Gift Ideas for the Budding Photographer in Your Life
by Cleveland Newborn Photographer, Mary Christine Photography
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which also means Black Friday is too! With the holidays quickly approaching, I often get a lot of questions about what kind of camera would be best. While this isn’t always a simple answer, we will keep it basic. Of course I am bias as I am a Canon girl, but my recommendations should cross over to the Nikon brand generally. So, without further ado, here are my recommendations for holiday gift ideas for the budding photographer in your life.
For the new parent(s): The entry level DSLR
Inevitably, with the birth of a new baby, many new parents quickly realize they would like a DSLR to document all those amazing moments. And why wouldn’t you??
DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex. A DSLR camera is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor. Goodbye film, hello digital. There are literally a TON of options here, between brands and models, but for the average budding photographer, the best entry level DSLR is going to be a Canon Rebel.
My pick? The canon Ti6. With wifi capability and a flip around touch screen, this will make uploading your photos and reviewing them a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind, the camera is only as good as your settings. So please get comfortable with the manual and venture outside of auto.
Already love your DSLR?
Lenses make a great gift! If you shoot a lot inside, which let’s face it, if you live in Northeast Ohio, that’s at least 6 months out of the year, then the Canon 50mm 1.8 lens will give you a great lens for your money! Love the aperture priority mode? Then this lens is for you!
Want something for outside? Kids soccer games perhaps? Canon makes a EF 28-135mm that gives you a huge range of focal lengths.
Not ready for a DSLR?
Try a mirrorless camera! Nikon makes a great mirrorless camera! Keep in mind that these type of cameras still need lenses, so factor buying lenses into your budget.
Already have a camera you love? 
Fantastic! A remote and a tripod are a great accessory to have! They allow you to hope into the photo. More great news, these make for inexpensive gifts, starting at just $8. Now that’s a price that you can’t beat!
Still not sure?
Here’s my shameless plug! Buy them a gift certificate to their favorite photographer. Ehem, I offer them for any amount. 😉 If I so happen to be on your shopping list or another professional photographer, a gift card to favorite prop vendors would put you on the good list for eternity (Luneberry, Baby Bliss Props, Cora and Violet, Sew Trendy, the list goes on).
Thank you for stopping by the blog! I hope this helps with gift ideas for your holiday season. Please check out my latest work on the blog.