Is there a way to force the Nikon D700 to treat this lens as though it were a DX lens and the equivalent of 300mm? If so, I'll sell my D300.

These Brooklyn camera stores which go under different names are places to avoid. Dury's and Berger Bros are very reliable, like B&H and Adorama.

On trips to and within Thailand and Vietnam I store two Nikon DSLR's with lenses attached on the tripod screw hole in Think Tank Photo's Airport Ultralight and I 've never had any damage. This is a carryon backpack which fits in the overhead even of small commuter jets and also fits under the seat. It comes with customizable foam dividers.

I have had good results setting the camera on a tripod and using the self timer while experimenting with different lighting setups. Dig up some conventional suggestions for posing and try them all out.

I'm looking for a way to carry my Induro C214 tripod on my shoulder. Did you make the triangle shaped strap yourself or did you purchase it? If the latter, where?

Could you clarify what you mean by "print onsite"? What kind of "jobs" are you referring to?

I don't have one....yet. But I will by the end of the week. My research indicates that it's the best reflector you can get.

Your most basic "start up light" would be a north-facing window or a porch with an overhang or just inside an open garage door. Combined with a reflector, this will look very natural.

However, if we're talking about a beginning studio setup, in my opinion, a softbox gives a more flattering and controllable light than an umbrella. Here's a softbox suggestion:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/820996-REG/Westcott_2336_Apollo_Orb_36_91_4.html

To mount the softbox you would need a light stand and a boom arm. One possibility would be:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=546705&is=REG&si=rev#costumerReview

Of course you also need a light source to use with the softbox. I'm only familiar with Nikon equipment. My choice would be either the Nikon SB 910
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/832699-USA/Nikon_4809_SB_910_AF_Speedlight_i_TTL.html

OR Nikon SB 700
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734997-USA/Nikon_4808_SB_700_Speedlight_Shoe_Mount.html

Then, unless you have a line of sight between the camera's built-in flash and the remote flash, you would need something to trigger the remote flash in the softbox. You could go with cheap Chinese radio controllers on eBay or you could go with the standard, namely, Pocket Wizard Flex TT5 of which you would need two.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/605718-REG/PocketWizard_801_153_FlexTT5_Transceiver_Radio_Slave.html

For a reflector I'd suggest the Lastolite TriFlip 8 in 1 Grip Reflector Kit - 30

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/418586-REG/Lastolite_LL_LR3696_TriFlip_8_in_1.html

As you can see, good lighting equipment is costly.

I recently shifted to Nikon's very expensive pro lenses so Monday evening I put my like-new condition Nikon 18-200 VR lens on eBay up for auction together with a Nikon clear glass filter to protect the lens. This is one way to save money on a good-as-new 18-200 lens. As far as the "lens creep" mentioned below, the cheap solution is a silicone band around the lens which I can also throw in.

I use a Giotto optical glass protector on the LCD of my Nikon D700 and D300. There is no deterioration of the image and there is the protection against scratches.

I carry two bodies with lenses attached using this:
http://www.cameraslingers.net

Any other lenses, flash, I carry on the Pro Speed Belt from ThinktankPhoto http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/camera-belts.aspx

I would tone down the vertical leaf on the left and clone out the fencing.

I just bought Ultra Premium Luster. Thanks for the tip. Normally, I buy from Atlex.com which has good discounts.

A year or so ago I saw a documentary on these child beauty pageants. The whole business represents a grotesque exploitation of the children for the parents' egos, to say nothing of the premature sexualization of little girls. To my eyes they look freakish when made up and dressed up.

I think of barbed wire as being cold and cruel. Toning it sepia contradicts that. Perhaps try it in black and white without the sepia toning.