Hi friends. Gary Allard, APA|Chapter Chair here. It’s been quite a year. It is our sincere wish that you all have managed to stay healthy and relatively happy through this trying time. And with happier times in mind, we have put together our annual gift-giving guide for photographers. We asked our members to send us their top-rated gift-able items for you to share. Here are few ideas.

It was a big year for book releases and many of our members published some beautiful work. Photo books make great gifts for anyone and here is a collection that is sure to appeal to someone you know:

Bruce W. Talamon Soul. R&B. Funk. Photographs 1972–1982 , A book Bruce describes as “a love letter to the music.” Bruce shared his experiences through an APA|SD online presentation recently. If you missed it, check it out here.

APA Member Todd Glaser has a beautiful book documenting his surf travels around the globe. PROXIMITY is a stunning collection of surf and travel photography.

Actor, filmmaker and photographer Jason Lee has published a photo book of black-and-white photographs  titled In The Gold Dust Rush. It’s an impressive collection of travel images made with 35mm and medium format films.

APA member Rob Hammer has just released an ode to basketball titled American Backcourts, a collection of road trip photos built over the course of 8 years. It’s a nostalgic look at a favorite American past time.

Joni Sternbach’s now iconic book Surf Site Tin Type is an homage to a sport, a way of life and to the people who practice it. While the open editions are now sold out, Joni is offering special signed editions while they last.

Stocking stuffers and gear for the photographer or art lover:

Prints and merchandise from our longtime member and skate photography legend, J. Grant Brittain

Photographer friendly tools and bags: The Nite Ize “Doohickey” key tool and the SmallRig multi-tool are great everyday carry items for photographers. I keep them close, the Doohickey hangs on my keychain and carries my thread adapters.

These baby ball head adapters have so many uses and come in handy for many accessories with a 1/4″ thread (see Litra below).

All photographers need a safe place to carry gear; ThinkTank bags, packs and accessories are among some of the best. The Retrospective Series is a personal favorite of mine.

Litra makes tiny lights for big adventures. These  LEDs are rugged, bright and waterproof to 60 feet. I have a few and I pack them everywhere. Pro tip, they are handlebar mountable and make great bike lights. And members can receive a 25% discount! 

Support our local shops and services with a gift card to Nelson Photo, George’s Camera and Chrome Digital.

A MOPA membership is an excellent gift and helps support all of the great photo programs they have been producing this year.

Looking to give the gift of donations? We support the Gordon Parks Foundation and encourage you to as well.

We hope this little guide helps spark some ideas or makes it easy to share with your loved ones. Thank you to all of our members for your support this year. We wish you a happy and above all, healthy holiday season. Be well. Be safe.