LB Miller Photography

Thank you. 

Ok, I believe I named it "photography" - dumb idea since I didn't recognize it - and I was able to reset that. But the grid is still on my image.  So it will probably be a simple fix now, just need to figure out what tool he has on.

But do you have any idea how he got that grid on the image?  I'm wondering if he has a tool out that I'm just unfamiliar with.  

Oh no.  I suppose it's possible I didn't save it like I thought I did - I could be wrong.  But when CC updates, it just applies the update without your knowledge or consent, correct?  So I'm guessing I need to reset it then.  I think I remember instructions and my favorite settings - is it the Bridge class? 

I believe I called it "Laura's workspace"... ?  Is there a way to search for it?  Or is it possible that I'm actually still in my workspace, but he changed something else?

I did save it, and I went to Window > workspace, and then I could not find mine.  "Essentials" was there.  Do I need to reset it?

Pffftt... I only just saw your response, sorry.  You are correct, in other words. 

I believe I may have discovered at least one problem - and it's the overlap (or lack thereof) so I included another image that would constitute overkill in overlap IMO.

I have never done a panorama in PS.  This is the correct sequence (pics #1 and #2 are on the bottom - they belong on the far left) - however it was a sudden idea I had while in the field, so it's very possible I didn't take the pictures correctly for this to work well, because I did not know what I was doing.  According to what I now understand, I may not have left enough overlap at the sides of the frames.  Thank you for your response, I'll keep looking for whatever mistakes I made!

Is this the right category to ask if you have instructions for creating a panorama?  I did the following: Automate > photomerge > selected the "auto" and "blend all images" (left all other options un-checked) > selected 5 files > OK... but my panorama was split on my PS screen, with 3 pictures being stitched together, then two more stitched together below that.  It almost looks like it's just because I don't have room on my screen for all 5 pictures side-by-side, however I'm not sure how to proceed.  Thank you for any help!

Brian, is there a way to search "ask Brian" for a topic, so that we don't ask repeat questions?  Sorry if I missed something obvious...

LOVE.

Understand, Grasshopper?!   
I took the plunge and ordered from BL the minute I saw your concern about not having better backup, so I got my backup body in the mail JUST now - unbelievably lucky. The 5D3 was not available, and I was concerned about the learning curve of anything different this close to the date, so I got myself another 6D - but that way there is no learning curve.  And I have another body. 
I live in a geographically isolated "big town" or "small city", however you view it, with a really rural attitude. Everyone is low-key... our claim to fame is bite-size steak and people (not me) say, "I seen"   ... the venues I have shot at include tents and school gyms among other things - our fire departments don't even have ladder trucks to give you an idea.  This does NOT mean I take a slacker attitude toward my craft (believe me, I'm already full of adrenaline) but it does help you understand the local culture I'm immersed in.  2 hours north in Spokane is the infamous Matt Shumate - I strive to be at that level even if I don't get to shoot at the Davenport.   

THANK YOU for the explanation of the 100... that really helps and I'll be re-reading and searching it out when I have more time. Thank you.

Yes, this shit costs money. Keeping up really costs money.  I can't thank you enough for your help and your friendly dialogue.  

Thank you, that is all great information.  In order:
* When I first started over a decade ago I was terrified I'd be one of those wanna-be's that suck and don't know it, so I can honestly say I think I've proven myself to be above "enthusiast", but I'm not dumb enough to think I don't have anything to learn.  I think it helps that I did photography for awhile back in the "dark room ages" and learned to develop my own film, and then my college major was art.  And I agree with you - since I charge, I had better be a professional.   Bottom line, I feel confident that if you gave me an assignment, I could do it.
* Yes, I do have the version II of the 24-70 lens because I researched it and found the same information you did about the version I copies.  Whew!  That was easy.   
*  I'm looking into renting/borrowing another body to have at this wedding.  I have a couple of possibilities.
* Thank you for the tips on the 100mm!  It is the macro version.  When I got it, I wanted that length in a prime and the macro aspect seemed like a bonus.  I now think I misunderstood it's purpose and it may have been a mistake (yike), but I'll look into Susan's work and stuff others have done with it before I give up.
* I love the 5DmkIII, I will check into that and the IV.  For the record, I never really saw myself as a wedding photographer, or I'd probably already have one... I get the comparison to the 6D.  At the time I was struggling between the 5III and the 7D and then the 6D seemed to appear out of nowhere and it's lower price tag for lots of similar features was a huge draw.  But you're right, the 6D is exactly a "bridge" camera.  
* And you're also right, I tend to make careful purchases that I keep as long as possible. I also waited to purchase until I felt I'd earned my upgrades by proving myself.  I'm very annoyed with kids getting high-end equipment right out of HS and thinking that makes them awesome and starting up photography services with super cheesy names... but speaking of going off-topic on rants.    if I get back into weddings on a large scale I will likely stay more up-to-date with equipment.  If I get a 5III that would make my 6D a great backup body for events, I think?  I do understand the limitations of the crop sensor on the 30D, believe me, so I will be actively searching for a full-sensor backup body for this weekend.
* Thank you again for all of your time and such thorough information! I will be looking for the right category to post a lighting question next, since this wedding will happen in the same building with obnoxious constantly-changing combo of natural and tungsten lighting.

Well... a moment silence then.   I currently have a 6D and a 30D aside from the dead 5D Mk1.  I looooove my 6D - it does everything I need it to and it's small (relatively speaking).  For some reason my 30D keeps plugging away, do you know why it outlasted my 5D Mk1?  Lenses in order of favorites: 50mm 1.4
24-70 2.8 L-series (on my camera most of the time)
70-210 (45-ish y/o old lens that still works great)
100 L-series 2.8 (I have no idea what to do with this lens)
24-85 backup wide-angle zoom.  

Edited to answer your last questions - I am a sahm and homeschooler, I charge for photography but I'm not sure what qualifies as "professional" - I set up a studio in my home when I need it, so I don't rent a studio.  I mostly shoot outdoors, mostly portraiture, I specifically seem to be asked to do graduating seniors and families, and weddings which I haven't done in a couple of years because I tried to quit them.  I like to shoot in the afternoon or late light.  I DO have a flash I forgot to mention - and I use that at receptions or in really poor lighting, but I need (need!) better education with my flash.  Rather than adding to my gear bag, I seem to have whittled it down to some essentials that I know really well.

So I will be doing a wedding on the 4th and I'll have my 6D with the 24-70 (and sometimes the 50), my 2nd shooter (my adult daughter) will have my 30D with her choice of whatever I'm not using and I'm mildly nervous about not having a backup body, so I may see about renting.  I rarely do weddings anymore, but it continues to be a demand and either way, I'll always want equipment that can keep up, so thank you for taking interest. 

Hi Brian, I hear you are the go-to equipment guy.   I have an older Canon 5D that simply isn't turning on.  Yes, battery is charged, and when I put the battery in, the little red blinking light appears acknowledging the battery, but without the camera turning on I'm at a loss as to how to further trouble-shoot.  I realize it could be at the end of it's life, however I have a 30D still going strong so I'm reaching out to see what you recommend.  Please know that it's 11:20 p.m. my time (USA) so I am headed to bed now but I will look for a response tomorrow.  Thank you - Laura Miller  

Whoops... this must be the issue?  Do I simply un-check actions then?  Do I need to do this over, or will my saved images have survived?

I followed your instructions and batch-saved some pictures for the first time on a new computer (Windows 10), and this "warning" popped up every other picture.  Is it important, and if not, is there a way to get rid of it?