Yes, have a trusted female assistant with you. Pick one who has some talent in aesthetics, makeup, glamour or similar. Make sure the "model" knows this beforehand. Also, since I am a paranoid individual (former police) I would tape record every minute I am there. You start it before you knock on the door by stating the date, time and who is present. You end it when you exit the door by stating again the date and time. Not video, but audio only. And I would do that without telling the "model" I was recording. That is your insurance. If she were to allege any impropriety or even a criminal offense, the police would use the recording to not only exonerate you but in the prosecution of her for filing a false police report. Just as importantly, have a great time doing this shoot. Not everybody is out to get you, but taking precautions is essential in our brave new world.

Photos???

I always have to fight the urge that bigger is better... I looked strongly at tool boxes for my new baby, and was really torn between going frugal (my wife's choice) and getting the Pelican case I know I wanted. I was favorably impressed by the DeWalt cases. Home Depot sells a stackable system of robust hard shell cases. The bottom case is $59 and it has big wheels and tremendous carry capacity. You then buy additional cases to suite your needs. They all hook together for easy wheel-around transport. I also found that Hobby Lobby sells 24x24" foam sheets in various thicknesses. My ideal case, constructing it myself put me within arm's reach of the Pelican cost. So being a lazy spendthrift I just coughed up the additional $$$. My case is now in transit visiting in Albuquerque courtesy of FedEx.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Gear-Cart-Black-222573/205441921
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Tool-Box-Black-222570/205440481
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Organizer-Black-222571/205440492
If I was on a tight budget I would have gone with the above or similar. I would not recommend the Stanley Fat Max roller case. I have one for my CSI equipment. It is fine for that but too lightweight for valuable camera gear.
To the OP: Well done. Looks like a first class job and you saved a lot of $$$ that you can now frivolously spend on more camera equipment.

I got mine a week ago Monday. I have been playing with it and it is awesome. It is, however, rather heavy with the 24-105 EFL kit lens. I traded up from a 10D. I am already seeing tremendous differences in the glass and the sensor. The "extra" stuff like the articulating screen and Wi-Fi just add to the enjoyment. Of course many of you already have done these things but it is new to me. I can sit the camera on the tripod, walk to another part of the house and take the photo using the free Canon phone app. I will be submitting photos as soon as I can.

I love the color. Well done.

Explore scientific. Com for filter. Cheap, light, works. Under $20. USD. Specifically made for solar photo and astronomy.

Thanks all. Saved a few bucks here.

Once again the Hogs, specifically YOU, have come through. I am pleased as my wife has placed me on a austerity budget post camera purchase. I typically went through two or three battery changes per day in my 10D so I was not wishing to be out of power on a heavy shooting day. Thanks for the article!
Best,
Tom

As many of you know I just purchased an EOS 6DII. It came with battery LP-E6N.
Will my LP-E6 battery from a previous system work with the new 6DII? I noted the old battery outputs 1800 mAh while the new one outputs 1865 mAh. Both provide 7.2V. Is it safe to use the old battery in my new system? I have tried using the email portal to Canon "help" and it does not let me send the above message when I hit "send." Last thing I want to do is screw up my brand new instrument.
Thanks

I too have my glasses handy. I love these photos.

That sonex looks very much like the old BD-5. Tail is different. I'll take one please! Great work.

Had never seen a crested one. Excellent work!

I just ordered glasses and a camera filter from Explore Scientific USA <explorescientific.com> and spent all of $23. Or you can pay over $100 for a ND100000 screw on filter. The local camera store is not stocking those expensive filters, or any for that matter and recommended the thin membrane types now available. The one I ordered has a cardboard "housing" that when assembled, slip-fits over the lens. I think this would be superior to a screw-on filter at the time of totality when you just slip it off and not have to literally screw around with getting the filter off and back on when totality begins and ends. I have observed two previous eclipses and it is one of the most surreal things you will ever experience. Best advice I have read, just put the camera down and simply enjoy the experience.

I had my hands on a Fuji xT2 while I was shopping for my new 6DII. I really liked the Fuji as it had a retro feel for me that placed dial controls on top of the camera just like I had on my Minolta SRT-Super film camera. I was sorely tempted to get one for that reason and the fact that I used a Fuji Finepix for jewelry photos and it worked well for making macro photos that were all but microphoto quality - it had a two level macro zoom. I predict you will really enjoy this new model.

I like the brooding feel for pix 2.