Photography/Camera Related Gift

You could get him a book on photography, or even a subscription to a photography magazine. I bet Borders or Barnes and Nobles would have something nice.

M.,
Have you thought about a light meter? It might be helpful if he likes to do a lot of portrait photography, but can be used in any setting indoors or out. You might also think about things to archive his negatives or slides. San Jose Camera (corner of Winchester and Hamilton) has some hard plastic 3-ring binder cases that are great for storing negative and slide sleeves. The only other thing I would suggest would be a tripod if he does not have one already. You can find some that are inexpensive all the way up to the really nice expensive ones. Kamera Korner (on Meridian near Parkmoor) in San Jose is another good place to try. I hope this helps! Merry Christmas!

you can find different filters for the camera lens... sepia, starburst... these add depth to the photos and fun, without taking away from the whole don't want to edit digital stuff.

HI M.:

I have just purchased a new camera, the cannon rebel... it is amazing. I dont know how advanced your dad is with his filming and what your price range would be, but this is in the 500-700 dolllar range. It's not very techy, it's got a few auto features as well as several manual adjustments. And, it could be something that he can get additional accesories for.. like an extension lense. Hope this helps

How about one of the light level sensors?
Or even a gift card to a really nice camera shop like Ritz Camera? Or even a Visa gift card for developing his prints?
Good luck!

How about a subscription to a technical photography magazine? Go to your local big bookstore and see what they have on the rack. You can wrap a current issue with a note about the subscription.

Hi M.,

I read your request and gave it some thought. I had a BIG TIME photo buff in the family before too. Not a professional but NEVER went anywhere without his cameras. How about a nice photo album or what they call a photo morgue. A photo morgue is like a file box where you lable and put all your negaives. That way when you need copies of anything you just pull out a drawer.

Good luck!
N.

Perhaps a supply of film and/or a gift card to pay for picture developing.

My brother-in-law is the designated photographer in our family, and we always try to get him camera-related gifts whenever we can. He's checked out a lot of camera shops in the bay area, and--like Barbara H suggests--is a big fan of KEEBLE & SHUCHAT in Palo Alto. Best selection and prices for anything that you're looking for. Check out http://www.kspphoto.com. Before he went digital last year, he had a lot of gagets for his 35mm that were all put to good use: camera backpack to hold EVERYTHING (including a tripod), standard and zoom lenses, filter, cleaning supplies... Thankfully, he's able to use most of it with his newer digital camera, too. Matching the brands are a big PLUS! If nothing else, it's the thought that really counts. Good luck, and happy holidays!

M. -

I have a great friend at Gluskins Photo in Stockton. Her name is Jonnee. She owns the store and can probably help you with some suggestions. She is also a professional photographer so she has lots of knowledge about camera gear.

They also do processing that they will mail anywhere so maybe you could get your Father some gift certificates for processing.

Give her a call at ###-###-####. Tell her B. sent you.

Good luck and Merry Christmas.

B.

A few things came to mind. Where does he store the photo's. Maybe a few photo albums. Or a tripod. Maybe a gift certificate to a place where he can purchase film etc.
I have a hint for next year. Make the name pull a wish list. Ask each person to fill out the list and use that as the name pull. Ask questions such as name top three stores that you like to shop, top three items you would like at these stores, Goodies that you like: ie. sweets, chocolate etc. Name your hobbies, Name something that you collect and then anything else that you may like. This saves on guess work. and you find out interesting information.
Hope your holiday is Merry!

M.,
How about a really comfortable camera strap that has loops for putting film and accessories. I know when I lug my camera around, my neck gets a bit sore. So, maybe a fleece or sturdy (comfortable) material?
Just a thought......

I'm not sure what your $ limit is, but as far as photography goes, a less expensive gift is a macro kit. They are fliters you can screw onto the end of the lense that will allow him to take clearer pictures up close, without an expensive macro lense. You just need to find out what size his lense is. It's usually printed on the outside of the lense in sizes like 58mm or 82mm, etc.

How about a subscription to a photography magazine?

hi M. , i have a brand new Astronomical telescope that i have no room for , and am trying to sell. It may be just the new hobby that he will love ! it's still in the box , and sells from 2-300.00. I am asking 50.00. if you OR anyone else is interested, email me at ____@____.com

How about a portfolio for him to keep photos in.

Hi M.,

There are so many wonderful ideas here! I too would suggest a tripod if he doesn't already have one. Also, you might consider getting some of his favorite pics he's taken from your mom/his wife and either make him a nice photo album/scrapbook or have a couple of his favorite pics professionally enlarged and framed for hanging in his house. This way he could enjoy them all the time.

Have a great Christmas and many blessings.

N.

If he shops at a particular camera store, you can ask them for suggestions, most camera stores are small enough to know their regular, die-hard customers. If not, maybe there is still a camera store near him that sells gift cards, or a certificate for custom framing. Perhaps you can offer to take him on a "photo adventure" with your kids. Take him to a state park or other area of interest with your kids and have them enjoy some time together on a nature walk. They can bond over bugs and flowers :) Plan a picnic or lunch in an eatery. I think most grandparents would love to spend more time with their grandchildren (especially if the parents are there to help with the young ones).

My father is the same way. We got him a gift certificate to a frame store (www.americanframe.com) so he could frame some
of his favorite pictures. You could also get actual frames if he uses standard sizes.

Here's a relatively inexpensive little attach/set up almost anywhere tripod. http://www.joby.com/ Availabe pretty much anywhere.

Hi M.. I'm a professional photographer! It depends on your budget. For about $10 you could get him a nice cleaning kit for his lenses and sensor. It usually comes with paper tissues for the lens and a blower brush for the sensor (inside the camera). I like to have one in my bag always. Nikon has cool new cleaning "pen." It's a brush and smudge remover in a pen case! That along with some good film would be a good gift. If you can spend more, a light meter is a must have. Sekonic makes one for about $185 that's good. Last, you can go to KEEBLE & SHUCHAT in Palo Alto. Best Camera store in the area. They'll have plenty of suggestions in whatever budget you need.

What about a tripod? I believe they make some pretty compact, light ones these days. I've considered getting one to stabilize my shots, especially when I'm taking self-timer pictures (I'm often trying to find some shelf indoors or some rock outdoors to balance the camera on).

You already have some great advice,but I want to add a couple of things. The gorrilla pod that is listed as a link below is great. I love shooting both digital and film and it works for both plus it is lightweight and easy to pack. That has always been my problem with tripods especially when hiking.
Also something that is often overlooked is film and processing. The price can add up over time. I dont know how he stores his photos but a good filing system or photo book is usually a great idea. Filters are good but make sure that you get ones that match his lens. Also does he do any of his own dark room stuff? If so there are always gadgets that are good like tongs, trays, cylenders ect. If not you might look into if there is a public darkroom around that gives classes. I took one class and had a new understanding and love of photography. I dont know where you live but if you are in the CA bay area and want some dark room name let me know and I will find my list. Hope this helps.

My husband is into photography as well so I have 3 ideas for you depending on your price range (but note, photography toys aren't cheap!). 1st, is a remote for the timer on the camera. This way he doesn't need to touch the camera to make it click (great for telephoto shots and shots that he wants to be a part of) run about 100.oo. 2nd, is a reflector. The one I found was pretty cool, it had 2 sides, one gold and one white and almost looked like one of those pop up visors you use in your car to block the sun. These ran about 50.00. 3rd, is one of those little mini tripods that can wrap around anything so you can be in the shot. They do have them for the larger cameras, just check the specs., and these run about 40.00. The first two can be found through adorama.com (you can price compare from there or at least just see what I'm talking about) and the little tripod I've seen in lots of catalogues this year- rei has a small one and maybe brookstone? Good luck!

What about a gift certificate for film? When my husband bought me my camera from Ritz cameras, I got a lifetime certificate for free film everytime I had rolls developed. Find out where he normally gets his pics developed and go from there. Developing film can be costly and so is buying it. Hope this helps!

M.,

How about a gift card to his local camera/photography store? He could buy what he needs and you would know that he would find something he could use.

M.

Hi M. ~
I'm a novie photographer myself, but I use digital. Maybe you can consider a small collapsable (sp??) tripod? They are helpful when attending a large gathering and you want everyone in the picture (I usually get left out since I'm usually the family photographer. It's also helpful to help keep a steady hand when photographing nature items. Hopes this helps! Happy Holidays!

Wolfe Camera and other camera shops offer photography courses. If your father wouldn't take it the wrong way and would see it as an opportunity to master or better his skills that might be a nice idea! If he is local too I guess.

If you are able to get his brand of camera etc, as new lens would be great, or a nice camera bag with all the great velcro to hold all in place, a good light meter, supplies like film, lens cleaners, etc... is always great. As a die hard old school photographer, I can say that digital is leaking into my world and I do enjoy the freedom from film... perhaps if you have the budget, a simple digital camera (he'll want to pick his own once he's hooked) and a table top printer might just get him to try digital.... I know you may not want to pick that fight!! Have fun with it!

I know it might be obvious but I got my daughter (35year old who has almost everything)a good tripod! It was a hit and maybe he doesn't have one yet! Good holidays, N.

Since he likes to take pictures in nature, a polarized filter would be really nice. It eliminates reflections: it can take the glare out of water so he can take better pictures of fish, improves photos of the sky and foliage. Good luck, I hope that this thoughtful gift helps improve family relations.

does he have a tripod?

i've also seen these adjustable tripod thingies that can fit and stick on anything, like a tree trunk or fence. you can probably do an internet search of you are interested.
another gift idea for a photographer is a bunch of film! it's expensive!

good luck!

A wide angle lens is also a lot of fun and something most camera enthusiasts might not get for themselves. They are fabulous for nature photograph.

I am a photographer and I know that the one thing I would LOVE this Christmas is one of the mini tripods that wrap around things like trees or fences in order to hold the camera steady for odd locations. Here is a link that explains it better than I can! They are called Gorillapods:

http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gorillapod-flexible-camer...

Hope this helps!

C.

Hi M.,

Does he have plenty of photo albums for his pictures?

D.

I receive a catalog called Exposures that has a lot of items relating to photography, including beautiful storage for photographs. Check it out, you can probably find it online.

It would also be a nice gesture if you could identify one of your dad's best or favorite photos and had it matted and framed as a special gift to him.

I asked my husband who's a longtime 35mm diehard and a few suggestions he had (after saying that he wasn't sure what to suggest unless he knew which brand of equipment your father used, whether he shot color or b/w, does he have a favorite brand of film, what your budget was, etc.): tripod, cable release, filters,
As the spouse of a photography hobbyist, I might suggest frames, some sort of organizers for storing photos and negatives, or a good-quality book of photos by one of his favorite photographers if you know who they are.