Christmas Gift Ideas and Stocking Stuffers for Photographers
A Master Photographer shares his popular annual list of gift ideas to help give you some ideas for the photographer on your holiday shopping list. These aren't just the normal things, though, but cool stuff that they will ask, "Wow, where did you find this?" Finding a gift for a photographer can be tricky - where does the non-photographer look? Well, here you go, from the fun to the serious, along with the obscure. This will make it easy for you.
1. Canon/Nikon Mugs store. Not really a camera accessory but I think these are just fun. Just be careful you don't grab the real lens and pour coffee into it. $45 to $160 for a set at the Canon Mugs Store, or the Think Geek guys have one for $15.
2. Wacom tablet. They come in different sizes with the Bamboo line for the starters, and the Intous line for the real creative types. Once they start using this to work on their images, the mouse will feel like a puck! Starts at $125. Most camera stores carry this.
3. Exotic lens. Bigger budget? Buy an exotic lens, super wide angle Fisheye, long telephoto or a macro lens. Always buy the same brand lens of the camera.
4. The Eye-Fi. It's not just a memory card, but a wireless transmitter so you can upload your images to the computer or your favorite photo sharing site. You can also get cards to work with smart phones and the iPad. $99
5. ThinkTank Airport camera case. Designed for aircraft carry-on size standards, this is fantastic. Packs lots of gear in a great design. I have used it for years. These guys are brilliant, they have a whole line of camera bags. You can buy online or at one of the listed camera stores. $380.
6. Blowit Fan. I own this, it's great. Small compact yet powerful. It's fan-tastic, sorry for the pun. Gets hair and garments whipping around. $100.
7. Joby Gorillapods. They have evolved. They have pods that will hold SLRs with zoom lenses, down to pocket cameras. Even ones for iPads and iPhones. Don't they just look wild? Priced well, too, from $20 to $60.
8. Tripod Lens Caddies. Out in the field or in the studio, where do you put your lenses and accessories for quick access? Ta DA! Lens caddies. There are lots out there. This is a bag that straps onto the tripod legs so your gear is both safe and easy to get to. I found the FotoSharp Camera Caddy $30, the Tripod Caddy $25, and Adorama's Tripod Butler $11. I like the ones with dividers. Be sure to watch the weight they hold.
9. Pop up reflectors. Every photographer can use a reflector. They come in all sizes with choices of silver, gold and white. Go for the silver or white. Lastolite is a great brand with a huge range of options. Westcott is another. Most camera stores carry this product. They range in price from $20 to $300 with the large or exotic ones going for more.
10. The Shootsac. This is a clever idea. It's a lens bag designed to hug your body. The lenses are quick to access without the usual bulk of a camera case. Designed for both men and all pretty for women. $180.
11. Lens Baby. This is a wildly creative series of lenses for any camera; they change the focus spot with unexpected soft focus spots. $200 starting to $500 for the kit.
12. Black Rapid Camera strap. It's like a gunslinger strap, puts the camera at your bum or side for easy access, but out of the way if you don't need it. They were the first. $50 to $60.
13. Aquapac waterproof cases. Good to 12 feet underwater, they have cases for very nearly everything. For all those vacationing photographers. $140.
14. Ray Flash - Ring Flash Adaptor. This fits over the camera's Flash Head to create those fantastic ring flash fashion shot images. A near shadowless light. $200.
15. Software to alter the images. Ah, in the old days, just find a lab. Now you have to deal with the digital file. There are Photoshop alternatives though, that are affordable while doing a great job. Photoshop Elements, and Corel's PaintShop Pro are the most well known, but there are lots out there for different budgets, ranging from $20 to $100. I found the TopTen Reviews site that not only lists them with prices, but also rates them.
Bonus ideas for stocking stuffers
1. Memory cards - Get Sandisk or Lexar, get the fast transfer speeds. ($60 and up)
2. Mini HDMI cable - Connects new cameras to the big screen. Ask your camera store which cable will be best for your photographer's camera. ($2)
3. Rechargeable batteries with charger. ($10 to $35)
4. Lens cleaner - Either the cloth, or the fancier Lenspen. ($15)
5. Gary Fong Puffer - Pop up flash diffuser. Most camera stores. Softens the flash from pop up flash so no harsh shadows. ($16 to $25)
6. Bokeh Kits - These are arty filters that shape the out of focus highlights into hearts, stars, happy faces and much more. ($25)
7. Foundation Series - Lighting - Teaches basic lighting, light placement, understanding light quality, and how to meter. I am the instructor on this instructional DVD. $25.
This should get you well on your way through your Christmas list. It was a lot fun searching these out. I came across so many cool things, like an inflatable studio, a projector the size of a smart phone, plus so much more I will share later. For now, happy Christmas shopping!
1. Canon/Nikon Mugs store. Not really a camera accessory but I think these are just fun. Just be careful you don't grab the real lens and pour coffee into it. $45 to $160 for a set at the Canon Mugs Store, or the Think Geek guys have one for $15.
2. Wacom tablet. They come in different sizes with the Bamboo line for the starters, and the Intous line for the real creative types. Once they start using this to work on their images, the mouse will feel like a puck! Starts at $125. Most camera stores carry this.
3. Exotic lens. Bigger budget? Buy an exotic lens, super wide angle Fisheye, long telephoto or a macro lens. Always buy the same brand lens of the camera.
4. The Eye-Fi. It's not just a memory card, but a wireless transmitter so you can upload your images to the computer or your favorite photo sharing site. You can also get cards to work with smart phones and the iPad. $99
5. ThinkTank Airport camera case. Designed for aircraft carry-on size standards, this is fantastic. Packs lots of gear in a great design. I have used it for years. These guys are brilliant, they have a whole line of camera bags. You can buy online or at one of the listed camera stores. $380.
6. Blowit Fan. I own this, it's great. Small compact yet powerful. It's fan-tastic, sorry for the pun. Gets hair and garments whipping around. $100.
7. Joby Gorillapods. They have evolved. They have pods that will hold SLRs with zoom lenses, down to pocket cameras. Even ones for iPads and iPhones. Don't they just look wild? Priced well, too, from $20 to $60.
8. Tripod Lens Caddies. Out in the field or in the studio, where do you put your lenses and accessories for quick access? Ta DA! Lens caddies. There are lots out there. This is a bag that straps onto the tripod legs so your gear is both safe and easy to get to. I found the FotoSharp Camera Caddy $30, the Tripod Caddy $25, and Adorama's Tripod Butler $11. I like the ones with dividers. Be sure to watch the weight they hold.
9. Pop up reflectors. Every photographer can use a reflector. They come in all sizes with choices of silver, gold and white. Go for the silver or white. Lastolite is a great brand with a huge range of options. Westcott is another. Most camera stores carry this product. They range in price from $20 to $300 with the large or exotic ones going for more.
10. The Shootsac. This is a clever idea. It's a lens bag designed to hug your body. The lenses are quick to access without the usual bulk of a camera case. Designed for both men and all pretty for women. $180.
11. Lens Baby. This is a wildly creative series of lenses for any camera; they change the focus spot with unexpected soft focus spots. $200 starting to $500 for the kit.
12. Black Rapid Camera strap. It's like a gunslinger strap, puts the camera at your bum or side for easy access, but out of the way if you don't need it. They were the first. $50 to $60.
13. Aquapac waterproof cases. Good to 12 feet underwater, they have cases for very nearly everything. For all those vacationing photographers. $140.
14. Ray Flash - Ring Flash Adaptor. This fits over the camera's Flash Head to create those fantastic ring flash fashion shot images. A near shadowless light. $200.
15. Software to alter the images. Ah, in the old days, just find a lab. Now you have to deal with the digital file. There are Photoshop alternatives though, that are affordable while doing a great job. Photoshop Elements, and Corel's PaintShop Pro are the most well known, but there are lots out there for different budgets, ranging from $20 to $100. I found the TopTen Reviews site that not only lists them with prices, but also rates them.
Bonus ideas for stocking stuffers
1. Memory cards - Get Sandisk or Lexar, get the fast transfer speeds. ($60 and up)
2. Mini HDMI cable - Connects new cameras to the big screen. Ask your camera store which cable will be best for your photographer's camera. ($2)
3. Rechargeable batteries with charger. ($10 to $35)
4. Lens cleaner - Either the cloth, or the fancier Lenspen. ($15)
5. Gary Fong Puffer - Pop up flash diffuser. Most camera stores. Softens the flash from pop up flash so no harsh shadows. ($16 to $25)
6. Bokeh Kits - These are arty filters that shape the out of focus highlights into hearts, stars, happy faces and much more. ($25)
7. Foundation Series - Lighting - Teaches basic lighting, light placement, understanding light quality, and how to meter. I am the instructor on this instructional DVD. $25.
This should get you well on your way through your Christmas list. It was a lot fun searching these out. I came across so many cool things, like an inflatable studio, a projector the size of a smart phone, plus so much more I will share later. For now, happy Christmas shopping!
