Last Minute Holiday Shopping Ideas for the Photographer

Christmas is just a week away and if you are doing some last minute shopping for the shutterbug in your family, here are a few of my favorite things.  These are all items that I currently own and LOVE and I’m sure you or the lucky person on your gift giving list will too!

I HEART the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras.  This lens takes amazing portraits with a fabulous creamy background or bokeh.  Both Canon and Nikon have a pro-version of this lens the 85 mm 1.2 which is quadruple the price but I have to say the 1.8 version is FAB.  And at only $319 worth every penny.  I purchased it last Christmas (a from me for me gift) and didn’t really use it until this fall and it has become my go to lens.  I am kicking myself for not using it more!  Here are a few samples of the beautiful images I was able to capture with this fantastic lens.

And on the topic of lenses, another great buy is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens (also known as the nifty fifty).  This lens is such a terrific deal–only $109 and is perfect for the photographer who is wanting to move beyond their kit lens and try out a prime lens.  This lens works well as a portrait lens, is terrific in low light, a wonderful lens for close ups and details and a nice little lens to carry around for  street photography.

Here are a few sample images taken with my nifty fifty.  I love to use it for flowers and one afternoon I had fun photographing this jar of buttons….oh the things we do for fun.  🙂

In addition to a few great lenses, another thing every photographer loves is a great looking camera strap.  I LOVE mod straps.  They have such cute designs.  I bought this adorable damask strap ($35.95) and matching bag ($23.50) for my sister last year and have purchased another set for a very special photo lover in my family this year….sshhhh don’t tell.   The little bag is perfect for when you want to take your camera out but don’t want to lug around a big camera bag.  Or if you want to stick your camera in your purse but have it protected and it is super cute! 

 

These cute restickable frame decals from Photojojo are a great way to display your prints. I bought these for my daughter last year and she loved them. They are terrific for the person who wants to change up their photos quickly and without a fuss…no nails or holes in your walls.  You can buy Re-Stickable Decal Photo Frames at the Photojojo Store for $20!

 

So there you go… a few ideas to help you finish off your holiday shopping.