So, its no secret that Im a lover of photography. And have spent most of my life amazed by the physics, mechanics and beauty of it. How with just a little bit of mirrors, plastic and metal mixed with light, one is able to capture a moment forever. Like, really, how even? I’ve spent my childhood and teenage years with my nose pressed up against store windows ogling cameras and lenses, and my eyes have burned holes in camera books. And, as an adult, little bit by little I’ve been trying to hone my skills. So it’s no surprise then, that I’m over the freakin moon whenever Im gifted with photography-related items.
I’m no pro, but I’m inlove with the craft and truly enjoy the art and the notion of capturing the moment. And I can assure you, I am not alone…
So if you’re looking for gifts for the photography lover in your life, I have just the wishlist you’ve been looking for. From big or small, I think I have all budgets covered. And..ahem…let’s not forget, Christmas is right around the corner. Yes, It’s early December still. But we all know how these last few weeks of the year fly. So you best get cracking with that lil Santa’s list.
Obviously there’s lots more you can add to this list. But these are currently on my radar. Ahem, hint, hint hubby!
So without further ado, Your Photography Lovers Gift Guide:
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1. Nifty fifty – what do I love more than Instagram? The ability to print those precious snaps in the same cool squared fashion I see it on my screen! (or any other format, infact. Whatever floats your boat. They have a great selection.) And their gift vouchers make it an easy gift to give.
2. USB picture frame – Often, so many beautiful photos get taken, and never see the light of day. Never printed and put up on display. Either because, the person has no space to put it all up, never has time or, like me, often suffers from choice-overwhelm – where you dont know which photo to pick, and in the end just never pick one, even though you really want to. Well this little gadget helps alot with that, in that you can simply prop this bugger up on a table in the lounge or whereever,and have a few select photos that slide across (never having to only choose one again). And if you get bored with those pix, simply change it up, but updating the pix on the USB.
3. Extenal Hard Drive (Storage) – In this digital age, its incredible the amount of data we create on the daily. I for one have like thousands of snaps on my phone alone. And it’s precious snaps that I don’t want to lose. In fact, almost any photograph of my nearest and dearest is precious cargo to me, and losing it is just a heart breaking thought. So we do double backups, and having the storage for that peace of mind is truly a gift in and of itself. But honestly, I didn’t even need to motivate why this would be an excellent gift to a photography lover, really. You’ll be loved muchly for this if found under the tree!
4. Memory cards – Ditto on memory cards! There is no such thing as enough memory cards. And the more memory cards you have, the more space snapping you can do , without worrying about that other memory card filled with Paris shots that you still have to clear and wonder if you backed it all up yet.
5. Camera strap – anyone who knows me well, knows Im the furthest thing from girly girl. And yet, somehow, these straps have me all heart eyes. It’s an awesome little break from the mundane camera straps that come standard. And also serves as a nice ID tag, especially when you have a table full of friends cameras and you need to grab your own real quick. Takes a bit of waiting for your order to arrive via Etsy – so it might not make it to our South African shores this Christmas. But there’s nothingwrong with belated xmas gifts, and then there’s always birthdays and just because gifts.
6. Tripod – these are one of those items that will ALWAYS be useful. ALWAYS. Whether for self timers, or for specific types of shots, this is a gadget that does have so much value. And I can assure you, if the giftee is truly a photogrphay lover, she’d/he’d certainly appreciate this lil puppy. There are several out on the market, but the one that I was gifted and enjoy is this one:
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a. It’s light weight
b. Can fold up into a small convenient size
c. Can adjust your camera in so many different angles
d. You can easily lock the position down
e. It can scope up
f. Quick release shoe for eas mounting and dismounting of your camera
g. And the legs can be extended twice!
7. Under Water Camera – Guys, when we went on our Mauritius Family Vacation, this was probably the best last minute purchase I had made. I got myself this Nikon Coolpix. Basically a mik-n-druk digital, but waterproof, to catch all your mermaid moments.And it went everywhere with us, on the boat, with the dolphins, in the pool, or just splashing around in the waves, it served us well. We had such fun with this puppy, that we took it through all our summers thereafter to catch all the swimming pool action and just get different persectives on all our Summer Moments I wanted to capture. Sure you do get other more professional options, but this one was the best priced, no pressure, just enjoy the moment type of camera. If thats what youre after, then this sucker is the one you want to wrap up for your special little snapper.
8. Gorillapod – I’ve loved this thingy-ma-jiggy ever since my one buddy received it as a birthday gift years ago. It’s like a tripod but smaller, and maybe even cooler. Cooler in that you can set this bad boy up wherever you may need it and where a tripod would likely never work. Like say, up in a tree! With this lil nifty gadget, the world becomes your tripod really.
9. Camera Bag– dude, if you’ve walked Paris flat, whilst trying to dodge cyclists and still get the shot. Or Roamed in Rome and constantly needed to get your gear out at the million and one gorgeous photo ops with all the ruins you’ll stumble across. Maybe you’re just out with the family for little Johnny’s birthday party. Or maybe you’re trekking around in the States with your kids and want all you gear with you. Then you’d know that the camera bag you have makes a difference. The last thing you want is something uncomfortable and cutting into your neck or shoulder on the one side. Or something that is so super hard to access your actual gear, while on the go. Or maybe you need to carry more than just your gear, but really don’t wanna lug around two bags. Here are my two fave options,but look over here for more choice.
a. Because my hubby actually got this for me last year, and has worked out so well for me. Whether it’s to school plays, backstage at ballet rehearsals, at a birthday party or out exploring, this bag has earned it’s keep well. And I love the quick access at the back of the bag, as well as the waterbottle pockets on the side.
b. Swoon. Freakin swoon. Just look. I mean do I really have to explain myself here. Easy access, comfort, practical AND so stylish. It’s a win, for sure, folks!
10. Photography Course – there are a bajillion for you to choose from online, and quite a few actual schools you can go to. And the one you choose will be best based on the schedule of the giftee. I for one have always wanted to go to a specific school here in Cape Town, but after my buddy went for it back in the mid 2000’s, I realised there is almost no way I’d be able to fit in the classes and assignments as required to complete the course. So enter online courses, which are pretty amazeballs actually. They’re suited to YOUR own schedule and you can come back to any part of the material over and over again. And if you need an actual person, most of these online schools have a fantastic community that avails themselves and their honest critique online. There are loads of free courses of course. But the one’s Im currently eyeing are:
this one and this one! I’ve used them before, and found great value in what they taught.
11. 35mm Lens – ok, then, the holy grail of photography gifts. The big mama jamma of Christmas gifts.and I not only say this because of the cost, but because the lens really makes all the difference to your shots. Ask anyone trying to get those awesome low light shots…35 mm 1.8 is a boon. Or at least it is to me (but feel free to ask a pro too). Photography is one of my favourite love languages. And if ANYONE would ever gift this to me, that’s like saying, “OMFG, Trace…I love you to the ends of this earth, and beyond this lifetime…” (I am still being subtle in my hinting right? Nothing too obvious, right?) 😉
And there you have it. I have no doubt that if you use this list to guide you in your gift shopping for that happy snapper in your life, you will not go wrong! Enjoy! And happy wrapping! X
Nice! Just the other day I was looking online to purchase a beginner camera package. By no means do I want it to be a career, I just want to create cool blog picture for my post, instead of using the free ones online. Thank you for sharing ?. I’m now inspired to make a purchase.
Thanks Charlene! Glad you found it useful. And yes, nothing wrong with following a passion. It doesn’t have to be a career for you to pour yourself into something. If your heart yearns for it, follow that feeling! Hope you do make that purchase – photography is fun! X