One thing to check with if using Carbonite or other online backups is your internet bandwidth restrictions, if any. There was a article in the local paper of a user who exceeded his bandwidth and his account was suddenly closed without notice. He had a contract with limited bandwidth and the small print in the contract gave the consequences of exceeding it.

I too use the OpTech's PRO strap and like it.
As far as the tripod mount screw pulling out of the camera I have never heard of that happening. I have seen wild life shooters with their 500mm plus lens attached to the camera and carrying it all attached to their tripod carrying it over their shoulders. That's a lot of weight, but it seems to handle it just fine.

I have carried my 24-70 or 70-200mm lens attached to the camera/tripod over my shoulder if moving a short distance.
But do what you think is safe.

That's pretty neat. A new planet is born.

I have been thinking about getting a macro lens and finally decided that would be my next lens for my 5D. Because I don't have the steadiest hands I wanted a lens with IS/OS and the choice was between the Canon 105L or the new Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Ex DG OS HSM Macro Lens. I decided on the Sigma. Here are a few pic's, all hand held. This is my first attempt at macro stuff, still experimenting.
The rest of the photos can be seen here: http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/bamboo-waterdrops

http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v20/p116100928-3.jpg
http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/img/s10/v18/p150830783-3.jpg
http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v44/p173486209-3.jpg
http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v43/p310642628-3.jpg
http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v28/p105159345-3.jpg
http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v35/p217872777-3.jpg
http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v36/p396930111-3.jpg

Thank you all, the camera is a Canon 5D, which is has a full frame sensor.
I just checked the Sigma web site (should have done that first) and it states this:
"Focuses down to 1:1 magnification ratio at its closest working distance of 12.3 inches"
Now the part I am embarrassed about. I just realized that I was working with the lens hood attached, and was measuring my distance from the end of the hood, not the lens element.

I just purchased the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Ex DG OS HSM Macro lens for use with my Canon 5Dc. This is my first time using a true macro lens.
The minimum focus distance is stated to be 12.3 inches, which I always thought referred to measuring from the end of the lens to the focus point. But I appear to be able to focus a lot closer than that. Is the minimum focus distance measured from the end of the lens, or from the sensor plane?
I was out testing the lens and was keeping the end of the lens at least 12 inches from the object. Then I happen to move in another four or five inches and it achieved focus at this point. I am going to do some more testing, but first I wanted to verify when a lens manufacturer states is the minimum distance where they are measuring from.
Thank for any answers.

The offer was only good until the end of that day, probably according to their time zone where B&H is located. Prior to posting the link was live with the ability to add it to your shipping cart. I removed it from my cart at that time, I already have Lightroom.

I just checked it now, the links still work, but the price has gone up to $135.

For those who might want it, B&H has both Lightroom 3 & Elements on sale for the rest of this day for $70. They are on back order, but the sale appears to be valid this day only.
Lightroom 4 will be coming out soon, but this is a good price.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/720705-REG/Adobe_65081059_Photoshop_Lightroom_3_Software.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822135-REG/Adobe_65136565_Photoshop_Elements_10.html

I would visit some wedding web sites to get some ideals. Natural light is good, but if you must use a flash, bounce it and use a diffuser. If you want to make your own, here is one ideal that is very cheap:
https://portal.fellowshipone.com/home.aspx

Another vote for #1.

Gee, I wondered what that rubbery square thing was for, although it is probably mentioned somewhere in the camera's manual.
Thanks for the tip.

I use the OpTech Pro strap, the camera feels better hanging over my shoulder across my body and at my side where my hand can easily cradle it if needed. I also use the OpTech wrist strap if I want to carry it in my hand.

If walking on level open trails lots of times I just leave the camera on the end of my tripod and carry it over my shoulder with the strap wrapped around my hand. I use a solid quick release plate and just make sure everything is tight. If the ground changes, it is easy to remove the camera and either carry it via the shoulder strap, or put it back in my camera bag.

Very nice, great talent there.

I think BuckekyeTom has the correct info. You might go over to Lightroom forums and ask there:

http://www.lightroomforums.net/forum.php

I did a quick google, here is what I found: Note: There were many more sites, this is just a few.

http://www.orphicpixel.com/photograph-people-with-glasses/

http://japanorama.co.uk/2009/02/06/flash-photography-photographing-people-with-glasses/

http://www.ehow.com/how_6357718_photograph-people-glasses.html

http://thedailydigi.com/how-to-photograph-people-in-glasses/