10 Gifts for the Landscape Photographer on Your List - 2024 Edition
Dec 04, 2024"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." Nature has been blanketed in white, and frost fills the air. Both the outdoors and my calendar inform me that the holiday season is here. Traditionally, every year, I enjoy sharing a few suggestions for the photographer on your list or perhaps ideas for you to pass on to those who treat you special during the holidays.
So, without too much preamble, allow me to present this year's "10 Gifts for the Landscape Photographer on Your List - 2024 Edition."
1. The Winter Wonderland Landscape Photography Workshop in Banff National Park
This gift is so much more than a holiday gift. It's a gift that will forever change the photography skills and approaches of the landscape photographer. Daniel Tremblay and I have only a few remaining spots available for the Winter Wonderland Workshop in Banff, which runs from January 27 through February 3, 2025.
Here's a testament to our workshops:
I have attended other workshops, but Gina and Daniel put on, by far, the best one ever. Not only were the photography locations spectacular, but the tips and techniques I learned were mind-blowing. I have been a serious photographer for over ten year,s and these lessons would have been very useful from the beginning and will help me move to another level. Both Gina and Daniel were so giving with their time and expertise to help in composition, camera tips and post processing, and they made it all fun along the way. However, the highlight was the lifelong friends I met along the way. Any workshop with these two is highly recommended! -- Jim Carter
If you'd like to learn more about this workshop, click HERE!
2. Spotify
Most photographers spend a lot of time in a home office or cozy corner post-processing station. Whether I'm working on a project or editing an image, I enjoy playing a selection of music that suits my mood at the moment. I like that I can create individual albums of music or choose from Spotify's endless curated lists. I also like that my entire family can sign up for an account and create separate listening libraries of their favourite music. Yes, Spotify is best listened to as a subscription service, but they do offer free listening as well, and I think having a subscription service, in this case, is absolutely worth the fee. Another bonus is that with my subscription, I also happen to enjoy 15 hours of audiobook listening time. Audiobooks are my choice of pleasure while I'm cruising in my SUV or fulfilling those daily chores.
Click HERE to check out Spotify.
3. EZPro Desk by Flexispot
Early this year, I renovated my home office, and the number one priority on my "Office Refresh" list was a standing desk. Like a good consumer, I did my research and settled on the EZPro Desk by Flexispot. Slightly nervous that I hadn't actually physically seen the desk in person, I clicked that online purchase button. Within a couple of days, all parts had arrived. Assembly was easy, quality was superb, and my back pain from too much sitting can be relieved when I move the desk into a standing position with the push of a button. My pup isn't a big fan of the moving desk; I guess desks that grow are scary, but I, on the other hand, highly recommend this desk if you're in the market for a set up that you can use in a sitting or standing position. Months later, I have remained super happy with my choice.
Click HERE to discover Flexispot desks.
4. SATSUMAS Bamboo White Plant Stand by Ikea
Like many landscape photographers, I would choose to be outside in nature over the confines of indoor life, and because of that fact, this gift suggestion must make my list. Quenching my craving for the outdoors is my little indoor garden. My easy-to-care-for succulents and cacti are beautifully displayed on this stylish bamboo plant stand, infusing the perfect amount of nature into my office. A quick glance over at my garden while working from my desk infuses me with that wonder of the natural world that only nature can gift.
Click HERE to check out the Bamboo Plant Stand by Ikea.
5. Himalayan Salt Lamp
The adjectives I used to guide my office renovation were airy, bright, and relaxing. Himalayan salt lamps are said to clean the air you breathe and create a soothing and tranquil room environment. Well, that certainly meets my criteria for an office accessory. This little lamp literally brightens my day. The glow is warm and soothing and helps create that relaxing feeling I was aiming for.
Click HERE for Himalayan Salt Lamp options.
6. Smartwool Socks
Quality socks are a must for the landscape photographer. Whether walking, running, or hiking in nature, we're on our feet for that perfect shot. These socks are incredible. I can't say it in better words than the company itself, whose belief is "...that time spent outside is invaluable, restorative, and essential for everyone." Their purpose is to "help people experience powerful, beautiful moments in the outdoors by working to remove distractions like clammy base layers and uncomfortable feet, so you can focus on the adventures right in front of you." Plus, this company partners with local artists when designing their socks and apparel. These socks are a staple in my wardrobe from every day to hiking and even for skiing.
Want to check out these socks? Click HERE.
7. Rechargeble Hand Warmers
Yes, it's true...I'm usually cold, even when the weather is warm (do keep in mind my warm might be your version of cold). Since I live in a Canadian climate, layers of clothing and jackets are usually a necessity. However, sometimes, those cozy gloves are no match for the outdoor nip of chilly weather. This is when hand warmers are an absolute must. In the past, I've opted for disposable chemical hand warmers, but these days, I am trying to be more waste-conscious. These little guys are rechargeable and ooze the goodness of warmth even at the lowest setting. They last longer than the disposable hand warmers as well, and the efficiency has not failed me yet. For colder climates, hand warmers like these are a must!
Check out my rechargeable hand warmer suggestion HERE!
8. Lensbaby Omni Creative Filter System with Expansion Packs
Every once in a while, the landscape photographer in me needs a break from the traditional hunt for that perfect wide-angle shot. This is when I pop on my macro lens and head out into the forest in search of tiny natural scenes. The infusion of creative glow, light and effects is high on my list when capturing macro images. The Lensbaby Omni Creative Filter System is genius. I no longer have to hold my camera with one hand while positioning lace, glass or a prism in front of my lens. Instead, when I use the Lensbaby filter system, I can attach creative papers, glass, and other optics to a magnetic stepping ring, resulting in the perfect positioning of my intended effect. If you are a creative photographer, you'll love these sets.
Click HERE for the Lensbaby Omi Filter options.
9. Tactical Molle Phone Holster Pouch
My camera bags of choice are f-stop for many reasons, one of which is the ability to personalize my pack using the Molle webbing on the hip belt. When I'm hiking to a destination, my mirrorless camera is packed away, but I want to be able to capture the little things I see with my cell phone. I have a Molle phone holder pouch attached to my hip belt, making it easy for me to access my phone for images I want to capture and then store my phone safely when not in use. Regardless of whether your pack uses the Molle system or not, I highly recommend an easy-to-access pouch for your smartphone that can be attached to your hiking pack.
Check out these Molle-compatible cell phone holders HERE.
10. Miops Flex Bolt Lightning Trigger
Have an adoration for storm-chasing or know a photographer who does? I've been using the Miops Flex Bolt for a couple of summers now, and it really helps me capture those sparks in the sky. It's a quick setup, which is important when you're chasing or running from a supercell thunderstorm, and it's also easy to use. Without this trigger, I'd have missed most, if not all, of the lighting shots I have been able to capture. Once set up, the trigger does all the work, taking images of lightning while I can capture other images with a second camera body or just enjoy watching the storm develop.
Click HERE to discover Miops.
Well, there you have it! Your 2024 list of ideas for the landscape photographer on your list. I wish you a joyful and relaxing holiday season filled with family and friends. Merry Christmas.
