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PhotoActive

PhotoActive

By: Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn
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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.© 2026 Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn Art
Episodes
  • Episode 210: Photo Scouting
    May 26 2026

    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)

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    29 mins
  • Episode 209: What If Apple Makes a Camera?
    May 11 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Episode 208: DaVinci Resolve, Lightroom Killer?
    Apr 27 2026

    The well regarded video editor DaVinci Resolve just introduced a Photos module inside the app, making some people wonder whether the free software could replace traditional photography tools like Lightroom. We also talk about a book of passport photos, photos that change history and film simulations.

    (Image: Black Magic Design)

    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!

    • Book Review: 'Passport Photo Service,' by Philip SHarkey, NYTimes

    • Occasionally a picture can change the course of history, The Guardian

    • DaVinci Resolve

    • The color grading tool used by Hollywood now supports still photos - and it’s free, Digital Camera World

    • The film simulation rabbit hole: Why digital photographers are obsessing over analog looks, Digital Camera World

    • Episode #8 - Gordon Laing on Taking Great Photos In Camera

    • The difference between drinking coffee and tea

    • Parachute Backup at Mac App Store

    • Episodes on Backups

    Jeff’s Snapshot

    • EPSON inkjet printer cleaning sheet A4 size 3 pieces MJCLS

    Kirk’s Snapshot

    • Parachute Backup app

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
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