Learn Photography's Paul Farris' essential guide to the perfect stocking fillers for photography fans.
1. Lens Mug
1. Lens Mug
Without a doubt one of the coolest photography related gifts around this year is the 'lens mug'. Available as either 'Nikon' and 'Canon' varieties, these mugs are actual replicas of real lenses with rubber-grip focus and zoom rings, easy to clean stainless steel lining, replica auto/manual focus switch and even a lens-cap lid.
You can purchase the lens mug from PhotoJoJo.com
2. A lens for low light (and great blurry backgrounds!)
Every photographer should have at least one lens in their kit bag that offers a wide aperture and thus performs well in low light as well as providing a shallow depth of field (great for portraits). Canon and Nikon users are some of the luckiest here as they both offer 'fast' lenses at very reasonable prices - The Canon 50mm f1.8 has long been a favourite of many and is a must-have lens for Canon users and a steal at around $135 (AUS). Nikon users should consider the slightly more expensive 35mm f1.8 DX lens at around $350 (AUS) or the 50mm f1.8 for $190 (AUS).
Check out my friends at PhotoContinental for good deals and great service on lenses.
Every photographer should have at least one lens in their kit bag that offers a wide aperture and thus performs well in low light as well as providing a shallow depth of field (great for portraits). Canon and Nikon users are some of the luckiest here as they both offer 'fast' lenses at very reasonable prices - The Canon 50mm f1.8 has long been a favourite of many and is a must-have lens for Canon users and a steal at around $135 (AUS). Nikon users should consider the slightly more expensive 35mm f1.8 DX lens at around $350 (AUS) or the 50mm f1.8 for $190 (AUS).
Check out my friends at PhotoContinental for good deals and great service on lenses.
3. Subscription to a cool photography magazine
Photography for me is a continual learning curve - I pick up new ideas, inspiration and hints all the time from other photographers, the internet and from reading photography magazines. Two of my personal favourite magazines are 'Capture', Australia's top selling professional photography magazine and the 'British Journal of Photography' which is an great read and features some amazing contemporary work. For Australian readers 'Capture' is without a doubt the best option and will make any photographer happy at just $38.50 for a years subscription.
Photography for me is a continual learning curve - I pick up new ideas, inspiration and hints all the time from other photographers, the internet and from reading photography magazines. Two of my personal favourite magazines are 'Capture', Australia's top selling professional photography magazine and the 'British Journal of Photography' which is an great read and features some amazing contemporary work. For Australian readers 'Capture' is without a doubt the best option and will make any photographer happy at just $38.50 for a years subscription.
Subscribe to Capture via Yaffa Publishing
4. A tripod
A tripod is a must-have bit of kit for just about any photographer. It doesn't matter if your a keen landscape, portrait, architecture, product or even wedding photographer - at some point the cameras shutter speed is going to be so slow that hand holding the camera is out of the question and using a tripod is the only way to avoid camera shake and blurry images! My advice is simple - buy the best tripod you can for your budget (in fact, stretch the budget if necessary as it's an investment you will not regret!)
I recommend checking out tripods from Velbon as good all-round tripods that won't break the bank or Manfrotto, which although more costly are head and shoulders above most of the competition.
Check out my friends at PhotoContinental for a great selection of Tripods.
I recommend checking out tripods from Velbon as good all-round tripods that won't break the bank or Manfrotto, which although more costly are head and shoulders above most of the competition.
Check out my friends at PhotoContinental for a great selection of Tripods.
5. Remote shutter release
Shutter release devices are available for most major DSLR cameras as either the old-school cable variety or the more popular wireless versions. A remote shutter release allows the photographer to trigger the cameras shutter without the need to physically touch the camera and thus avoid camera shake and blurry photos. This is an essential must-have bit of kit when using slow shutter speeds and can be purchased for as little as around $30-$40 (AUD) from most photography stores.
Check out my friends at PhotoContinental for a great selection of shutter release and remotes.
6. Camera strap
OK so I know every camera comes with a camera strap already....! The problem with the strap supplied with the camera is that 1- it's a big advert for the camera manufacturer and do you really want to draw unwanted attention to the expensive bit of kit hanging around your neck? 2 - The supplied straps are not well designed and are uncomfortable if your out for a long day of shooting. 3 - The straps easily slide of your shoulder as they have no grip ability. My strap of choice is the ' ridiculously named 'Industry disgrace' from the cool bag manufacturers Crumpler - it's comfortable, strong, extra long and available in some cool colours for a bargain $40 (AUD)
OK so I know every camera comes with a camera strap already....! The problem with the strap supplied with the camera is that 1- it's a big advert for the camera manufacturer and do you really want to draw unwanted attention to the expensive bit of kit hanging around your neck? 2 - The supplied straps are not well designed and are uncomfortable if your out for a long day of shooting. 3 - The straps easily slide of your shoulder as they have no grip ability. My strap of choice is the ' ridiculously named 'Industry disgrace' from the cool bag manufacturers Crumpler - it's comfortable, strong, extra long and available in some cool colours for a bargain $40 (AUD)
Visit the Crumpler website for more - or visit their stores in Brisbane (CBD) and in West End
7. Story Bridge Photoclimb experience
The Story Bridge is a Brisbane icon that first opened in 1940 and offers spectacular uninterrupted 360 degree views of the Brisbane CBD skyline that you won't be able to see from anywhere else. Regular climbers of the bridge are not allowed to take cameras along which is what makes the photoclimb both an opportunity and experience that is not to be missed for any photography enthusiast. You will have the chance to capture some amazing images with a brief prior to the climb during which we will give you plenty of hints and tips and advice during the two and half hour climb.
8. Camera bag
I'm of the opinion that there is no such thing as the perfect camera bag, and I should know as I currently number six to my collection in a range of shapes and sizes, all of which get regular use depending on where, what and when I'm shooting plus of course what gear I need to bring along. I've owned a trusty Crumpler backpack for about five years and is my firm favourite as it swallows up a fair amount of gear, is rugged, looks cool and is extremely comfortable to wear.
More recently I've also become a big fan of Think Tank who are very popular with pro photographers around the world, make great bags and until very recently had not been available in Australia. Check out the Think Tank website for more info or drop in at Photo Continental to see the full range.
More recently I've also become a big fan of Think Tank who are very popular with pro photographers around the world, make great bags and until very recently had not been available in Australia. Check out the Think Tank website for more info or drop in at Photo Continental to see the full range.
9. Photoshop elements 9
Adobe Photoshop has long been the essential must-have software for photographers. Whilst Photoshop CS5 is the big daddy and the pro photographers choice at over $1000 (AUD), Photoshop Elements 9 is perfect for the enthusiast photographer who wants to be able to perform essential editing of images without breaking the bank.
Elements 9 can be purchased online from Adobe for around $145 (AUD) or maybe try the free trial version first!
10. Learn Photography gift voucher
The final gift idea is not only a shameless plus but also a great gift idea for any photography enthusiast wanting to know how to get better results from their digital SLR camera. We have gift vouchers starting from just $99 (AUS) that can be used against any of our photography courses, workshops or even One-to-One tuition.
For more info or to purchase online visit the Learn Photography website.
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