I think it’s very ironic that I am writing this post and I have none of my Christmas shopping done. Guess I better get on that!
Anyway, if any of you are stumped on what to get the photography lover or casual picture-taker on your list, here are some suggestions! For any photo equipment, my favorite web sites are B&H Photo & Video, Adorama, and Abe’s of Maine, I swear I keep these guys in business. They usually have the best prices, and have free shipping on most products.
Gift: Canon Powershot SD780
Great for: Anyone who likes to travel light and still take great photos (and HD video!)
Why: I have this camera and broke it in on my recent trip to Europe. It weighs practically nothing, is the same size as my iPod (I even us an iPod sock to protect it instead of a case!), and has way more megapixels than anyone really needs. Oh yeah, and it comes in RED!
Price: $199 at Abe’s of Maine
Gift: Nikon D5000
Great for: The person ready to make the leap into SLR from point-and-shoot
Why: Ok, I admit, this is quite the splurge for Christmas, but if you have some coin to spend on your loved one they won’t be disappointed with this camera, and the deal on Adorama is fantastic for the camera body and 2 lenses. PLUS it takes HD video!
Price: $796.95 at Adorama, includes 2 lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm)
Gift: How to Photograph Your Baby by Nick Kelsh
Great for: New parents, or anyone interested in portrait photography
Why: When I took my first photography class, my instructor told us to get this book. It gives some very basic tips on how to get great photos of your new baby that will look professional! Bonus – you could read the whole thing in like 10 minutes.
Price: $16.47 at Amazon
Gift: Adobe Photoshop Elements 8.0 and The Photoshop Elements 8 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby & Matt Kloskowski
Great for: The serious amateur or semi-pro photographer.
Why: I used this program for years before finally upgrading to the full version of Photoshop, and I still go back to it from time to time because the full version is so darn complex. And the book was (still is, actually) my bible for photo retouching! Personally, I think it’s not worth getting the program without the book.
Price: $64.99 after mail-in rebate at B&H for the program; $31.49 for the book at Amazon
Gift: Sony Digital Photo Frame
Great for: The indecisive picture-taker
Why: How many of you can’t wait for your screen saver to come on so you can look at a slideshow of your family photos? ‘Nuff said.
Price: $79.99 at B&H
Gift: A photo session with ME!
Great for: Anyone! But especially those who are always behind the camera capturing memories instead of being a part of them.
Why: Just because.
Price: 2 hour sessions starting at $175
Can’t end without a picture! This one was taken 3 years ago when I was playing around with my Canon G7 that I had gotten that year for Christmas, and that I used for my very first photography class!
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