by Lou Belcher

Created on: March 05, 2009

Gift ideas for photography lovers.

Most photographers go through a period of buying, buying, and more buying when the photography bug hits. They are so excited about their new endeavor that they think they need everything in the world. Then, they start getting really serious about their photography and they realize that they just need a fairly good camera, some good light and the appropriate software for their digital darkroom. They know they can make a go of it with those three things. When the photographer discovers that truth, they empty out the camera bag and give away many of the gadgets

When buying a gift for a photographer, therefore, be aware that he might have that item in the back closet. So, you might want to do a little investigating before you buy, or just make sure that your purchase can be returned without too much trouble.

Here are some suggestions of gift ideas for photography lovers:

1. A subscription to a photography magazine is always a good idea. Photographers love to keep up to date on the latest techniques and to study the photography of others.

2. Books on photography or on a topic related to the subject of his particular kind of photography, such as a book on birds for a nature photographer, also are great gifts.

3. A camera bag or an extra bag to carry items to a photo shoot is a great idea. Make sure it is padded and that it has lots of pockets inside. He might find it's the perfect place to store extra lenses.

4. Filters are always a useful thing to have. Give your photographer a filter that does something unusual. Don't try to second guess what your photographer has in the line of the usual filters, but give him something unusual that he wouldn't think of buying.

5. A nice leather journal would be a wonderful gift. One with a pen attached would be perfect, so the photographer could take notes when out photographing birds or wildflowers or sporting events.

6. Give the photographer the gift of you. Make out a gift certificate giving you as the photographer's assistant for a day.

7. Premium photo paper is always welcome as well as mats and frames. When buying photo paper, always buy the best. It makes a difference in the quality of the print.

8. My favorite gift would be a bucket of gadgets, such as clips and tape, pens and even a small level to put on the camera when on the tripod to ensure the horizon remains even. Just take a bucket and throw in all sorts of little things that might be helpful.

All photography lovers do love gifts that tell them that you understand how important their photography is to them. When you just can't find anything, a nice gift certificate to the local camera shop or to one on line is always a wonderful gift.

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