14 Oct 2025 06:24
7 Techniques for Bending Reality in the Sierras - TDS Photography Podcast
This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,021, October 14, 2025. Today's theme is, "7 Techniques for Bending Reality in the Sierras." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
We're back from the Eastern Sierra! One discussion topic that ran through the entire week was "Keeping It Real or Going Surreal." Our photographers embraced a variety of approaches to create their own unique images, and I will share those with you on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
Digital Photography Podcast 1021
Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!
Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher
Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In
7 Techniques for Bending Reality in the Sierras
The deep blue of the high mountain lakes, the vibrant yellows and oranges of the Aspens and Cottonwoods, the weathered wood of Bodie, and the surreal tufa at Mono Lake - you would think this would be enough to fill the eyes of any photographer.
But many of us wanted to further transform these amazing scenes into our own works of art. We wanted to go beyond postcard and calendar shots in search of a look that was unique. And that's what we did.
Here are seven techniques that our workshop photographers experimented with during our week in the Eastern Sierra.
- Custom Color Profiles, Film Simulations, and Art Filters
- Slow Shutter Speeds with NDs and Polarizers
- Infrared - both Monochrome and Color
- B&W - Both In-Camera and in Post
- Intentional Camera Movement (ICM)
- Reflections
- Shooting Into the Sun
Soon I will be posting a gallery on DerrickStoryOnline where our Inner Circle Members and workshop participants can see examples of these techniques.
Camera Industry News
Here are a few interesting stories from this week's photography news.
