10 Gifts for the Photographer on Your List
Dec 06, 2022'Tis the season for giving and receiving! The holiday season has arrived, and everyone is searching for that perfect gift for friends and family. I'm a practical gift giver, and my list usually includes suggestions for my photography adventures. After all, those tiny little items can be of great use when immersed in nature.
If you are searching for ideas for yourself or the photographer on your list and are looking beyond asking for or gifting a new camera body or lens, below are a few budget-friendly and practical gift ideas, not to mention some of my very favourite things!
1. f-Stop Backpack
The f-stop Ajna was my new gear addition this year, and I absolutely love it! This larger volume 37L adventure pack is exactly what I needed. Using the medium slope ICU, I can fit my full range of lenses, 14-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm, plus two camera bodies, one DSLR and one mirrorless. Plus, I have just enough room for all my accessories, a few extra layers of clothing for the weather and snacks to keep me going! This pack is tough, weather-resistant and cleans up nicely.
Whether you want a larger or smaller adventure pack, f-stop has your back. I've owned several f-stop packs, and despite trying other brands always return to f-stop.
2. f-stop Accessory Pouch (small, medium and large)
Staying organized is a constant battle for the photographer. We have so many things! From foundation kits to filters, gadgets and gizmos, cleaning gear and other tools, we carry around a lot.
I picked up a small, medium and large accessory pouch from f-stop this year and have been thrilled. Need filter accessories? No problem. I pull out my small pouch and what I need is there! Needs a cord or cable. It's there inside my medium pouch. Looking for anything to do with nighttime photography? I know it'll be safely stored in my large accessory pouch.
Plus, I'm super impressed with the quality and usability of these accessory pouches...and I'm picky! I like my gear stored safely and practically.
3. Peak Design Slide Lite
I have a dilemma, and it's the camera strap. You see, sometimes, when I'm positioned precariously in water, standing on rocky terrain, or in a location where if my camera were to take a tumble, it'd spell its end, I wish for a solid camera strap. Other times, if it's windy or unnecessary, I find a camera strap annoying. But removing and attaching a camera strap at will is not always easy. That is until I found Peak Design. So far, this camera strap has been excellent! The anchor link system stays attached to the camera, making attaching and removing the camera strap simple and quick. So investing in this strap was a great decision.
4. L-bracket
I know, I know; how many tripod plates does one really need? Only one, and it's the L-bracket. This year I finally decided to purchase myself an L-bracket. How useful can they be? I used to ask myself. Well, I did not know what I was missing. I absolutely love the ability to quickly and effectively swap my compositions from landscape into portrait and back again without having to readjust my tripod. Plus, there's that added stability from centring weight distribution with an L-bracket. This little bracket will never leave my camera now that I've given it a try.
5. Cotton Carrier Harness, Slings and Straps
When Cotton Carrier approached me to offer their product, I was initially skeptical about wearing my camera. You see, I like my camera safely stored inside my backpack when I'm not using it. However, after receiving and using the Strapshot this summer, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Before the Strapshot, when I was out hiking in the mountains, if I wanted to capture a photo, I needed to either stop and dig through my backpack to reach my camera or wear it around my neck with a strap, which are both not ideal options on many of the hikes I like to pursue. The Strapshot permits me quick access to my camera, which is comfortably mounted to my hiking backpack. Having my camera close at hand ensures I never miss capturing something beautiful as I climb. There are many different options available through this company, and their products are definitely worth a look!
6. Mini Hex Key Allen Wrench Set
Every single tripod I own seems to require a different key to tighten it up, as do those tripod plates. This year I added a small mini Allen wrench set to my camera bag, and these little tools are super handy. A quick tightening here and there helps me get the shots I need, which might not be attainable without these handy little tools. Having the keys in a foldable set keeps them together and prevents them from getting lost somewhere inside the pockets of my gear bag. Every photographer needs to find a set of Allen wrench keys in their stocking this holiday season!
7. Ice cleats
Winter is slippery. The last thing a photographer needs is slipping and sliding around on the snow and ice with thousands of dollars in camera gear. I go very few places without my ice cleats. Don't just take it from me! The ladies who attended the November Captivated by the Rockies Landscape Photography Retreat here in Banff agreed that ice cleats are mandatory for snowy conditions. I couldn't agree more. Many great brands are out there, so I'll let you find a pair that works for you.
Ice Trekkers Diamond Grip Ice Cleats
8. Ember
I don't know about you, but I enjoy a warm cup of tea while working at my computer or post-processing my images. However, sometimes I get so engrossed in what I'm doing that my tea cools before finishing the cup. The solution? Ember. I absolutely love this cup. Once poured, I can keep my tea or drink of choice at the perfect temperature. That means no waste and pure warmth until every last drop has been drunk!
9. Tazo Chi Latte
I love a little warmth during the long winter months here in Canada. Infuse that warmth with a bit of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and vanilla. Well, yes, please! My favourite drink right now is Tazo's Chia Latte concentrate mixed in equal parts with oat milk. It's both creamy and delicious. Plus, if you have a Costco membership, they sell this tea in packages of three. Trust me; you'll be glad you have more than one box on hand! 
10. Captivated by the Rockies Landscape Photography Workshops
Want to treat yourself or a photographer you love to an experience of a lifetime? Check out my 2023 lineup for in-person landscape photography opportunities, including my custom private tours or small group workshops in Banff National Park and surrounding parks. The beauty in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is undeniable. These workshops are perfect for all levels of photography. I'm here to help you learn and grow into the photographer you want to be by teaching correct techniques and encouraging your creative expression.
P.S. Not quite ready to invest in a workshop? I also offer online mentoring and post-processing sessions HERE!
Happy holidays to you!
I wish you the best of the season with your friends and family.
