Tag Archives: gift guide

A Holiday Gift Guide for Photographers

It’s time again for gifting and we here at APA San Diego have some great ideas for you! Our Chapter has been fortunate enough to align with some truly great sponsors over the years and we’d like to give thanks by featuring some products and services that every photographer would appreciate. To clarify, these are honest endorsements from our board and members and have not been solicited for inclusion.

Give the gift of Print!
Chrome Digital has been a print lab staple in San Diego since 2011 and we can’t speak more highly of their professional and friendly print services. If you have a project that needs something special, they have the touch and any artist or photographer would be happy to receive a gift of print services.

Get those rolls processed!
Speaking of tangible prints, did you know that Nelson Photo and Video has stepped up their film processing game here in town? With multiple ways to get those film rolls processed and printed, there’s little Nelson doesn’t offer for the analog photographer in your life (maybe that’s you!). They also stock an extraordinary array of films in multiple formats (along with the most cutting edge digital gear, too). Who says film is dead? Not us.

Rent something new!
George’s Camera has been a long-time supporter of APA and has served as the go-to camera shop in San Diego for many of us. Their rental department is one of the most comprehensive in town and can help set you up for success. From cameras, lenses, grip, lighting and more, George’s has what you need. Want to learn something new? They offer a variety of classes throughout the year ranging from beginner to advanced.

Pack up your gear for travel!
If you follow our annual photo competition Untitled, you’ll know that ThinkTank has been a faithful sponsor for many years. We couldn’t be happier because their stylish gear is well designed, modern, and extremely durable. It’s safe to say that they have a bag, backpack or luggage system for every photographer’s needs. We’ve heard nothing but great reviews from the many photographers lucky enough to win a ThinkTank prize from us. Currently they are running a holiday sale with 15% off through December 31st, 2023, so hurry in!

man holding an illuminated LED tube light in a dark room.

Shine some new light on it!
Lumecube just keeps bringing out products we can’t get enough of. From their tiny, waterproof Cube lights to their newest RGB Tube kits, we are constantly impressed. The range of sizes and the amount of accessories will accommodate just about any of your LED lighting needs. Competitive pricing and the “I didn’t even know I needed that” design and features will have you hooked.

Expand your art collection and library!
Our members and friends have been busy with so many beautiful, meaningful, and inspiring personal projects and many of these have been published into book form. Shop some of our favorites titles and limited edition prints:
Roadside Meditations, by Rob Hammer
Proximity, by Todd Glaser
Push, by J. Grant Brittain
Nitashia Johnson
Cara Romero
Oriana Poindexter
Samantha Schwann
Sonora, by Scott B. Davis
And Here We Are: Stories from The Sixth Extinction, Bil Zelman

Get inspired!
An annual museum pass is always a great gift to yourself or someone special. Consider supporting any of our great art and cultural museums locally. We have partnered with MOPA in the past and they are now part of the San Deigo Museum of Art collection which means you get two great museums with your membership.

Invest in yourself!
Lastly, if you are looking to give the gift of community, inspiration, and education, look no further than APA. With your membership you give a gift to yourself; a gift of support, camaraderie, learning, advocacy, and most of all, you give back to the photo community you so dearly love. Please consider supporting APA by upgrading, renewing, or joining. We sincerely appreciate your membership.

APA San Diego would like to thank all of our members, sponsors, and supporters for a wonderful 2023. We wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday and a fulfilling New Year!

Our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

gift_guide_2020
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.