Okay, so I've been DY-ING for one of those "Shootsac by Jessica Claire" thingies. I have been wanting something lightweight and pliable to have on my body during long shoots such as weddings but have not found anything suitable from such wel loved photographer brands as Lowepro and Tamrac. I don't know why I didn't think of it first with my fashion background and all! Anyway, I can't afford the $180 plus $40 for a spiffy cover price tag (which I think it a little exhorbitant for a simple messenger bag even if it is neoprene). So, being a Vera Bradley fan (I have the tote) I decided I could buy her messenger bag, and then with some velcro and felt, add some custom dividers, and voila! I will have my own shootsac that is not only washable but will have removeable dividers for when I just want to use it as a travel bag. I made a nock off Vera Bradley messenger bag for my sister (she's also a fan) for Christmas when I was in one of my sewing/crafty moods but I don't have time to make one from scratch at the moment. I will have to keep you updated on my little project and tell you if it works and if I get my desired result.

Shootsac. Photo courtesy of Jessica Claire at the blog: www.shootsacblog.com

Vera Bradley messenger bag in Windsor Navy (to match my tote).Photo courtesy of www.verabradley.com

This is from the shootsac website about the product care. It can permanently crease if folded or wadded and it can't be machine washed or dried. Mine will be so much better! Mwhaaa!

"Your Shootsac is designed to be stored flat on top of your actual equipment in whatever camera case you use to transport your gear. Neoprene is prone to deep creases and wrinkles which can become permanent parts of the fabric. So while you certainly CAN roll it, drop it, throw it or fold it, why would you want to be so mean to something that's being so nice to you and your gear?
TIP: If stored folded for periods of time wrinkles may appear. Simply fill your Shootsac with newspaper and leave for 24-36 hours. We haven't tried it, but that's what the wetsuit guys told us to tell you.
Cleaning: Wipe clean using a damp cloth. Your Shootsac is best spot cleaned or, worst case scenario, washed by hand in warm soapy water. Do not bleach, do not iron. Drip dry.
For example: If you wore your Shootsac during your vendor meal, and now your Shootsac is wearing your vendor meal, spray a water-based cleaner onto a cloth and wipe bag first -- before resorting to really soaking it. "

As promised, here are the rest of the pics from our photo safari in Kansas City (my hometown)! We were having fun with our new fisheye lens if you can't tell.

Country Club Plaza.

My favorite place to shop and I worked there for 3 years.

Here are some panoramas we created. Fisheyes are so cool!

It's too bad there weren't pretty blue skies.

Okay, so I know I promised more photos from our photo safari in Kansas City but I have not finished processing them yet. Instead, I will share some photos from our family portrait session with the Wards. Little Addison has the chubbiest cheeks and the cutest little two front teeth! They were all a joy to shoot and I hope we have the opportunity to work with them again when their second bundle of joy arrives in several months.

She's an airplane!

Doesn't she have a cute profile?
Gettin some Mommy lovin.

Time for a nap!

Our friend Lynn (of Studio P Photography), Andy and I decided we needed some photos for our websites. Lynn and I have been friends since 7th grade! We went on a photo safari of sorts to the Country Club Plaza, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, and the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. Lynn's husband Chris and son Afton tagged along. We had a good time goofing off and taking photos wherever we saw fit. Here are some photos of Lynn. I'll share some photos of the actual locations tomorrow and if she posts the photos of us on her blog I will let you know.

Andy took this of Lynn (right) and I planning our next shot.

Check out her pretty green eyes. Afton was so laid back (like his mom ;o)

He just chilled out in his stroler with his Daddy close by.