Five Holiday Gift Ideas for Advanced Photographers

PART 3: Five of the hottest 2010 Holiday Gift ideas for the Advanced photographers in your life. Keyboard Shortcut Skins ($30 - $40)

Keyboard short cuts save time and increase efficiency.  Of course everyone already knows all the short cuts for all the unique commands in all the highly specialized editing programs, right??  Now owners of Mac Commuters can with an overlay cheat sheet on the keyboard.  Skins are available for Photoshop, Aperture, Final Cut, Pro Tools, After Effects, Logic Pro, and Lightroom.

Datacolor Spyder3 Monitor Calibrator

Do you think all monitors look the same?  Think again!  What is your standard for color checking?  If you think you can judge it by your monitor, then you are in for a world of color heartache.  The only way you can get consistent color is to calibrate your monitor to an industry standard with the Spyder3.

Spyder3 Express ($70)    |     Spyder3 Pro ($130)

Honl Flash Modifiers ($9 – $30)

For anyone who is excited about off camera flash and expanding their creative options, this is the perfect Modifier accessory system.  Each piece can be bought separately at an average of $30.  There are many options including Gogos, Snoots, Grids, Reflectors, and Diffusers

WACOM Bamboo Pen & Touch Tablet ($62)

Bring the fine touch and technique of drawing and painting into the editing process.  This tool is ideal for programs like Photoshop, Lightroom, or Aperture that are very dependent on organic movements which can sometime be limiting by mouse.  It is such an improvement; some have even been known to ditch their mouse altogether!

Black Rapid Camera Strap ($55)

The camera strap of all camera straps!  This is ideal for any photographer who is on the move and likes to feel free.  Its sling design is not only great for comfort and but most notable for its speed and ease of use.  It is also an expandable system that can be adapted to fit most any shooting style.

-JMB

© 2010 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

A 2010 Holiday Gift Guide for Beginner Photographers

PART 2: A holiday gift guide of creative ideas in 2010 that are sure to please the beginner photographers.

 

Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod with Ball Head ($55)

This is the most portable tripod ever created and perfect for the active, high paced photographer.  This little monster will cling, grip, or wrap itself to almost anything, anywhere!  It provides strong stabilization, yet is small enough to fit in almost any bag.

Kata E

Kata E Camera Strap ($17)

Any photographer knows the easiest way to spot a “newbie” is by the manufacturer strap they are sporting.  The strap that came with the camera was designed for a 4’ tall hunchback who likes hosting free advertising around his neck.  Its also made of slipperiest material ensuring the camera will find the quickest, most efficient route to the ground.  Save the photographer, save the camera, and save the strain on their neck and back…buy them a real strap.  The Kata E Camera Strap is so affordable, yet solves so many problems that the photographer will thank you for years to come!

5-in-1

5-in-1 Collapsible Disc Reflector ($28)

This is a photographer’s “go-to” light modifier for almost any situation.  Made of Translucent, White, Black, Silver, and Gold materials, its design yields many creative solutions to almost any lighting challenge.  It is ideal for any photographer who enjoys taking portraits.

50mm

50 mm 1.8 Prime Lens ($90-$109)

This is one of the best lenses you can buy at this price point.  It seems is a low cost item, but that is only because  it has fewer high quality glass elements.  This it a great lens for capturing the indoor family moments and overcoming challenges of many low light situations.

Canon 50mm ($94)     |     Nikon 50mm ($109)

iPad Camera Connection Kit ($29)

This one is for the Apple buffs out there!  Use your iPad as, not only an instant way to share and view photos you have just taken, but also as a portable backup device.  This is the answer to one of the iPad’s short sights and wonderful way to let the camera tap into the beauty of iPad’s interactive display capability.

Brando Lighting Kit ($88)

The coolness factor and versatility of this light modification kit is indescribable!  Used by many professionals, this is a complete and innovative arsenal of creative lighting power.  It is a great way to begin to explore light and almost all the solutions a portrait photographer would ever need.

-JMB

© 2010 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com

Top 8 Hottest Photo Gifts for Any Photographer

PART 1: A holiday gift guide of creative ideas in 2010 that are sure to please any hard-to-shop-for photography enthusiast in your life.

Canon / Nikon Lens Mug ($24 - $30)

Not limited to just coffee, this mug is ideal for anyone who is an avid beverage drinker, very loyal to their camera brand, and likes to be a little different around the office.  It is so realistic people will look twice when they see beverages poured into this lens.

What the Duck: A W.T. Duck Collection

“What the Duck” Comics by Aaron Johnson ($12 - $25)

Brilliantly crafted strips full of inside jokes and wit photographers of all ages will understand and throughly enjoy.

What the Duck: Rule of Nerds What the Duck: A W.T. Duck Collection

Book Ends

Vintage Camera Bookends ($45 - $50)

Photographers love their books so what could be better than bookends that add a retro, yet sophisticated touch.  Perfect for the home, office, or studio.

Eye-Fi

Eye-Fi Wireless SD Flash Memory Card

Eye-Fi SD Cards work with almost any digital camera that uses SD flash media.  It takes all the work out of uploading your photos.  Simply turn on you camera when in range of a wireless network and all content is automatically transmitted to your computer, socal networks, or where ever you choose.

Available in:     2 GB SD Card ($37)  |  4 GB SD Card ($45)  |  8 GB SD Card ($90)

Digital Frame

Digital Photography Frames ($30 - $200)

Some have said this is the least desirable gift in 2010, but NOT so for photographers.  What was last year's hot novelty item has now dropped significantly in price, meaning larger digital frames are now accessible to all without breaking the bank.  If you thought these cost too much for what you get, take another look because 8" frames start around $30!

photoopoly

Photo-opoly ($30)

"Your Life.  Your Photos.  Your Game"

The perfect way for a photographer to refine their family and business skills at the same time!  Adding your own photos will add a unique touch the who family will enjoy for years to come.  What a great way to create family memories!

iamakey

iamaKey USB Key Flash Drive ($18 - $43)

Photographers are always on the move and always need ways to store and transfer digital media.  They don't want another electronic device in their pocket so here is a solution that will blend in with a key ring.

Available in: 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB

Magnetic Polaroid Frames ($15)

A fun an trendy way to show photographs around the home or office.  Best of all they can easily be swapped out to keep up with your high paced digital life.   The dry erase pen makes it easy to add a personal touch or caption.

-JMB

© 2010 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle Wedding Photographer & Snohomish Family Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com