Gift Hint’s for the Holidays

It is that time of year again when the holidays approach and everyone is asking you what you want as a gift. Well, if you are anything like me, you usually say “I’m sure whatever you get me will be amazing!” But, I think this is the year as an adult I officially make a Christmas list. The reason for this list is that I can’t always count of my significant others and family to buy me what I would use more than once. (Or never like the case of the razor scooter, my aunt got me thinking it was the cool way young professionals got around their office- Oh boy!).  So, get ready for an array of suggestions from big to small, super expensive to low budget. A present for all of your needs waiting to be unwrapped and used every day! This list is both for you to suggest and for you to consider when getting a gift for another photography enthusiast.I am going to start with the expensive gifts to get the best ones out of the way! Nowadays, actual cameras are expensive, but most come in these kits that are complete with all the basics to start in photography. So, asking for a camera is an amazing present and can jump start your passion for photography. We have written an equipment recommendation on good deals and everything to look for in buying a camera, so if you are looking to buy one for a loved one or friends we describe what features make a camera worth buying.

Another expensive gift option to get someone who is passionate about photography is to get them a new lens. We have recommended a few, but having more than one lens can really take your photography to the next level. With so many lenses out on the market, we wanted to give you a hint on the lenses that really improve and expand your photography and are worth buying. The best lenses to get someone would be the 70-200mm (Not a lot of people have this one and it is an incredible lens for shallow depth of field, close-up, just about everything [Find it here] ), 50mm (Check out our Blog), and a 85mm [Canon here– Nikon here]. These are all great lenses to have and if anyone who is passionate about photography doesn’t have one of these, it could be an incredible gift. A gift of a new lens is a gift to a new perspective and world of photography.

Now, for the less expensive stuff. A lot of us do not have the financial means or  the want to blow over $500 on a friend, family member, or significant other. (Sorry, babe!) But, there are equally important gifts relating to photography that give your wallet a break. These gifts are practical and have great value! So, we all know the joke about getting tube socks from your grandma, but some things we hate buying but always need in photography are batteries and memory cards! I know, I know, the important part is that you call it a stocking stuffer because no one wants just batteries or memory card for Christmas.(Check out our Memory Card Blog) The gift, that most people don’t think of, that are awesome practical gifts for photography is a camera bag or strap.In most camera kits, the camera comes with the company brand embroidered on a thin strap. Anyone who enjoys taking photos or carrying around their camera around on trips and vacations knows how strenuous this can be on your neck and back. So, a great thing to invest in or give as a gift in this case is a new camera strap! We recommend giving them Sun Sniper Pro Strap [Find it Here]. This one gives incredible support with Shock Absorbers and relieves the strain that comes from having your camera strap around your neck.

In bags, a great practical bag to get your loved ones is a travel camera bag. Your camera is most susceptible to damage when you are out and about and a strong and great quality camera bag can be more important than the ever day camera bag. We recommend the Tamrac Velocity Series Travel Bag. (Check out or Travel Bag Blog) This bag is comfortable and practical for any photographer! It is aesthetically basic and sleek and does not draw attention to the fact you have expensive equipment in it. It also carries all things necessary for a trip out to shoot and does so in an organized and protected fashion with easy access to your supplies.

In the midst of being a photographer and especially in this era of computers and internet, the amazing photos taken are usually only available online or on a computer album. A great present to get any photographer is one of their photos printed to be admired. A passionate photographer is always looking to take new and interesting photos and has a handful or more of favorites and it is nice to show just how beautiful those photos are off the computer and on a wall or ledge. There is simply printing and making a photo album or putting them in picture frame option. This is cheap and is always meaningful for a photographer. Another slightly more expensive, but even more satisfying is getting the photo printed onto a canvas. This option is both fulfilling and creates a professional accomplishment feel for that photographer. CHECK IT OUT HERE There are also always amazing deals to print photos onto canvas on deal sites like groupon and livingsocial, so keep your eyes peeled.

Finally, like me, I have everything material I need to survive and I like gaining experiences and memories in my gifts. For example, I was recently gifted a culinary tour of Coronado and got to experience it with my significant other. This was an amazing memory and turned out to be one of the most memorable and best gifts I have ever gotten because of the experience and I learned about the history of Coronado as well as amazing places to eat. Therefore, a great gift to get someone is something they would want to do, but wouldn’t think of scheduling it or paying for it in their busy schedules. The gift of learning! And not in the way you are thinking with homework and deadlines. I am talking about classes for cooking, dancing, yoga, or in our case, photography! A photography class can truly be priceless because it teaches valuable techniques and information and gives hands on experience to bring confidence to any skill level photographer. (Check our our gift certificates here). At the Right Light Photography, we have amazing value, hands-on time, handouts, and the chance to become a part of a photography community. This community shares photos and experiences, critiques, teaches, gives equipment recommendation and is there to enjoy photography with each other. Join our photography community today!