^{Photo by evgenyatamanenko via iStock}

There are plenty of obvious things you need to invest in as a photographer, like a good camera body, solid lenses, a tripod, and so forth.

But there are plenty of other items you should add to your list of things to get if you want to streamline your workflow and make the most of the images you take.

Specifically, you need a good office setup with a capable computer, a monitor that allows you to multitask without hurting your eyes, various backup storage options, and so forth.

I've been at this a long time and have tested all kinds of office gear along the way. Here are just a few of my recommendations for the best items photographers need to invest in.

A Good Computer

The brains of your operation (other than you, of course!) is your computer. As such, it needs to be as high-powered a unit as you can afford. After all, processing images and videos takes a lot of juice, and your old Chromebook simply won't cut it.

And for my tastes, a high-powered laptop is the way to go, that way you can bring your workstation with you on the road.

If you're a Mac person, I highly recommend the 16-inch Macbook Pro.

I have the 2.4GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9 version with 64GB of RAM. It also has a Radeon Pro 5500M 8GB Intel UHD video card, which is the best Apple offers at this point. It's not the greatest video card of all time, but so far, it's gotten the job done just fine.

I've been a Mac user for a long time, and this is the latest in a long line of Macbook Pros that I've had. It has proven to be the most capable of the bunch and offers me the speed, dependability, and portability that I want.

On the other hand, if you're a PC person, the Razer Blade 15 Studio is tough to beat.

This computer is designed for gaming, but I've found it to be a perfect addition to my home office to tackle hard-core video processing tasks with ease.

This particular model has a 6-core Intel i9 processor with 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage.

But the eye-popping spec on this laptop is the NVIDIA Quadro 5000 GPU...

This graphics card is one of the best money can buy - it's like Hollywood-level stuff!

If your business includes a lot of video work, I highly recommend that you take a long, hard look at this machine.

I've been a PC skeptic for a long time because I could never find the one PC laptop that could do everything I needed it to do...until this thing!

A Boost for Your Graphics Card

If you already have a laptop that you love but that's lacking in the graphics card department, you might consider investing in the Razer Core X Chroma eGPU.

This bad boy helps put a supercharge into your laptop's video card, that way you get a true desktop-grade video experience.

It comes with plug-and-play support for a wide range of graphics cards on PCs and Macs.

Though this gadget is intended to give gaming systems a power boost, I've found it to be incredibly helpful for my video editing work.

A Better Display

When I first started in this business I had a Macbook Pro 13-inch laptop. I didn't use a Bluetooth keyboard. I didn't have a mouse. I didn't have an external monitor, either.

That plain Jane setup was all I could afford back then, but it certainly wasn't ideal for my workflow. My how a decade (and change) has improved my workspace!

For the longest time, I had HP and LG displays, and I thought they were awesome. They were awesome, but now that I'm rocking the display setup you see above, those old displays of mine seem so old and quaint.

These ViewSonic displays (the 38-inch VP3881 on the bottom and the 34-inch VP3481 on the top) have been total game changers. 

Not only do they both offer me all the real estate I need to have split screens and multiple windows open at the same time, but they also have an incredibly sharp display with the most accurate colors I've ever seen on a monitor.

Add in a curved, immersive display, built-in speakers, and the ability to split screens, tile screens, and have multiple views open on both screens, and you have the makings of the ideal display setup for photo and video work.

Learn More:

• Top 5 PC Laptops
• Productivity Tips to Jumpstart Your Success

Backup Storage Options

It goes without saying that you need backup storage options for all your work. And not just one option, either.

I have multiple backups that are part of my workflow, each with a slightly different role.

The big boy, if you will, is my Synology DiskStation DS918+ network attached storage (NAS). This thing has a quad-core Intel Celeron J3455 processor at 1.5GHz, four hot-swappable bays, encrypted file transmission, and is incredibly easy to set up. The Synology operating system is intuitive and easy to use as well. For my money, there is no better NAS.

I also have the G-DRIVE 10TB USB-C external hard drive on my desk.

It offers ultra-high-speed data transfers and allows for daisy-chaining for up to five additional devices.

The enterprise-class 7200 RPM hard drive is both fast and reliable, and it's Apple Time Machine compatible. The aluminum case is durable and looks pretty badass too!

A third backup storage device I use on the daily is the SanDisk 2TB SSD drive shown above.

This little guy works with my Macbook Pro and my Razer PC and is built like a tank. When I need to work on the road, this is the device I bring with me because it is small, lightweight, and easy to transport. It's a reliable backup too!

A Desk & Chair That Promote Better Health

Photographers do a lot of sitting at their desks, and I for one can't stand to sit for all that long. That's why I invested in an iMovR Lander standing desk.

This desk is beautifully made and hugely functional - it takes just seconds to move the desk from a sitting to a standing height using the onboard paddles or the accompanying smartphone app.

I spend a lot of my day standing now, and my neck, shoulders, and back are the better for it!

Plus, these desks are super durable, well-made, and stand up to the rigors of my daily grind (and having my young son in my office banging his toys around on the desktop).

When I'm seated, I sit on a Herman Miller Embody desk chair that offers tons of support and provides the ultimate in comfort.

This is actually the second Embody chair I've had over the last 10 years, and I will never go back to having a more traditional desk chair. This thing is expensive, but it is worth every penny as the hours of editing photos and videos drag on!

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro

As I explain in my video above, I always saw my iPads as more of a novelty or entertainment device than a device I could use for work.

That all changed when I picked up an Apple Magic Keyboard for my iPad Pro.

With this keyboard, my iPad is now a much more functional and useful device for getting work tasks done. It absolutely blows away all the previous iPad keyboards I've tried over the years. It has been one of my favorite additions to my office gear this year - it's that good!

Learn More:

• How to Set Up a Photography Portfolio
• How to Set Up a Photography Business

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I’ve been working from home for years, so I’ve developed a pretty good workflow for getting my work done and doing so in the most comfortable and healthiest ways. This includes having a standing desk that allows me to move from a seated to a standing position quickly and easily.

For those of you that began working at home due to the pandemic, you might not have had the luxury of a workspace that can adapt to your needs, let alone have a standing desk that gets you up and moving to keep the deleterious effects of sitting down all day at a minimum.

Now that so many more folks are working from home - and I suspect many of you will keep working at home for the foreseeable future - it might be a good idea to invest in a stand-up desk.

The question is, what’s the best stand-up desk for 2021?

This year, we were on the fence between two desks to take the title of best stand-up desk. Seeing that both desks are from the same company, we’re going to feature them both, that way you can decide which of the two best fits your needs. 

Let’s get to it!

iMovR Lander Standing Desk

The iMovR Lander Standing Desk sets the industry standard as a premier desk option. But don’t let the word “premier” make you think that there’s a premier price tag - this is still a highly affordable option for you to consider.

One of the things that makes the Lander premier is that besides the use of top-quality components and precision robotic manufacturing, iMovR standing desks are the only ones manufactured on-demand, and that means you get to personalize it to your own space and decor out of literally thousands of size and color options.

This made-in-the-USA desk features a next-generation electric base with whisper-quiet motors that have a lifting capacity of 365 pounds. I hope you don’t have that much work on your desk, but if you do, the iMovR Lander can lift it!

The out-of-the-box experience is exceptional, like receiving a new iPhone. The desk is factory pre-assembled and individually tested, so the odds of having any sort of problem getting your new desk working are a fraction of 1%. All you have to do after unboxing is pop the legs into the desktop to get up and running. It literally takes three minutes to assemble a Lander, with no tools required (see if for yourself in this video). Pretty much every other standing desk out there is an involved “IKEA kit” assembly in comparison. 

Changing the height of the desk is quick and easy via the intuitive height-control paddle (which also gives you subtle visual reminders to change your position). The controller is Bluetooth-enabled and works with a free companion app that allows you to control the desk from your phone.

Movement of the desk is smooth and steady, and can be made via double-tapping the paddle or by using touchless controls, which helps minimize the spread of germs if other people use the desk.

The desktop is made of advanced 3D laminates that offer you a variety of benefits. Not only are there hundreds of size and color combinations that you can choose from, but the desktops are also highly durable and will stand up to the daily rigors of use for years and years to come.

In fact, this desk is true “contract-grade” furniture that’s fully certified to ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2014 standards.

Unlike some desks, the iMovR Lander comes with an incredible warranty - 10 years on the base components and five years on the desktop. That kind of backing is what you’d expect from a company that takes pride in its products and takes the time to build its desks the right way!

Adding to the appeal of this desk is the fact that it arrives 98-percent pre-assembled from the factory. In fact, there are no tools required to set your desk up. This means you’ll have your new workspace ready to go in minutes, not hours like some other standing desks require.

iMovR also gives you tons of additional options that allow you to make your Lander desk a precise fit for your needs. You can opt for the Lander Desk with a built-in SteadyType ergodynamic keyboard tray (or attachable SteadyType Exo ergodynamic tray),configure a treadmill desk workstation, or go for an L-desk if you like, among other options.

Also of increasing popularity is 36 solid wood options that iMovR offers on the Lander, if you’re looking for something truly “premium.” These are available in all the same configurations as the 3D-laminate desks, including the Lander Lite variant which has a little less lift capacity and a lower price point than its big brother.

To recap, the iMovR Lander Standing Desk is beautifully designed, well-built in the USA, features easy-to-use technology, and maxes out functionality with loads of options, configurations, and arrangements.

If that doesn’t say “best stand-up desk for 2021,” I don’t know what will!

Learn More:

• iMovR Lander L-Desk Review
• iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk Review

iMovR ZipDesk

While the Lander and other desk lines that iMovR offers are made-to-order, they recently spun up a new brand, called ZipDesk, for creating state-of-the-art standing desks that ship and assemble lightning-fast.  

These ZipDesks ship right out of stock the same day they’re ordered so there aren’t a lot of choices in size and color like you have with all of iMovR’s other desks. That’s the trade-off.

It takes just eight minutes to assemble this desk. Eight minutes!  

It's also worth noting that the ZipDesk is also the only standing desk ever designed to rapidly disassemble, go back into its original shipping carton, and move to its next location via UPS or FedEx. This is a great concept for those who plan to move in the future, even back to the old corporate campus. 

The ZipDesk arrives at your door 95-percent pre-assembled, and just like the Lander desk, it is stress-free assembly that doesn’t require you to break out the toolbox. In fact, this is the only premium-quality, American-made standing desk that ships to your door with this level of pre-assembly in a single box.

Since this is a desk in a box, it can ship within 24 hours rather than waiting for a week or two for freight shipments. So not only is this desk one that can be quickly set up, but it’s also a desk that will get to you faster in the first place. 

Being a desk in a box doesn’t mean that iMovR has skimped on the quality...far from it! Like the Lander, the ZipDesk is as tech-forward as it gets with a Bluetooth controller and a smartphone app for touchless controls.

This desk has a state-of-the-art, dual-stage, dual-motor electric lift. The motors can lift up to 265 pounds, so, again, if you have a lot of work piled up on your desk, it still won’t be a match for iMovR!

Coming soon: iMovR is soon to release a first-of-its-kind feature on any standing desk, the ability to print a high resolution image across the entire desktop! That means you will be able to crop your favorite photo to either 24”x47” or 30”x53” and have it durably printed right on your desktop. Because we are all photography nuts here at PhotographyTalk, naturally, iMovR has promised us the scoop on revealing this new capability to the world as soon as it is ready.

The ZipDesk also features an anti-collision and tilt-over detection technology to ensure safe operation - something you simply do not find on desks at this price point. Speaking of operation, the desk uses a fully-programmable digital controller for movement. The controller has an LCD readout and three height favorites that you can quickly and easily choose from.

But what about durability?

The ZipDesk is engineered and built in the USA, so you can rest easy knowing that this desk will be with you for the long haul. It’s ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2014 certified for durability and reliability, and ANSI/BIFMA G1-2013 certified for compliance with ergonomic guidelines. There’s even a 10-year top-to-bottom warranty and a 100-day satisfaction guarantee.

So, what does all this mean?

The ZipDesk is an affordable stand-up desk option that doesn’t skimp on the amenities. You still get the same smooth, easy desk movement, the same quality materials, and the same functionality and ease of use as other iMovR products.

In other words, for those of you that are on a tighter budget, or for those of you that need a desk sooner rather than later, the ZipDesk from iMovR is a fantastic option.

Really, either way you go you’ll get a top-quality desk. Now all that’s left to decide is which of these options is the best stand-up desk for your needs!

Learn More:

• iMovR Lander Desk Review
• iMovR Lander Lite Desk Review

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^{Photo by Eugene_EM via iStock}

Each year, we publish a series of lists of our favorite photography gear for holiday shopping. This go-round is our list of gear under $1,000.

While a lot of photography gear is far more expensive than a $1,000 budget allows, there's plenty of other gift ideas that are less than a grand, and in many cases, a lot less.

Our 2022 list has some great options for your holiday shopping, so scroll down to get started!

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: CanvasPrints.com Canvas Print

I don’t know about you, but I find that there are two common problems when searching for gifts for my loved ones. First, I have a lot of people in my life that are difficult to shop for. And second, it can be difficult to find gifts that have long-term utility.

I think I’ve found a solution for both problems, though…

This year, I’m giving canvas prints to many of the people on my holiday shopping list. Why? Well, it’s easy! Even the most difficult of people to shop for enjoy a good photo. What’s more, the chances are high that they have wall space to put a printed photo.

On top of that, a canvas print is something that can be enjoyed for years - decades, really - to come. It isn’t a one-and-done gift that offers flash-in-the-pan excitement during the holidays, then finds its way into a closet somewhere. 

Instead, by giving someone a gorgeous photo that’s been hand-crafted just for them, you can give them the gift of time - time to enjoy the print each and every day.

So, the question is, where do you get a good canvas print?

Earlier this year, I ordered a canvas print from CanvasPrints.com. It was my first such order, so I wasn’t completely sure what to expect.

Well, what I got in the mail was a superb canvas print!

As I shared in this post, the canvas I got from CanvasPrints.com ticks all the boxes in terms of quality:

• The printing process was flawless, with no ink smudges or stains.
• The high-quality canvas is tightly wrapped around the frame, with no waves or puckering.
• The frame is well-made with square corners and a center support to ensure it stays square.
• The canvas is attached to the frame with plenty of staples to further ensure the canvas remains tight.

Additionally, I like that CanvasPrints.com uses a wire hanger on the back rather than the more typical sawtooth hanger. I find that sawtooth hangers are often not attached to the frame in the center (and often aren’t level, either), which obviously complicates hanging the print level. With a wire hanger, there’s no concern there!

In other words, my first experience with CanvasPrints.com could not have gone better. As a result of that, they’ve earned my business for additional prints for myself and for my loved ones this holiday season. You should entrust them to create a beautiful print of your images as well!

I should note that the materials used to create these prints are American-made and of the utmost quality to ensure the print that arrives at your door looks incredible. If something goes awry, no worries - CanvasPrints.com offers a 100-percent money-back guarantee with your print.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your holiday shopping done, get a fantastic gift that keeps on giving, and give the gift of a special moment in time with a CanvasPrints.com print!

Learn more about CanvasPrints.com

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: f-stop Shinn Adventure and Cine Backpack

f-stop makes some really fine bags - there's no doubt about that. And while a camera backpack that's $700 might seem like a crazy price, this is one of those situations in which you really do get what you pay for.

Besides, if you're carrying thousands and thousands of dollars of photography gear, you want it inside a rock-solid protective bag. That's exactly what the f-stop Shinn is!

At 80 liters, this is an absolutely enormous bag. As such, it accommodates a lot of gear.

With that much space, you can carry a large camera setup or cine rig. Alternatively, you could carry multiple DSLR or mirrorless systems at the same time.

The exterior of the bag is made from f-stop's proprietary DuraDiamond material, which is incredibly strong, super lightweight, and weather resistant.

Carrying so much weight means you'll want a solid system for managing all that weight on your body, and the Shinn does that with BLOOM foam shoulder straps and hip belt. My f-stop Tilopa has this kind of shoulder straps and hip belt, and it's one of the most comfortable setups I've ever experienced.

In addition to the BLOOM foam straps and belt, the Shinn also has an aluminum frame that helps shift the weight of the bag to your hips, which is exactly where you want it. A combination of plastic and T6 aluminum hardware helps strengthen the critical components of the suspension system as well.

Inside, the bag has loads of organization and storage features to keep small items like cords, memory cards, and batteries neatly tucked away.

To organize your camera gear, you can use a Cine Master Camera Bag Insert or a Pro XL camera insert. These inserts are crucial because they keep your gear neatly tucked away, safely ensconced in a soft cubby to prevent damage. And if you're taking a trip without your camera gear, just remove the inserts and you have a cavernous bag to fit all the adventure gear you need!

I've had many f-stop bags over the years, with each one seemingly better than the last. These guys know how to put a bag together, from using weather-resistant zippers to providing multiple access points to developing the best carrying system on the market.

If you really want to wow the photographer in your life, the f-stop Shinn is just the gift to do it!

Learn more about the f-stop Shinn Adventure and Cine Backpack

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: iMovR Jaxson Standing Desk

Sitting at a desk editing photos all day isn't just uncomfortable. It's also unhealthy. As photographers, we need to get up, move around, and change positions as we work over the course of the day. The iMovR Jaxson Standing Desk can help in that endeavor.

As you'd expect from iMovR, this is a beautifully designed and built desk. It features brushless motor lifting columns for smooth adjustments and advanced 3D-laminated desktops that are both beautiful and durable.

The desk's contoured edges, array of desktop finishes, and warm base colors make this an attractive addition to a home office as well.

Perhaps the best feature of the Jaxson Standing Desk is the technology it incorporates.

Not only does it have NFC and Bluetooth, but it also has infrared presence sensing so it knows if you're at the desk or not. Likewise, there's a collision detection system to ensure that the desk won't impact other objects as it raises or lowers.

The health coach smartphone app is another top feature that extends the capabilities of this desk and helps you maintain healthy movement throughout the day.

Add in a 15-year warranty and a 100-day satisfaction guarantee to the mix!

These desks are proudly made in the USA and make a superb holiday gift idea for yourself or the photographer on your shopping list.

With a wide range of finish options and tons of technology to help you have a more comfortable workday, there's no reason not to invest in a Jaxson Standing Desk!

Learn more about the iMovR Jaxson Standing Desk

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

If you’re shopping for a photographer that typically travels a lot, I’ve got a great gift idea for you. 

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is an incredible bit of design. It’s a full-fledged tripod that’s ultra sturdy and durable, yet when collapsed is about the diameter of a water bottle for super easy packing.

This particular tripod is made of carbon fiber to keep the weight down and has aluminum leg locking cams that allow you to simultaneously release the leg’s 5 sections. This makes setting up the tripod a quick job. 

The tripod extends up to 60 inches with the center column deployed and can get down to just 5.5 inches above the ground for low-angle shots.

You also get a ball head that was completely redesigned and includes no knobs or levers that stick out - which is part of what makes this tripod so packable and easy to travel with. 

Add in a quick-release system that fits Peak Design plates and most Arca-type plates, a 20-pound load capacity, and non-slip shock-absorbing feet (among many other features), and you have the makings of a gift that your favorite photographer will be over the moon for!

Learn more about the Peak Design Travel Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Sony Alpha a6300 

A great holiday gift idea for the photographer on your list is a Sony camera.

By opting for a pre-owned camera, you can save a ton of money while still giving an awesome gift this holiday season.

The Sony a6300 offers lots of features, including a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, 4K video at 30p, HD video at 1080p/120, and continuous shooting at 11fps.

Add to that a spectacular 425-point autofocus system with tracking AF, excellent image quality, and a small, lightweight body, and the a6300 is a perfect gift for a photographer that needs a capable yet highly portable camera.

Plus, with the a6300, you give the gift of a small, yet mighty camera with superb photographic and video capabilities, but that can easily slide into a camera bag with loads of room to spare.

There are also many different lenses that work with this camera, so if you wanted to expand the gift-giving, you could potentially find a nice pre-owned E-mount lens to add to the mix.

Whether the photographer on your list photographs people, buildings, landscapes, wildlife, or something in between, this camera will be a welcome addition to their camera bag!

Learn more about the Sony a6300Sony a6300

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Synology 6 bay NAS DiskStation DS1621+

Yet another ideal gift for the photographer on your list this holiday season is a device that enables quick, secure storage of a ton of files. Tons of files is something every photographer has!

The Synology DiskStation DS1621+ is a great solution for backup and storage with six bays in a compact setup that can be put on top of a desk.

This model has faster performance than the previous model with read speeds up to 174 percent faster and 76 percent faster write speeds. It's also scalable, with the ability to have up to 16 drives with two DX517 expansion units.

The DS1621+ is also ready for 10GbE with the ability to increase network bandwidth by adding a 10GbE SFP+ or RJ-45 NIC. 

On top of all that, the DS1621+ offers the flexibility to back up data from the cloud, virtual machines, and Windows PCs and servers, along with data on the NAS itself. This can be done with several easy-to-use tools including HyperBackup, Snapshot Replication, and Synology's Active Backup suite.

In other words, Synology makes it as easy as possible to get those all-important files backed up. In a busy day of running a photography business, that's just the kind of peace of mind you need!

Learn more about the Synology 6 Bay NAS DiskStation DS1621+

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Cutco Galley Set With Block

We've been doing this gift guides for years now, and every year, we get requests to add lifestyle items to the mix - things that might not be related to photography, but that photographers (and anyone!) can enjoy. So, this year, we're doing just that.

A good knife set is like a good camera kit - when you buy top-quality products, your ability to work with them and the results you get will be better. Plus, quality gear lasts forever, so making an investment in something that's well-made and durable will benefit you now and long into the future.

One of the lifestyle gift ideas I immediately thought of for this list is this Galley Set with Block from Cutco.

I have several Cutco products, and I can't rave about them enough. From the quality of the knives to the beauty of the block to the functionality of having a multi-piece set, Cutco gives you everything you need to get cracking in the kitchen.

This particular set includes:

• A honey finish oak block
• A medium cutting board
• A turning fork
• A spatula spreader
• A slicer
• A petite carver
• A trimmer
• A 7 5/8-inch chef knife
• A 2 3/4-inch paring knife
• Your choice of classic, pearl, or red handles

In other words, you get everything you need to get yourself out of your editing studio and into the kitchen for a relaxing session of cooking. What could be better than cooking with this gorgeous set from Cutco?!

Learn more about the Cutco Galley Set With Block

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Holdfast Roamographer

With a $1,000 holiday budget, you can give the photographer on your list a gift that is impeccably designed, highly functional, and way under budget, too. 

The Holdfast Roamographer bag is one of the finest leather camera bags on the market. It offers gorgeous aesthetics with an American Bison leather exterior that’s beautiful and rugged at the same time.

Not only will this leather stand up to the elements and age with grace, but it’s also weather resistant so you can be sure the contents of the bag remain safe and dry.

It’s a big bag and can carry lots of gear, but carrying it is a breeze with an adjustable shoulder strap with a shearling-lined shoulder pad for comfort.

Or, if you prefer, you can carry the Roamographer using the Holdfast MoneyMaker for even more functionality and comfort, as seen above.

The inside of the bag must be mentioned as well. 

The removable camera insert means that no matter how much or how little gear your favorite photographer needs to carry, the Roamographer will help them keep it organized.

The padded insert has cubbies specifically for cameras, lenses, flashes, and other accessories, while there’s interior and exterior pockets for other goodies like a phone, car keys, and a tablet.

The insert is removable, too, so on weekends when they’re not on the job, the photographer on your list can use this as a weekend bag, too. 

That makes the Holdfast Roamographer a beautiful, functional, and multi-purpose bag!

Learn more about the Holdfast Roamographer

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Canon EOS RP

Full frame cameras don't have to be big. They don't have to be expensive, either!

The Canon EOS RP is a perfect gift idea for the holiday season because it offers excellent performance in a small package. Plus, if you buy a pre-owned camera, you can save money to buy additional gifts for the photographer on your list.

The EOS RP is an entry-level full frame camera, but that doesn't mean it lacks features. Instead, this camera is ready to go with:

• 26.2-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 8 image processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus
• Built-in EVF with 2.36 million dots of resolution and touch capabilities

Since this is a full frame camera, it offers excellent low-light shooting capabilities. And since it's one of the smallest and lightest full frame mirrorless cameras on the market, it doesn't take up a ton of space in your bag, nor is it difficult to carry.

As I mentioned a moment ago, buying a pre-owned Canon EOS RP gives you flexibility with your budget to get additional items. And while buying used can be a little nerve-wracking, if you shop at MPB, you can rest assured that you're getting a quality used camera.

MPB thoroughly inspects and grades each camera in their inventory and clearly lists the item's condition on the listing page. This enables you to know precisely what to expect when the camera arrives at your door. If, for some reason, you decide you don't want the camera, simply return it during the seven-day return window.

MPB has your back for the long haul, too. Most of their cameras come with a six-month warranty for peace of mind.

Learn more about the Canon EOS RP

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition

Add a little fun to your favorite photographer's photoshoots with the Insta360 ONE RS!

This little camera offers gorgeous 6K 360-degree video capabilities  as well as 21-megapixel 360-degree photos. The camera seamlessly stitches the 360 stills together for a breathtaking view of the subject that's impossible to get with a traditional camera.

These 360-degree images and videos are possible due to the dual one-inch sensors. Both sensors provide unparalleled dynamic range and excellent low-light performance, too.

Other features include:

• PureShot HDR for wider dynamic range
• FlowState Stabilization for beautifully smooth images and videos
• 360 Horizon lock to ensure images and videos are level

The camera comes with a mounting bracket, a vertical battery case, a lens cap, and more!

Learn more about the Insta360 ONE RS

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 ^{photo byPekic via iStock}

We're getting down to the wire with the holiday shopping season...

If you're in a rush to find the perfect gift for the photographer on your list, don't fret - we've got some great ideas!

With a budget of $2,500, you can find all sorts of epic gifts for photographers including cameras, lighting, office equipment, and much more.

Let's get to the list!

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: iMovR Lander Standing Desk

One of the great things about the holiday season is that you have an opportunity to really change a loved one’s life for the better.

And this isn’t hyperbole - with a gift like the iMovR Lander Standing Desk, you can help your favorite photographer be more comfortable, healthier, and more productive.

Think about it…

Sitting at a desk editing photos all day isn’t good for your neck, shoulders, or back. You need to move your positioning as you work, varying from sitting to standing, to ward off the negative effects of sitting for hours and hours on end. The iMovR Lander desk lets you do that with ease. So, how is this accomplished?

The Lander desk has electric motors that can lift up to 365 pounds and do so with whisper-quiet operation. The motors are engaged in one of two ways: the height-control paddle on the underside of the desktop or the companion smartphone app. With a simple double-tap of the paddle or a tap of your finger on your smartphone screen, you can move the desk up and down as you please.

And unlike many desks, the iMovR Lander doesn’t require a ton of time or tools to assemble. 

In fact, this desk arrives 98-percent assembled, so you’re not only giving an incredible gift, but one that comes without a huge investment of time required to put it together. In about three minutes the legs can be attached to the desk (with no tools!) and the photographer on your list can go about setting up their workspace.

iMovR gives you peace of mind with the desk, too. There’s a five-year warranty on the desktop and a 10-year warranty on the base components. On top of that, the desk is beautifully engineered and constructed, so you can give the gift of something that will be durable and functional for the long term.

The desktop is made of 3D laminate material that is highly durable. There are also hundreds of color and size combinations to choose from, so you can truly design the perfect desk for your loved one (or yourself!).

Best of all, this desk starts at just over $1,000, so with a $2,500 budget, you’ll have a lot of money left over. Perhaps you can buy two desks!

Learn more about the iMovR Lander Standing Desk

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Ikan Professional 15-Inch High Bright Beam Splitter Teleprompter With Travel Kit

If you're shopping for a photographer that wants to start a YouTube channel or is otherwise interested in producing video content, a professional teleprompter is certainly a gift that they will get a lot of use out of.

This 15-inch beam splitter teleprompter from Ikan is what I personally use in my home studio, and I couldn't be happier with it.

One of the best features of this teleprompter is its bright 1000 nit monitor. No matter if I have the studio lights on full blast with the window shades open or if I'm shooting at night with low light, I can clearly see the monitor and see the text I need to read.

Another nice feature you get with this teleprompter is its compatibility with different camera mount options. Whether you're using a small mirrorless camera or a dedicated video camera or something in between, this teleprompter can accommodate most rigs.

Setup is easy, too, with simple balancing and a quick-adjust base. The lightweight and compact design are also nice for small studios like I have, as well as for traveling. Speaking of which, this teleprompter comes with a handy travel case for easy transport.

Add in high-quality American-made 70/30 beam splitter glass, the ability to flip the image on the monitor, and the ability to read the monitor from up to 17 feet away, and you have the makings of a fantastic addition to your favorite photographer's or videographer's home studio!

Learn more about the Ikan Professional 15-Inch Bright Beam Splitter Teleprompter With Travel Kit

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Ask any photographer what the most versatile focal length is, and many will likely say it's 50mm

You can use a 50mm lens for all sorts of pursuits - portraiture, landscape photography, street photography, and videography, just to name a few.

Heck, you can even reverse-mount a 50mm and use it for macro photography!

In this case, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM goes above and beyond what a normal 50mm f/1.8 offers and gives photographers a bigger maximum aperture for light-collecting capabilities and improved bokeh.

And since this is a L-series lens, you get the advantage of improved optics for superb image quality.

That image quality is thanks in large part to the three aspherical and one UD element inside the lens. These elements help generate high image quality from center to corner with reduced aberrations and distortion.

This lens is also vibration-resistant, weather-sealed, and has fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements that help repel water and dust.

In other words, this lens was built to last to provide photographers with reliable service for years and years to come.

Learn more about the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Aputure Light Storm LC 120d II

Photography (and videography, for that matter), are all about good lighting. And when it's good lighting you're after, it's tough to beat the Aputure 120d II.

I have these lights in my home studio, and as I explain in my review of this light, I couldn't be happier with their features, performance, and ease of use.

One look at the spec sheet and you can see why I've been so impressed with the Aputure 120d II:

• 1000-watt Tungsten equivalent
• Integrated power and control box
• CRI & TLCI 97+
• Dimmable from 100 percent to just 1 percent
• Built-in lighting effects, including fireworks, fire, lightning, paparazzi, and TV flicker
• 18 dB quiet fan
• DMX Capability
• Wireless remote (328-foot range) 

With this light, you get clean, beautiful lighting, the option to dim or brighten it from 1 to 100 percent, and you can select from a range of special effects, all in a light that offers quiet operation. Nice!

If you're shopping for a photographer or videographer that needs to upgrade their lighting setup, this is the one that should be at the top of your shopping list!

Learn more about the Aputure Light Storm LC 120d II

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Pre-Owned Nikon Z6

The Nikon Z6 is a fantastic mirrorless camera, and since it's been a couple of years since its release, its price has dropped - especially for pre-owned models.

Whether you're shopping for a Nikon shooter who could use an upgrade to a "new" camera or you're shopping for a photographer that wants to get into the Nikon Z ecosystem, this is a great choice.

The Z6 has a 24.5-megapixel full frame back-illuminated sensor that offers top-notch image quality with excellent detail, clarity, and sharpness.

The 12fps burst shooting speed is ideal for action photography while the 273-point autofocus system helps you keep track of moving targets.

On the back is a large 3.2-inch variable-angle touchscreen LCD with 2.1 million dots of resolution, so you can easily see the camera's menu system and take a peek at images you've shot.

The Z6 has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, shoots 4K video, and has a battery life of 310 shots.

This camera is an excellent option for photographers that want a solid rig that can tackle still photos and videos all in one package!

Learn more about the Nikon Z6

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: CanvasHQ Print

One of my favorite gifts to give (and to get, while we're at it) is a big, beautiful print.

Personally, I like canvas because of the texture the canvas gives to the print. Besides, a canvas print is something that will continue to give joy to the person that receives it for years and years to come!

Now, I know what you're thinking...canvas is so old-school.

But if you order your canvases from the right printers, you can get something that is beautiful, well-made and looks modern, even if the substrate is perhaps a bit old-school.

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are fromCanvasHQ.

These are some of the best canvas prints I've ever purchased. The sharpness of detail, the color accuracy, and the overall build quality of these prints is next-level good.

Part of the reason for this is the materials CanvasHQ uses. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back. 

In the video above, you can see how one of my CanvasHQ prints stacks up against similar prints from other printing companies. I think you'll see why I'm so loyal to CanvasHQ!

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ.

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Holdfast Roamographer Duffle Bag, Camera Bag, and MoneyMaker

This might just be the ultimate photography setup...

If you want to impress a photographer, go ahead and give them a bundle of products from Holdfast.

Holdfast's venerable Roamographer bags not only look incredible, but they're also incredibly functional, too.

Give them the Roamographer Duffle Bag for those long weekends out taking photos.

The duffle is handcrafted out of American Bison hide and has a shearling-lined shoulder strap for easy carrying. It's the perfect bag for a quick trip, and with a metal frame that keeps the bag open during packing and unpacking, two boot bags to keep your shoes away from your clothes, and tons of pockets for small items, it'll become their favorite getaway bag.

To carry their gear, you can include a Holdfast Roamographer Camera Bag as well.

Like the duffle, the camera bag has a vintage aesthetic but with modern features.

The camera insert cradles each camera item, ensuring their safety during transit.

The carrier straps accommodate a tripod for easy carrying, and the shearling-lined shoulder strap makes it easy on your favorite photographer's shoulder to carry the bag, too.

While you're at it, you can throw in a Holdfast MoneyMaker dual camera system.

The dual straps mean that a photographer can carry up to three cameras in ultimate comfort, and with their gear right at their fingertips for safe carrying.

What's more, for quick shots, their cameras are easy to reach, making the MoneyMaker just about the most functional gear you could give a photographer this holiday season.

And, like all other Holdfast products, the MoneyMaker looks like a million bucks.

You can pick up all three of these products and still have money to spare with a $2,500 budget!

Learn more about Holdfast products

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Pre-Owned Canon EOS R  

Back when the EOS R came out, it was groundbreaking for Canon since it was their first mirrorless camera.

It was the first Canon camera I owned, and it served me well - it will do the same for the photographer on your list!

The EOS R offers loads of features that include an ultra-resolute 30.3-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor.

Paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor, this camera is capable of shooting at 8fps and up to a native ISO range of 40000.

What's more, Canon gave the EOS R excellent video capabilities with UHD 4K video recording at 30fps.

One of this camera's best features, though, is the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system.

All told, it has 5,655 selectable autofocus points that allow photographers to quickly and accurately select where the focus of the image will be.

With a small, lightweight body, excellent build quality, great handling, and an increasingly large selection of lenses, the EOS R is definitely a fantastic gift idea this Christmas!

Learn more about the Canon EOS R

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix TR424L Carbon Fiber Tripod 

ProMediaGear tripods are among the best on the market. And that’s not just lip-service, either.

I’ve used ProMediaGear tripods, including the TR424L, for quite some time, and I can assure you that they are well-made, durable, and extremely functional.

These are professional-grade tripods, without a doubt. It can hold up to 125 pounds of gear thanks to its 42mm-thick carbon tripod legs.

Even when I’m out shooting video and I have a ton of accessories, it still doesn’t come close to that 125-pound mark!

From a functionality standpoint, the legs have three-position angle locks so you can adjust the tripod to be perfectly level, no matter how uneven the terrain. The built-in bubble level helps in that regard as well.

Deploying the legs is simple, too - just a quarter-turn locks them in place.

This tripod also has huge rubber feet, which as a landscape photographer is a favorite feature. The tripod doesn’t sink into soft soil and it doesn’t slip when things are wet or frozen. The metal spikes in the bottoms of each leg offer even more stability for truly rough shooting conditions.

You get all this in a tripod that folds down to just 26.3-inches tall, which can easily fit into a camera bag.

This isn’t a lightweight tripod by any means, but if the photographer on your list needs a go-anywhere, do-anything tripod, this is definitely it! 

Learn more about the ProMediaGear TR424L Carbon Fiber Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Amazon Gift Card

Totally stumped regarding gift ideas for photographers on your list?

Why not go the easy route and get them an Amazon gift card?

Though a gift card isn't exactly the sexiest gift, when the photographer in your family sees that you have given them carte blanche to get what they want, they'll be stoked!

With an Amazon gift card, they can put the card amount towards whatever they want - a new lens, a second camera body, lighting gear, a laptop - you name it!

As far as flexibility goes, there's nothing better to give a photographer than a gift card.

Learn more about Amazon gift cards

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^{photo byPeopleImages via iStock}

Given the fact that a lot of people picked up photography as a hobby during the lockdowns last year, it’s no wonder why I’ve been getting tons of questions about how to become a pro photographer.  

Of course, learning how to become a pro photographer isn’t a task for someone without a little time to spare. If you’ve gone back to a full time job and barely have time to take photos every week, then you may need to re-prioritize if you’re serious about opening a photography business. 

But, since I didn’t want to leave you all hanging, I found a video by Tin House Studio filled with tons of photography business tips to help you learn how to become a pro photographer in 2021. I’m going to give you a brief overview of some of my favorite expert photography tips from it. 

Set Aside One Year’s Salary

 ^{photo bydesigner491 via iStock}

As Tin House Studio pointed out, some of his professional photography tips aren’t the sexiest, and this is definitely one of them. But, if you’re serious about learning how to become a pro photographer, then you also need to get serious about saving. 

I recognize that having a whole year’s salary set aside in savings is not a realistic goal for almost everybody on the planet. But, by giving yourself a lofty goal, you can convince yourself to be a little more financially serious. Plus, there is no better year to make the argument that you have to set aside one year’s salary in order to run your own business. Many photography businesses crashed and burned during the pandemic because they weren’t financially sound. 

If you need to try and hit this goal in increments, that’s fine. Try to save one month’s salary first. Then, three month’s salary. Eventually, your ultimate goal of having a whole year’s salary in savings won’t seem so lofty.

Only Buy Equipment That Will Make You Money

 ^{photo byJoeKhouryStudio via iStock}

When you’re learning how to become a pro photographer, you are constantly going to be online. You’re going to be looking at the work other photographers are producing. You are going to be watching YouTube videos looking for tips and tricks. You are going to be reading blogs about how to make money and how to invoice. Every single one of these social media sites, YouTube videos, and blogs are going to have affiliate links. I know because I use affiliate marketing to run this website.  

It is going to be really difficult to prevent yourself from buying a ton of new, fancy equipment that sounds like a ton of fun. But, before you buy any new photography gear, you need to ask yourself one very important question: is this going to make me money? 

If the answer is yes, then by all means purchase it. But, if the answer is no, then you need to move along until you find new gear that will actually be financially beneficial to you. If you already have a 35mm lens, then you likely don’t need another one. However, you could use the money you were going to spend on that newer 35mm lens and purchase a drone instead so that you can expand your portfolio and expand your client base. 

Here's one piece of advice, though - when you're thinking about the gear you need to be a professional photographer, it isn't just cameras and lenses that should be on your list...

Instead, you need to have a dedicated workspace that is functional and comfortable that allows you to get work done.

There are a lot of components to this - a comfortable chair, a large monitor that enables you to easily see your images as you edit them, and a good desk, among them.

If you really want to elevate your workspace, I highly recommend investing in a stand-up desk.

Sitting all day isn't going to do you any favors, so having a desk that lets you sit or stand and move between the two positions quickly and easily over the course of the day will do your body and mind a heck of a lot of good.

Earlier this year, I crowned the iMovR Lander Standing Desk as the best stand-up desk of 2021. And there's all sorts of reasons for that...

First, this desk is pre-assembled at the factory, which means when you get the desk, all you have to do is attach the legs to the desktop. In about three minutes, you'll have a beautiful, high-quality desk that's ready to go!

Second, changing the height of the desk is super simple - just use the height-control paddle on the desk or the free companion smartphone app to raise or lower the desk at your leisure. The desk will even give you subtle reminders when it's time to change position! And when it comes time to move the desk up or down, the whisper-quiet motors will do so with ease.

A third advantage of investing in a desk like this is that it's something that will last a very long time.

The Lander desk is made of high-grade materials and is constructed using precision robotic manufacturing. The desks are also made on-demand, so you can customize the desk in terms of size and color (choosing from thousands of combinations). And since the desktop is made of advanced 3D laminates, you can rest assured that it will give you years and years of reliable service. Add a 10-year warranty on the base components and a five-year warranty on the desktop to the mix as well!

That's just a few highlights of this desk...I encourage you to check out my best standing desks of 2021 article to learn more about why the Lander desk from iMovR is such a great investment.

Learn More:

• 16 Ways to Make Money With Photography in 2021
• 4 Photography Business Tips I Wish I'd Known When I Started Out

Choose a Specific Type of Photography

 ^{photo by4FR via iStock}

If you’re wondering how to become a pro photographer, then you should also be wondering what you want to become a pro photographer in. As Tin House Studio pointed out, there are far too many general photographers in the industry today and many of these general photographers end up going out of business because they can’t find enough work. 

It may seem counterintuitive to try and find more clients by being more specific in the type of work you’re doing, but it isn’t. If you’re competing with 1,000 portrait photographers, you’re going to have a far harder time finding clients than if you’re competing with 10 aerial photographers. 

Being more specific in the type of photography you pursue also means that you are more likely to get larger jobs. If you have a portfolio that is fully stacked with aerial photos, then you are far more likely to get a big, expensive aerial campaign with a local business. 

Make Cold Calls

 ^{photo bypixelfit via iStock}

I think it’s important to point out here that learning how to become a pro photographer is not always fun and games, sometimes it’s making cold calls. 

You should be making a certain amount of cold calls every week. Only you can establish what number is feasible for you. You also need to take into account that you’ll need to do a certain amount of research to figure out which types of clients you should be targeting and factor this time into your weekly goal.

Become comfortable with hearing “no” and keep going.

Use Social Media

 ^{photo byPeopleImages via iStock}

I end up writing about using social media at least three or four times a week. If you’re trying to figure out how to become a pro photographer in 2021, then you need to make yourself accessible to your clients through whatever means necessary. I recognize that most people hate social media, and even though I use it religiously I wouldn’t say I love it, but I know it’s important for my business. 

You need to be posting photos on Instagram daily. You also need to be using new features on social media sites, like stories. As you start to build a serious audience, you will also start to build a serious client list. If you do these things and engage with potential customers on the daily, then you’ll find that you have more success drawing people in and paying you for your photographic services. 

Learn More:

• How to Grow Your Instagram Audience
• Get More Photography Clients by Nurturing Leads

 

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I've worked from home for years and years. And as such, I've made it a point to make my home office as functional and comfortable as possible. A large part of that is having a standing desk that allows me to move from a seated to a standing position throughout the day.

I've added other elements to my daily workflow to help me improve the comfort of my office, but a standing desk has been by far the best addition. If you work from home (or in an office, for that matter), you know how fatigued your body gets after sitting for long periods of time. That fatigue often translates into body aches and pains, a loss of concentration, and, ultimately, less productivity. Nothing about that situation is good!

I've tested my fair share of standing desks over the years, including a few from iMovR. My current setup includes their Jaxson desk, which has proven to be a lot of bang for the buck. But how?

Let's find out!

Table of Contents

• iMovR Jaxson Desk Basic Specs
• iMovR Jaxson Desk Technological Features
• iMovR Jaxson Desk Build Quality
• iMovR Jaxson Desk: Made in the USA With Superb Customer Service
• Final Thoughts

iMovR Jaxson Desk Basic Specs

Let's first look at the Jaxson desk's basic specs so you can get a feel for just how well-made and feature-rich it is...

• There are TONS of desktop sizes, colors, and base colors to choose from, so you can tailor the desk to your specific needs and aesthetic sensibilities.
• The advanced 3D-laminated desktop looks like a million bucks. These desktops are also supremely durable (take it from someone with a seven-year-old).
• The desk uses a dual brushless motor design to raise and lower the desk from 26.9-45.9 inches with a single-stage base and 21.5-47.6 inches with a dual-stage base.
• Like other iMovR desks, the Jaxon is SUPER easy to put together. In fact, it only takes about 15 minutes to get this thing set up.
• This desk has technologies like NFC and Bluetooth. It also has infrared presence sensing, so it knows if you’re at the desk or not, as well as high-sensitivity collision detection to avoid mishaps.
• The built-in health coach is a fantastic feature. The health coach tracks your sitting and standing time and reminds you via your phone when you’ve met your maximum threshold for sitting.
• It only takes about 5-7 business days to get your desk. iMovR prides itself on getting orders fulfilled and out the door quickly.

But this bulleted list of essential specs only scratches the surface of what the Jaxson desk is. Let's dive into some of these features to understand better what this desk offers you and your workspace.

iMovR Jaxson Desk Technological Features

One of the most impressive features of the Jaxson desk - and all of iMovR's desks, for that matter, is the sheer level of technology.

As I mentioned above, the desk comes with NFC and Bluetooth capabilities that allow the desk's controller to communicate with your smartphone. For example, the NFC reader allows you to log in to a workstation using a security badge or smartphone. With Bluetooth capabilities, you can connect the Jaxson desk to your smartphone via an iMovR control app so you can raise and lower the desk with your phone, track your daily usage of the desk while sitting and standing, and set notifications for you to switch between sitting and standing (among many other features).

Of course, the aforementioned infrared presence sensing (which determines if you're at your desk or not) and high-sensitivity collision detection (which prevents the desk from raising or lowering if there's an obstacle) improve the desk's ability to maintain a safe and comfortable working environment for you.

I've found the built-in health coach to be the most useful technological feature of the Jaxson desk. I don't know about you, but when I get into a creative state of mind and I'm being super productive, I can sit at my desk for hours without realizing it - until I start to have a stiff neck and an aching back.

Fortunately, the health coach reminds me to change positions at intervals that I determine. I find that it's best for me if I switch positions about every 30-45 minutes. And since the Jaxson desk's motors are so quick and efficient, I don't have to sit around and wait for the desk to adjust.

Let's talk more about those motors in the next section...

iMovR Jaxson Desk Build Quality

As nice as the Jaxson desk's technological features are, the build quality of this desk is equally as impressive.

Now, I know that build quality isn't as exciting as the technology that iMovR has incorporated into this desk, but at the end of the day, the build quality is what makes these desks so functional in the first place.

As I mentioned earlier, the 3D laminated desktop is both beautiful and durable. I don't beat the desk to death by doing DIY projects on it, but I also don't baby it. But because the surface of the desktop is so strong, it's held up beautifully with excellent scratch resistance.

The way these desktops are made is impressive, too. They're shaped using CNC equipment and hermetically sealed to provide durability and long-term performance. If you look at the desktop, you can also see that the edges and corners are contoured - there's no hard edges that poke into your arms or sharp corners to worry about with little ones around.

Likewise, the desktop surface you choose (from a very long list of possibilities, I might add) is molecularly bonded to an MDF core. This lamination process covers every exposed portion of the wood, including through the grommet holes for computer cords and cables.

The build quality doesn't stop at the desktop, though. Underneath, you'll find a powder-coated metal base that offers strong and sturdy support for the desk. These bases aren't just utilitarian, either. Rather than offering typical colors like silver, black, and white, iMovR offers warmer versions like Alabaster White (which has cream undertones), Basalt Black (which has brown undertones), and Starlight Silver (which shimmers with a starlight pattern).

The brushless motors used in the Jaxson desk are worthy of exploration as well...

Brushless motors aren't anything new, but incorporating them into a budget-friendly desk is something new. In years past, brushless motor technology was simply too pricey for lower-priced applications. However, once the price of this technology dropped, iMovR was quick to use it on the Jaxson desk.

Brushless motors aren't just quieter and more efficient, but they're also more durable. That means you'll get improved performance now and in the future for raising and lowering your desk.

iMovR Jaxson Desk: Made in the USA With Superb Customer Service

There's an obvious theme with the Jaxson desk - well-built, beautifully designed, and full of advanced features. Well, those things are a result of American innovation!

These desks are built in the U.S. to high standards and specifications, so the product you get on your doorstep is of the finest quality. This desk is  NEAT™ (Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) certified for reducing the negative effects of a sedentary work lifestyle. It's also ANSI/BIFMA certified for manufacturing quality, reliability, performance, and durability.

On top of that, the Jaxson desk comes with a 100-day satisfaction guarantee and a 15-year made-in-the-USA warranty. So, even if something were to go awry with your Jaxson desk, iMovR has you covered!

I have to mention the customer service experience with iMovR as well.

As you'd expect from a company that strives to produce such a high-quality product, you get high-quality customer service, too. Whether you have a question about a specific feature or warranty details, or you want to learn more about how the desks are made or the technologies that are incorporated into the desk, the iMovR team is willing and able to help you out.

It's not just having a great product that creates a good user experience. It's also the support you get with that product. Not all companies shine in the customer service realm, but iMovR certainly does, just as you'd expect from folks so highly dedicated to making the best desks in the business!

Final Thoughts

As I noted in the introduction, I've tested a lot of standing desks over the years. iMovR has always impressed with the quality of materials, the beautiful designs, and the innovative technologies they put in their desks.

What's so impressive about the Jaxson desk is that it's got all those things in a smaller package. My desk (shown above) is just 24x47, so it's not a huge workspace by any means. Yet, I can take advantage of all the benefits of much larger iMovR desks without overwhelming my relatively small home office.

Being comfortable while you work is essential for maintaining your productivity. But you also need to be healthy and work smartly. The iMovR Jaxson desk does that very well for me. It can do the same for you, too!

Visit iMovR today to learn more about the Jaxson desk.

Learn More:

• iMovR Lander Lite Desk Review
• iMovR Lander L-Desk Review

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^{Image Credit: Cecilie_Arcurs via iStock}

I've been in the photography business for a while now, and I've learned my fair share of tricks and shortcuts along the way to make my time spent at work more efficient.

One of the things that's been vital to me having the most productive day possible is setting up an ideal photography workspace - not just a place where I edit family photos on the weekend, but a place where I can talk with clients and do the heavy lifting of running a photography business.

Something I learned very early on is that the type of workspace you create can profoundly impact your state of mind when it comes to work.

When your workspace is organized and functional, a lot can get done in a day. When it's a cluttered mess, well, the opposite is usually the case.

^{Image Credit: Morsa Images via iStock}

There are a lot of components of having an ideal photography workspace - good lighting, peace and quiet, a nice, big monitor to see your work, and so forth.

But far and away the most important aspect of my workspace has been my desk.

About 10 years ago, I decided to invest in a tried-and-true (and very expensive) Workrite sit-stand desk.

At the time, this thing was considered the Rolls Royce of ergonomic desks. But it was time for a change.

In thinking about my experience with Workrite, I kept coming back to how incredibly difficult it was to put that desk together.

I love working with my hands and know my way around a toolbox, but that desk still required about four hours of my life to put together. It was a frustrating experience, to say the least.

So when I began looking for a new desk, one of the primary features I had to have was something that was easy to put together.

That brought me to iMovR.

iMovR Lander Desk Review: Assembly

 

I'd heard about iMovR before, but I'll admit - I was skeptical about the quality of a desk that costs less than a thousand dollars.

But all the feedback I got from people in the industry pointed to iMovR as being a slam-dunk as far as a great desk goes, so I pulled the trigger and got the iMovR Lander Desk.

Right out of the box, you can see the commitment that iMovR has to quality and craftsmanship. As a proud veteran, it warmed my heart to see the difference in quality between this high-tech, 100% American-made desk and the cheap Chinese-made desks that are heavily advertised online.

Each piece fit together perfectly without any fuss or muss on my part. In fact, these things show up 98-percent assembled. You don't even need any tools to put it together!

And where my Workrite desk consumed an entire afternoon to put together, I had the iMovR completed in less than 10 minutes.

Yep - you read that right! I put this desk together in just minutes. That fact alone was worth the price of admission!

I'm a tall guy, so I ordered leg extensions with my desk. Even factoring in the time it took to put the extensions on, I was still done within half an hour. In other words, there is no comparison between this iMovR desk and my old Workrite desk.

iMovR Lander Desk Review: Features

 

Aside from the fact that this thing was super easy to put together, something else that I appreciate about it is that it's loaded for bear with features and options.

You can choose from hundreds of size and color combinations as well as different types of desks - get a standard desktop or one with iMovR's patented SteadyType^Ⓡ keyboard tray (shown below), which gives you the utmost in typing comfort, ergonomics, and stability.

The 3D-laminated desktops are incredibly durable and will stand up to the daily use and abuse of work.

Created using precision Computer Numerical Control equipment, these tops provide superior performance, including enhanced protection from moisture and warping. Not only that, but the corners and edges of the top are beautifully contoured, so they look great and offer you a more comfortable work environment too.

The Lander desk is incredibly easy to adjust from a sitting to a standing desk thanks to the intuitive Bluetooth-enabled height-control paddle with high-resolution LCD.

The paddle enables smooth height changes with a simple double-tap or you can raise and lower the desk remotely via a smartphone app.

Not only that, but this desk has a built-in health coach that gives you reminders to change position throughout the day. The frequency and duration of these changes is set by you via the paddle buttons or the accompanying app.

What's more, these reminders are subtle so as not to interrupt your work. You're gently reminded visually on the paddle display, via a push notification on your phone, or both. See the health coach in action in the video below.

The movement of the desk is gentle as well. With whisper-quiet motors, the desk can lift up to 360 pounds quietly and smoothly so you can continue your work.

The lifting and lowering action is fast, too - 1.6 inches per second!

If you get the desk and treadmill combination, you get the benefit of being able to walk while you work, which is a great third alternative to sitting or standing all day.

iMovR Lander Desk Review: NEAT Certification

Sitting at a desk all day has been proven to be bad for your health, which is why I got the Lander Desk in the first place.

Standing is one of the best alternatives to sitting at your desk, and as I explained above, the Lander Desk makes it easy to switch between the two positions.

Since using this desk helps combat the effects of being sedentary, it has earned a NEAT (Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) certification.

In other words, you'll find that since you have the ability to change positions so easily you'll be able to increase your heart rate and increase energy expenditure as well.

And while standing at your desk isn't the equivalent of going to the gym, it's certainly a better option than sitting all day long.

iMovR Lander Desk Review: Warranty

On top of all that, iMovR offers a 100-day satisfaction guarantee on all their products, so if for some reason you aren't as blown away by this desk as I am, you can return it.

As for warranty coverage iMovR leads the industry with their ten year warranty on the base and five years on the desktop, a reflection of their quality American-built componentry.

Final Thoughts: iMovR Lander Desk Completes My Office Space

 

I've paired my iMovR Lander desk with a Herman Miller Embody desk chair that's the height of comfort.

Seriously...I've had two desk chairs over the course of the last decade, and both of them have been Herman Miller Embody chairs.

Like the iMovR desk, this chair has smart features that make you uber comfortable while you work, including a design that helps distribute pressure, provide support, and facilitate natural alignment of your body.

In other words, I think I have the perfect photography workspace. I have a smart desk that allows me to sit or stand while I work. I have an awesome desk chair that cradles my body while I'm consulting with clients. I have a quiet, well-lit office space that I actually really love.

And all those things make the fact that I'm in my office 12+ hours a day a much more enjoyable experience!

But don't take my word for it...

Check out the videos throughout this article to see the iMovR Lander desk in action to see how amazing this desk is for yourself!

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I have an iMovR desk in my office, and it's one of the best pieces of office equipment I've ever purchased.

I have a standard desk, but iMovR has a multitude of desk options, including their new L-Desk, which is the subject of this review.

Though iMovR already crafted beautiful, durable, functional, and innovative desks, they designed and built their new Lander L-Desk from the ground up.

While the process of completely starting from scratch meant we had to wait a little while for the final product to be unveiled, it was certainly worth the wait. 

iMovr Lander L-Desk Construction

The construction of the Lander L-Desk is really where it's at.

For starters, these desks are designed and manufactured in the United States using the finest materials.

iMovR's exclusive Surf(x) 3D laminated desktops are incredibly durable, beautiful, and have contoured edges that act as a more comfortable resting place for your arms.

These tops are hermetically sealed so you don't have to worry about damage from moisture. There's also no exposed glue seams that will collect dust, dirt, or bacteria. You can even clean the desktop with the harshest cleaning agents without worry of damaging it. These desktops are that durable!

And if that's not impressive enough, consider this: thanks to the 3D lamination process, wood grain desktops have a consistent direction of grain on both the main desk and the side table.

This is likely not something that you and I would notice at first, but it's that kind of attention to detail in creating truly heirloom pieces of furniture that sets iMovR apart from its competitors.

 

On top of all that, these desks are manufactured on demand.

That is, you select one of the 16 Surf(x) 3D-lamination colors or one of the 36 stain options in real wood for the desktop, select the width (which are available in increments of six inches), the shape, and base color, and that desk will be made specifically for you. All told, there's about 1,920 different size, shape and color combinations you can choose from.

That includes the ability to attach the side table to the left or right side of the main desk. You can also elect to have a 24-inch or a 30-inch depth side table to better suit your specific needs. You can even opt for different-shaped side tables, including rectangular or peninsula shaped with a half-circle at the end.

There's no pre-made desks sitting around waiting to be shipped - your desk is 100% custom to your specifications!

Speaking of the side table, iMovR has even innovated how it attaches to the main desk.

On lesser desks, you often notice a groove in the work surface where the main desk and side table meet. Not so on the iMovR Lander...

Using a custom CNC router bit, iMovR was able to create a special negative contour on the edge of the side table so it would perfectly fit with the positive contour of the main desk.

The result is a virtually continuous, smooth surface with a barely noticeable groove. Again, it's just another example of the attention to detail that makes these desks better than the rest.

And an even bigger bonus is that these desks are incredibly easy to put together.

In fact, I put together my Lander desk in about 10 minutes' time - and with no tools needed.

Granted, the three-legged L-Desk is a more complex piece of equipment, but iMovR has managed to make it nearly as easy to put together as the standard desk that I have.

Compared to other L-shaped desks, this rig can be assembled in about a tenth of the time. There are only four machine bolts and five wood screws involved, which means in less than 20 minutes, you can have this desk ready to rock.

iMovr Lander L-Desk Technology

One of the features I love most about my Lander desk is the inclusion of all kinds of technology that makes it easy to use while also helping me to be more healthy.

As on my two-legged desk, the three-legged L-Desk has an innovative height control paddle that allows you to change the height of the desk with a simple tap.

The high-resolution multi-color display looks sleek with its recessed buttons, and it's easy to read as well.

The built-in health coach is a Godsend, and helps you remember to change positions according to the notification frequency and duration that you set either through the display buttons or the app.

And don't think that when it's time to move the Lander L-Desk creates a huge racket - instead, you're gently reminded visually on the display, via push notification on your phone, or both.

See this technology in action in the video below:

The beauty of this setup - having on-board controls on the paddle and Bluetooth control via the app - means that you can raise and lower the desk without having to find your phone. Alternatively, if you have your phone handy, you can remotely raise or lower the desk for added convenience.

What's more, the app enables you to set your favorite height positions, and as noted above, create custom reminders to stand. iMovR is even working on ways to enhance the app further for more functionality in the future.

When using the control paddle, you can double-tap to automatically raise or lower the desk to your preferred height. That makes moving the desk ultra easy because you don't have to hold your finger on the paddle. You won't find that feature on any other American-made standing desks!

iMovr Lander L-Desk Legs

To improve the stability of the L-Desk iMovR spent a lot of time designing a three-leg system.

Naturally, having three legs offers more support than just two legs, but adding that third leg also means greater complexity of operation.

So, to ensure that the three legs operate in unison, iMovR had to focus on ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances. What's more, developing precision electronic controls was of the utmost importance, otherwise, the legs could operate out of sync and the desk could break.

Fortunately, the iMovR team's dedication to perfection and only using the highest-quality components has paid off - the L-Desk has buttery smooth operation.

Of course, that precise, smooth operation is backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty on the base (with five years on the desktop) as well as a 100-day satisfaction guarantee.

In other words, you should have no qualms or concerns about the operation of this desk.

iMovr Lander L-Desk vs Workrite L-Desk

Years ago, the first sit-stand desk I bought was from Workrite. It was a great desk that I used for years and years.

But it wasn't perfect...

Not only was that desk incredibly expensive, but it was also extremely difficult to put together. And that's coming from someone that knows his way around a workshop!

The quality of the desk was off the charts, but when it came time to get a new desk, all I could think about was how much my Workrite desk costs and how many hours it took me to put together.

Fast-forward to last year, and I picked up my Lander sit-stand desk.

As noted earlier, I had it set up and ready to go in about 10 minutes - compared to the 4+ hours it took me to put the Workrite desk together.

And even though my Workrite desk was well constructed, it paled in comparison to the quality of construction of my Lander desk.

In comparing the new Lander L-Desk with the Workrite L-Desk, you see similar differences: the Lander L-Desk is easier to put together, has a higher quality of construction, more innovative options, and it costs less.

When it comes to outfitting your office with the best, it's hard to find a better fit for your specific needs and your budget than the Lander L-Desk.

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The standing desk industry has certainly changed a lot over the last decade or so.

I should know - I’ve owned a couple of standing desks, and in terms of quality, functionality, and price, things are definitely headed in the right direction.

Such is the case with iMovR’s latest desk, the Lander Lite. 

I reviewed the original Lander desk a few months back, and spoiler alert - it’s hands-down the best standing desk I’ve ever owned.

The question is, does this new “Lite” version of the Lander desk live up to the high bar set by its predecessors?

iMovR Lander Lite Review: Build Quality

Like the original Lander desk, the Lander Lite is proudly engineered and made in the USA. That means the utmost quality of construction. 

The Ergo-contoured 3D laminate top is ¾ inches thick and comes in a variety of finishes from cherry to oak to mahogany. There are even hand-crafted solid wood tops available that are made from American-grown, sustainable species!

But what’s truly special about these tabletops isn’t the array of finishes, but their sheer durability.

Using precision Computer Numerical Control equipment, iMovR crafts the Lander Lite tabletops to perfection. After they’re formed, the tabletops are either hermetically sealed with Surf(x) 3D lamination, or in the case of solid wood, KCMA-rated waterborne sealant. This process not only results in a gorgeous appearance but it also protects the tabletop from warping and moisture damage. 

In fact, these tabletops are so durable that they can be cleaned with the strongest of disinfectants with no ill effects on the table’s finish.

Below the tabletop is the Lander Lite’s super-strong base, which can be fitted with either single-stage, two-segment legs or dual-stage, three-segment legs.

In either case, the Lander Lite can lift up to 225 pounds and do so at a barely audible noise level.

Where some standing desks utilize motors that operate very quickly, but are also very noisy, iMovR uses hushed motors that minimize sound without sacrificing speed. In fact, the Lander Lite can lift at a rate of 1.6-inches per second!

Throw in a 10-year warranty on the base components and a five-year warranty on the tabletop, and you have the makings of a desk that has unparalleled build quality and dependability.

Lander Lite Desk Review: Assembly

When you buy a standing desk, you might do so with a bit of trepidation, thinking that you’ll need to block out an entire weekend to put the darn thing together.

After all, you’re dealing with multiple components in the tabletop, base, and legs, as well as motors, plugs, and in the case of the Lander Lite, a built-in health coach. 

But where other standing desks are complex beasts that take hours and hours to put together, iMovR has ensured that the Lander Lite is just as easy to put together as the other Lander desks.

In fact, this desk comes factory-tested and 90 percent pre-assembled. The only assembly required with tools is to attach the feet to the legs with four screws each. It takes a simple Allen wrench to do so, and iMovR even supplies the wrench! Otherwise, you just need to attach the legs to the frame - which is a tool-free process - and you're good to go!

Not everyone is handy and not everyone can afford to hire someone to come in and assemble a piece of furniture. That’s why the Lander Lite is an ideal desk for so many people - it’s the perfect combination of quality construction and ease of installation.

iMovR Lander Lite Desk Review: Technology

As I alluded to above, the Lander Lite Desk is packed with technology, just like its bigger siblings.

You’ll find the same height control paddle on this desk that enables quick height changes with a simple double-tap of the up or down arrow.

You can save favorite heights, too, so if your significant other uses the desk, it’s easy to transition to your selected height using the control paddle.

Even better, the control paddle has a built-in health coach that will remind you to stand at intervals you can set. The reminder is gently provided via a flashing LED in the paddle, via a push notifications sent to your phone, or both.

As if that’s not impressive enough, iMovR has developed a Bluetooth-connected smartphone app that allows you to set your favorite height positions, raise or lower your desk, and create custom reminders to stand. 

This future-proof app is constantly being updated with additional features that enable you to reap the most health benefits from using the Lander Lite Desk.

Speaking of health benefits, the Lander Lite desk is a NEAT (Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) certified product that helps reduce negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

By alternating your positioning as you work, your body will expend more energy, your heart rate will increase, and the ill-effects of sitting - obesity, fatigue, and muscle aches among them - will be diminished.

iMovR Lander Lite Desk Review: Final Verdict

After examining the Lander Lite desk, it’s clear to me that iMovR has hit another home run. 

As I mentioned earlier, the original Lander desk is far and away the best standing desk I’ve ever owned. The fact that all the same high-quality materials, functionality, technology, and durability are present in the Lander Lite is a huge win for people that need a top-tier desk on a budget.

Heck, the Lander Lite is even compatible with all the same iMovR accessories as the original desk, including monitor arms, sit-stand stools, standing mats, and iMovR’s office treadmill. 

With the best warranty in the business and a 100-day satisfaction guaranteed, there’s really nothing to lose. Get out of your chair and get standing with a Lander Lite desk today. 

Learn More:

• Setting Up an Ideal Photography Workspace 
• This One Decision Changed the Way I Work as a Photographer 

 

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For those of us that work long days in the office, having a standing desk is all but a necessity.

As research has shown, having a standing desk has a host of health benefits, not the least of which is a lesser risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, low back pain, and lower extremity circulatory issues. 

But now many standing desk manufacturers are venturing into new territory by offering active desk options.

I got my hands on one such desk - the iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk - and offer my hands-on review below.

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk Overview

The iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk starts at $2,648. Add in a SteadyType® Keyboard Tray that allows you to type as you walk, and the price increases to $2,923. This is the option I chose (shown above). Less expensive models are available from iMovR but this is the most state-of-the-art system on the market today.

This desk comes with a multitude of options. Choose from 16 different color choices (including cherry, maple, and mahogany) for the desktop, three different colors (black, white, and silver) for the base, and various desk widths from 41-inches to 83-inches.

The desk is equipped with an electric lift that raises or lowers the desk at a rate of 1.6-inches per second and can lift up to 360 lbs (including the desktop).

Using the sleek height-control paddle, you can double-tap the up or down arrow to move the desk to the next height - of which you can program four favorites per user. The high-resolution display shows the height of the desk with great precision (to 1/10th of an inch).

Alternatively, as shown in the video above, you can control the height of the desk by connecting your smartphone to the controller's Bluetooth transceiver and using an app to adjust the height of the desk with a single tap of the screen. If you have multiple users sharing the same desk, they can each store their own preferences in the app and sync to the desk in seconds from the moment they walk up to it.

The standard Lander Treadmill Desk ranges in height from 24.5-inches to 50.5-inches, and with optional leg extenders (which I opted to purchase), the height is increased by another six inches. This is particularly useful for tall folks like myself who can’t find any other standing desk that can go high enough for them - even if they stand atop a treadmill base that adds 5” to their height.

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk Build Quality & Warranties Review

The iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk (and all iMovR desks, for that matter) are made in the USA using high-quality materials and precision robotics automation. When unboxing the desk components, it's clear that time and care were taken not only to construct the various parts, but that they were designed with comfort and longevity in mind as well.

That includes 3D-laminated tops that improve the durability of the desktop to stand up to daily uses and abuses in the office. They look great, too.

The desktops are created using precision Computer Numerical Control equipment and are hermetically sealed with Surf(x) 3D lamination.

In other words, the process used to create the desktop ensures that it provides superior performance over other desktops, including offering enhanced protection from moisture damage and warping.

The corners and edges of the desktop are contoured to create a beautiful look, and are ergonomically designed to improve comfort.

The desktop comes with a five-year warranty while the motors, electronics, and base have a 10-year warranty. iMovR offers a 100-day 100% satisfaction guarantee as well. This is the best warranty I’ve ever seen on a desk you can order online, and a good reflection on their made-in-America quality.

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk Assembly Review

The iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk is not lightweight. For the stability and reliability needed to work well with an office treadmill, it has a lot of extra steel in it to lower its center of gravity and minimize any shaking of the desk from your own sway as you walk. It weighs between 100 and 130 pounds depending on the size of your order.

Yet this trusty desk comes 98 percent assembled. In fact, it is the only standing desk you can buy that doesn’t require any tools to assemble it.

That's because the desk's frame and leg sockets come pre-attached to the desk. The control paddle is attached as well, and all the cables are in place, too.

As you can see in the video above, the assembly process takes just a few minutes from the time you unbox the components to the time you begin using the desk. No other standing desk can claim such an easy assembly process.

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk Treadmill Ease of Use Review

As noted earlier, the height of the Lander desk can be raised or lowered with a simple double-tap on the control panel or via an app.

The treadmill is just as easy to use, with a full-color, touchscreen display that sits neatly on the desktop. There's no membrane keys to mess around with on this desk.

The display of the ThermoTread GT treadmill base displays all sorts of helpful data, like walking speed, time, distance, and calorie burn. You can track your statistics whether you're walking, standing, or sitting, too. It even has a pomodoro timer in it to remind you when to take breaks for hydration or to change to a sitting or standing position.

Since I have my Lander Treadmill Desk set up in my home office, I only needed to create one user profile. However, in offices with multiple workers, up to five profiles can be created to track fitness. 

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk SteadyType® Keyboard Tray Review

Whether standing or walking on the treadmill, the SteadyType® keyboard tray is a must-have.

To improve comfort and ergonomics, the tray allows you to set your keyboard at steeper angle than you can get with a conventional keyboard tray designed for sitting use—these usually max at 15 degrees. That’s great if you’re in an armchair but supporting your arms at a 90-degree angle while standing or walking at a desk can become tiresome.

Technically iMovR’s patented SteadyType® tray can adjust up to 85 degrees, but most users will find that 25 to 40 degrees is the most comfortable and practical (steeper if they can touchtype). These steeper angles are more ergonomically neutral, minimizing strain on the arms and wrists and helping to minimize tension in the shoulders and neck.

The tray is rock stable, too, with far less monitor shake as you type as compared to any other kind of keyboard tray. That means less stress on your eyes as they don't have to constantly reacquire focus on the screen.The stability of the tray also improves typing accuracy, that way you can complete tasks faster and more efficiently as well.

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk Built-In Health Coach Review

If you're the kind of worker that gets really involved in what you're doing, the Lander desk’s built-in health coach is a great feature.

You can specify when to be reminded to stand, and the notifications to do so aren't jarring, either.

In fact, when it's time to move, the controller slowly pulses in a soothing color, or you can set the reminder to send a push notification to your phone.

Setting up the notifications is easy, too. Do so from the smartphone app or program them using one of the three hidden buttons on the control paddle.

What's more, iMovR's engineers have future-proofed this technology, so new features can be added in the future to help enhance your health and fitness even more.

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk: Pros and Cons

I've written before about my personal experience with my iMovR desk, and in that article, I expound on the desk's best features.

From a purely practical point of view, there are a number of benefits of the iMovR Lander Desk that cannot be overlooked:

• Easy assembly in minutes
• Durable components, with the entire desk made in the USA (the treadmill base is made in Taiwan to American quality standards, not China)
• Smartphone app integration via BlueTooth
• Built-in health coach

Of these benefits, many people will appreciate the ease of assembly the most. When iMovR says that you can put the desk together in just a couple of minutes, they aren't kidding.

Personally, I like the health coach the most. When I get lost in my work, I can sit for hours on end. Having a gentle reminder to stand or walk on the treadmill has greatly reduced the incidence of a sore neck, shoulders, and back. (Studies have shown that users are likely to stand 117% more simply by using this reminder feature, and even more if they make use of an anti-fatigue mat.)

Not everything is perfect, though, and the iMovR Lander Desk is no exception. The biggest disappointments include:

• Only offered in 30-inch depth
• Only offered in rectangular shape

Granted, this list of cons is a little nitpicky, and I've been told by iMovR that more size and shape options for the desktop are going to be offered shortly, including a plethora of L-desk designs and 30 real wood solid slab desktop options.

While iMovR does make less expensive desks, including 24”-deep compact models, the 30” depth is necessary if using with a treadmill base.

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk Final Thoughts

I've had a couple of months with my iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk, and so far, I'm even more pleased than I thought I would be.

From a health and fitness standpoint, having a desk that actually reminds me to stand or walk, and having easy-to-use controls is something I really appreciate.

The big, bright ThermoTread GT display is also nice, that way I can quickly see what my fitness stats are without taking my attention away from my work.

I also appreciate the fact that these desks are made in the US, and that the design and manufacturing processes are dialed in to create a beautiful, durable desk that will stand the test of time.

Yes, this desk requires a significant monetary investment. But after just a couple of months, that investment has already more than paid off.

Learn more about the iMovR Lander Standing Desk

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iMovR is synonymous with innovation, and they continue to push the standing desk space forward with their latest creation - the Captain’s Desk.

This gorgeous standing desk was designed by Vincent Leman and is made by artisan furniture makers in the USA. What that means is that the Captain’s Desk is not just a gorgeous piece of furniture, but it’s also impeccably built to give you long-lasting durability.

So what sort of punches does iMovR pull with their new desk? Let’s find out!

The Captain’s Desk Desktop & Base

The Captain’s Desk features a desktop that is .75-inches thick and 27.5-inches deep.

With two sizes available - 41-inches or 51-inches wide - you can customize the size of your standing desk to suit your particular needs. The 41-inch version is an ideal home workstation with plenty of surface area for you to spread out your work and still have space for your laptop.

If you need a bit more space, the 51-inch option offers you just that without being obtrusively large. Both sizes of desks come with a top-grade, 12-ply Baltic birch top with your choice of nine finishes. No matter the size or finish you choose, you will be investing in an heirloom-quality piece of furniture.

Both desktop sizes have a built-in drawer - a feature seldom seen on standing desks - for you to stow away lesser-used items for a clutter-free desk. There are three 1.75” grommet holes for passing cords through or for inserting Rondo Micro power nodes. These nodes come in six different port combinations (AC, USB-A and USB-C) and 19 accent colors to match the desk and/or other decor items in the room. Dozens of anti-fatigue standing mats are also offered jn a wide array of sizes and colors to match the room. Like the desks, all these accessories are made-in-the-USA as well.

The desktop is supported by iMovR’s state-of-the-art Lander Lite lifting base. The base has a lifting capacity of 225 pounds and can raise or lower the desktop at an average of 1.6-inches per second. That movement is achieved by whisper-quiet motors so your work will be uninterrupted by noise.

The single-stage base offers a height range of 27.35-47.5 inches while the dual-stage XT version has an expanded range of 24-50 inches to meet your needs.

Learn More:

• Best Stand-Up Desk for 2021
• iMovR Lander Lite Desk Review

What About the Controller?

The control offers quick and easy height changes with a simple double-tap of the paddle to move the desk up or down to your next favorite height setting. You can also adjust the height of the desk using a Bluetooth connection and the free iMovR app. 

But there’s more to the controller than simply raising and lowering the desk. It also has a built-in health coach that will remind you to change your position by using subtle visual reminders. So, if you want to stand, you’ll get a flashing LED reminder on the paddle, a push notification on your phone, or both, if you like. That makes the Captain’s Desk a beautiful piece of furniture as well as one that can help you be healthier too!

Like Other iMovR Desks, This One is a Breeze to Assemble

iMovR is known for a lot of things - innovation, top-quality products, superb warranties, and desks that you can put together in a jiff.

Like the rest of the Lander Lite desk line, the Captain’s Desk is nearly fully assembled and individually tested in the factory before shipping out. All you have to do is attach the feet to the legs using eight bolts and the supplied Allen wrench and then plug the legs into the receiving brackets on the bottom of the desktop.

By taking the guesswork out of assembly, iMovR enables you to get your new workspace together in a matter of minutes, not hours (watch the assembly video). And that pre-assembly also increases the odds of a delightful customer experience by virtually eliminating the potential of making a mistake putting it together; something that happens often with “IKEA kit” standing desks commonly sold online.

The Captain’s Desk is Just the Beginning…

The Captain’s Desk is the first in iMovR’s new Baltic line of standing desks. It targets primarily the laptop user who is looking for a desk that makes a bold statement, rather than all the ergonomic trimmings found on iMovR’s more conventional desk lines. 

Later this year, iMovR will unveil the Ensign’s Desk and the Admiral’s Desk to complete the trio. Like the Captain’s Desk, these other two will feature gorgeous Baltic Birch tops which offer a maple-like appearance and outstanding durability. In fact, Baltic Birch is a sought-after material because of its strength and consistency. It’s also highly stable, resists flexing over time, and is a highly sustainable material as well.

Like the Captain’s Desk, the Ensign’s Desk will be built on the Lander Lite lifting base. On top will be an ergo-contoured desk that comes in a wide range of sizes to suit your needs. A unique “fly bridge style” monitor stand option will also be offered in matching birch.

The Admiral’s Desk will offer an executive standing desk experience complete with full-span rear compartments for managing and concealing cords. The Admiral will also feature various sizes of hanging drawers for added storage space and will be supported by iMovR’s top-of-the-line, 360 lb.-capable Lander lifting base.

Again, the Ensign’s Desk and Admiral’s Desk are coming later this year. If the Captain’s Desk seems like a good fit, you can head over to iMovR and order one today!

Learn More:

• iMovR Lander Desk Review
• iMovR Lander L-Desk Review
  

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 ^{photo byProstock-Studio via iStock}

After a long year of very little work, my calendar is really quickly filling up. Thankfully, I’ve been in this industry for years so I recognize how much work I can take on at once, but I have a lot of friends who are struggling because they don’t want to say “no” to their clients and they are ending up way in over their heads. 

Thankfully, there are a ton of organizational hacks that you can use to keep yourself on track, to spend less time on administrative jobs, and, ultimately, to keep your clients happy.

All of these organization tips for photographers are things that you can easily implement this week, because if there’s one thing I know it’s that you’ll never learn how to streamline your business with photography business tips that are more trouble than they’re worth. 

All of these organization tips for photographers are also relatively cheap. 

Invest in Being Comfortable

 ^{photo bymediaphotos via iStock}

My favorite organization tips for photographers are ones that help you do your job better because you’re more comfortable. Sure, it’s annoying to have to go searching for a password or to forget to post something on Instagram, but there’s nothing worse than working in a space that is physically uncomfortable. 

This is why I recommend that you invest in your own comfort. Ergonomic chairs are far cheaper than they ever have been and if you’ve never used one before, then you will be shocked at just how comfortable they are.  

You should also have a desk that is large enough for you to be able to comfortably work on. And, truthfully, it should be a desk that is height-adjustable so you can change your working position over the course of the day. I know I get very fatigued if I just sit all day, so a standing desk was the ideal solution for my workflow.

And I know what you're thinking - a standing desk is way too expensive. But you're wrong!

ZipDesk is an affordable standing desk that's priced starting at $729. Now, that's still a good chunk of change, but when you consider that this is a high-quality desk with features like a Bluetooth controller, a smartphone app, and a dual-stage, dual-motor lift, you begin to realize that this desk is an investment for the long-term, not just a quick fix to make you more comfortable.

The ZipDesk is engineered and built in the U.S., and with certifications for reliability and durability, as well as being compliant with ergonomics guidelines, it's a great partner for giving you a more comfortable (and functional) workspace.

These desks are pre-made and ship the same day they're ordered. When the ZipDesk arrives at your door, it's 95-percent complete, so you can unpack it and set it up and start your workday in just eight minutes.

Add in tilt-over detection technology, anti-collision technology, a 10-year top-to-bottom warranty, and a 100-day satisfaction guarantee to the mix, and you have the makings of one heck of a desk for a comparatively low price. Heck, the desk even disassembles easily, so if you move to a new home or office space, you don't have to spend all day taking your desk apart and reassembling it.

With a fully-programmable digital controller with an easy-to-read LCD readout and three height favorites to choose from, this desk is ready to rock to help you be more comfortable at work.

But don't take my word for it - learn more about the ZipDesk to see why it's the desk for you!

Of course, you can also invest in ergonomic keyboards if you’re trying to get really fancy with your space. The important thing is that you try everything out before purchasing it, or at the very least purchase it somewhere like Amazon that will easily accept returns. You’ll be worse off if you invest in anergonomic chair orkeyboard that doesn’t work for you. 

I recommend that you start here, because all of the other organization tips for photographers on this list truly take a back seat to your comfort. 

Focus on Digital and Physical Storage

 ^{photo byKostikova via iStock}

The next set of organization tips for photographers is to figure out your digital and physical storage. I mentioned physical storage above when I recommended that you buy a desk with more shelving, but this tip doesn’t go nearly far enough. 

You should purchase a great bag that will allow you to store all of the photo gear you typically need for a shoot, so that you can just pick it up and go. You should also purchase boxes and a label maker for gear you only use a few times a month. After years of storing all of my photography gear in a closet, without any labels or organization, I can firmly tell you that you should not make the same mistake.

However, many organization tips for photographers don’t deal with physical items, but digital ones. Think about where all of your images are currently stored. If you didn’t have access to your memory cards or your laptop, would you still be able to access all of them? If the answer is no, then you need to get some digital storage. 

You can use a cloud based storage, like Google Drive or iCloud, or an external hard drive, like this one from LaCie. There would truly be nothing worse than losing a ton of client photos out of carelessness.  

Another point about keeping your stuff organized is having the right camera bag to keep your gear safe, secure, and easy to access while you're out shooting.

I've gushed over my Camera Pack from Nomatic and Peter McKinnon before...it's simply one of the best camera bags I've ever had.

And now they've teamed up to create a new line of Everyday Bags that continue the tradition of being uber-useful for photographers.

The Everyday line includes a backpack and a sling bag that give you all the options you need for carrying your gear.

In both cases, you get weather-resistant materials, comfortable shoulder straps, thoughtful organization, and durable construction.

Both bags are incredibly well designed to give you the height of functionality and to help you keep your gear - whether big or small - neatly organized.

We're talking dedicated storage for batteries and memory cards, optional dividers and cubes to give you customized storage spaces, tons of mesh and zipper pockets, and easy access.

But don't take my word for it...have a peek at their Kickstarter campaign and see why these bags would be a great addition to your gear collection!

Learn More:

• Free Ways to Boost Your Photography Business
• This is What Your Customer Service Should Look Like

Automate Your Website and Social Media

 ^{photo bygolubovy via iStock}

Now that we’ve gotten some of the most important organization tips for photographers out of the way, we can get to some of the more fun tips for being more organized: like automation. 

You’re no longer worried about losing your photos. You’re no longer worried about an aching back from hours of photo editing. Now, you can be worried about making your life easier. And automation is one of the best ways to do it.

I recommend that you automate all of your social media posts, since very few photographers really love posting to their social media accounts anyways. You can use a number of different tools to do it, like Hootsuite, Later, or Plann.

 ^{photo byTero Vesalainen via iStock}

All of these tools are going to cost a nominal fee, but the time you’re saving is more than worth it. At first, you should aim to have your social media posts planned out one week in advance. But, when you really get going, you’ll soon have them planned out a few months ahead. This is definitely one of those organization tips for photographers that will enable you to squeeze in more clients because you’re no longer worried about the mundane part of your job. 

You can do the same thing with your website, as well. You should be posting to a blog on your website at least a few times a month and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t create your blog content a few months in advance. You can add this content to your editorial calendar. 

Keep Every Conversation in One Place

I don’t know why keeping on top of communication can be so difficult for photographers, but I get tons of emails about it. So, I couldn’t create an article all about organization tips for photographers without including at least one about staying on top of your conversations with clients.  

I recommend Podium to every photographer I meet. Podium is an all-in-one messaging platform that pulls every conversation you have with clients and puts them all on one platform. You will never again have to jump from Gmail, to Instagram, to Yelp, to your texts, and back again, because Podium takes every message you receive and places it in one inbox. 

It also helps me to keep track of how much time it generally takes me to respond to clients. You are far more likely to get jobs if you are the first photographer to respond to a potential client. By keeping track of my average response time, Podium has actually helped me to bring in more money to my business. What’s not to like about that?!

Learn More:

• How to Get Feedback from Clients the Easy Way
• 4 Benefits of Text Messaging for Business

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^{Image Credit: Cecilie_Arcurs via iStock}

I've been in the photography business for a while now, and I've learned my fair share of tricks and shortcuts along the way to make my time spent at work more efficient.

One of the things that's been vital to me having the most productive day possible is setting up an ideal photography workspace - not just a place where I edit family photos on the weekend, but a place where I can talk with clients and do the heavy lifting of running a photography business.

Something I learned very early on is that the type of workspace you create can profoundly impact your state of mind when it comes to work.

When your workspace is organized and functional, a lot can get done in a day. When it's a cluttered mess, well, the opposite is usually the case.

^{Image Credit: Morsa Images via iStock}

There are a lot of components of having an ideal photography workspace - good lighting, peace and quiet, a nice, big monitor to see your work, and so forth.

But far and away the most important aspect of my workspace has been my desk.

About 10 years ago, I decided to invest in a tried-and-true (and very expensive) Workrite sit-stand desk.

At the time, this thing was considered the Rolls Royce of ergonomic desks. But it was time for a change.

In thinking about my experience with Workrite, I kept coming back to how incredibly difficult it was to put that desk together.

I love working with my hands and know my way around a toolbox, but that desk still required about four hours of my life to put together. It was a frustrating experience, to say the least.

So when I began looking for a new desk, one of the primary features I had to have was something that was easy to put together.

That brought me to iMovR.

I'd heard about iMovR before, but I'll admit - I was skeptical about the quality of a desk that costs less than a thousand dollars.

But all the feedback I got from people in the industry pointed to iMovR as being a slam-dunk as far as a great desk goes, so I pulled the trigger and got the iMovR Treadmill Desk with Steady Type^Ⓡ.

All told, the desk cost just under $3,000, but I can tell you that just a few weeks in, it was the best three grand I've spent in a long time.

Right out of the box, you can see the commitment that iMovR has to quality and craftsmanship. As a proud veteran, it warmed my heart to see the difference in quality between this high-tech, 100% American-made desk and the cheap Chinese-made desks that are heavily advertised online.

Each piece fit together perfectly without any fuss or muss on my part. In fact, these things show up 98-percent assembled. You don't even need any tools to put it together!

And where my Workrite desk consumed an entire afternoon to put together, I had the iMovR completed in less than 10 minutes.

Yep - you read that right! I put this desk together in just minutes. That fact alone was worth the price of admission!

I'm a tall guy, so I ordered leg extensions with my desk. Even factoring in the time it took to put the extensions on, I was still done within half an hour. In other words, there is no comparison between this iMovR desk and my old Workrite desk.

Aside from the fact that this thing was super easy to put together, something else that I appreciate about it is that it's loaded for bear with features and options.

You can choose from hundreds of size and color combinations as well as different types of desks - get a standard desktop or one with iMovR's patented SteadyType^Ⓡ keyboard tray (shown below), which gives you the utmost in typing comfort, ergonomics, and stability.

The Lander desk also has an easy-to-use control paddle for height adjustment (you can even raise and lower it remotely via a smartphone app!) as well as a built-in health coach that helps you remember when it's time to change positions throughout the workday.

If you get the desk and treadmill combination, you get the benefit of being able to walk while you work, which is a great third alternative to just sitting or standing all day.

On top of all that, iMovR offers a 100-day satisfaction guarantee on all their products, so if for some reason you aren't as blown away by this desk as I am, you can return it.

As for warranty coverage iMovR leads the industry with their ten year warranty on the base and five years on the desktop, a reflection of their quality American-built componentry.

I've paired my iMovR Lander desk with a Herman Miller Embody desk chair that's the height of comfort.

Seriously...I've had two desk chairs over the course of the last decade, and both of them have been Herman Miller Embody chairs.

Like the iMovR desk, this chair has smart features that make you uber comfortable while you work, including a design that helps distribute pressure, provide support, and facilitate natural alignment of your body.

In other words, I think I have the perfect photography workspace. I have a smart desk that allows me to sit, stand or even walk while I work. I have an awesome desk chair that cradles my body while I'm consulting with clients. I have a quiet, well-lit office space that I actually really love.

And all those things make the fact that I'm in my office 12+ hours a day a much more enjoyable experience!

But don't take my word for it...

Check out the videos throughout the article to see the iMovR Lander desk in action to see how amazing this desk is for yourself!

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^{Image Credit: Jacob Ammentorp Lund via iStock} 

Okay, truth be told I've made a lot of decisions over the years that have changed how I work as a photographer.

Some of those decisions were, shall we say, not good...

But I'm happy to say that other decisions I've made along the way have improved my ability to get things done easier and faster.

This year marks a very important anniversary in my life - the anniversary of one such really good decision.

I'm not talking about my wedding anniversary, either (but that was a VERY good decision...).

Instead, it's been ten years since I started using an ergonomic desk in my office, and of all the choices I've made in my professional life, outfitting my office with an ergonomic desk is definitely at the top of my best-decisions-ever-made list.

^{Image Credit: DNY59 via iStock}

As has been widely documented over the years, having an ergonomic or active desk has a multitude of health benefits.

Rather than sitting all day - which increases your risk of weight gain and diabetes - standing helps stave off fatigue, lower the risk of heart disease, reduce lower back pain, improve circulation in the lower extremities and even extend your lifespan.

I can attest to the fact that once I moved to an ergonomic desk, I found myself with much better energy, far less lower back pain, and improved cognition, too.

I don't sleep much, so if I'm sitting at my desk in the afternoon, I feel incredibly sluggish and tired. But once I switched to a standing desk, that afternoon slump was mitigated to a great degree.

The desk I bought ten years ago was a Workrite L-shaped sit-stand desk.

It has served me well over the last decade and has helped me be more productive (and comfortable) throughout the workday.

But I wanted to add another desk to my office to serve as my editing workstation, and this time, I wanted to try something new.

Don't get me wrong - my Workrite desk has been great (apart from the hours and hours it took to put it together). But things have changed in the active desk market over the last 10 years and there was something else I wanted to try.

So, about two months ago, I ordered an iMovR Lander desk.

Actually, I ordered it together with an iMovR ThermoTread GT office treadmill, making it a Lander Treadmill Desk System.

As far as being active while you work goes, adding the ability to walk slowly at your desk is the perfect complement to standing, and yes, even sitting--all at the same workstation. In the ideal regime you don’t spend too many time doing any one of those things, but rather switch it up every hour or two (it takes seconds to transition from sitting to standing to walking) for optimal health and productivity.

At typical desk walking speeds of 1 to 2 mph (cardio walking is 3.1 mph in comparison), and especially with the built-in SteadyType ergonomic keyboard tray option I ordered with my Lander desk, there is no measurable loss of typing proficiency, no sweating, just increased oxygen flow to the brain.

I found that it is easiest and best to start my day standing, then switch to walking after an hour or two, and then relax my legs and my core for an hour or two while sitting. Rinse and repeat.

On top of that, my knees feel so much better and no longer make those creaking sounds that started to happen once I hit my 40s...

What's so great about this desk is that it's loaded for bear with features.

For starters, there are hundreds of size and color combinations so you can customize how your desk looks to fit your personal aesthetic.

Secondly, I ordered my desk with iMovR's patented SteadyTypeⓇ keyboard tray (shown below), which offers a supremely stable base for my keyboard and an incredibly comfortable typing experience while I work.

My desk also has a control paddle that makes height adjustments a breeze. Speaking of a breeze, I can even raise or lower my desk via a smartphone app!

iMovR has also incorporated elements that make the desk a more active member of your health routine.

For example, my Lander desk has a built-in health coach that gives me reminders to change position throughout the day.

Anyone that knows me understands that I can get lost in my work, and before I know it I've been working for several hours straight without a break.

But with my new Lander desk, I'm reminded periodically to change positions, and my body feels so much better as a result. My home office is so much better now that I have this desk!

 

iMovR even offers a 100-day satisfaction guarantee, so if you pick one of these bad boys up and don't like it, no worries!

I'm here to tell you that you'll love it, though...

In fact, from moment one you'll be in love because these desks come 98-percent assembled. That means you can have it set up within a matter of minutes (it took me about 10 minutes) without the use of any tools.

On top of all that, consider this - iMovR offers a ten-year warranty on the base of the desk and a five-year warranty on the desktop.

That tells you something about the quality of the product and the American-built components they use to build these desks.

They are rock-solid, beautifully made right here in the U.S., and incredibly durable. My iMovR desk has become an integral component of my home office, and it will remain as such for years and years to come!

I know I'm gushing here, but there's good reason.

Those of us that have jobs that require tons of computer time know how difficult it is to sit all day long.

And while standing part of the day certainly helps, I cannot express how much of a difference having the option to walk while I work has made.

My iMovR desk is helping to keep me fit, stay on task, and think more clearly, especially as the day drags on, and it can do the same for you! Check out the options iMovR has for your office.

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 ^{photo bykrystiannawrocki via iStock}

The holidays are getting ever closer. That means we all need to get on our game and start making shopping lists for our loved ones.

But if you ask me, photographers are one of the toughest groups of people to satisfy. Many of us are picky and if you aren’t a photographer yourself, you might not know what the best gifts for photographers might be.

So before all the Black Friday sales begin to crop up, consult our list of the top gifts for photographers so you know what to keep your eye out for when holiday shopping really begins to get underway.

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: CanvasHQ Prints

If you’re like me, sometimes finding the perfect gift for certain loved ones is a long, drawn-out process that causes tons of stress, and often you still don’t get something that totally blows them away.

I think a lot of photographers fall into this category. We have specific likes, and many of us already have most of what we want or need gear-wise, and what we don’t have is usually too expensive to put on a Christmas wish-list anyway.

But for all those hard-to-shop-for photographers on your 2019 holiday shopping list, I have the perfect solution - a canvas print.

Think about it… 

A canvas print is a gift that keeps on giving.

Not only can you immortalize one of your favorite images from your favorite photographer, but you also give them a means to showcase their work in a format that’s drop-dead gorgeous.

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are from CanvasHQ.

Now, I know what you’re thinking - canvas is old school.

Sure, maybe it is, but I’m telling you that these canvas prints from CanvasHQ are mind-bogglingly beautiful. In fact, they go head-to-head with any metal or acrylic print I have in my home.

The attention to detail is just amazing, and the materials they use are top-of-the-line. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

I love the personality that the canvas texture gives my images. That’s true whether it’s a portrait of my son or a landscape photo.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the customer service you get with CanvasHQ.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back.

In the video above, I explain why I highly recommend a CanvasHQ canvas print as the ideal gift for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ!

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Holdfast Roamographer 

With a $1,000 holiday budget, you can give the photographer on your list a gift that is impeccably designed, highly functional, and way under budget, too. 

The Holdfast Roamographer bag is one of the finest leather camera bags on the market. It offers gorgeous aesthetics with an American Bison leather exterior that’s beautiful and rugged at the same time.

Not only will this leather stand up to the elements and age with grace, but it’s also weather resistant so you can be sure the contents of the bag remain safe and dry.

It’s a big bag and can carry lots of gear, but carrying it is a breeze with an adjustable shoulder strap with a shearling-lined shoulder pad for comfort.

Or, if you prefer, you can carry the Roamographer using the Holdfast MoneyMaker for even more functionality and comfort, as seen above.

The inside of the bag must be mentioned as well. 

The removable camera insert means that no matter how much or how little gear your favorite photographer needs to carry, the Roamographer will help them keep it organized.

The padded insert has cubbies specifically for cameras, lenses, flashes, and other accessories, while there’s interior and exterior pockets for other goodies like a phone, car keys, and a tablet.

The insert is removable, too, so on weekends when they’re not on the job, the photographer on your list can use this as a weekend bag, too. 

That makes the Holdfast Roamographer a beautiful, functional, and multi-purpose bag!

Learn more about the Holdfast Roamographer

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: iMovR Lander Lite Desk 

 

One of the worst parts of the job as a photographer are the long hours spent sitting at your desk, culling and editing images.

But the photographer on your holiday shopping list needn’t sit in discomfort all day long!

The iMovR Lander Lite Desk is the ideal solution, offering both sit and stand options for workers.

I have the Lander Desk in my office, and I can tell you first-hand that it is one of the best investments I’ve ever made for my work life - it’s that good!

The Lander Lite Desk has all the same crazy-good technology as the Lander Desk, but with “lighter” features and a smaller price tag.

For example, this little beauty has a height control paddle with built-in health coach, just like it’s big brother, the Lander Desk. The paddle syncs with your smartphone so you can even move the desk up and down remotely. 

Likewise, you can choose from hundreds of size and color combinations so the photographer in your life gets the precise desk they need.

The Lander Lite incorporates whisper-quiet motors, too, with 225 pounds of lifting capacity.

And if you think that standing desks aren’t stable, you’re wrong! The Lander Lite offers the ultimate stable work surface. And since it’s 3-D laminated, the desktop is virtually indestructible.

Best of all, the Lander Lite Desk arrives nearly pre-assembled, so you won’t have to spend your afternoon putting the darn thing together.

Plus, it’s made in the USA, so you know the quality is top-notch!

Learn more about the Lander Lite Desk

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Sony Alpha a6300 and Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens

A great holiday gift idea for the photographer on your list is a Sony camera/lens setup.

By opting for a pre-owned camera and lens, you can save a ton of money while still giving an awesome gift this holiday season.

The Sony a6300 offers tons of features, including a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, 4K video at 30p, HD video at 1080p/120, and continuous shooting at 11fps.

Add to that a spectacular 425-point autofocus system with tracking AF, excellent image quality, and a small, lightweight body, and the a6300 is a perfect gift for a photographer that needs a capable yet highly portable camera.

Pair that with the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens, and you've got quite the package!

This lens has an effective focal length of 27-202.5mm to give photographers incredible versatility from wide-angle to telephoto.

It also sports Optical SteadyShot technology, which minimizes camera shake so you can get sharper images when holding the camera in your hand.

With quick and accurate autofocus performance and quiet operation that's ideal for shooting video, this lens is a great choice for still photographers and videographers alike.

All told, this camera and lens combination is under $1,000, so you can give two gifts for the price of one!

Learn more about the Sony a6300 and the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Ikan Onyx Digital Color LED Panel Light 

Photography requires great light, and while there are many different lighting options out there, few match the creative possibilities that the Ikan Onyx Digital Color Light provides.

It has a RGBWA LED panel that offers five color modes to suit just about any kind of photo shoot.

When in RGBWA mode, the light gives photographers complete control over red, green, and blue LEDs independently. That being the case, the photographer on your list can literally create millions of different colors!

Meanwhile, the amber and white LEDs give photographers the option of recreating daylight or tungsten light with incredible accuracy.

There’s also a CCT Mode that is adjustable from 2800K up to 10,000K. Again, this gives the photographer on your list infinite possibilities for customizing the light for their photos.

Add to that a Hue Shift feature of magenta and green lights, and you’ve got a lighting option that offers supreme matching control when using this light with other LEDs.

On top of all that, the Onyx Digital Color light has eight built-in special effects (a candle flame and police car lights among them), 33 different gels to choose from, and a built-in ½-stop diffuser.

With a CRI/TLCI rating of 95, this light produces gorgeous, clean light that is sure to knock the socks off the photographer on your holiday shopping list. 

Learn more about the Ikan Onyx Digital Color LED Light Panel 

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Synology DiskStation DS 1019+ 

It's crucial for all photographers to have a solid backup system, that way if catastrophe strikes - a flood or fire, a break-in, a hard drive failure, and so forth - their precious photos and other files will be safe and sound.

For that task, it's tough to beat the Synology DiskStation DS1019+...

I have this exact model on my desk, and it has proven to be the reliable backup I need to ensure my files are duplicated and safe.

It's small enough that it doesn't take up a ton of room on my desk while also being packed with features that make it an easy-to-use and powerful storage option. Read my complete Synology DiskStation DS1019+ review to learn more.

There are five hot-swappable bays, each of which can accommodate a 2.5-inch or a 3.5-inch drive. If the photographer on your list has TONS of files, they can easily expand that capacity to 10 bays with the Synology DX517.

Aside from the expansion capabilities, the DS1019+ is easy to operate thanks to the intuitive Synology operating system. Even if you've never setup or used a network attached storage device before, this one will be a breeze to use.

In fact, I set it up in just a few minutes with no problems or issues at all.

This unit is power-packed with an Intel Celeron J3455 1.5GHz quad-core processor that’s capable of burst speed of 2.3Ghz.

Add to that 8GB of RAM, built-in applications for video transcoding, read/write speeds up to 225MB per second, tool-free installation for 3.5-inch drives, and the Synology reputation for reliability, and you have the makings of a perfect - and practical - holiday gift idea for the photographer in your life!

Learn more about the Synology DiskStation DS1019+

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Syrp Genie II Linear

If the photographer you’re shopping for is into shooting time-lapse videos (or real-time videos, for that matter), then a perfect gift idea is the Syrp Genie II Linear. 

What’s so great about this product is its size and weight - at little more than 5.5 x 5.5 x 6.33 inches and two pounds, this little guy can be easily added to any photography bag for on-the-go motion control.

What’s more, the Genie II Linear can attach to any slider on the market, giving your favorite photographer incredible versatility in how they craft their time-lapse setup. It can also attach to cable cam systems up to 328-feet in length.

This thing is also loaded for bear with features that will enable the photographer on your list to create professional-looking videos.

From key-framing to time-lapse video, shooting B-roll to recording interviews, the Genie II Linear can get the job done!  

Throw in live view, camera control for ramping exposures, wireless control via a smartphone, and many other intelligent features, this is simply one of the best motion control devices you can get this holiday season!

Learn more about the Syrp Genie II Linear

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Aputure 120d II

Over the years, Aputure has established itself as one of the top lighting choices of photographers worldwide. That’s because of the incredible features and build quality of products like the 120d II.

I use this light in my home studio (you can read my review of it here), and it is far and away one of the best lights I’ve ever owned.

The light it produces is beautifully clean and bright (25 percent brighter than the 120d). Additionally, it has a pleasing color temperature of 5500K.

You can control the 120d II using a wireless remote from up to 328 feet away, giving photographers the ultimate in flexibility regarding the positioning related to the subject. 

Speaking of flexibility, this light is dimmable from 100 percent down to just 1 percent, so the photographer on your list can dial in the precise level of lighting they need to get the shot. 

Aputure has built in all kinds of lighting effects for further creative lighting. What’s more, the redesigned handbrake offers a super secure lock to prevent the light from moving.

That means that when the light is dialed in and positioned, you don’t have to worry about whether or not it will stay in place. That’s the kind of peace of mind photographers want from their gear!

The integrated power and control box make for easy transport while the 18 dB quiet fan won’t distract photographers while on-location. Add in a CRI and TLCI of 97+, and you have a recipe for one heck of a light for the photographer on your list!

Learn more about the Aputure 120d II

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens

Earlier this year, I took the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 for a test drive with my Sony a6400, and I was blown away by the quality of the images I was able to get.

For me, the best feature of this lens is that it is incredibly sharp. A close second would be its extremely fast and accurate focusing.

As you can see in the sample image below, this lens also produces nice bokeh that’s great for portraits.

Additionally, this lens is super lightweight, so you don’t feel like you’re lugging around a huge kit while you take photos. The photographer on your shopping list will surely appreciate that!

The look of the lens is something else, too - it’s sleek design reminds me of the Zeiss Otus lenses from back in the day. 

And while some would argue that the streamlined design means it’s not comfortable to use, I disagree. 

The big rubber ring offers tons of grip, and the lens feels great in the hand, due in large part to the lightweight design I mentioned above.

The angle of view of 29 degrees is perfect for portraits, and the maximum f/1.8 aperture allows for flexibility in low-light shooting situations.

The floating element design of the lens minimizes aberrations, and since it’s dust and weather-sealed, it can be taken out for shoots in adverse weather without worry that it will be damaged.

In other words, if the photographer on your holiday list is after a fantastic portrait lens, this is it!

Learn more about the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: f-stop Sukha Backpack Master Bundle 

A top-of-the-line camera backpack is sure to score you some brownie points with the photographer on your holiday shopping list…

I have an f-stop Sukha, and to say that this thing can hold a lot of gear is a huge understatement… 

In fact, it can accommodate 70 liters of gear, so if your favorite photographer has a ton of stuff or they’ll be hitting the road for a while, this is the bag that they need.

And I know what you’re thinking...big bags like this make a mess of organizing gear. With all that space, everything gets jumbled up and is hard to find, right? 

Wrong!

The Master Bundle comes with a wide range of ICUs (Internal Camera Units) that maximize the space in the bag while keeping the gear inside safe, secure, and organized. 

From the ultra-small Micro Nano ICU to the big, beefy Pro X-Large ICU, there are six ICU options for a highly customizable interior space.

The f-stop Sukha Master Bundle also features goodies like a hydration sleeve, a large rain cover, and a packing cell kit that will keep your clothing nice and organized.

There are three accessory pouches, a Mano pouch, and an ICU gate as well. 

And even with all that gear inside the bag, it’s still ultimately comfortable to carry. That’s thanks to the large, cushy should straps that help distribute the weight of the bag over a larger area. The padded waistbelt is a nice touch as well. 

Learn more about the f-stop Sukha Master Bundle

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Canon EOS 7D Mark II 

If the photographer you’re shopping for is ready to upgrade their APS-C camera to a higher-end model, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a great option.

This professional-grade camera is not only budget-friendly, but it offers some great specs, too: 

• 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors
• 10 fps burst shooting
• ISO to 16,000 (expandable to 51,200)
• 1080/60p video
• Weather-sealed body

 

On top of that, Canon implemented its Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system into this camera, which is a big deal because the Dual Pixel system is usually reserved for Canon’s more expensive cameras. 

The autofocus system offers 65 AF points, all of which are cross-type. The camera has six customizable modes for focusing as well, which gives you tracking sensitivity options that improve its performance.

This thing feels like a top-shelf camera too. There's no body flex, the buttons, dials, and switches feel beefy and crisp, and the weather sealing means you can shoot in less-than-ideal conditions without worrying that your camera will be soaked to the core.

In other words, if you want to help your photography loved one step up their game, this camera is an excellent option!

Learn more about the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. 

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 34 Series Tripod

 

When it comes to the very best tripods money can buy, one has to look to ProMediaGear.

The Pro-Stix 34 Series tripod is my everyday rig, and has been for about the last year or so. To say that it’s the best tripod I’ve ever owned is a massive understatement.

It’s really no contest, either.

Granted, when I first started in photography, I “bargain-basemented” my way through various cheap tripods that didn’t last more than a few months.

But as I got more experienced and had more money to devote to gear, I began utilizing more well-known brands and highly reviewed tripods.

It wasn’t until I started using ProMediaGear tripods that I reached the pinnacle of what a tripod can do, though.

For starters, this tripod can accommodate up to 60 pounds of gear. That might seem like overkill for a photographer, but as I move more and more into videography and have more and more gear to put on the tripod, having an abundance of support is definitely a good thing (and since the apex has a 1/4-20 threaded adapter port, I can easily add more gear when I need to).

Despite having a huge load capacity, this tripod is still easily transportable - it’s just over four pounds and folds down to less than 23 inches.

 

The beefy 34mm legs are made of 10-layer carbon fiber, so they are about as rock-solid as you can get.

The legs have three locking leg angle positions, tension-adjustable leg mechanisms, large molded rubber feet, and integrated stainless steel spikes to boot. In other words, this sucker is rugged and will give you durability for years and years to come.

But beyond the awesome specs and incredible reliability, I appreciate that ProMediaGear makes this and their other tripods right here in the U.S. (in Tinley Park, Illinois, to be exact). Not only that, the folks at ProMediaGear are experienced photographers, and their expertise was crucial in designing this tripod.

From a functionality standpoint, a versatility standpoint, a build-quality standpoint, and so forth, the ProMedia Gear Pro-Stix 34 series is simply the cream of the crop when it comes to the best tripods of 2019. 

Learn more about the ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 34 Series tripod

 

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^{photo bykrystiannawrocki via iStock}

I think we can all agree that photography gear is expensive, but with a $2,500 budget, you can get some pretty incredible stuff for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.

Whether your favorite photographer needs a new desk, an awesome large-format photo print, a new portrait lighting setup or something in between, we’ve got all kinds of suggestions that will satisfy their needs!

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: CanvasHQ Print 

If you’re like me, sometimes finding the perfect gift for certain loved ones is a long, drawn-out process that causes tons of stress, and often you still don’t get something that totally blows them away.

I think a lot of photographers fall into this category. We have specific likes, and many of us already have most of what we want or need gear-wise, and what we don’t have is usually too expensive to put on a Christmas wish-list anyway. 

But for all those hard-to-shop-for photographers on your 2019 holiday shopping list, I have the perfect solution - a canvas print. Or, with a $2,500 budget, you could get them a ton of prints!

Think about it…

A canvas print is a gift that keeps on giving.

Not only can you immortalize one of your favorite images from your favorite photographer, but you also give them a means to showcase their work in a format that’s drop-dead gorgeous. 

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are from CanvasHQ.

Now, I know what you’re thinking - canvas is old school. 

Sure, maybe it is, but I’m telling you that these canvas prints from CanvasHQ are mind-bogglingly beautiful. In fact, they go head-to-head with any metal or acrylic print I have in my home.

The attention to detail is just amazing, and the materials they use are top-of-the-line. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

I love the personality that the canvas texture gives my images. That’s true whether it’s a portrait of my son or a landscape photo.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the customer service you get with CanvasHQ.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry. 

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back. 

In the video above, I explain why I highly recommend a CanvasHQ canvas print as the ideal gift for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ!

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: iMovR Lander Desk 

I can personally attest to the awesomeness of the iMovR Lander Desk as I have one in my home office. In short, it completely changed how I work.

You can read all about it in my iMovR Lander Desk review, but the short version is that this a desk of the highest quality that’s durable, made in the USA, highly customizable, and easy to assemble to boot!

The photographer on your list will appreciate all of these features, but if you’re going to help them assemble their new desk, you’ll both appreciate the fact that it will only take a few minutes. I set mine up by myself in less than 20 minutes, which is a far cry from the entire afternoon I spent years ago putting together my first sit-stand desk.

This sucker is super well made, too. There’s not cheap parts, no corners cut. This is truly a desk that is an investment for the long term.

It’s also worth noting how customizable the Lander desk is. There are literally hundreds of different combinations of sizes, shapes, and finishes, so your favorite photographer can pick and choose precisely what they want for a desk that not only maximizes their workflow but also looks like a million bucks.

Having a desk that transitions from a sitting to a standing desk will change any photographer’s life - sitting for hours hunched over a desk while editing photos is certainly no way to work in comfort.

And with the iMovR Lander desk, making the move from sitting to standing takes just seconds - the Bluetooth-enabled height-control paddle with high-resolution LCD requires a single double-tap to raise or lower the desk. You can even raise it or lower it by using an app on your phone! 

This is truly the nicest desk I’ve ever owned, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for other professionals in the photography industry!

Learn more about the iMovR Lander desk

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Pre-Owned Canon EOS R  

The EOS R is Canon's very first mirrorless camera, and if the photographer on your holiday list is a Canon shooter, there are few better gifts to give this holiday season!

The EOS R offers a bevy of features that starts with an ultra-resolute 30.3-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor.

Paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor, this camera is capable of shooting at 8fps and up to a native ISO range of 40000.

What's more, Canon gave the EOS R excellent video capabilities with UHD 4K video recording at 30fps.

One of this camera's best features, though, is the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system.

All told, it has 5,655 selectable autofocus points that allow photographers to quickly and accurately select where the focus of the image will be.

With a small, lightweight body, excellent build quality, great handling, and an increasingly large selection of lenses, the EOS R is definitely a fantastic gift idea this Christmas!

Learn more about the Canon EOS R

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Aputure Light Storm LC 120d II Daylight LED 2-Light Kit With Case 

 

I have an Aputure 120d II in my home studio, and as I explain in my review of this light, it is absolutely fantastic.

Each light has pretty incredible specs:

• 1000-watt Tungsten equivalent
• Integrated power and control box
• CRI & TLCI 97+
• Dimmable from 100 percent to just 1 percent
• Built-in lighting effects, including fireworks, fire, lightning, paparazzi, and TV flicker
• 18 dB quiet fan
• DMX Capability
• Wireless remote (328-foot range) 

Not bad right?

This kit gives you two of these lights, each of which has a set of four-way barn doors to customize how the light interacts with the subject.

Each light also has a controller with 100-240 VAC power, a wireless remote, and a 7.5-foot light stand. Aputure even throws in a padded SKB case with a custom Think Tank interior so the photographer on your list can easily and safely transport their new lighting kit from Point A to Point B. 

Photography is all about good lighting, and Aputure certainly delivers on that front!

Learn more about the Aputure Light Storm LC 120d II Daylight LED 2-Light Kit With Case

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Nevada Art Printers Acrylic Print 

I was never a huge fan of acrylic prints until I decided to give Nevada Art Printers a try a few months ago.

I had gone to Norway and captured a pretty good shot (shown above) and wanted a print that would really elevate the quality of the shot.

So, I ordered an acrylic print from these guys, and it is honestly one of the most beautiful prints I have ever laid hands on. Truly - they perform magic!

Now, I have to say that the photo above of this print simply does not do it justice. My home studio has tons of lights everywhere and I just couldn't find an angle to take a photo that didn't have a glare.

The big draw of these acrylic prints is the Lumachrome finish (you see people talking about it all the time on Facebook).

In a nutshell, Lumachrome prints are ultra-high resolution with incredible vibrancy and clarity. It honestly gives the photo a 3-dimensional feel. That’s because Nevada Art Printers created custom ICC profiles that use a tweaked tone curve to maximize that 3-dimensional effect.

Honestly, it’s hard to describe, and even more difficult to believe if you can’t see it with your own eyes - like I said, photos online just do not do the quality of these prints justice!

What’s more, the folks at Nevada Art Printers are extremely helpful and work hard to help you get the best possible print. Their customer service is truly A+!

This combination of super-high-quality products and top-notch service before, during, and after the sale makes an acrylic print from Nevada Art Printers an ideal gift for the photographer on your list this holiday season. 

Learn more about Nevada Art Printers and their Lumachrome Acrylic Prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Syrp Genie II Pan Tilt 

If the photographer on your list is a video enthusiast as well, the Syrp Genie II Pan Tilt is an ideal gift for them.

Not only is this rig ultra-portable, but it gives you complete pan and tilt motion control that adds smooth, cinematic motion to your videos with 180-degree tilting motion and 360-degree panning motion.

The Genie II Pan Tilt offers options for real-time and timelapse videos, key-framing, panoramas, and much more. And since it has removable batteries, you can easily head off the beaten path with spare batteries in hand to shoot long and beautiful cinematic sequences.

The unit has a built-in screen for checking settings and starting quick motion sequences, but it also has a companion app that allows you to control the unit from your smartphone.

Whether the photographer on your list wants a motion control device for documentary work, interviews, timelapses, panoramas, or something in between, the Genie II Pan Tilt is the device to get. 

Plus, it’s easily combined with Syrp’s Genie II Linear to get three-axis motion control in a super small and portable device. Nice, right?!

Learn more about the Syrp Genie II Pan Tilt

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix TR424L Carbon Fiber Tripod 

 

ProMediaGear tripods are among the best on the market. And that’s not just lip-service, either.

I’ve used ProMediaGear tripods, including the TR424L, for quite some time, and I can assure you that they are well-made, durable, and extremely functional.

These are professional-grade tripods, without a doubt. It can hold up to 125 pounds of gear thanks to its 42mm-thick carbon tripod legs.

Even when I’m out shooting video and I have a ton of accessories, it still doesn’t come close to that 125-pound mark!

 

From a functionality standpoint, the legs have three-position angle locks so you can adjust the tripod to be perfectly level, no matter how uneven the terrain. The built-in bubble level helps in that regard as well.

Deploying the legs is simple, too - just a quarter-turn locks them in place.

This tripod also has huge rubber feet, which as a landscape photographer is a favorite feature. The tripod doesn’t sink into soft soil and it doesn’t slip when things are wet or frozen. The metal spikes in the bottoms of each leg offer even more stability for truly rough shooting conditions.

You get all this in a tripod that folds down to just 26.3-inches tall, which can easily fit into a camera bag.

This isn’t a lightweight tripod by any means, but if the photographer on your list needs a go-anywhere, do-anything tripod, this is definitely it! 

Learn more about the ProMediaGear TR424L Carbon Fiber Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Pre-Owned Nikon Z6

Like the EOS R I mentioned earlier, the Nikon Z6 is a fantastic mirrorless camera.

If your loved one is a Nikon shooter or if they just want to switch to Nikon, this is a great camera to entice them to do so.

The Z6 has a 24.5-megapixel full frame back-illuminated sensor that offers superb image quality with excellent detail, clarity, and sharpness.

The 12fps burst shooting speed is ideal for action photography while the 273-point autofocus system helps you keep track of moving targets.

On the back is a large 3.2-inch variable-angle touchscreen LCD with 2.1 million dots of resolution, so you can easily see the camera's menu system and take a peek at images you've shot.

The Z6 has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, shoots 4K video, and has a battery life of 310 shots.

This camera is an excellent option for photographers that want a solid rig that can tackle still photos and videos all in one package!

Learn more about the Nikon Z6

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: iMovR Lander L-Desk

Like their traditional sit-stand desk I mentioned earlier, iMovR’s Lander L-Desk is a well-built, feature-rich desk that has the capability of completely changing how the photographer on your list goes about their workday. 

With the same array of options regarding colors and materials, your loved one can fully customize how their desk looks to suit their specific tastes.

In fact, it’s not just the looks of these desks that are a great selling point - it’s their durability. 

iMovR uses 3D laminated desktops that are just about bulletproof. They’re hermetically sealed to protect against damage and they resist moisture, so those pesky sweat rings from your water bottle won’t bother the desktop a bit.

There’s no exposed glue seams, either, so dust, dirt, and bacteria have nowhere to hide!

You can choose to have the side table on the left or right side of the main desk and you can choose between a 24-inch or 30-inch depth side table as well.

There’s even different options for the shapes of the side table, from peninsula-shaped to half-circle. 

These desks offer tons of space, the health benefits of being convertible from sitting to standing, and they are 100 percent custom made to your specifications. Talk about a fantastic gift!

Learn more about the iMovR Lander L-Desk

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens

Designed specifically for Sony E-mount cameras, the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 is a killer portrait lens for Sony shooters. If your favorite photographer has a Sony E-mount camera (i.e., the a6400), this is a must-have lens!

This lens is supremely sharp, super lightweight, and easy to handle.

I personally like how the lens feels in the hand - it has a nice, big rubber ring that aids in gripping the camera as you move around your subject.

If the photographer on your list is in a situation in which they need to be quiet, like a recital, they'll appreciate the fact that this lens has an ultra-quiet autofocus system that's also incredibly fast and accurate.

The 29-degree angle of view is ideal for portraits, and with a maximum aperture of f/1.8, it can collect tons of light while also minimizing the depth of field. The result is a nice, blurry background for portraits.

As I mentioned above, this lens is lightweight at just over one pound, and it also has a small form factor - just 3.19 x 3.62 inches.

This lens is also dust and weather-resistant for the adventurous photographer on your holiday shopping list.

Best of all, the price on this lens has dropped - it was once over $1,100, but is now a shade under $900. That's not bad if you have a $2,500 budget!

Learn more about the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens

 

 

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