Do you have a photographer on your shopping list this Christmas? You’ve come to the right place to get great ideas. Christmas is only 3 weeks away!
- Camera strap cover. These are not a necessity but they are a unique way of spiffing up ordinary camera straps. I recommend checking out Sara Eaton’s Swanky Stitch. I was fortunate to win one of her custom camera strap covers and am proud to have a more feminine touch when I’m out and about with my camera. She also has some masculine fabrics to choose from for the guys on your list.
- Since I happen to love supporting creative people who make things, here is another excellent suggestion. An incredibly high quality padded camera bag for women who like to look stylish while carrying a camera with them (instead of those ugly black and bulky masculine bags) — and you won’t believe how reasonable they are. I have something similar but when I found this person, I was kicking myself that I didn’t buy from her first! Check these stylish (and well made) camera bags out and you will be guaranteed to have the BEST gift under the tree!
- Books: either of David DuChemin’s: Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision
, and VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography
. Both are photography books written by a fellow Canadian that any photographer would be delighted to receive.
- A Microfibre Cleaning Cloth: Every photographer, whether an amateur or pro needs more than one of these in their camera bag. Even if a photographer has a couple he or she will appreciate having a few more.
- Gorillapod*. Here’s a really useful little gadget any photographer should have in their bag. Basically they are a portable tripod with three articulated legs that you can use to wrap around any object and hold your camera or flash. They are relatively small and lightweight and are great when you need to support your camera or flash in some unusual position or location. They also have a version for the iPhone called the Gorillamobile which is a great little accessory with a number of uses (watch the video). In conjunction with the Gorillamobile, there is now a new iPhone application called Gorillacam and the best part is that it’s free! It features a camera timer, unlimited rapid fire, 3-shot burst and a grid overlay. Used together with the Gorillamobile, you can now take better self portraits or videos using your iPhone.
- Another book suggestion is for the photographer who is still just getting started or who says they only do natural light. Well it’s time they learned more 🙂 This book, On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography
is so good because it’s not so technical that a person can’t get into it and yet it gives so much excellent how-to information. And if you’d like to know my favourite book on lighting, it’s Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting
but this one is much more about learning to understand lighting rather than a lot of how-to.
- Black Rapid R-Strap. I want one of these — soon! The company is smart enough to make them for men or women. From all the reviews I’ve read and comments from photographers who do have them, this is by far the best camera strap on the market. The R-Strap allows a person to hang the camera at your side quickly sliding it up to your eye to take a shot. This is far better than hanging a heavy camera and lens around the neck. It’s ideal also for travel photography or wedding/event photographers.
- Want some more ideas that border on novelty rather than true practicality? Check out Photojojo for some funky ideas.
- Subscription to KelbyTraining.com. Scott Kelby’s training website offers hundreds of hours of instruction on just about every Adobe program including Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, and others. There are also lots of other instructional videos on photography, covering topics ranging from legal and business issues to lighting and wedding photography.
- Memory Cards. A photographer can never have enough memory cards. It’s best to stick with well known brands like Lexar or SanDisk.
- This one won’t surprise most of you. Because photographers are always taking so many photos for themselves and because I feel we MUST get all our images printed rather than left on our computers, head out and buy the photographer on your list a beautiful photo album. Here’s a nice leather one for someone who like things a bit rustic or country, Genuine Leather Rustic Rider Photo Album – Stores 100 4×6 Photos, Dark Brown
or for the photographer who prefers things a bit more classy, try this one Deluxe Leather Photo Album with Faux Suede Interior Lining – Stores 300 Pictures, Brown
— I know I would always appreciate receiving an archival quality photo album of any kind.
- Gift Card. Still not sure what to get them? A gift card to their favourite camera store is always a safe bet.
What items are on your photography wish list this year? Leave your ideas in the comments below.
My wish list is a bit more expensive and likely not to be under the tree this year too ;o). Lenses, a camera body upgrade, more lighting, etc…the list can go on and on…For something less expensive I thought you could add one of those lens mugs in the photographers camera brand of choice (Nikon or Canon). I would love one of those :).
Oh my, those camera bags are gorgeous! I’m afraid my wish list is a little more expensive – I want another lens, one for birds etc. As I’ve already been a very expensive girl this year, that may have to wait until another special occasion. Valentines? 🙂