by James Richardson

Created on: July 12, 2008

As a serious amateur/hobbyist photographer, and also someone who is a practical gift giver, I figured I'd share a few of my own insights on the challenge of gift getting for your photo guru.

Try to think outside the box, beyond clichs and the norm. To do this you may need to do a little legwork. Talk to your photo-loving gift recipient. Find out what type of accessories he/she is looking for. Could it be a new camera case? Or perhaps just a new high-speed memory card (assuming they've made the digital transition, otherwise rolls of a preferred film may be appreciated). Other practical ideas include the little consumables that photographers often use, but are often overlooked. Items such as lens cleaning kits, compressed air cans (to blow dust out of crevices on equipment), or even hand warmers (assuming your photographer does outdoor shooting in cold climates) can all be practical, thoughtful gifts.

In doing your sleuth work, you may discover that your photographer is looking for a new lens or other potentially expensive piece of gear. Ultimately it's your call how much you wish to spend, but do be sure to save all receipts. Camera models and the lenses/accessories that fit them can vary when it comes to compatibility. And that doesn't account for the fact that many photographers are persnickety about brands when it comes to their gear. A gift card to a camera store may be a better choice. If you do decide to buy that new polarizing filter, just keep all receipts-and don't take it too personally if the recipient wants to make an exchange.

A year's subscription to Popular Photography, American Photo, or any other photography magazine may also be well appreciated. Make sure that your photographer buddy isn't already subscribed to one of these journals, and for that matter, that he/she actually enjoys reading! Assuming the later is the case, photo magazines offer a wealth of creative ideas, opportunities to study other's work, and even networking opportunities.

Frames for prints and/or gift cards for getting prints made can be a way to not only show your appreciation for the work your photographer does, but also a way to encourage him/her to keep producing beautiful art.

Here's one that's sure to go unforgotten, assuming you've got some cash on hand. Buy your photographer an all-inclusive training workshop. Nikon, among other companies, put these workshops on periodically. They often meet in some highly photogenic locale and feature lectures and tutorials from experts in the field, networking opportunities among kindred artists, and the chance to test-drive the latest photo equipment. The fact that these workshops take place in settings as close to home as New York City and as exotic as the Amazon Rainforest gives you great flexibility in controlling cost and tailoring the trip to personal preferences. Even if you aren't photographically inclined, you can still accompany your photo-going friend and have a memorable vacation in the process.

From energy bars and hand warmers stuffed into a camera bag to a photo outing on the other side of the globe, there really are many ways to show your appreciation to the photo-snapping artist in your life. A little "outside the box" thinking can go a long way in producing gifts that are not only thoughtful, but practical as well.

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