I crawled into bed and laid my head down on the pillow determined to sleep in and enjoy being home. Everything went well until I woke up the next morning three hours too early–my body was still on Eastern Standard Time. And so this has continued each and every day since then. Weirdly enough, I was excited to leave home again on Tuesday and embrace the motel black out curtains. This was just one of the many benefits to attending Dane Sanders‘ Fast Track Photographer Workshop.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went (what’s up with that lately?). I had read and loved his Fast Track Photographer book. All the free goodies I’d receive from going didn’t hurt either. Now on the other side, I’ve come away with new friendships, confidence, and plans for the future. The interaction was a big help. Dane laughed because I kept coming up to him with questions, but I’ve learned that I need to seize the opportunities in front of me so that I don’t regret missing them later. Dane was willing to give us the time and tools to have those big conversations–the ones that are going to lead to even bigger changes in our lives and businesses.

Since coming home I’ve made some big steps. No, I’m still having trouble sleeping, but the extra hours awake have been put to good use. I’ve set up and sent out two proposals using the more than handy dandy ShootQ. Clients are now able to purchase their prints online in my new gallery! There’s more to come, but I think it’s time for me to take a nap!

Picture by our awesome group leader, Jules Bianchi

For all you moms who are photographers or want to know how to take better snapshots of your children, Drew, of DrewB Photography, has created Mom*tog. It’s an awesome blog “for moms who love photography.” So far she has some wonderful posts on backdrops, lenses, how to blur backgrounds, and more! And while I’m not a mom myself, I can’t help but read it and fall in love with the pictures of her adorable son, Brayden!

While bags, straps, and lenses are just tools, good ones sure do make a difference during a photography session! So I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you.

One thing I always disliked about my camera strap was that if you didn’t want to wear it around your neck like a tourist, you had to somehow balance it on your shoulder or across your chest. It’s not the most conducive to being able to take pictures quickly and can be very uncomfortable. Enter the R-Strap! After just one week I loved it so much I had to get a replacement when mine was stolen. It allows me to engage my clients without having to worry about my camera, yet it’s always there, ready to shoot! Here’s an example of how it works:

If you’re not into getting a R-Strap, I just discovered the cutest camera strap slip covers! Yes, there are quite a few businesses out there making something like this, but *Shey*[B] has the best fabrics I’ve seen, along with some cool add-ons.

Another must have is a good camera bag. I have a Crumpler backpack that fits my laptop and gear, but it’s not something I’d want to carry around during a shoot. On goes my Shootsac! This bag can hold all my lenses comfortably along with a flash, extra batteries, granola bar, and more! One of the neat things about it is that it doesn’t look like a camera bag. With its replaceable cover, guys and girls can make it fit their style. I have a collection of covers, most of which I made for less than $3 each, though gifts of covers are always appreciated! ;-) I can’t go to a session without this bag!

Into my Shootsac goes my newest favorite lens, the Canon 50 1.4. Well, it would if it weren’t on my camera most of the time! I got this baby back in May and loved it so much that it was also immediately replaced when the original was stolen. It’s fast, light, and incredibly sharp!

Here’s a sneak peek from last week’s wedding using the 50 1.4. The rest of the pictures will be up as soon as I receive the song for the slideshow that a friend wrote and sang at the wedding.

Update:
Want to know what 24 of the hottest photographers do when they’re not shooting? Check out The Longest Day sponsored by Wedding & Portrait Photographers International.

~This post will stay at the top of the blog until the end of the year. Scroll down for newer posts!~

All sessions booked before the end of the year receive a free $50 print credit! Sessions can take place in 2009, but the retainer must be payed by December 31. If you’re still searching for the perfect gift, consider giving the gift of a portrait session. The recipient can redeem their gift certificate and book at their own convenience. Plus they will receive a free $50 print credit as well! Things come and go, but pictures help you relive the memories of yesterday time and time again.

In case you haven’t noticed, Lydia Photography now has a real domain address! I got news that it had successfully been purchased during my trip and could not wait to move the blog on over. Everything was going along smoothly until I noticed the header was not showing up. Argh! Please bear with me as I, with all my nonexistent html skills, attempt to find a solution to my problem. Until then, rejoice with me on my becoming more and more official!

Spammers, give up! Comments are moderated, and I’m not going to let them through no matter how many times a day you try!