Just a few more shopping days to Christmas and what to pick up for that photographer in your life? What can you buy that will not break the bank, yet will be that little something for the old camera bag. So here goes a few ideas, useful and not expensive.
1. Lens Pens, little gadgets that clean your lens and look like a pen. You can never have enough of these tools, because you are always looking for one. http://www.amazon.com/Lenspen-NLP-1-LensPen/dp/B007G5NNOW/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1356022387&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=photo+lens+pens
2. Collapsible Water Bottle, you say what? Well these bottles are terrific and as you use them they get smaller. They became popular with the ultra lite backpackers, but are perfect for that gear head photographer who never has enough room. Easily stored, they provide lots of room as you drink they get smaller and they are durable. Here's a link to one at REI http://www.rei.com/product/820769/platypus-platy-bottle-70-fl-oz. Your photographer may laugh at first, but I will be in time, they will think you are a genius.
3. David duChemin's "The Print and the Process", this is a great book about getting great photographs, the thinking part not the how to. If you can get your photographer to read it they will love you forever(and wonder how you were so smart). Get in on Amazon.com
4. Olloclip for the iphone or other phone with a camera. This little gadget gives you lots of options in changing the perspective(focal length) of your phone camera and gives the photographer in your life some creative options for everyday photography. Here is a link to learn more:http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/olloclip-three-in-one-lens-for-iphone-4-review/
5. Bribe someone to buy one of their prints as a Christmas gift; no I didn't say that, it is dishonest but works.
6. Last minute need, buy your photographer a new camera bag. I don't care which one, go into the local camera store and buy a nice bag. No photographer I ever met, #1 Had the perfect camera bag and #2 wasn't looking for the perfect camera bag and #3 never met a bag that couldn't like for at least a while. So buy a nice one, help the local economy and you can be sure he/she will love it at least for a while.
7. Pick up an "R Strap" from Black Rapid. You may not know what that is, but trust me it will be a hit. And don't worry if they have one, backups are always needed. Here is some info, don't fret over which one, anyone will do;http://www.blackrapid.com/. Buy it on Amazon.com, easy and quick.
8. Go down to your local computer store, Apple if your photographer uses Apple. Walk in and buy a small portable hard drive. Put it in a box, with a note asking them to put all their favorite pictures of the coming year on this drive including ones of you, for you to publish in a book next year. That's right you are asking them to save those special pic's just for you. Need I say more?
9. Buy anything from ThinkTank, you can't go wrong, they don't make a single product big or small that photographers don't love. Order on line using code WS-506 or pick it up at a local camera store. You can not make a bad decision if you tried.
10. Surefire Flashlight, Oh, you say flashlight? Well every photographer needs a good flashlight and Sure Fire is the best made, reliable, plenty of light, water proof, and bomb proof, will not break. It needs to be small since space is a premium, and will be used all the time. AND, every time they use it, they will think of you and smile! Here is one link:http://www.amazon.com/Surefire-E1L-Outdoorsman-Dual-Output/dp/B001EJLNA2/ref=sr_1_23?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1356021975&sr=1-23&keywords=surefire+flashlights
So those are last minute ideas, when all else is exhausted and you need something out of the ordinary to spark that photographers attention and let them know you gave it a lot of thought and care about their work.
Happ Holdiays to all
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