Step one of a new tribal shoot, checking out the makeup and headdress.

I also wanted to practice back button focus on the Sony, something I set up during the week. I have heard many thoughts on back button focus so thought I'd give it a try and see if it helps me nail my focus. I just haven't been nailing the focus lately and felt I've been getting sloppy with my shoots and could do better.

Lauren and I have so many ideas for shoots, styles, locations and shots my head nearly explodes with the ideas. We have had the tribal shoot on the burner for a while, this is step one.. the next will be on location with and outfit.

Today Lauren dragged herself round, full of cold and tired.. I keep asking myself why are we doing this? I have a burning desire to be a good photographer, to learn as much as I can.. I can't help feeling like I'm playing catch up with my peers. This leads to me nagging friends to shoot.. even when they are ill. I'm going to try and stop this to be honest before I kill one of them.. "Death by Photography" will not look good on a young persons grave stone.

I know to some the shoots appear the same, but like Lauren says.. we both learn something on every shoot. Today I practiced back button focus and had two "dogs" for lighting, one gridded to light the feathers.. I didn't nail this, but it's a start.

I'm hunting for a location for the second part of this shoot, the image is in my head. I know how Lauren will look, the props needed and the lighting.. now all we need is the time and good health to get it done. Thats what drives me.. getting it done.