

PhotoActive
Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2021 • 40min
Episode 104: The Leica Episode
The day has arrived: Kirk finally purchased his dream camera, the Leica Q2 Monochrom. Why would someone pay for a camera that shoots only in black and white? In this episode, we talk about the advantages of a sensor without RGB, how shooting with the Q2 Monochrom is changing the way Kirk shoots, and processing the images in Capture One.
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Follow the PhotoActive Instagram account
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Leica Q2 Monochrom
Episode 92: Sensors and Megapixels with Richard Butler
Cycling through the crop lines
Capture One
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: Shimoda Explore v2
Kirk: Eyes Wide Open! 100 Years of Leica 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.

Oct 15, 2021 • 41min
Episode 103: Posing People with Lindsay Adler
Does the thought of posing people for portraits make you nervous? Our guest this week is fashion and portrait photographer Lindsay Adler, whose book The Photographer’s Guide to Posing will calm your nerves and give you the tools to make beautiful photos of people. Lindsay talks about how she prepares for a portrait shoot, techniques to encourage great poses, working with everyday people compared to working with models, and much more.
Guest:
Lindsay Adler (website, Instagram)
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
The Photographer’s Guide to Posing, by Lindsay Adler
Photographing Challenging Features class, CreativeLive
Episode 35: Martin Parr Shot My Portrait
Lindsay Adler Photography site
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: Anker Power Strip Surge Protector, 12 Outlets & 3 USB Ports with Flat Plug, 6ft Extension Cord, PowerIQ
Kirk: Peak Design Everyday Sling
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.

Oct 1, 2021 • 38min
Episode 102: The iPhone 13 Pro Cameras
It’s Apple’s best iPhone ever! Well, yes, they say that every year, but this time around the camera improvements are more exciting than in the past. In this episode, we look at what’s new, from the sizes of the lenses and sensors themselves to the Cinematic and Macro modes, in the iPhone 13 Pro.
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Follow the PhotoActive Instagram account
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
On set with iPhone 13 Pro Featuring 2x Oscar® Winner Kathryn Bigelow | Apple
iPhone 13 Pro camera switching issue
Episode 92: Sensors and Megapixels with Richard Butler
Why we're excited about the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, DPReview TV
What Does Cinematic Really Mean?
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: 2020 Unmasked
Kirk: Godox TT350
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.

Sep 17, 2021 • 42min
Episode 101: Practicing Photography with Ben Long
What does it mean to really practice your craft? In this episode we welcome back photographer and educator Ben Long to PhotoActive to talk about his wonderful new book The Practicing Photographer: Essays on Developing Your Photographic Practice. We talk about why practice involves more than grabbing your camera every once in a while, about getting out of creative ruts, and the value of studying other photographers’ works.
Guest:
Ben Long (Complete Digital Photography, Instagram)
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
The Practicing Photographer: Essays on Developing Your Photographic Practice, by Ben Long
Insta Repeat
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: Spigen S350 Apple Watch Stand
Kirk: Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema
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.

Sep 3, 2021 • 31min
Episode 100: One Hundred
In the very early days of the PhotoActive podcast, when Jeff was a nervous first-time podcast host, Kirk said to him, “It’s OK. Once you do a hundred of these, you’ll be better.” Well, here we are! Episode 100! To celebrate, we’re showcasing some of our favorite episodes and sharing what we’ve learned from them.
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Follow the PhotoActive Instagram account
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Intego Mac Podcast
The Next Track Podcast
Write Now with Scrivener Podcast
Take Control of Scrivener 3
Episode 44: Minimalist Photographer Michael Kenna
Episode 74: Michael Kenna and His New Book 'Buddha'
Episode #8 - Gordon Laing on Taking Great Photos In Camera
Episode #10 - Quintin Lake's Long Photo Walk
Episode 82: Quintin Lake Returns
Episode 35: Martin Parr Shot My Portrait
Episode 70: One-Light Portraits with Sandra Coan
Episode 79: Professional Retouching with Lisa Carney
Episode 78: Everyday Photo Retouching
Episode #5 - Wenmei Hill Interview
Episode 43: Autofocus with Rishi Sanyal
Episode 54: Product Photography with Dan Bracaglia
Episode 85: Film Camera Love with Dan Bracaglia
Episode 65: Barney Britton on the Future of the Camera Industry
Episode 67: Chris Niccolls on Making Videos about Photography
Episode 86: Jordan Drake on Shooting Video
Episode 92: Sensors and Megapixels with Richard Butler
Episode #26 - RAW Power 2.0
Episode 38: Levels and Curves with Nik Bhatt
Episode 62: Photos App Extensions with Nik Bhatt
Rocky Nook
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 20, 2021 • 34min
Episode 99: Photo Storage
Where are your photos stored? Internal disks, external drives, network-attached storage? In this episode, Kirk and Jeff talk about strategies for where to put and access all those digital files your cameras create.
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Episode 37: Backups and 360-degree Cameras
Take Control of Your Digital Storage, by Jeff Carlson
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: DriveDx
Kirk: Carbon Copy Cloner
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 6, 2021 • 38min
Episode 98: Camera Accoutrements
There are all sorts of camera accessories out there, but for this episode, Kirk and Jeff challenged themselves to consider only add-ons that stay affixed to a camera all (or most) of the time. From additional shutter buttons to thumb rests and screen protectors, we look at whether these items are worth consideration, and if they help or hinder one’s photographic experience.
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Episode 95: Lens Filters Are Cool
Foto&Tech Soft Shutter Release Button
Fujifilm MHG-XE4 Metal Hand Grip for X-E4, Black
Fujifilm VG-XT4 Vertical Battery Grip, the “Big-Ass Grip” mentioned in the episode. The model for Jeff’s X-T3 is no longer available; this is the one for the X-T4.
Haoge THB-XB Metal Hot Shoe Thumb Up Rest Hand Grip for Fujifilm Fuji FinePix X-E4 X100F X-100F X-Pro2 XPro2 X-Pro3 XPro3 Accessories Camera Black
Fujifilm Fuji XT4 L Plate L-Shape Bracket Holder Aluminum Alloy Quick Release Plate (This is one for a Fujifilm X-T4; find an L-bracket that matches your camera.)
Colorado Tripod Arca Plates 40mm Universal Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate for Tripod Ball Head with Hand-Adjustable Stainless Steel Screw & Removable Rear Stopper
Peak Design Cuff
Luma Labs QD Loop with QD Mount
Peak Design Anchor Links
Tempered glass screen protector
SmallRig Cages and Accessories
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: Marine Traffic app
Kirk: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
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 23, 2021 • 42min
Episode 97: William Neill's Landscape
William Neill’s photographic career began in the Ansel Adams Gallery and continues as a long-time resident near Yosemite, leading one-on-one tours and writing about the craft in columns and books. We talk about his latest book, Light on the Landscape, and how his vision of the splendor in his backyard has changed over the years.
Guest:
William Neill: Instagram, website
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Light on the Landscape, by William Neill
The Ansel Adams Gallery
Desert Cantos, by Richard Misrach
Cape Light, by Joel Meyerowitz
Landscapes of the Spirit, by William Neill
Hardbound special edition of Light on the Landscape
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: TripMode
Kirk: Sasuke, by Masahisa Fukase
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 9, 2021 • 33min
Episode 96: Photographing Kids
We’d bet that a sizable portion of the DSLR or mirrorless camera market wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for parents wanting to take photos of their kids. Too often, though, people think that just buying a “good camera” will ensure good photos. Then they discover just how fast kids move. In this episode, Kirk and Jeff talk about overcoming challenges unique to photographing children using traditional cameras. (And why using an iPhone instead can be a better option most of the time.)
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Fuji 35mm f/1.4
DPReview Fuji Primes video
Episode 70: One-Light Portraits with Sandra Coan
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: Softbox Diffuser for LED Video Light Panel
Kirk: Fujifilm MHG-XE4 Metal Hand Grip for X-E4
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 25, 2021 • 34min
Episode 95: Lens Filters Are Cool
We’re talking filters in this episode—not the kind you apply in Instagram to make your photos look different, but actual glass filters that change how light passes through the lens. Neutral density (ND) filters, circular polarizing (CPL) filters, infrared (IR) filters, and the debate over whether ultraviolet (UV) filters are worthless junk or actually useful.
Hosts:
Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram
Subscribe to the PhotoActive Instagram account
Show Notes:
(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)
Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!
Hoya: How Black & White Filters Work
Breakthrough Photography
Infrared Photography with the Hoya R72 Filter
Episode 86: Jordan Drake on Shooting Video
Episode 69: What to Print, with Rick LePage
Our Snapshots:
Jeff: Printerville
Kirk: Lake Pictures, by Lucinda Devlin
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.