It's that time... Black Friday sales are coming, and we have TONS of great ideas for the photographer in your life, be it your best friend, spouse, or yourself. No harm in putting a present under the tree for you from you, right?
Gifts Under $10.00
Alyce Bender:
Kiorafoto Professional Water-Resistant Anti-Shock Memory Card Case with Carabiner - $7.99
A photographer's worst nightmare is loosing a memory card while traveling. They are so small, delicate, and yet carry on them some of our most prized keepsakes. So why not protect them fully? This case not only comes with a carabiner to secure it safely inside your bag, but also comes with weatherproofing silicone seal and hardened exterior to protect from almost anything you throw at it. Going on a long trip? This case can hold up to 12 SD cards and 12 micro-SD cards so you don't have to worry about running out of space. Still worried? Well you can do like I have and buy two to ensure you have enough space and can separate out your back-up set and original set of images. Find it here on Amazon.
Stanley Harper:
Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth - $8.85
You can never have enough lens clothes running around, so go ahead and buy a couple. I have something similar and really like it. Just because it bears the Nikon brand does not mean you have to give it a pass if you a Canon, Sony or Pentax shooter. You can pick it up on Amazon here.
Mark Morris:
For just $5.69 you can get a pack of 60 Zeiss Lens Wipes. These are absolutely AWESOME to have in your camera bag, purse, jacket pockets... Each is individually wrapped like those little wet naps you get with fried chicken, except it's a super little lint-free cleaning cloth for your lens.
Tracy Munson:
A one month subscription to Phlearn Pro - $8.25
For $8.25/month or $99.95/year, a subscription to Phlearn pro will help you get up to speed in Photoshop and Lightroom. The video tutorials are light and entertaining, making easy to follow along and learn. Keep an eye on their social media as there are frequent sales and discounts on even this very reasonable price.
Brian Pex:
Adobe CC Photography Plan with 20GB/mo storage - $9.99
This is, to me, the single GREATEST value in the entire photography industry today. Some don't like the idea of a subscription plan where you "rent" your software but it has some tremendous advantages. The older versions of Photoshop were expensive. When you consider you'll get Lightroom Classic CC, Lightroom CC, Photoshop and Bridge if you choose to do so, it is a tremendous value. Add to this the fact that updates are always rolled out and you'll always have the latest and greatest versions installed. A no brainer for anyone serious about photography - hobbyist or pro! Click here for more options!
Lee Shelly:
Hot Shoe Bubble Level - $9.99
Nothing drives me more crazy that when I compose a shot the way I want and it seems just right in the viewfinder, but afterwards it's obviously tilted. Well, until they can insert a level into our heads, an inexpensive bubble level that mounts to your camera's hot shoe can be just what you need to save your landscapes from the dreaded tilt! This 4-pack of different types of levels can be had on Amazon for just $9.99.
Aaron Taylor:
Rainsleeve by Op/Tech - $6.95
This little piece of genius should be in every photographer's gear bag. The design is so simple and so useful. The sleeve itself will keep your gear protected, but the drawstring is the real star of the show. You can use the drawstring to bring the Rainsleeve to the very edge of your lens--and with a lens hood on, you can fully protect your glass from any drops of water. I did five family shoots in the pouring rain one Saturday with this on my camera; not a single drop of rain touched my gear. This is a steal for $6.95. Every photographer should own the Rainsleeve.
Gifts Between $10.00 and $25.00
Alyce Bender:
Platypus DuoLock SoftBottle Collapsible 1.0-liter Water Bottle - $13.95
For those traveling photographers in your life, this is a lifesaver when flying or day hiking. Super easy to clip on the outside of a bag, with its double lock closure, you don't have to worry about the top coming off or cross threading causing a leak. Empty out before TSA screening and fill from the water fountain on the other side. It will pay for itself in a single trip when you aren't having to buy $5 bottles of water from the Hudson shop. You can find them at various outdoor supply retailers such as REI or here on Amazon.
Stanley Harper:
Wavlink USB 3.0 to SATA Dual Bay Hard Drive Docking Station - $19.99
If funds are tight and you need a cheap way to backup your files, then you can get a docking station, and a hard drive separately to do the deed. Not the best solution, but it's not bad.
Mark Morris:
Luxe Lens makes absolutely incredible presets. They give you SUCH a neat perspective on editing - even just deconstructing what they do to see what they are all about. In my own workflow, I ADORE their brushes. The photoshop actions/brushes especially!
Tracy Munson:
A Set Of Clip On Lenses for Smartphones - Around $14.99
There are many options on Amazon for sets of clip on lenses for your smartphone. Take a pass on the telephoto options, as they are practically useless. (It's like trying to focus through one side of a pair of binoculars; you would need to be on a tripod, and finding your subject with that tiny field of view is extremely difficult). The macro and fisheye lenses are a lot of fun though, and the circular polarizer can come in handy. These tiny lenses are easily carried in your purse, pockets or glovebox, and every now and then they will allow you to get that shot when you don't happen to have your "big camera" on hand.
Lee Shelly:
Understanding Exposure - $16.39
This is the photographic equivalent to the Bible for both new and experienced photographers. If you want to start out right or if you need a refresher course in getting the shot right in camera, this is where to start.
Aaron Taylor:
Need to clear off dust or smudges from your lens? Look no further than the LensPen. I've used this product for years, and I'm always impressed by the cleanliness of my lens afterwards. Combine this with a Rocket Blower, and you've got yourself everything you need to keep your glass clean.
Gifts Between $25.00 and $50.00
Alyce Bender:
Breakthrough Photography's 77mm X1 Circular Polarizer - $29.00
Known for their quality glass, this is a steal of a price for the photographer who might just be starting out or for the advanced photog who wants a good quality but easy-on-the-wallet backup. Circular polarizers (CPLs) are the workhorse of my filter collection. Ask any landscape photographer what filters they carry and a polarizer is going to be on the list as they help in so many situations and cannot be duplicated in post processing (yet). Combine that with the ultra-slim design and weather sealing, and you really can't get a better stocking stuffer than this. Find it here on Amazon.
Mark Morris:
This is a super-helpful contraption if you have an assortment of different light stands and lights. It has a cold shoe mount for speedlights, but that can pull out and replace with a lighting mount for a full size studio strobe. There is an umbrella insert, and it easily tilts. For ages I seemed to have too few of these for the number of lights and stands that I own. Picking up a couple of these will just make life much simpler if your photographer has a lot of lighting stands that they work with. This will hold up to 66 pounds of lighting/modifiers!
Tracy Munson:
A Big, Beautiful Art Book - $50.00 +/-
Appreciating and enjoying fine art can help any photographer improve their game. Seeing how the masters handled light, colour, motion, and composition can't help but inspire and give any creative person new ideas. It doesn't need to be Impressionism, any art book with lots of large images will do. Photographers will benefit from studying how the renaissance masters handled light, how abstract artists simplified a scene, how impressionists created a sense of motion, and how surrealists broke barriers and opened minds. Feel free to pick a genre that catches your eye, even if it is not one that the photographer on your gift list is familiar with. What could be better than the gift of inspiration?
Brian Pex:
EBL 12 Bay LCD AA AAA 9V Battery Charger for Rechargeable Batteries, New Released - ETL Certified - $26.99
Any photographer knows the value of having batteries ready to go at all times. This is a great charger to have on hand for all the batteries you will be using from AAA thru 9 Volts, they have you covered.
Lee Shelly:
Holga 120N plastic film camera with a roll of 120 film - $40.99
If you want to go all the way back to the basics, Holga is where you want to start. Nothing fancy here. Fixed aperture f/8 plastic lens. One shutter speed. Two focus settings...near and far. Yet there is something magical about the soft results, often with light leaks. It's the LoMo experience from the ones who invented it. Plus, for those who have only ever shot digital, there is the experience of waiting like a kid at Christmas for the film to be developed so you can see what you got. This bundle can be had from Amazon for just $40.99
Aaron Taylor:
All three of the books in the "Picture Perfect" series are excellent, but I'll recommend Picture Perfect Practice because it is a great all-around book of advice and technique. With numerous examples, fantastic diagrams and photos, and a great message (deliberate practice makes perfect!), you can't go wrong with Valenzuela's text. I've read countless photography texts, and Valenzuela's books take the top spot for me. The writing is clear and fun, and the advice is, well, perfect.
Gifts Between $50.00 and $100.00
Alyce Bender:
Zomei Z668 Professional 65'' Tripod with Ball Head - $89.99
I am of the mindset that good gear doesn't always cost an arm and an leg. This tripod is a prime example. Under $100, this tripod has withstood everything from ocean tides, Iceland's black sand, and Hokkaido's freezing snow. Sturdy in all but hurricane force winds, this tripod makes for an excellent travel companion, folding up small enough to be carried on board, and weighing less than five pounds making it light enough to actually do so without compromising performance. Find it here on Amazon.
Mark Morris:
I absolutely adore this camera strap! It's wonderfully made, and you can attach/detach it in seconds from your camera body. I have this full width one on my 5D Mark IV, and there is a "lite" version that is a thinner strap which I have on my 7D Mark II. Honestly, if I were buying again, I would get the larger strap for both. The wider strap is just more comfortable on my neck, and I love it. There is also a great little silicone 'anti-slip' coating on part of it, which really does keep it in place on my neck. I absolutely adore this strap!
Tracy Munson:
Aquapac Waterproof DSLR Case - $99.95
For the camera enthusiast on your list, who enjoys scuba diving, snorkelling, or even just beach vacations, an underwater DSLR bag can be a lot of fun, at a fraction of the cost of a full housing. Many photographers won't bring their DSLR to the beach or pool, for fear of getting sand in it, or of having it stolen while they swim. An underwater camera bag enables them to take their precious camera right into the water with them. Cameras are kept dry and safe from dust and sand. Most importantly, they can now take high resolution images of underwater flora and fauna, the kids swimming underwater, and landscapes with the unique perspective of looking back at the land from the water.
Brian Pex:
Yongnuo YN560 IV Speedlite - $69.59
Inexpensive, versatile and compatible with any camera with a standard hotshoe, the YN 560IV is an excellent value. From beginners to pros who want low cost yet effective speedlites, it is hard to beat this price!
Lee Shelly:
No photographer should be without a reflector kit. That sun not quite where you need it to be? No problem...bounce it to where you need it. Sun too harsh? No problem...diffuse it. It's something literally every photographer needs to own. No exceptions. This one from Westcott is high quality and contains everything you need in a compact foldable solution. Available at Adorama Camera.
Aaron Taylor:
If you do any kind of detailed brush work in Lightroom, then you need a tablet. If you use Photoshop for any editing at all, then you need a tablet. Your mouse is clunky and inaccurate, and frankly, it just can't function like a paint brush. The Wacom Intros Drawing Tablet will give you the fine control that will completely change how you do fine editing. Anything beyond basic RAW processing requires finesse and artistry. A Wacom tablet will make that artistry that much easier and intuitive.
Gifts Between $100.00 and $250.00
Alyce Bender:
I simply cannot travel without my Pelican Air 1535! The durability and protection it gives my gear when I travel domestically or internationally takes such a weight off my mind. Plus, with smooth rolling wheels, it takes the weight off my back as well! If you or the lucky photographer in your life fly with gear, you need this. Bonus, it comes in several colors if you aren't partial to black.
You can also read my article on packing for travel here to see exactly how I use this case.
Mark Morris:
This is the monopod that I use with my AD400Pro battery powered strobe. (featured also on this list.) Here's a quick note about how I use it. This monopod is absolutely amazing quality. It will hold up to 66 pounds of gear. It's super-tall, in case you need the height for something, and the twist locks are the very highest quality. I love this monopod, and take it with me everywhere.
Tracy Munson:
Lensbaby Sol 45 - $199.95
Lensbaby make a line up of specialty lenses that use selective focus and unusual apertures to create some very cool effects. The Sol 45 is one of their most affordable standalone lenses, and the painterly, brush stroke effect that can be achieved is unique and dramatic. The fixed aperture and focal length may make it easier to use, for photographers who are new to using manual lenses. I've written about this lens in greater detail here.
Brian Pex:
Beautiful soft light can be created using this portable and nicely constructed softbox. Various mount options are available. Be sure to order the proper model for your needs.
Lee Shelly:
I used to carry my camera(s) on strap(s) for all-day events, and I would come home in agony. My back would be killing me for 2 days. Then I found the Spider Holster. For those of you who are into hiking, think of it as the hip belt for your camera. Now I have one belt and a plate on the bottom of both of my cameras. Whichever one is not in my hand, hangs from the belt. My back never gets tired or sore.
Aaron Taylor:
Admission ticket to Shutterfest 2019 - $149.00
There is no conference like Shutterfest--the price alone should have you booking your trip to St. Louis. But it's the atmosphere, the ethos, the sheer amount of fun that makes Shutterfest amazing. I spent two full days shooting, learning from the best in the business (Peter Hurley was the 2018 keynote speaker--does it get better than that?). While the initial draw to Shutterfest might be the standard workshops, many of which are hands-on, the real bonus is everything else. All of the presenters--and we're talking big-time pros--make themselves available for FREE to give advice and to tag along and shoot with. Just spending an hour with a small group and a pro creating photos is crazy, but it's that fact that all of it is built in to the low, low, LOW price is mind-boggling. I don't know how Sal and his crew do it. Go to Shutterfest. You won't regret it. Register here.
Gifts Between $250.00 and $500.00
Alyce Bender:
Sometimes the best thing we can do to better our photography skills and grow our craft is invest in education over more gear. The Create Photography Retreat is an annual event that rotates through different cities each year. In 2019 it will be in my current hometown of Las Vegas, NV. Come immerse yourself among like-minded people while having hours of hands on instruction, informational classroom presentations, and the opportunity to network and study with some of the finest photographers in the business. Register that special photographer (including yourself) here today! PLUS if you are one of the first 20
Photographers Cooperative members/readers to use the code "Allin" you will receive $55 off!!!
Don't wait!
Mark Morris:
I receive a LOT of gear to review every year. This item is something I bought, instead of receiving for free. I was teaching a workshop, and decided it was time that I have a truly professional set-up to hold my computer, and to project my information and use as a workstation. Shooting tethered is a game changer! The ability for you to connect to a monitor, and let headshot clients see their photo as you take it can cut an hour off of each session! This is an awesome investment for any intermediate to professional photographer that is not already shooting tethered. And: COFFEE HOLDER!
Tracy Munson:
An Infrared Camera (Or Conversion) - $275.00 - $450.00
A DSLR camera can be modified to capture near-infrared light that is just outside the spectrum of what our eyes can see. Images made with a converted camera have an other-worldly glow, and colours contrast and interact in unusual ways. Lifepixel are a well respected company that can convert a camera you already own, (which is what I did with my old Nikon D7100), or they also sell new and used cameras that have already been converted).
Brian Pex: I agree here with Mark Morris and his choice! A tremendous piece of kit to have or want!
Lee Shelly:
Here's an opportunity to let your creative juices flow! The Sweet 35 is a selective focus lens. This means that whatever you put in the Sweet Spot (as determined by the angle on the Composer Body) is sharp, while the areas surrounding are softer and softer. The smaller the aperture, the larger the Sweet-Spot. And the cool thing about the Composer pro is that it allows you to buy additional optics for the Composer and get even more creative!
Aaron Taylor
CreativeLive's Creator Pass - $299.00
Unlimited classes for an entire year? Yes, please! This is an incredible amount of information not just for photography, but for all sorts of creative pursuits. I've watched more videos than I can count since I signed up for this last January. With CreativeLive videos, I've changed my Photoshop workflow, added SEO tricks to my website, learned the in's and out's of macro photography, and so much more. CreativeLive is a photographer's dream-come-true for education.
Gifts Between $500 and $1000.00
Alyce Bender:
Airfare (domestic or international) - $500 to $800
By now you have probably sensed a theme in the items I have chosen to include on this list. Really shouldn't be a surprise then that if you are looking for something in this price bracket, I'm going to suggest that you get out and use the gear you already have at home. If you are open and willing to be flexible with either timing or destination, you can easily pick up a ticket to almost any domestic and many international locations in this range. Might I suggest places like San Francisco, Charleston, Scotland, or Japan? Search for airfare deals on sites like Kayak.com or Google.com/flights.
Mark Morris:
Every year I pick some facet of photography gear to really evaluate, test and become very familiar with. This year was the year of studio lighting. I spent time with Profoto, Paul C. Buff, Elinchrom and Godox/Flashpoint. My decision moving forward is Godox/Flashpoint, all the way. Their strobes are incredibly affordable, they have amazing battery life, the build quality of the Pro versions is exceptional, and the quality of light is superb! The reason I decided to feature the 400 over the 600 is its size. This guy is so light and portable, I mount it on a monopod for outdoor portraits at weddings (see it here). It's SUPER easy to handle, yet it throws a great quality and quantity of light.
Tracy Munson:
Because, what photographer doesn't drool for a drone? The Mavic Air is light, tiny and portable, so perfect for the photographer who travels and needs to find space in their luggage. (Or just doesn't want another heavy bag to have to lug around everywhere).
Brian Pex:
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED - $796.95
Sorry to all the non Nikon users. I think there is enough of a Nikon user base out there to justify this selection. Simply put, this is the sharpest lens I have ever shot. Lightweight and super compact, the fast f1.8 aperture makes this a great wide, low light beast! Super sharp, tremendous "star" for point light sources and a steal at under $1,000.
CLICK HERE for this lens!
Lee Shelly:
So you want to get started in studio photography? This kit provides everything you need to begin. 3 powerful monolight strobes, 3 nightstands, including a boom stand, several modifiers and a background stand with white muslin background. It also includes an on-camera flash that has a built in trigger for the strobes. This allows you to change the power of the moonlights from your camera location! Find yourself 15' x 15' of open space and you're ready to explore the world of shaping light in studio!
Aaron Taylor:
Fundy is an indispensable tool for photographers to design albums, wall art displays, and cards for their clients. It is absolutely brilliant software for IPS, and the client proofing it offers is awesome. I can't imagine doing in-person sales with Fundy Designer--it's that good.
BUT WAIT - THERE'S MORE!!!
If you purchase between November 21 and 26, 2018, you will receive an extra $119 off!
The perfect gift for yourself if you are a photographer!
Gifts Between $1000.00 and $2000.00
Alyce Bender :
This may not be for everyone. Far from it. This is a lens for those who are primarily focusing on wildlife photography. While it can be used for sports, I have been told there are better lenses out there for that particular field. However, for the price and the quality, I dont think this lens really can be beat for wildlife. Tack sharp images, weather-resistant housing, and a tripod mount that comes already compatible with Arce-Swiss quick release plates make this a game changer for those wanting to get into the wildlife photography field at a reasonable price.
Mark Morris:
I bought this lens a few months ago, and it lives on my camera! It was my first non-L lens, and I absolutely adore it. I shot it next to the Canon 1.4 and there was just no possible way I could justify the extra expense. This is an AWESOME value!
Brian Pex:
This may be a much more costly item and well over the $2,000 when you consider you need lenses to go with the amazing mirrorless full frame body but WOW is this a great value! Packed with features from their stellar A9 Body, the Sony A7III could just very well be the greatest value in the Photography world today as far as bodies are concerned. Feature packed with great 4K video capabilities, this is one very good value.
Lee Shelly:
Do you want those gorgeous portraits with the creamy bokeh backgrounds, this is the lens for you. 135mm means you'll get a narrow compressed background and f/1.8 max aperture means you'll get that soft bokeh. That combination makes this one of the most sought after portrait lenses on the market. The fact that Sigma makes it for Nikon, Canon and Sony mount camera means you probably won't have to change systems just to own it!
Aaron Taylor:
While the focal range might not make you drool with envy, what the 24-70 does is, well, just about everything. You can shoot wide for landscape and editorial portraits, or you can zoom for headshots and buttery bokeh. This lens is crazy sharp. Some photographers buy this lens and never take it off. For every shooting, for events, for wedding receptions, for photos at home, really for just about any photography need, this lens can make it happen. As a portrait photographer, I like to shoot long. But for EVERYTHING else, I use the 24-70. It's a workhorse lens. It's an industry standard. If you need these focal lengths, if you need an everyday lens with a wide aperture, and really if you just want to buy one lens and call it a day, then the 24-70 is for you.
Gifts for those with nice deep pockets
Alyce Bender:
Photography Workshop/Adventure - $2000+
Sometimes we just need to get out an explore but don't necessarily want to go it alone, be it a destination across the country or across an ocean. Maybe your much loved photographer has been in a bit of a rut and needs a boost? What better way to get them excited about their hobby or profession than by sending them out of their comfort zone on a photography adventure! Give yourself...I mean your amazing photographer pal a gift that keeps giving in the form of memories, epic images, and adventure stories. Check out workshop and adventure leaders like Nick Page (Pacific NW/Hawaii), Photog Adventures (Milky Way/Utah deserts) , James Kelly (Faroe Islands/Scotland), and Erin Babnik (Dolomites/Death Valley). *While workshop prices vary, make sure you compare apples to apples as to what you get for your attendance fee, all inclusive vs only guiding/instruction.
Mark Morris:
Sony a9 with the Holy Trinity of lenses (16-35, 24-70, 70-200) - $11,492.00
For anyone who reads my articles frequently, you may know that I have been a Canon shooter all my life. I have pulled out the calculator more than once over the past few months, and VERY seriously pondered selling off my Canon 5D Mark IV and lenses in order to make the jump to this bad boy. In fact, I have returned to the idea so frequently, I would venture to guess that by next December, I'll have written a number of articles about making the transition. But I haven't done it yet! So... if anyone is interested in a very expansive Canon set-up, you just toss me an email, mark@markcmorrisphotography.com and we might just end up working something out!
Lee Shelly:
Fuji GFX50S with GF 110mm f/2 lens - $7639.00
So you want MOAR Megapixels? How does 51.4 MP strike you? And what if those megapixels were on a larger sensor so you didn't have to compromise on image quality? And now let's put that all in a mirrorless body that's no bigger than a standard full frame DSLR. That's what you get with the Fuji Medium Format GFX50S. DSLR size with Medium Format quality. And since the camera alone won't do you much good without a lens, let's add the brilliant Fuji GF 110mm f/2 lens for that gorgeous shallow depth of field and stunning portraiture.
Aaron Taylor:
Cuz why not?