As a photographer, it’s always exciting to invest back into your business through purchasing new, fun (and necessary!) equipment. Sometimes that purchasing pace is a little slower than I’d like, because the good gear is not cheap. But it’s always worth the wait AND investment. And today, I’m super happy to share one of my recent purchases: 2 Canon 600 EX-RT speedlites!

I’ve been needing to upgrade my lighting setup for a while, now, to add some off-camera lighting and at the beginning of 2012 one of my goals was to buy better gear and learn how to best use it. Well, the timing couldn’t be MORE perfect, because Justin & Mary are coming TO MY CITY next week to teach just that – an intensive lighting workshop! I was sooo excited when I found out about it last month, and it was a no-brainer. I signed up immediately! Not only do I get to learn from two of the most talented photographers in the industry, but I get to do it here in Richmond alongside several friends! Though off-camera lighting has intimidated me for years, I’m finally ready to tackle it, and I love the excitement of knowing that after a handful of hours I WILL be confident in knowing how to do it, and will have a whole new arena of photography to explore (even if it IS primarily just for receptions)!

It seems like I have a never-ending list of gear to accumulate, but I have to say I feel like I’ve accomplished a big one with this purchase. So, here’s to accomplishing goals and continuing to learn – even when things intimidate you! HAPPY FRIDAY, friends!