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 Holiday 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, flash cards, 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 weather proof 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 trainings 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, even legal, insurance and business development advice.
The yearly membership also includes a monthly magazine and discounts to 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 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
Flash cards, 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 dream gift from 8 Women Dream
If you have friends or family members that need support in finding their dreams for 2011, you can buy the e-book “Find Your Dream” by blog creator and author Catherine Hughes right here on our website. For only $2.99, you can order it and have it sent right to their own email box if you want. Such a thoughtful gift for someone ready to follow their dreams in the New Year.
What are your favorite last minute gift ideas? Share them with us in your comments below.
To all of our readers of 8 Women Dream, I wish you and your families a very happy holiday. In next week’s post, I’ll have a list of activities to help start your New Year of Dreaming for 2011.
Until next photo,
Rem
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a photographer … then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a respected photographer . . . then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday. +Remy Gervais
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