Last updated on July 1st, 2022 at 06:04 pm
In case you haven’t noticed – it’s holiday shopping crunch time. Only a few shopping days left. If you are still on the hunt for something to put under the tree for the aspiring dream photographer you know, here are my recommendations.
9 Last-Minute Gift Ideas For Your Aspiring Top Photographer
1. Upgrade their camera bag
This is a critical accessory for any photographer. You could surprise them with either a larger storage type bag to house everything — the camera, extra lenses, flashcards, chargers and cords, filters – so they can keep everything in one place; or a travel bag to carry the essentials if they are vacationing or heading out on a shoot.
When possible, make sure the bag is weatherproof or resistant.
Intense heat or moisture can be a camera’s worst enemy.
2. Invest in editing software
Most digital cameras come with their own brand of beginner editing software.
This tool lets the photographer play with contrast, colors, size, cropping, black and white, sepia — some even have special effects like creative borders and signature lines.
For the more advanced aspiring photographer in your life, you may want to invest in something like Adobe Lightroom, which lets you purchase a basic version, and then as they learn more they can buy upgrades or specific effects that they want.
3. Arrange for trainings or workshops
If your aspiring photographer wants to kick it up a notch, learning the features and benefits of camera equipment and getting practice in out in the field is a must.
Why not arrange for an online class, all-day seminar, or a weekend workshop to help them hone their skills. Kelby Training is a popular choice, as they have something for every level of photographer.
If you want to really wow them, how about a travel photography workshop sponsored by National Geographic?
If you are going to practice, why not be somewhere wonderful — right?
4. Buy them a PPA Membership
Practical and possibly un-sexy, yes, but this may be something your photographer may not invest in themselves.
Being a part of the Professional Photographers Association gives them discounts on equipment, printing, and even legal, insurance, and business development advice.
The yearly membership also includes a monthly magazine and discounts on the incredibly popular annual PPA Conference.
5. Find an inspirational book
Always a great last-minute gift idea. There are tons of “how-to” books for digital camera shooting — and if you know what brand of camera they use it makes it even more personal.
You know your aspiring photographer – do they love to travel, music, animals, sports?
Getting a book that showcases their love of something like that will be a fantastic find and a creative resource as well.
6. Select necessary accessories
Flashcards, lens cloths, and batteries make great stocking -stuffers. Filters, reflectors, and flash units will help them take their skills to the next level. Card readers and mono/tripods are always fan favorites, too.
If you are worried about getting the right ‘brand’, take your best guess to have something under the tree – and save the receipt just in case. Going to the local camera store is never a problem for aspiring top photographers, trust me!
7. Choose special albums and frames
Photographers seem to be the last people who get around to having a display of their own work – hanging photos or creating books of images that they think are special to them. Find an album or wall frame to showcase some of your aspiring photographer’s best work.
8. Buy a gift certificate to a favorite vendor
Also a fan favorite! If you just cant decide on that special gift, no need to worry. Your local camera store will have gift certificates for equipment, image processing, and accessories – and they will be happy to help you with a certificate for any dollar amount.
9. Choose a good photography book
If you have friends or family members that need support in finding their dreams look for an inspirational book by someone who has made it in photography.
Remy Gervais
