where, we say when. Check it out with a free trial today!
Find it at photo-scout.app.
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Snapshots:
Jeff’s snapshot: Fujifilm XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 LM WR Sample Gallery, DPReview
Kirk’s snapshot: Pen Tips
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.

May 17, 2024 • 40min
Episode 163: Photo Criticism
Part of enjoying photography is understanding photography. What makes a “good” photo? How much of that is based on the circumstances around its creation? In this episode, we talk about looking at photography with a critical eye.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Sponsor:
Nitro from Gentlemen Coders
Nitro is the brand new photo editor and manager from the developer of RAW Power. Designed for every photographer and every photograph, Nitro combines flexible storage options, unmatched camera support, and professional editing tools. If you liked Aperture or RAW Power, you’ll love Nitro.
On the editing side, Nitro includes full masking support with AI masks, gradients, and brushes. Remove dust blemishes and other imperfections using Clone and Spot Removal tools. And, just like RAW Power, you can apply raw-specific tone and tuning adjustments. Nitro gives you more control over Apple's RAW decoder than any other app.
For organizing, your photos can live in Apple’s Photos library or in the file system, with support for XMP sidecars and synchronizing metadata and edits with iCloud Photo Library. Nitro also supports more cameras and formats than Photos, Darkroom, or Photomator, including compressed Fujifilm raw files. And while comparing shots, synchronize pan and zoom up to 16 images at a time.
Try Nitro for free for 7 days without any obligation. No subscription signup, no nonsense.
Check it out at [https://nitrophoto.app](nitrophoto.app).
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Episode 155: Favorites from The Photo Book
Fotografiska Museum, Stockholm
Rinko Kawauchi at Fotografiska
John Berger:
Ways of Seeing
Ways of Seeing website
Understanding a Photograph
Geoff Dyer:
See/Saw
The Ongoing Moment
The Street Philosophy of Garry Winogrand
Susan Sontag: On Photography
Garry Winogrand: All Things are Photographable
Miles Davis, 1958, by Dennis Stock
Episode 144: Wrangling Libraries with Matthieu Kopp
Peakto Search for Lightroom Classic: Using AI to search the contents of your photos, DPReview
Snapshots:
Jeff’s snapshot: Peakto Search
Kirk’s snapshot: Jonathan Jones: Earthly Delights: A History of the Renaissance
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.

May 3, 2024 • 35min
Episode 162: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) is a running joke among photographers (and musicians), but it's also a real thing that can spin us up with the desire to buy some new camera or lens. We look at what drives this compulsion, and try to be honest about whether it affects us as photographers.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Sponsor:
Nitro from Gentlemen Coders
Nitro is the brand new photo editor and manager from the developer of RAW Power. Designed for every photographer and every photograph, Nitro combines flexible storage options, unmatched camera support, and professional editing tools. If you liked Aperture or RAW Power, you’ll love Nitro.
On the editing side, Nitro includes full masking support with AI masks, gradients, and brushes. Remove dust blemishes and other imperfections using Clone and Spot Removal tools. And, just like RAW Power, you can apply raw-specific tone and tuning adjustments. Nitro gives you more control over Apple's RAW decoder than any other app.
For organizing, your photos can live in Apple’s Photos library or in the file system, with support for XMP sidecars and synchronizing metadata and edits with iCloud Photo Library. Nitro also supports more cameras and formats than Photos, Darkroom, or Photomator, including compressed Fujifilm raw files. And while comparing shots, synchronize pan and zoom up to 16 images at a time.
Try Nitro for free for 7 days without any obligation. No subscription signup, no nonsense.
Check it out at [https://nitrophoto.app](nitrophoto.app).
Show Notes:
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
The Next Track podcast
Episode 159: Fuji X100VI and the Appeal of Small Fixed-Lens Cameras
Peak Design Sling Bags
MPB.com
Snapshots:
Jeff’s snapshot: Photographer documentary series
Kirk’s snapshot: Riply series
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.

Apr 5, 2024 • 39min
Episode 161: Nitro with Nik Bhatt
Gentleman Coder Nik Bhatt returns to talk about Nitro, his all-new photo editor for macOS (and soon, iOS and iPadOS). As the successor to RAW Power, Nitro has a lot to live up to. Nik talks about what prompted him to build a new app from the ground up, adding new features like masking, supporting cameras that Apple ignores, and more.
Guest:
Nik Bhatt
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Nitro
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.

Mar 22, 2024 • 36min
Episode 160: Primed by Seeing
We were recently asked about where we find inspiration while making photos, which led Kirk and Jeff to muse on the idea of being primed to find photo subjects. It’s not enough to arrive at a destination with a blank slate—you’ll create better photos and enjoy the experience more if you prime yourself to see what’s in front of you. That can come from photo books, online photos of the same area, and more.
Hosts:
Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jeff on Mastodon
Kirk McElhearn: website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram, Kirk on Glass, Kirk on Mastodon
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Behind the Gare Saint Lazare
Episode 155: Favorites from The Photo Book
Episode 157: Photos at the High End: Hasselblad 907x/CFV 100C
Snapshots:
Jeff’s snapshot: Leica SL3 Sample Gallery, DPReview
Kirk’s snapshot: The Creative Act: a Way of Being, Rick Rubin
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.