Continuing on my quest for my D700, I might as well post my current hit-list of items and see what else may be needed.  Along with the body, there are some necessities for me, especially the battery grip as I shoot mostly in portrait – yes, even my landscape.  So, here is the current list of items I am saving for:

• Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
• Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack
• Crucial 8Gb Lexar Media Professional Udma 300X Compactflash (x2)
• Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery

The current list has a lofty pricetag of $2,756.26. Yes, quite the chunk of change – but so worth it in my estimate.  Planning to take this up professionally, I want to have these things in place.  From there, I can start adding studio equipment like reflectors, umbrellas, stands… it goes on.

Saving the Cash

I am trying to also put together some game plans for getting the money.  I’ve resigned to the fact that I do not have a Faery Godmother that is willing to wish me the camera and gear.  Fine.  I need to earn this the old fashioned way.

First, a place to hold the money.  I’ve created an account to filter off money – kind of a rainy day jar to hold my savings.  I started off with an ING account – but I found out they close it when you have no activity.  And I can’t always add to it, so I have created a separate bank account to hold my funds.

Now, I need to raise money to place in here.  I’ve had a couple gallery showings, but I haven’t made enough yet to cover the cost of the frames and mattes.  I need to get more public.

I’ve agreed to two weddings this summer.  As they are my first, I am doing them as gifts – to get me a portfolio to hopefully start branching out.  I don’t want to do wedding photography at this point – for the reasons I mentioned before.  But would love to do engagement photos and family shots to bring in cash.

Also, my passion is nature.  I love shooting nature.  So I also have the lofty goals of getting into magazines.  I’ve been in a couple so far, but payment has only been free subscriptions.  One magazine that pays well is Yankee Magazine.  It’s local – yet world-wide in publication.  I’ve sent an inquiry to their editor and am hoping with persistence, I can get some assignments.

Aside from that, my other big hope now is a large promotion.  Far fetched?  No.  Though I am currently living on a teacher’s salary, I’ve applied for the Director of Technology position in my district.  Quite a bump in pay.  If I get that, my reward will be the D700 and all the accouterments.

Close, But No Cigar

Got a price-alert from Amazon saying the price of the D700 dropped $0.92!!!  My wife said, “Forget it.”  Damnit.

Will post more on my progress with the quest as it develops.