In the Field: Photo Blog by Richard Wong

Photography field reports by Richard Wong. Richard’s work has been published in magazines, books, advertising, and offers fine art prints of his work. Images may be licensed as rights-managed stock photos by contacting Richard directly at Richard@rwongphoto.com or (626) 422-6151. California stock photography, fine art prints, photo blog: www.rwongphoto.com

How to Buy Christmas Gifts for Photographers

Posted on | December 6, 2009 | 3 Comments

Unless you are a serious photographer yourself, it is difficult to know what to buy a photographer for a Christmas gift so that is why I’ll help you out with a list of general shopping ideas that are more likely than not going to make them smile. I’m not going to list anything super expensive because let’s be honest, unless you are Melinda Gates, you probably won’t be buying your husband / wife / loved one / friend, a 600mm telephoto lens. I am borrowing this idea from Ron Niebrugge, so feel free to check out his Christmas Gift Ideas for Photographers post if you would like. Anyway, I will list a few ideas initially and keep adding more to this post over the course of the next week as time allows so feel free to bookmark this post and keep checking in. Here are my ideas:

Photo Books

Galen Rowell’s Vision: The Art of Adventure Photography – This book inspired me to take photography seriously and taught me the importance of developing a vision. This is way more important than any how-to book.

Portraits of America – William Albert Allard – Great documentary photography of American culture from a National Geographic legend.

Life: A Journey Through Time – Frans Lanting – Amazing nature photography that illustrates the natural history of our planet. This is perhaps the most impressive nature photo book I have ever seen.

Yosemite: The Promise of Wildness – William Neill – Unique Yosemite images from a visionary nature photographer.

From Henry David Thoreau: “In Wildness Is the Preservation of the World“. Selections & Photographs By Eliot Porter A classic nature photography book published by the Sierra Club that helped pave the way for the modern environmental movement.

The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes – Joe McNally – Great book on how to use flash in real-world situations.

Travel Books

Travels with Charley in Search of America: John Steinbeck – The famed American literary author’s final road trip across America with his dog, Charley. Any travel lover should appreciate this.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail – Bill Bryson – A humorous travelogue of the Appalachian Trail by a renowned travel author.

Business Books for Photographers

Best Business Practices for Photographers, Second Edition – A standard for how to establish and maintain a professional photography business. Very thorough.

ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography, 7th Edition – ASMP is the premier organization for promoting best business practices in professional photography.

Photojournalism, Sixth Edition: The Professionals’ Approach – This is THE TEXTBOOK on photojournalism. This is really great stuff for any photographer to learn because it deals with problem solving, story-telling, professionalism and ethics.

Cutting Edge Advertising: How to Create the World’s Best for Brands in the 21st Century – Food for thought when thinking of how to promote your photography business.

Photography Gadgets

Lomography Holga 120N Medium Format Fixed Focus Camera with Lens – A fun toy camera that can open up some creative ideas.

Joby GP3 Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras – Could come in handy when / where carrying a tripod is inconvenient. (Requires an additional Gorillapod Ballhead.)

Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly Brite 724 Kit – A magnetically charged DSLR sensor cleaning brush. Keeping DSLR sensors clean is the bane of all photographers existence.

Photography Videos

War Photographer A very graphic film that follows famed war photographer, James Nahctwey’s journey.

Ken Burns: National Parks – America’s Best Idea – A great Ken Burns series on the history of the U.S. National Parks.

Art Wolfe Travels to the Edge – Season 2, Volume 1-4 – The famed nature photographer’s travels to endangered landscapes and cultures around the world.

Clothes for Nature Photographers

Under Armour Arctic Beanie – Keep your head warm.

Under Armour ColdGear Fleece Glove 1006611 – The tripod is cold and can be extremely uncomfortable to carry in cold conditions without a glove. Flexibility is also important when it comes to handling a camera.

Outdoor Equipment

eGear 3 LED & Krypton Head Lamp (Black Case) – Nature photographers often times are out in field when it is dark so to be safe, it is always advisable to carry a head lamp.

SABRE Compact Pepper Spray with Pink Key Case – Supports National Breast Cancer Foundation – For the ladies. Hopefully you will never have to use mace, but to be on the safe side.

Shootsac Deluxe Shooters Kit, Basic Black Neoprene Lens Bag plus interchangeable Baroque Cover – Another one for the ladies… A stylish camera bag, developed by top wedding photographer, Jessica Claire.

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Comments

3 Responses to “How to Buy Christmas Gifts for Photographers”

  1. Gary Crabbe / Enlightened Images
    December 7th, 2009 @ 12:14 pm

    Great Post, Richard. Let me add: “Happy Holidays!” :)

  2. Richard
    December 7th, 2009 @ 1:58 pm

    Thanks Gary. Happy holidays to you and your family as well.

  3. Gift Ideas for a Photographer and Outdoors Lover - Hidden Light Photography
    December 14th, 2009 @ 4:29 pm

    [...] I have seen a few other lists like this, so check them out as well. Each gives different ideas for the person your shopping for. Bob Atkins has a list here, Ron Niebrugge has a list here, Blissfilly Domestic has a list here, and Richard Wong has a list here. [...]

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