When the Holiday season rolls around, I often get asked for advice from people looking to purchase photography gifts for a loved one. After all the emails from blog readers, phone calls from friends and family and questions from aquaintences looking for gifts for the photo enthusiast on their list, I’ve finally put all of my recommendations together in one handy place. I’m excited to share some of the products I use and love and ones that I’ve recommended to others, in this 2013 photography gift guide. Be sure to bookmark this list so you can keep it handy while you’re shopping black friday and cyber monday sales and be on the lookout for some great deals on these fabulous photography products!
1. Canon T3i: This entry level digital SLR is the camera I’ve been recommending to friends and family looking to purchase a “BIG” camera for themselves or someone who is just getting into photography. With 18 Megapixels, HD video capabilities and a DIGIC 4 image processor this little camera packs a punch and it’s perfect for beginners. I recommend purchasing just the body. Skip the kit lens and invest in something of higher quality. See some of my lens recommendations below.
2. Canon 5D Mark II: If you already have a digital SLR and are looking to upgrade, one option is the Canon 70D. I’ve heard great things about this camera, though I’ve never shot with it myself. I shoot with the Canon 5D Mark II and have for the past 5 years. I love this camera and can’t say enough good things about it!
3. 50mm f/1.4 Portrait lens: As an alternative to the 18-55mm kit lens that typically comes with each camera purchase, I usually recommend the 50mm f/1.4 lens to people making a first time camera purchase. There is the less expensive 50mm 1.8 lens, but the f/1.4mm is much better quality, will last longer and the difference in price is worth the investment in my opinion. The f/1.4 is a great lens and I shot with for years until I upgraded to the 50mm f/1.2. It’s important to note that this is a fixed lens, there’s no zoom on this one, but it’s a beautiful portrait lens.
4. Camera Strap Buddy: I purchased a camera strap buddy a few years ago and it hasn’t left my camera since! A word about the Camera Strap Buddy from the Photojojo website: The camera strap buddy attaches one end of your camera strap to the bottom of your camera, transforming the way you wear your camera into a comfy sling style.
5. Jo Totes Camera Bag: Jo Totes is my favourite place to shop for gorgeous camera bags made especially for women. The quality, colours and versatility of their bags is amazing and I love being able to fit so much inside my Jo Tote while still looking stylish. I have several of their bags but my favorites are the Gracie in butterscotch and the Rose in coral.
6. Adobe Photoshop: When it comes to post processing I edit all my photos in Photoshop. I’ve subscribed to the Adobe Creative Cloud and love having access to all the latest versions of my favorite Adobe programs. I’ve been using this program since I started editing my photos and am comfortable with it and recommend it for people who are serious about design and photography. I don’t even know how to do half of what this program can do, but I’m comfortable with what I do know and love using PS to edit and all the printables I offer here at Simple as That have been created using PS.
7. Photoshop Elements: A less expensive alternative to Adobe Photoshop is Photoshop Elements. It’s another great adobe program that is a little more user friendly and doesn’t bog you down with all the bells and whistles of PS. This is the program I recommend for people looking to try out some basic photo editing or digital designing.
8. 24-70mm 2.8 Lens: While I love my portrait lenses, a good zoom lens is definitely important to have. About a year ago I invested in a 24-70mm f/2.8 and right now it is my go-to lens. I have it on my camera all the time when shooting everyday photos. Indoors, outdoors wherever I am – it’s such a well rounded lens and it does really well in low light.
9. MiaBella Actions: I love using actions to edit my photos. They’re quick and easy to use and can transform your photos from mundane to magical with the click of the mouse. Some of my favorite actions are by MiaBella. Right now Leah Profancik of MiaBella is offering all Simple as That readers 25% off their next purcahse using coupon code miabellagift!
10. Ruched Camera Strap covers: I always like having a cover on my camera straps so they’re more comfortable and of course to make them prettier. Some of my favorite camera strap covers come from Bluebird Chic. They offer a variety of different designs, my favorite are the ruched straps. They’re soft and comfy and oh-so beautiful! Today Leah from Bluebird Chic is offering 25% off your next purchase from her shop using coupon code SIMPLEASTHAT25.
11. My Mom Snaps: This cute picture book by Kari McGrath and Darcy Jerome has a special place on our family bookshelf. This book is darling! From the colorful illustrations to it’s playful rhyming verse, this book is a sure hit for kids and snap-happy mom’s alike!
12. Eye-Fi Wireless SD card: I haven’t used one of these yet, but I know photographer friends who have and their reviews have been positive. I’ve added one of these Eye-Fi cards to my Christmas wish list this year. It would come in handy, especially when travelling, because this SD Cards give your camera wifi powers that beam photos from your camera to your smartphone, tablet or computer!
13. Handmade Photography Gifts: One of my favorite place to shop for handmade, photography themed gifts is Etsy. I’ve curated an entire list of beautiful, unique and affordable gift ideas for the photo lover in your life. From vintage camera totes, to camera themed washi tape…there are so many fun things. It’s definitely worth perusing Etsy for a few photography inspired stocking stuffers!
14. My Photography eBooks: For those who are looking to improve their photography skills, I’ve written 3 photography eBooks that outline some of my top tips and tricks. From capturing the everyday, and conquering lighting challenges to getting kids to have fun in front of the camera – I’ve loaded these books with all of my photography know-how! Everything is shared in a simple and easy to understand format with loads of photo examples. Regularly $28.97 you can purchase all three of my eBooks for just $20.00 as part of this Holiday Gift Guide Photography bundle.
For more Photography themed gift inspiration you can also follow my Photography Gift Ideas pinterest board, I’ll be adding plenty of new pins throughout the coming weeks!
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Do you know if Photoshop Elements will work with the actions you suggested? Is it usually advanced enough to use actions that are available for purchase?
Most of these actions ARE compatible with PSE @Angela. Just double check in the product description, but I noticed most of them are. 🙂
This is a FAB list my dear! I never knew about the camera strap buddy… so getting one of those! Happy Turkey Day to you & yours! xx