Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Texture 3

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Instagram Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_texture3

From scary to small, this week the focus on texture was less on the big picture and more on aspects of a subject. It’s a real change and chance to think out of the box with detail shots, macro, still life, and more. Some great photos this week! Go check them out and show the top picks (and the other entries as well) some insta love.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_blackpointFind out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:

Team FeatureTeam FeatureTeam Feature
Toby’s Features:

Such a sharp image!

The hands, the ring - the caption all combine to create a compelling story and image

Processed well to really make the texture in the petals stand out.

Roy’s Features:

Macro opens a lot of options and a fingerprint really shows some rigid texture in this week’s challenge.

#fingertip #fingerprint #macro #texture #touch #macro_freaks #prtv #prtv_texture3

A post shared by Luke Ciancio (@lukeciancio23) on

Water drops and soft petals of this succulent make for a neat photo.

Simply Succulent My second entry for this week’s photo challenge “texture” - I just love how different the world looks through a macro lens. This was an ugly little neglected succulent that I came across - but with a macro lens only it’s beauty shines through. I didn’t even notice the water drops on the plant until I looked at my LCD screen in review mode - an added bonus! I liked the juxtaposition of the smooth green succulent leaves and the sharp red tips. - - - Canon 70d + canon 100mm 2.8 macro ISO 160, 100mm, f/3.2, 1/160 sec - - - - #PRTV_texture3 #prtv #texture #textures #textureshot #texturephotography #succulents #abstractphotography #abstract #geometricnature #geometrical #symmetryinnature #fractalnature #canon100macro

A post shared by Jane Glover (@angry_runner) on

Hibiscus always have this interesting texture and throwing the photo to black and white really let you play on that for some really defined texture in this shot. 

Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Halloween 2

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Instagram Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_halloween2

Ready for some spooky shots? This week’s challenge was Halloween and you guys delivered :). Free internet points for Gareth being extra evil.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_texture3Find out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:

Team FeatureTeam FeatureTeam Feature
Roy’s Features:

This is a great themed shot and the edit really sells this photo with the muted color.

I love that you went over the top with this awesome shot of your daughter. By itself it’d be a bit spooky but with the texture and graphics its extra neat.

Sweet Revenge. . . . This week’s photo challenge is, of course, “Halloween” and Halloween is always a little over the top in our house so I couldn’t wait to click away. This is my daughter, a cute little human pincushion, looking super psychotic as requested. Funny how good she is at looking psycho? Something tells me she’s had lots of practice lol. Anyway, this was taken in my home office/playroom, with a black muslin backdrop, soft box to camera right, reflector on left. Edited in LR and PS where I added a gradient map and linear gradients to add blue tones, a texture background overlay to roughen it up a bit, and some creepy voodoo font text. Costume and both voodoo dolls were made by....ME! . . . . Canon 5d3 + sigma art 35mm ISO 200, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/80 sec #PRTV_halloween2 #prtv #cameramama #clickinmoms #momswithcameras #our_everyday_moments #candidchildhood #childhoodunplugged #letthekids #littleandbrave #enchantedchildhood #thesincerestoryteller #adventuresofchildren #ourcandidlife #momentinthesun #pixel_kids #magicofchildhood #heaventhrumylens #simplychildren #theartofchildhood #let_there_be_delight #runwildmychild #dadsofinstagram #darlingmovement #voodoodoll #halloween2017 #MoC_060 #pk_costumes2 #littleandbravecostume

A post shared by Jane Glover (@angry_runner) on

Evil clowns! This is a neat shot and the really dark black point really sells the photo.

#prtv #prtv_halloween2 #halloween #killerclowns

A post shared by bob grzembski (@bobbiog_) on

Rose’s Features:

The lighting and composition are fantastic, and the addition of texture and graphics is perfect for Halloween.

Sweet Revenge. . . . This week’s photo challenge is, of course, “Halloween” and Halloween is always a little over the top in our house so I couldn’t wait to click away. This is my daughter, a cute little human pincushion, looking super psychotic as requested. Funny how good she is at looking psycho? Something tells me she’s had lots of practice lol. Anyway, this was taken in my home office/playroom, with a black muslin backdrop, soft box to camera right, reflector on left. Edited in LR and PS where I added a gradient map and linear gradients to add blue tones, a texture background overlay to roughen it up a bit, and some creepy voodoo font text. Costume and both voodoo dolls were made by....ME! . . . . Canon 5d3 + sigma art 35mm ISO 200, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/80 sec #PRTV_halloween2 #prtv #cameramama #clickinmoms #momswithcameras #our_everyday_moments #candidchildhood #childhoodunplugged #letthekids #littleandbrave #enchantedchildhood #thesincerestoryteller #adventuresofchildren #ourcandidlife #momentinthesun #pixel_kids #magicofchildhood #heaventhrumylens #simplychildren #theartofchildhood #let_there_be_delight #runwildmychild #dadsofinstagram #darlingmovement #voodoodoll #halloween2017 #MoC_060 #pk_costumes2 #littleandbravecostume

A post shared by Jane Glover (@angry_runner) on

I love this perspective. The pumpkins on the left contrasting with the creepy writing in the bus is great.

Such a sweet image. I’m always a sucker for the backs to the camera shot.

Instagram Challenge Winners - Holiday

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Fantastic entries to the weekly Instagram Challenge - #PRTV_Holiday.  Thanks to all who entered - take a look at all the entries here- Our winners and honorable mentions are below.  The Instagram challenge is going on a one week holiday!  Watch my Instagram for the next challenge to be announced next week.

Instagram Challenge Winners_Holiday2015

Toby's Winner:

 Toby’s Honorable Mentions:

 Christina’s Winner:

 Christina’s Honorable Mentions:

Christmas Day at dusk on Burnt Hill, south of Sequim #prtv_holidayA photo posted by David E. Stahl (@davidestahl) on

At a rainy #santacon last night in #belmontshore. #cityoflongbeach #dogzlb #sonyimages #sonya7rii #zeiss #lbc #prtv_holiday

A photo posted by Chris (@chris_at_crispyphotos) on

Photography Gifts Under $150

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We have put together 12 lists of recommended holiday gifts for the photographer in your life.   Today's list is gifts under $150.   Check back each day for the next list.https://youtu.be/gp85r4Cv4uw 

Spider Camera Holster SpiderPro Hand Strap

Screenshot 2015-12-07 13.17.49 Screenshot 2015-12-07 13.17.55Extremely comfortable, form fitting and adds a bit of security to the gripBuy from B&H Photo $65.00 

Lume cube

Screenshot 2015-12-07 13.30.17 Really tiny cubes (about the size of a GoPro Session) that allows you to produce a constant beam of light or use as a flash/strobe.  Adjust the settings via the app or manual control on the light and waterproof to 100'Preorder from B&H Photo $79.99 

A Prime Lens

Almost every manufacturer offers a prime lens under $150.  If the photographer in your life doesn't have a prime lens this is a great gift that can help them get more creative and explore low light photography in a way not possible with slower kit lenses.Buy your prime lens from B&H Photo 

One year of Creative Cloud

Screenshot 2015-12-07 13.46.40A one year subscription to Lightroom and Photoshop is always a useful present- this always updated package provides all the software and power a photographer needs to post process their images.Buy Direct / Download Card from B&H Photo

External Drives from WD

Keep your photos safe and backed up - external storage is cheap! We love these smaller, travel friendly drives or the larger 4TB desktop drive- all for under $150WD 2TB Elements Portable Hard Drive WD 2TB Elements Portable Hard Drive $76.99WD 4TB Elements External Desktop Hard Disk DriveWD 4TB Elements External Desktop Hard Disk Drive $109.99 

Fujifilm instax 210 Instant Film Camera

Fujifilm instax 210 Instant Film Camera If you got a friend who's not super serious about photography but still enjoy taking pictures or casually taking pictures, the Fujifilm instax cameras are a great choice.  The Instax 210 is great for general photography and includes a close-up attachment.Buy from B&H Photo $72.85

MeFOTO BackPacker Travel Tripod

we travel often and the very portable MeFoto BackPacker Travel tripod has done everywhere with.  Folding down to just 12.6" and weighing only 2.2lbs - small enough to be tossed into all of our camera bags.  I first reviewed this tripod in 2013 and despite my rough handling- and an unfortunate canoe incident where it spent 3 days under water - it continues to work well!MeFOTO BackPacker Travel TripodBuy from B&H Photo $144.99 We will be back tomorrow with our next gift list and for the next 11 days!  Stay tuned.

Canon DSLR Black Friday Sales

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Black Friday 2017 Deal List Live - Photorec.tv/BF2017

Canon has dropped prices for the next week (ends Nov 28th) on several popular cameras! These are the lowest prices seen for these cameras and they will very likely not cheaper before the holidays.Your use of my links for all your holiday shopping supports this site and the work we do here.  Shop Amazon | B&H | see all the link you can use

CANON 7D Mark II SALE

Phenomenal powerhouse of a camera with blazing fast focus and ridiculous fps that lets you capture the action/wildlife you are looking to photograph.Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera (Body Only)Canon 7D Mark II $500 Savings!The most powerful camera in its class- Just $1299!  (I paid $1799 for mine!)BODY $1299 + 2% rewards & Free EXTRA battery and bag (on B&H) Amazon also offers free accessories, click on through both links for a complete list of included freebies. Shop B&H | Shop AmazonCanon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 STM Lens $1649 + 2% rewards 7D Mark II Best Black Friday DealBODY $1649 + 2% rewards & Amazon is offering free accessories, click on through both links for a complete list of included freebies.Shop B&H | Shop Amazon

CANON 70D SALE

Best value for pickup and go photography and videography with room to grow as a serious photographer. (all include freebies include spare battery, SD card and DSLR Shoulder bag from B&H Photo Canon 70D Body only best black friday dealCanon EOS 70D DSLR Camera (Body Only) - Just $899  Shop B&H | Shop AmazonScreenshot 2015-11-22 08.42.48Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM Lens - Just $999.00  Shop B&H | Shop AmazonScreenshot 2015-11-22 08.42.56Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera with 18-135mm Lens Video Creator Kit - Just $1249.00  Shop B&H | Shop Amazon  Bonus Deal from B&H - Tamrac Jazz 76 Photo Sling Pack (Black/Multi) - just $29.95- shop B&H Screenshot 2015-11-22 08.52.47 

Black Friday Camera Deals 2015

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Black Friday 2017 Deal List Live - Photorec.tv/BF2017

We will be updating this page with the best camera and photo gear accessories over the next couple of weeks including Black Friday Camera deals, Cyber Monday Camera Deals and all the best holiday deals for 2015. Follow me on twitter or Instagram for quick updates and deals.

Photo Mish Mash Ep 39 - Quirky

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We talk about the best selling cameras on Cyber Monday, properly show you all the goodies in the next giveaway, talk about the 7D Mark II sensor, let slip that we are not big sports fans and share our holiday gift list.Photo Mish Mash Ep #39 Date: 12/5/14Sponsor(s): Greece Trip Join us in Greece: http://mckaylive.com/greece-2015/2:40 Week in review:Most popular items sold on Cyber Monday at B&H Photo VideoFF DSLR List: http://bhpho.to/1rVN2osAPS-C DSLR List: http://bhpho.to/1pZYhLbMirrorless: http://bhpho.to/1ylunUFRugged Compact: http://bhpho.to/1ySND9FAction Cameras: http://bhpho.to/1232in5Sigma 18-300 Review and Vs Tamron: http://youtu.be/ykWP-Gv9yA8Tenba Bag: http://youtu.be/0McCXOzTxDwGiveaway!!! http://bit.ly/DPR14giveaway2Tenba bagBenro TripodBlack Rapid CurveFP GearMishMash Roots:Tao Tronics Lamp - http://geni.us/TaoTronicsLampWeek ahead:2nd Opinion the Fuji Xt-131:20 News:ClarkVision- Mathematical Formula on upgrading and Review of Canon 7D Mark II http://www.clarkvision.com/articles/exposure.and.upgrades/index.html7D Mark II studio samples - mirroring what I have seen. http://bit.ly/1vmx7djCanon getting serious in 2015 with a full frame mirrorless camera http://www.canonwatch.com/canon-going-serious-mirrorless-2015-full-frame-milc-coming/Selfie cam with a weird namehttp://www.engadget.com/2014/12/04/casio-exilim-mr1-selfie-camera/Top ten instagrammed locations of 2014http://petapixel.com/2014/12/03/count-top-10-instagrammed-locations-2014/51:16 Discussion:Holiday Gift ListToby's Guide: http://digital.photorecommendations.com/recs/2014/11/holiday-gift-guide-2014/Christina's Guide: http://digital.photorecommendations.com/recs/2014/11/christinas-gift-guide-2014/1:04:00 Reader Questionshttps://www.facebook.com/Digital.Photo.Recommendations/photos/a.10150222907829855.334190.233048999854/10152910704544855/?type=1

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

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This is a list of suggested accessories, ideas and services. If you are looking for cameras see my recommended cameras/gear as of November 2014. If you want to see all current deals and Black Friday Deals on cameras and accessories.My Holiday Gift Guide - Compiled with the help of Roy McKee - Here is Roy's complete list of suggested gear and accessories.  Christina has her own guide this year.

Lenses - Prime and Macro
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.37.21 A prime lens - If you don't have one you need one. I have 6 reasons you should get a prime lens this holiday season. If you are a Canon shooter I suggest the Canon 24mm (more here) in short it is a lovely focal length on your APS-C sensor Canons providing excellent quality and low light performance in a tiny package.  Want a different focal length, maybe one better for portraits? I have a Canon Prime Lens Guide.   The EFS 24mm is just $149 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.36.56 Nikon Photographers I suggest you start with the 35mm f/1.8 as your first prime.  A lovely focal length on a crop sensor camera, small, lightweight but provides excellent quality and very good low light capabilities with that f/1.8 maximum aperture. Just $196. Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Screenshot 2014-11-26 09.25.42 Feeling stuck in a photographic rut or maybe you feel like the area you live isn't particularly photogenic - a macro lens is a nice escape- turn the hum drum world around you into something amazing. Macro lenses start affordable and quickly climb from there.  For the cheapest option see the extension tubes I recommend next but for a dedicated lens Canon photographers can pick up the Canon EFS 60mm f/2.8 for just over $400 (with rebates).  Buy from Amazon or B&H PHoto Video.Nikon Photographers can start with the 40mm DX lens for $275. Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video.Want something more serious? The Canon 100mm F/2.8 L IS is fantastic. With current rebates it is selling from $899. Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo VideoNikon photographers pick up the 90mm Tamron VC for $749 - Offering 4 stops of VC and excellent sharpness. Buy from Amazon or B&H PHoto VideoAs discussed in my macro video - many lenses are marked or sold as Macros but the only a true macro can reach 1:1 magnification and the ones I list above are true macros.
Screenshot 2014-11-26 09.22.06 Macro Extension tubes - Earlier this year I released a longer video detailing several of your macro photography options including extension tubes. This set is an affordable way to get started with Macro photography using your existing lenses. Watch my video on Macro Options. Buy the Extension Tubes from B&H Photo Video (Nikon and Canon mounts available) | Amazon

 

Tripods
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.42.02 LITTLE - Joby Tripod for GoPros and other small cameras (I successfully used mine with a Sony a5100)  The feet have strong magnets making this tiny tripod much larger if you have something metal to stick it on. Railings, lampposts, cars all make good surfaces. $12.99 Buy from Amazon Buy from B&H Photo video for $10.99.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.43.13 A tripod is extremely useful and the Dolica is an affordable entry level tripod that offers pro level features - I have a review and side by side comparison with the MeFoto below. $48.95 Buy from Amazon
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.43.44 MeFoto Travel Tripod - There are taller tripods, smaller tripods, lighter tripods but for me the MeFoto Travel Tripod and it's slight bigger brother the RoadTrip($189) hit the sweet spot of price, portability and performance. My Travel Tripod has always been tall enough for me and more importantly fits in my camera bag and consequently is with me when needed - one of the most important features of a tripod.  $139.00 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video.
TriggerTrap You have a tripod - Now give yourself an additional reason to use it and pick up the Triggertrap mobile dongle system- This little connector and cord allows you to turn your smartphone into a computer capable of triggering your camera in a variety of ways. I have a recent review of Triggertrap here. $24-34.Buy direct from Triggertrap

 

Simple little gifts to make life easier / cleaner
Screenshot 2014-11-25 17.23.10 Carson Cleaning cloth - Clean lenses, LCD Screens with this soft pouch handy cleaning cloth. $5.92 Buy from Amazon
Screenshot 2014-11-25 17.31.47 Giottos cleaning solution - If you can't clean it with the cloth add a little of this solution. $5.99 Buy from Amazon
Screenshot 2014-11-25 17.34.33 Giottos rocket - Blow the dust away. $8.95 Buy from Amazon

 

Upgrade your strap
Screenshot 2014-11-25 17.40.30 I love Black Rapid straps- A really nice alternative to the standard strap that always seems to be in my way and causing the camera to bounce around uncomfortably.  Lots more about Black Rapids here and Roy's post on DYI to use the straps with a Manfrotto Tripod plate. $40 - $75 Buy on Amazon
Screenshot 2014-11-25 17.50.06 Need to carry two cameras at the same time or one camera and a lens pouch?  The Holdfast system will do it and you will look sharp too. $200 and up. Buy direct from Holdfast. or B&H Photo Video

 

Splurge
Screenshot 2014-11-26 08.38.43 DJI has released a new drone, just in time for the Holidays and I want one! Ready to fly out of the box - these things are amazingly stable, smart(I love watching the copters hold position or come in for a landing on their own) and offer some awesome opportunities for aerial footage. $2,899 Buy from B&H
Screenshot 2014-11-26 08.49.37 5K imac - Want to speed through photo and video editing? I do and the newest imac offering a gorgeous display is one of the fastest computers you can plop on your desk today, the fact that it comes with a gorgeous 5k display makes it extra sweet.  Base models start at $2,399. Buy from B&H
Screenshot 2014-11-26 09.03.19 For video work or time lapse photography a slider can take ho-hum footage- I am eagerly waiting for my Nebo motion slider that you can preoder. If you are in a hurry pick up the Cinetics Axis360 Pro Motorized Motion Control System and Slider. Buy from B&H

 

Home/Mobile Office
Screenshot 2014-12-22 23.03.35 TaoTronic Lamp - It is important to have consistent lighting in your workspace and the TT-DL01 LED Desk Lamp provides good clean light with multiple brightness and temperature settings. USB Charging port is an added bonus. $52 Buy from Amazon
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.11.22 Cocoon GRID-IT! Organizer Case - Keep all those little bits and extra wires organized. $7 - $15. Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.26.28 Think Tank SD Pixel Pocket Rocket, Holds 9 SD Memory Cards - Keep those little cards full of your precious memories safe and organized. $16.75 Buy from Amazon or B&H PHoto Video
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.24.47 A good camera bag - ThinkTank makes a variety of styles and models and although they aren't cheap they are some of the best on the planet and they last. Treat yourself and treat your gear. Buy direct from ThinkTank

 

Just Fun
Screenshot 2014-11-26 08.36.10 I stuck the Fujifilm Instax Share Smartphone Portable Printer SP-1 in the just fun section but it can be quite a serious little addition to your camera bag, providing you with a way to immediately print photos and share something tangible with friends. $177.99 Buy from Amazon Buy from B&H Photo Video.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.00.48 Bokeh Kit - Honestly you could make this on your own but the set is affordable and gives you a wide range of options. $24.95 Buy from Amazon
Screenshot 2014-11-25 18.01.00 If you are the type of person that loves to apply a ton of filters to your images you might love the Holga lenses for your camera, available in Nikon or Canon mounts you slap this puppy on your camera and suddenly turn your expensive DSLR into an ancient crappy camera that can be lots of fun to use :)  $24.95 Additional Filters available Canon - http://www.amzn.com/B0050C1A3E/?tag=dprroy-20 Nikon - http://www.amzn.com/B0050C1A48/?tag=dprroy-20
Screenshot 2014-11-26 10.34.25 Thermo Lens Mug - These have been around for a few years, my mom gave me mine last year and everyone LOVES It - fun to prank people with too ;) Pretend to drop an expensive lens or pour coffee into an expensive lens or. . you get the idea. $12.99 Buy from Amazon
Screenshot 2014-11-27 23.51.48 I was one of those people that wasn't sure I needed a GoPro and a year after buying one I can't believe the amount of use I have gotten out of mine. Bike rides, zip lines, paragliding, underwater at the salmon hatchery, skiing, timelapse along california coast, playing with kids in the pool and much more. The Hero 3+ Silver offers all the features I have used at a great price - Wifi, 60FPS at full 1080 and 12MP resolution that is so impressive for such a little camera. B&H is currently offering some freebies including a spare battery and 32GB MicroSD card. Grab one quick - limited quantities. Buy from B&H

Gift Cards
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.58.43 Amazon Gift Card - All but one of the items on this guide can be purchased on Amazon. If you're not ready to commit to gifting any one of these things, why not just nudge them in the right direction with an Amazon gift card?  Amazon is offering $25 towards a digital camera if you buy someone a $100 Gift Card.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.59.13 BH Photo Video Gift Card - Almost all of the items on this guide can also be purchased at B&H. You'll also get brownie points for it being a photography-specific gift card from one of the biggest camera stores in the world. Seriously, you can find just about anything at that store.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 22.00.04 Artifact Uprising Gift Card - Few things are more rewarding to a photographer than seeing their images in print. Artifact Uprising offers a range of really beautiful and simple products to help bring photos from the digital world into the tangible world easily. Better yet - why not make your loved ones a photo book from one of your adventures with them? That's a gift they'll love forever

 My Holiday Gift Guide - Compiled with the help of Roy McKee - Here is Roy's complete list of suggested gear and accessories.  Christina has her own guide this year.

Christina's Gift Guide 2014

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Christina's Corner of the Holiday Gift Guide (aka - what she wants)

Christina is a professional wedding photographer and co-host on our weekly Photo Mish Mash podcast. You can see more of her work at http://christinabernales.com/ or Instagram/Christinabernales

Stylish photographer gift ONA Bag Insert - This insert is awesome for when I'm traveling light and I want to bring along my DSLR, a few extra accessories and my daily items. At $69 it's a very well-made, versatile accessory for the photographer in your life. Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.09.03 ONA Presidio Leather Camera Strap - This camera strap is stylish and the leather is long-lasting and it just gets more and more comfortable over time. ONA has canvas straps, too, but leather is a classic look that will look great through the decades. $99 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 17.50.06 HoldFast Dual Camera Strap in Bison Leather - Are you seeing a theme here? I really dig leather goods. Like the neck strap, this dual camera strap is the most comfortable (and stylish) way to carry two cameras at once for hours on end. The bison is ultra-soft but all the leathers soften overtime and mold to your body for the perfect fit. $300 - $310 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.09.49 ONA Brixton Messenger Camera Bag - This bag is beautiful functional, and like with all other ONA products, solidly built. I'd be elated to see this beautiful bag this holiday. $279 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video.

 

Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.28.44 Lensbaby with Edge 80 Optic - This is a super fun way to get creative with those cool tilt-shift photos without breaking the bank. This is my favorite Lensbaby Optic of them all. $499. Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.28.21 Lensbaby Composer - Don't want to splurge on the Edge 80? This Lensbaby Composer kit is perfect for anyone looking to get started. You can always add the Edge 80 Optic on later. And don't forget Lensbaby makes these fun lenses for just about all camera mounts! $199.95 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video (Instant savings at B&H brings price down to $159.95
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.35.33 Sigma Art 50mm F/1.4 Lens - This is probably my favorite lens ever. Its sharpness is unmatched and its price cannot be beat. They say it rivals Zeiss glass and it's true. It's the best. $949 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.35.52 Sigma Art 35mm F1.4 Lens - Same as the fifty but a little wider. My second favorite lens. $899 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video

 

Christina's Camera Picks

Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.35.18 Fujifilm Instax 210 - Fuji makes several of these but the 210 landscape version is my favorite. This is a great gift for just about anyone - friends, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, or significant others. These Fuji cameras bring photography back to being the tangible piece of instant nostalgia that it was during the Polaroid era. $58.49 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.41.10 Panasonic Lumix GH4 - This camera is a videographer's dream. It's silky smooth to focus and offers amazing video and photo quality at a very good price. I want it. Do you want it? Cause I want it. Recent price drop to $1497 (B&H includes a few freebies too) Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.44.11 Fujifilm XT1 - The electronic viewfinder on this camera is as dreamy as the image quality. It looks like a vintage rangefinder without having to worry about developing any film. Definitely on my list. $1198 Buy from Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Screenshot 2014-11-25 22.07.42 Canonet QL7 GIII - And for the analog photography lover in your life. Here's a super cool, affordable fun camera. ~$50 Buy on ebay

Gift Cards

Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.58.43 Amazon Gift Card - All but one of the items on this guide can be purchased on Amazon. If you're not ready to commit to gifting any one of these things, why not just nudge them in the right direction with an Amazon gift card?  Amazon is offering $25 towards a digital camera if you buy someone a $100 Gift Card.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 21.59.13 BH Photo Video Gift Card - Almost all of the items on this guide can also be purchased at B&H. You'll also get brownie points for it being a photography-specific gift card from one of the biggest camera stores in the world. Seriously, you can find just about anything at that store.
Screenshot 2014-11-25 22.00.04 Artifact Uprising Gift Card - Few things are more rewarding to a photographer than seeing their images in print. Artifact Uprising offers a range of really beautiful and simple products to help bring photos from the digital world into the tangible world easily. Better yet - why not make your loved ones a photo book from one of your adventures with them? That's a gift they'll love forever

 See my Gift Guide for 2014

Photographers Gift Guide 2012

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 My Annual Guide to Gifts Appropriate for the Photographers in Your Life.First and foremost I would be happy to chat with you about gift ideas - Lenses, Bags and Even cameras are a possibility if I know a little more about you or who you are buying for so use chat or leave me a message on Facebook or twitter and I will be happy to provide some guidance.   I'd love to know what you want to receive this holiday season - feel free to leave a comment here or on Facebook. 

  A bit silly but cheap enough to throw in the stocking or wrap around another gift. Rubber bracelets with lens markings!
TriggerTrap- Time lapse cable for iOS and Android phones.  Now I love the simplicity and affordability of the Neweer time lapse controllers but the TriggerTrap taps into the brains of your smartphone giving you loads more options including eased time lapse, HDR lapses, drive lapse (distance triggered) and more.   Beyond the phone you need the dongle and the cable that matches your camera model.  Feel free to give me a shout if you want help picking the one.  A few months back I bought their original dongle that didn't work with my phone, Lucy at TriggerTrap was awesome and sent me a newer dongle free of charge and it works perfectly.    I plan to have a full writeup on this soon.  Triggertrap Mobile
Card Safe Wallet- Waterproof, dust proof and virtually crushproof. I love the peace of mind I get when I store my cards in here.  I have connected a small lanyard to the eyelet and looped it into my camerabag. Seriously reduces my worry about my cards filled with precious photos.
Not directly photo related but plug your camera battery charger or smart phone charger and stop wasting electricity.  The Belkin Conserve Socket allows you to set a time that shuts off power after 30 minutes, 3hrs or 6hrs.  3hrs should cover most camera battery recharging.
It is no secret that I love the Ey-Fi cards but in previous models (and gift guides) you had to make sacrifices with speed and space but with the latest model you get a fast card plenty big for photo and video.   For those wondering what is special about these SD Cards, They are 16GBs plus a tiny wireless chip that lets your camera upload photos, as you take them, to your computer, social networks, your smartphone or tablet.  Those last two are my favorite - using direct mode you can be out in the woods or in the case of this image on top of a fire tower at dawn and using direct mode I sent the image to my phone and then shared it with the world -necessary? No. Fun? You bet and the image was scientifically 65x better than the one my phone could take.
Now if you pick up an Eye-Fi card and you go around beaming images to your phone or tablet you want a program that lets you edit those photos.  Two options iPhoto for the iPad or Photoshop Touch for iOS or Android.  Both have interfaces that get out of the way and let you do some serious editing.
Auto white balance does a fine job most of the time and if you shoot RAW you can easily correct the WB in post processing but that does take time and shooting with a calibrated white balance card will reduce that time and give you more accurate results.  This sturdy little card comes with a clip and lanyard.  Throw it in your back and pull it out for tricky situations
Having your photos printed in a professionally created book is really wonderful, last year I recommended Blurb - I am sticking with Blurb again this year but am offering you all the easy way out, give the photographer in your family a gift card, Maybe include a note that says you cant wait to see ___________ in print.  Fill in the blank with vacation, kids, your photos etc.
Last year I recommended the excellent Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera But with all of the recent questions I have received around landscape photography I thought it would be nice to share one of the best books I have seen on the subject. Michael's book is approachable and full of information in clear language.
We are finally starting to see USB 3.0 card readers come down in price and $25 for this Lexar Multiple Format Card Reader is great.  Speedy, doesn't waste your camera battery downloading photos and fits a variety of formats including SD, Micro SD and CF.
 I consider myself a careful and non-klutzy person but this summer a careless move sent my portable backup disk careening toward the hardwood floor, with cat like relfexs I lunged for the tumbling drive only to succeed in shoving it harder into the floor.  Suprisingly it still works but occasionally
I am still a big fan of the value of the Dolica tripods but I was looking for something a bit more compact and have been happy with the Benroo MeFoto tripods - they come in snazzy colors but more importantly they are light, under 4lbs and pack down to portable 12.5" while still providing a stable platform for my heavier gear.
Amazon Gift Cards let the photographer in your life decide what they need or use it as a form of contribution toward a bigger purchase like a lens.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 I usually try to keep each gift guide free of repeats and on a technicality can claim that last year I recommended version 3.  Version 4 adding the map and book modules and loads of improvements in the develop module.  I have used Aperture, iPhoto and Photoshop and none of them , in my opinion, make it as easy to import, tweak and export your photos.  And as mentioned above my geonerdiness is in love with the easy geotagging features of the map module.    Often an argument against shooting Raw is the time it takes to process your files.  Using import presets to process your images in no more time than it takes to import them.
Everyone needs more storage and with prices for 16GB cards now dipping under $20 you should be stuffing the stockings full.  After testing a slew of cards I found the SanDisk Extreme to be great value.
It isn't pretty but small enough and useful enough that everyone should have one in their camera bag.  Sometimes when the weather is ugly the photos are beautiful and spending $6 bucks for this SLR Rainsleeve will keep your gear protected and let you keep shooting.

Nothing on this list that interests you?  Review the 2009 Holiday Gift Guide, 2010 Holiday Gift Guide and 2011 Holiday Gift Guide  Looking for camera recommendations or deals?  Camera Recommendations | Black Friday/CyberMonday Deals and Shopping Advice

Amazon Prime Now Available on Monthly Basis

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Sign up for Amazon Prime now!UPDATE: Amazon has ended this experiment - they are offering a free month Trial which right about now would be pretty smart to sign up for :)  Loads of holiday shipping FREE!It is no secret that I love Amazon, I only have good things to say and their Prime service is one of my favorite features. Amazon Prime is the Free 2-day shipping on 100,000 of items, a huge streaming video collection and free access to top notch kindle  books.Amazon PrimeOh and $3.99 overnight shipping, I have even received items the next day when selecting the free shipping - their order and shipment operations are top notch.  Up till now this was a $79 a year fee, Amazon is now offering this for $8 a year - yes you pay more over the course of a year but I strongly suggest you do this for November and December - The free shipping is offered to where ever you need to ship, not just your house, which makes it wonderful for flinging holiday gifts all over the US.So - Go Sign up for Amazon Prime now - you will thank me later.  And I mean that in the literal sense - you will honestly want to thank me later for saving you time, money and hassle.