It’s that time of year… you know, when you may be getting pestered for a holiday wish list and you know your husband is scratching his head about what to get you. So unless you want a new iron, you’d better come up with something more exciting! I’m here to help, with my 2013 holiday gift guide of photography-related gifts for all of us women! All of these things are things I’ve either tried and love, or that are on my own wish list, and they cover a range of prices.
So here we go!
Things to Read
Click magazine: As an avid reader, I love to merge my interests in reading and photography. A dear friend purchased a subscription to Click magazine for me as a baby gift, and I have loved it! Unlike most photography magazines that are just page after page of thinly veiled ads, Click has substantive articles as well as inspiring photography, all aimed at moms. My day gets just a bit brighter when it arrives in my mailbox.
Your Child in Pictures, ($16.50): Last year, Me Ra Koh’s Your Baby in Pictures made my holiday gift guide, and she’s back again with Your Child in Pictures. Once again, there is tons of inspiration here–with photo recipes designed to help you capture great photos of your toddlers and kids–you know, those ages when they just may not be interested in cooperating with you anymore. Feeling a bit stumped? Pick up this book!
Elevate the Everyday, ($17.75): Another great one for those days when you feel like you just have nothing to photograph is Tracey Clark’s Elevate the Everyday. Aimed at moms and focused on celebrating the everyday moments in your life, this book especially resonates with my own focus on memorializing the everyday beauty of your life.
Whimsical Gifts
Camera lip gloss ($9.95 for a set of two): I’ve never tried this, and it could smell, taste or feel nasty, but it’s just so darn cute!
Telephoto Kitchen Timer
Old-Fashioned Camera Pencil Sharpener
Bags
In my pre-baby life, I used to really enjoy purses, and now that I’ve had three kids in five years, shopping for accessories remains a lot more fun than shopping for clothes. No guesswork on sizes, and no need to try anything on! Here are the two bags on my wish list… one fashionable and one functional.
Kelly Moore Songbird
($199): with a removable insert that holds your camera equipment as well as a tablet, the Songbird is great for the photographer who doesn’t want a bag that screams “camera equipment” or that looks like something they borrowed from their husband.
Lowepro 250 AW Transit Sling Bag
($73): I spent a whole day combing Seattle for the perfect practical camera bag for a typical photo shoot, and I think I’ve found it! The Lowepro 250 AW Transit Sling Bag can hold a couple lenses, one camera body, and a few essentials–all you need for a typical portrait session or to hang out around town or on your next active adventure. I would love this for my family’s next snowshoeing or hiking adventure. Bonus: this bag keeps the lenses close at hand, so you don’t have to swing a backpack on and off to switch things out.
Equipment and Practicalities
Think Tank SD Pocket Rocket Card Holder
($17): Don’t risk losing your SD cards! The Think Tank Pocket Rocket keeps your cards organized and comes with a convenient clip to attach inside or outside your camera bag.
Deluxe 32-inch reflector
($65): This remains on my wish list, because a reflector just isn’t one of those “sexy” things for a photographer to buy herself. I would love to receive this, though. A convenient handle makes this just a bit easier to use, especially if you’re a solo shooter and don’t have an assistant.
A “nifty fifty” lens: This made last year’s lens, and it’s my only repeat. Because everyone–especially all of those just using the kit lenses that came with your camera’s package–needs a “nifty fifty.” This is a great all-around lens and a good introduction to the addictive world of prime lenses. Whether you shoot Nikon or Canon, this is a must-have.
And last but not least… the #1 must-have for ALL photographers:
a subscription to CrashPlan, (variable): a few months ago, in a harrowing story which I will soon share on the blog, I nearly lost ALL of my photos (along with everything else on my hard drive). I thought I had several backups in place, but in the end, the only thing that saved my booty (and all my photos) was my subscription to CrashPlan. I had hemmed and hawed for months before finally signing up in July, and about eight weeks later, boy was I glad I had! For $60 a year, all of your data in your house from multiple computers can be backed up to the cloud. Should the worst happen, you simply contact CrashPlan and all your data can be retrieved. It was a lifesaver, and my #1 recommendation for all photographers to purchase.
and the #2 must-have…
a Beloved couples photo session with ME!: if you’re a hubby reading this, you are probably thinking, “Why would I ever take pictures FOR FUN?!” Because it’s been 10 years since you got married and your wife will love it. That’s why. Because if you can trust anyone, it’s me. And because I know that everyone, or at least 99% of us, hate having our pictures taken, and I guide you into a place where you won’t be smiling a cheesy forced grin for the camera, but instead will just be enjoying a date night with your spouse and having a great time… with pictures just as a happy, beautiful bonus. I dare say you will even enjoy the experience. Just do it. Pay your session retainer here and I’ll hook you up with an awesome gift certificate for your wife–it’ll be her biggest surprise of the year.
(Disclaimer: this post does contain affiliate links to items that can be purchased on Amazon, for which I receive a small percentage if you opt to purchase them through these links)
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