The biggest shopping weekend of the year is almost here and so I thought it would be fun to create an ultimate gift guide for beginner photographers.  You know, just in case the photographer in your life hasn’t dropped any major hints about what they want for Christmas.  From cameras to accessories to classes, you’re sure to find something on this list to make your gift the favorite one under the tree.  (And if you’re reading this and YOU’re the photographer hoping for some nice new gear, go ahead and leave this post open on your computer for Santa to find.  I won’t tell.)

[Full disclosure:  Some of the items listed below have Amazon affiliate links.  That means if you buy an item after clicking through one of my links, I might earn enough to buy some Starbucks.  If that makes you uncomfortable–no worries!  Feel free to Google the items on your own.]

Cameras

Maybe you have someone in your family who has said they want a camera so they can start a new hobby.  Or maybe someone has mentioned that they are thinking about upgrading the camera they already have.  In either case, you’re going to want to grab my camera shopping guide so you can answer some key questions about what will work best for them.  There are a ton of cameras on the market with all kinds of features, and it can be a little overwhelming.  So print out that guide, and feel free to contact me if you need further direction.  Main point here–avoid the camera bundle.  It’s not as great a deal as they make it sound.

Lenses

While it might not be obvious, this is another good reason to print out the camera shopping guide.  Because depending on the answers to a couple of those questions, your photographer might not need a lens.  They might actually need a better camera body.  That being said, my favorite lens is the Canon 50mm f/1.4. I think it’s definitely worth it to get this one over the f/1.8 if your budget allows.  They are both prime, or fixed, lenses (meaning they don’t zoom in and out) which makes them super fast to focus and both create beautiful bokeh (those blurry backgrounds that make portraits so pretty).   I also prefer prime lenses because they are generally lighter than zooms.  If you have a Nikon camera body, than you’ll be looking for Nikkor lenses.  Also, Tamron manufactures lenses for several different brands of camera bodies–just be sure you buy the version that corresponds to your camera model.

Photography Classes

Maybe the person you’re shopping for really wants to learn how to use their camera better.  [Side note: Did you know that if you leave your camera on auto mode (the safe green rectangle), you’re only be using about 5-10% of the camera’s capabilities?]  If you’ve heard them say things like “I just wish I knew how to get that pretty blurry background!”  or “I don’t understand why these pictures are out of focus!” then a beginning photography class might be exactly what they need.  I’ve got beginner and intermediate photography classes coming up this winter right here in Uniontown, OH.  You can read more about those HERE.  Or just click on Photo Classes in the menu at the top of this page.

Accessories

It’s always a good idea to have a back up memory card.  There are some really big capacity cards available so you don’t have to change them as often as you used to.  But it’s still a good idea to have a back up.  I use SanDisk memory cards.  You’ll notice different levels as well as capacities, and the ultra is probably fine.  Unless you are going to be shooting video.  Go with an Extreme in large capacity which allows the camera to write information to the card faster.

Memory Card Wallet – For those who fall into the camp of thinking that it’s better to use several smaller memory cards instead of one larger one, a memory card wallet is an essential accessory.  This one has a leash so you can attach it to a belt loop, or it will fit nicely into a pocket of your camera bag, too.

If your photographer is into fashion, then she will love the gorgeous camera bags by Kelly Moore.  Stylish on the outside and all-function on the inside, this bag doubles as a camera tote and fashionable purse with plenty of pockets for all her essentials.

Gloves – Shooting outdoors in the winter can be hard on the hands.  Protect your photographer’s hands with gloves that not only have e-tip fingers for the touchscreen use, but also have a gripping surface on the palms to keep them from dropping their camera.

Just for Fun

Jewelry  I love this dainty sterling silver camera necklace from Lime Green Modern on Etsy.  I have a similar one, and since it’s silver, I don’t have to worry about having an allergic reaction.  Or maybe a fun camera key chain would be more in line with your photographer’s style.

There’s all kinds of camera-related clothing.  Help your photographer express herself with this cute t-shirt from Fazio Designs on Etsy.

How about a travel coffee thermos as a little reminder of how much you appreciate them telling your family’s story?

 

So there you have it!  Whether you’re one of those crazies who likes to head out at 4 am to hit the Black Friday sales or, like me, Cyber Monday is more your speed, this ultimate shopping guide for the beginner photographer in your life should make you their favorite gift-giver this year!