As someone who's starting a photographic business, I know that there's nothing that I'd like more for Christmas than more photographic equipment.
However, the equipment is generally so expensive that it's outside many people's gift budgets (especially in the current economic climate).
There are, however, quite a few low cost gifts that any photographer (or lover of photography) would love to get, whether they have a Point and Shoot or a fancy DSLR.
Ideas for Christmas Gifts That Won't Break the Bank…
For Photographers with DSLRs
Flash Diffuser – fits onto the external flash to provide better light distribution – from around $10
Infrared Remote – the standard remotes for most cameras are attached to the camera with a cord, but the infrared remotes allow much more movement. Remember to buy the one specified for the camera of the person whom you're buying for – from $20
Grey Card Set – to assist in setting the white balance – from $13
Lens Cap Keeper – very handy – I'm forever trying to find my lens caps! – from $1.30
Creative Aperture Kit – "The out-of-focus specular highlights (points of bright light) in your photograph will take on the shape of the aperture inside of the Lensbaby lens" – from $9.95
For Any Photographer
LCD Screen Protectors – a film to place on the LCD screen of your camera to protect it from scratches – from $4
LensPEN – a lens cleaning pen that conveniently fits into any camera bag – from $10
Gorilla Pod – a flexible tripod that fits into your purse, backpack or jacket pocket – from $24
Monopod – "The Monopod is a single leg camera stand that goes where tripods fear to tread. Raise overhead to shoot sports shots, press conferences or parades. Also great for tight or crowded spaces" – from around $20
Bean Bag Tripod – it's a bean bag that's also a tripod. Really handy for places where a tripod and monopods are too big and bulky, like when you're on safari – from $10
Rechargeable Batteries & Charger – it might seem silly, but external flashes and other camera equipment are really heavy on batteries and you can never have enough spares – from $20
"Understanding Exposure" Book – Or any other book on improving photographic skills.
Digital Photo Key Chain – for those people who like gadgets – from $12
I hope I gave you some ideas, and if you can think of more brilliant gifts, please add them in comments!
Jeanette is a South African working mother of 2 very busy boys. She's been taking a photograph every day since June 2007 and you can watch her skills improve at Photography by Jeanette.
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I am passing this along to all of my relatives. Thanks!
This is a fabulous list! There are many budding photographers in my family as well as among my friends so this list is perfect! Thank you Jeanette!
I LOVE this list!
Those are GREAT ideas! I have a husband who is hard to buy for. He happens to be a great photographer (www.crossmarkdesign.com/photography)…but I never know what to get him b/c I am not as 'in' to the hobby. I'll have to check these out! And those lens cap clips are TOPS.
Thank you so much for this, my husband is a photographer but since i'm on a tight budget, i need small gift ideas…your list gave me a great head start!
These are great. My husband is into photography and a new camera and light set are at the top of his list. However, the price tag on these items are a bit high to be suggesting as gifts for family and friends to buy or even contribute to. This is a great list I can share the next time someone asks what to get for him! Thanks!
Having just recently purchased a DSLR after my decade old SLR passed away, I feel almost overwhelmed by all the accessories out there!
Thank you so much for this list! Now I also know what to get for my aspiring photographer brother-in-law! A million, billion thank you's!!! I already know I have GOT to get him the gorillapod, the lens cap keeper (he is always misplacing his!), and that book for SURE!
Regards,
Jessica Nunemaker
littleindiana.info
(launching December 2008)