Being a photographer isn't the sort of job in which you can walk out the door at 5 p.m. and leave your work behind until the next day, which is why time is the most precious gift a photographer can receive.
Coming to you from James Popsys, this great video talks about the gift of time. Of course, there are two main problems with shopping for a photographer. First, it's expensive — often really expensive. I don't think I can ask my sister for that third Broncolor monolight I need for the holidays. Actually, she did just get a promotion and a raise. I guess it couldn't hurt to ask. Anyway, the other problem is that photographers have highly specific tastes, and for the uninitiated, it can be near impossible to know what to get a photographer. After all, how can I expect my sister to know I really need a Broncolor Siros L 800 Ws monolight unless someone told her? Derek, if you're reading this, send her the link.
In all seriousness, though, an intangible like time or just a dragging the photographer away from their computer cave for a few hours for a nice lunch could be perfect. If you have any photographer friends or your family is asking what to get you for the holidays, consider those ideas. I suppose there are always B&H gift cards too.
Lead image by Kim Stiver, used under Creative Commons.
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I wish my friends had the gift of mind reading. The last gift I was given organic carrot juice. Do I look like a rabbit?
Ewwwww!
As a photographer, the best gift I can receive is anything that has nothing to do with photography.
If I want something work related I buy it on the firm and it's deductible.
Please no more Lens mugs for Christmas!
My cupboard is full of those. :|
If so, here's a good idea: https://youtu.be/X2OEhA1NqmY
Id rather someone pay me for my service then give me a gift. Family member wants to give a gift? Pay me to come do a family shoot. You get photos, I get an easy client that lets me have fun.
My son's a wedding/event/portrait photographer and I never get him anything photography related. If I think he needs it, he probably already has it.
I like Christian's idea; pay me to shoot the family events. :-)
A gift certificate to a local brick & mortar camera store - I get exactly what I want and the store has a better chance of survival. #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness
For anyone who also, or perhaps primarily, shoots analog I think film is a pretty good gift.
I will get the same one present I have received for the last ten years. An Amazon gift card for 75-100 dollars. It's better than getting something I don't really want. Now I wouldn't mind a trip to Hawaii or a new computer, but fat chance I'll ever get that.