01. Adobe Creative Cloud

I thought I was an amazing photographer until the day I realized the post-production of an image was just as important as the snapping of the photo itself. The day I downloaded editing software, my world changed. Recently Adobe has moved to a subscription-based software model, but trust me it’s worth it. The best option for me has been the Photographer bundle which includes Lightroom (Classic and CC) as well as Photoshop!

Adobe Creative Cloud | $9.99/m

02. Nifty-Fifty

Often when you purchase your first DSLR camera it will be bundled with what is known as a kit lens. Which is great when you are starting out. However, if you are looking for your first step into pro lenses, may we suggest the 50mm portrait lens. A 1.8 aperture is an affordable lens that will make a world of difference in your shooting capabilities – taking you to the big kid magical arena of “prime lenses”.

Nikon 85 1.8 | $219.00

Cannon 85 1.8 | $99.99

03.Camera Harness

This one is actually personal because we just purchased this for each other this year. After years of going strapless and carrying around heavy bags all day long, we found these beautiful leather harnesses. Much more affordable than money makers, these have wonderful reviews and about half the cost. Currently on sale for $130.84.

LCase Bags Duel Camera Harness | $130.84

04. Small Business Photo Gifts

Speaking of Etsy lets stay on the topic of helping small businesses. Etsy has a plethora of adorable, fun, funny, or funky gifts for photographers.

Le Bau Jewlery Too – Camera Charm Bracelet| $16.15

Murphy Clothing Shop – Coffee & Editing Kinda Day Tee | $14.41

Iona Gift Store – Oh Snap! Personalized Mug | $12.99

05. Hard Cover Photo Books

hat better way to feel inspired than to flip through the pages of some of the mist Influential images of al time? Perfect to leave on the coffee table and a natural conversation starter.

100 Photographs – The Most Influential Images of All Time Hardcover Book | $42.34

06. A Color Calibration System

Another thing I wish I knew when starting my photography business was about monitor color calibration. This is one of the more expensive gifts on our list but we believe that this is the key to producing beautifully consistent images.

X-Rite i1Display | $239

Datacolor SpyderX Pro | $169.99

07. A Portrait Session with Their Favorite Photographer

We are really happy about when our clients booked our services so why do we always tend to neglect our own family portraits. I’m raising my hand high in the sky here! It’s hard to justify spending money on something you can technically do yourself. Am I right – why would we want to? I can’t stress how important is to not to forget to document your own life. The gift session is the perfect idea!

Price – Varies

08. Skylight Digital Frame

I will be the first to admit I may be a professional photographer but I am also the WORST at displaying my own families photos. I saw this gem of a gift on Good Morning America last year and didn’t hesitate to by this as a gift for my parents last year. They LOVE it. As business owners we don’t have extra time to download and upload photos, the best feature of this frame is you set up an unique skylight email address. When you want to add a new image to the frame you can just email your skylight address that photo – right from your phone or computer. Done. Photos display within minutes on your frame. $159.99

Skylight Frame | $159.99

09. A Donation in Your Name

May we suggest 100 Cameras Non-Profit. A nonprofit organization that works with kids around the world who have had challenging experiences, and we teach them how to process and tell their stories through photography in a way that impacts how they view themselves and their role in their community.

100 Cameras Org | Price Varies

10. The Gift of Education

My grandmother had a saying – Never Stop Learning. Perhaps she said that because she didn’t have an education beyond 8th grade, but to me she was the smartest and wisest person I’ve known. Turning her passion of sewing into a career of helping the needy.

There is always something new to learn. Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for a while. Having the passion to learn has always contributed to our success and we know it can do the same for you!

Purchase a one-year membership at Education for Creatives and receive two months free.

Education for Creatives | $20 / m or $199 / year

•