I currently use a Canon 30D...I'd like a Canon Mark III (once the focusing issues are resolved).

- A good scanner..I like the Epson V750 or Coolscan LS50...I have many old slides and negatives. Learning toward the V750. Comments?

- Masking software..Mask Pro or Fluid Mask

- Some training videos...looking at Katrin Eismann videos..

- ExpoDisc White Balance

Things to learn...
LAB color
Lightroom
Better use of Raw
Better use of light

Do you have a list?

Masking software. I got Mask Pro and tried the other one. I still do 99% of my masking manually.

So Swamp...what do you want in 2008 other than Mac virus protection and a Noles rebound?

LOL, Skydoggie! You crack me up! :-)

I can't think of anything I really need, but I may spring for a MacPro this year. I doubt I'll have to worry about any virus protection for it, cause I won't be installing anything Micro-scoff on it.

About masking software... Please have a look at AKVIS SmartMask.
It offers quick selection with "strokes" as in Fluid Mask as well as color (manual) selection as in MaskPro. ;)
Cheaper than these tools and has good functionality.

Yep...I just downloaded it ...now I'm trying to figure out how to use it...