It's always a good time to think about how you can make sure that your photography business is as prosperous as possible.

For some photographers, that might mean making improvements to your marketing plan. For others, a review finding new and effective ways to find leads might be in order. For still others, it might be an ideal time to develop stronger bonds with other local businesses to expand the footprint of your own business.

Whatever the case, don't let any more time pass by without addressing the needs of your business! Let’s take a deeper look at three photography business tips that will help you improve your bottom line in the coming year.

Focus on Marketing

Marketing probably isn’t every photographer’s strong suit, nor is it something that every photographer enjoys. However, it is a crucial component to the success of your business. After all, if no one knows about you, it’ll be hard to book clients and pay the bills!

The chances are that you’re already doing some sort of marketing. You should have a website. You should also have a strong social media presence (at least on the heavy hitters like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). But beyond that, there are a couple of ways you can expand your online and offline footprint to get more eyes on your work and get more people in the door.

For starters, if you don’t have a blog, think strongly about creating one. A blog is a great way to reach a larger audience with valuable posts about everything from how to pick a photographer to the differences between glossy and matte finishes on prints. Avoid making your blog into a sales-fest. Instead, offer educational posts that inform your clients about all things photography. Doing so communicates your expertise in the area while also demonstrating a commitment to helping others understand the process.

Another fruitful marketing strategy is to offer your services to local clubs, organizations, and charities for free. This doesn’t mean you need to spend every weekend working for free; instead, seek out opportunities two or three times a year to donate your time to a good cause. Not only is contributing to charities a good thing to do, but it’s also an ideal opportunity to get your name out there, get eyes on the work you create, and build rapport with people in the community. That’s great marketing!

Learn More:

• The Do's and Don'ts of How to Find Photography Clients
• How Much Do Photographers Make?

Find Ways to Get More Leads

Let's face it...

You can have a fantastic website and be active on social media all you want, but you need to do more to capture leads and find clients that are in search of a photographer. And if you ask me, the best way to do that is to turn to SnapPro.

SnapPro is a directory of photographers that was designed to help you market your business and help the buying public connect with photographers in their area. That means that it's a platform for both sides of the equation, which is beneficial to you because every user on SnapPro is a potential client.

For example, if you're a portrait photographer and you join SnapPro, you then become part of SnapPro's photography database that covers the United States and Canada.

Then, people that need a portrait photographer go to the SnapPro website and search for a photographer based on their location and the type of photography they need done. After that, the user get a list of all the photographers that match their criteria. It really couldn't be any easier! 

Once consumers have a list of potential photographers, all they have to do is compare each of their matches to determine which photographer is the best fit. Once they select you, SnapPro does all the work of getting your business details, pricing, and other information to the consumer.

So, basically, SnapPro is like your own personal lead-generating assistant. You create your profile, add portfolio images for people to see, and SnapPro does the heavy lifting to help you find clients.

With neat marketing features like the ability to write and publish articles on your SnapPro profile and upload a video introduction of yourself, this truly is a one-stop-shop for lead generation. If you want more clients (who doesn't?!), SnapPro is definitely worth a try!

Network With Other Small Business Owners

As a small business owner, you know how valuable shopping local is to your business, so why not spread the love and shop local yourself?

Doing so has a number of benefits. First, and most obviously, you help support other small business owners in your area. Rather than going to a big box store to buy a lawnmower, head to the local shop to get the lawn equipment you need. Rather than boosting that ad on Facebook, think about placing an ad in the local newspaper instead.

Second, as a consequence of shopping local, you get your name and face out in the community. For a self-employed photographer, that kind of exposure is invaluable. And, because you’re shopping local, the businesses that you support are more likely to support your business as well. So, the newspaper editor might see that you’ve started advertising with them and instead of going to the mall to get holiday pictures of the family, maybe they’ll come see you.

Lastly, as alluded to above, going local can help drum up business. You never know when you’ll be standing in line at the grocery store and hear the person in front of you talking about needing a photographer for an upcoming anniversary party. You never know when the bagel you buy at the local coffee shop will lead to you hanging some of your photos inside the shop. The point is that your presence at businesses around town can lead to opportunities to show off your work, and can lead to direct referrals too. It’s about the easiest marketing there is!

So, in the coming weeks and months, endeavor to address some of the weak spots in your business. Whether that’s marketing, leads, going local, or something else entirely, make this the year that you take your business to a whole other level.

Learn More:

• How to Start a Photography Business
• Explore Photography Business Tips

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^{Image Credit: 2e812ac3_768 via iStock}

It's hard to believe that 2018 is rapidly coming to a close.

All that's left is to enjoy the holidays, and then we'll be ready to ring in 2019!

But before all that, it's time to share some of the best photography companies that have shaped 2018 and are sure to shape the future of photography as well.

You've likely heard of some of these companies before. You might even have some of their products.

But others are newcomers to the photography world, and I couldn't be more excited to shine a light on them in this format.

Sirui

^{Pictured above: Sirui SR-3204 Tripod. Image by Cecil Holmes.}

I've been a big fan of Sirui for a long time and have had their W-2204 carbon fiber, waterproof tripod in my arsenal of gear for years and years.

I'll be honest - I wasn't sure how Sirui could make a tripod that was better than the W-2204, but earlier this year, they did just that when they released their SR-Series tripods.

^{Pictured above: Sirui SR-3004 Tripod.}

The SR line - which includes the SR-3004, the SR-3203, and the SR-3204 - is purpose-built for professional photographers with a load capacity of 55 pounds and a maximum height of 80-inches with the optional two-stage center column attached.

Sirui integrated excellent twist-lock leg mechanisms that make extending and retracting the legs a total breeze. That means faster setup and teardown times so you miss less shots.

^{Pictured above: Sirui SR-3203 Tripod twist leg locks.}

In addition, the SR-Series tripods have an integrated bubble level to keep your horizons straight, three-position leg angles for fast setup, a removable flat top plate for converting your tripod from photography to videography, and an integrated 1/4-inch socket on the spider for attaching accessories.

If that sounds like a lot of built-in swag, it is!

^{Pictured above: Sirui SR-3204 Tripod with integrated bubble level.}

These tripods are beautifully made, incredibly durable, highly functional, and backed by Sirui's name. That means it's a quality tripod that will last you for years and years to come.

It's that combination of innovation, commitment to quality, and top-notch tripod construction that landed Sirui on this best of the year list.

Kizoa

There’s no mistaking that video is becoming more and more integrated with still photography. One look at modern cameras and their 4K video capabilities is evidence of that fact.

That means that photographers need to start stepping up their videography game - and fast - lest they be left behind in a rapidly changing market.

With video being such an important part of photography in 2018, it makes sense to include one of the best video platforms around - Kizoa - on our list of the best of 2018. 

While other video-making programs might have more name recognition, the combination of Kizoa’s features and price make them stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Over the last decade, Kizoa has developed a vast suite of tools that make it easy to create professional-looking videos.

From adding texts and music to transitions and special effects, Kizoa gives you everything you need. That includes professionally-designed pre-made video templates to get you going and editing tools for cropping, rotating, straightening, and more so you can create your vision perfectly.. 

And using Kizoa couldn’t be easier - use their cloud-based platform on your laptop or download the free Kizoa app to your iOS device for on-the-go video-making.

Sharing your work is equally as easy with Facebook and YouTube integration. You can email your creations, burn them to DVDs, and download your files as an MP4, AVI, MOV, MPEG2, or even a GIF.

It’s inexpensive as well. With prices starting at just $30 for a lifetime membership, it’s an affordable tool for any photographer seeking to expand their talents into the realm of video!

Photologo

Here’s the thing... 

For years and years, I didn’t include a watermark, logo, or signature on my photos, even though I knew it made it easier for people to rip off my images.

But I had a good reason for my decision - watermarks just looked terrible.

Seriously, look at the image below and tell me that the signature on it isn’t completely distracting! 

I guess I figured that I’d rather have better-looking photos that are easier to rip off than degrade the quality of my images with a really ugly signature.

But I’ve changed my mind about the use of signatures, watermarks, and such, and that’s thanks to a company called Photologo.

I came across these guys a while back, and to say that I’m impressed is a total understatement.

The premise is quite simple: Photologo creates sleek, beautiful, and bespoke signatures for photographers that add a touch of elegance to your images (while also identifying you as the hard-working photographer that created the shot!).

For less than $40, Photologo will create a handmade signature just for you. Yes - handmade! There’s no software involved in the design process; instead, your signature will be created by real, live human beings using their artistic skill to make you a one-of-a-kind signature. 

Not bad, right? 

As you can see in the image below, my signature looks awesome.

But it’s not just the looking awesome part that’s so impressive.

You also have to consider how important your signature is to your overall branding and marketing strategy.

Think about it - if you have a gorgeous signature on all your photos, you create a cohesive look. Not only that, but when you send your portfolio to clients or they view your website, you’ll make an even better first impression with the combination of your breathtaking photos and professionally-designed signature along with it.

And you can do with your signature what you wish, too, so include it on everything from your website to blog to your online images for a complete branding experience. 

These guys work quickly, too. I had my signature in just two days.

So, from a branding standpoint, a marketing standpoint, an aesthetic standpoint, and a security standpoint, a personalized signature from Photologo can help you elevate your brand of photography. That’s why they’re included on our list of the Best of 2018!

Photomatix

Ask any photographer what the hardest part of photography is, and a healthy margin will say getting the exposure just right.

Whether you’re trying to capture the perfect light of a landscape at dusk or photographing the interior of a home, the challenge of getting highlights, shadows, and midtones in beautiful detail is very real.

That’s why HDR software Photomatix is such a valuable tool for photographers.

Photomatix Pro is the grandfather of HDR software, having pioneered HDR photo editing with the introduction of its first version in 2003.

The software has matured over the years, while keeping up innovating on the leading edge of HDR imaging technology. Its latest iteration, Photomatix Pro 6, includes selective ghost removal, 40 built-in presets, 70+ HDR settings, a brush tool, and batch processing, to name just a few features.

The software offers 6 HDR styles to appeal to all categories of photographers. You can choose from a selection of natural-looking presets when you just need subtle enhancements, but you also have access to a large range or creative presets when you are after artistic effects.

Photomatix Pro is particularly popular among landscape photographers who rely on it to create that "wow" effect, but it's also widely used by real estate photographers. With presets optimised to produce natural looking interior photos, Photomatix Pro has become a favorite tool for high-end real estate photography.

But don’t think that HDRsoft is a one-trick pony - if it were, we wouldn’t include it on our list of the best photography companies of 2018. 

There are multiple products in the Photomatix family to meet the HDR needs of a wide range of photographers, whether casual, enthusiast, or professional. 

For example, Photomatix Essentials is designed for people who are new to HDR photography. It's not only incredibly easy to use but also offers automatic ghost removal, automatic alignment for handheld photos, and four HDR styles for even further customizations. And all that is just $39.

Being among the best in the industry requires that companies demonstrate an innovative approach to product development, and a commitment to creating products that make photographers more successful. HDRsoft certainly ticks those boxes, and many more. 

Holdfast

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk} 

Holdfast has been - and continues to be - one of the top brands in photography.

It makes sense, too, because seldom do you find people as dedicated to crafting the best products as Matt Swaggart and his Oklahoma-based team.

And I don’t just appreciate what Holdfast brings to the photography industry as a photography business owner myself. Instead, I appreciate their products as a long-term customer of theirs. 

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk}

My first experience with Holdfast was with their Roamographer camera bag. 

The bag is truly a top-of-the-line carryall that helps you keep your gear organized and safe, while helping you be more comfortable doing it.

The Roamographer is impeccably designed, beautifully crafted using the finest materials, and it’s versatile, too.

Just remove the camera insert and you’ve got a gorgeous weekend bag with tons of space for all your clothes and other necessities for a fun few days away from home.

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk}

Most recently, though, Holdfast has graced us with their MoneyMaker Solo camera strap. 

I have one of these as well, and I can tell you firsthand that the quality and construction that I came to love all those years ago with my Roamographer bag is still there in full force. 

In fact, the MoneyMaker Solo uses the same leathers and metal materials as its big brother, the MoneyMaker.

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk}

But the Solo is designed for one-camera shooters, so it’s a much more streamlined version of the venerable MoneyMaker.

The large, contoured shoulder strap offers you a comfortable carrying experience while the integrated stabilizer strap helps keep the shoulder pad in place. 

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk}

The included Belt Anchor adds further stability to the MoneyMaker Solo by keeping your camera locked into place not matter if you’re walking, stooping, kneeling down, or something in between.

Just pull the release tab on the Belt Anchor, and your camera is free so you can get the shots you need. A quick one-handed action engages the Belt Anchor again to lock your camera back in place.

With the ability to add lens pouches or a cell phone pouch, the MoneyMaker Solo might be small, but it’s got all the features and functionalities you’d expect from a Holdfast product! This commitment to crafting fine products is just one of the many reasons why Holdfast is on our list of the best of the best for 2018.

Kirk Enterprise Solutions

Kirk Enterprise Solutions makes our list of the Best of 2018 for one big reason - they make impeccable photography accessories.

When so many companies cut corners and offer consumers cut-rate products, it's a breath of fresh air to encounter products that are well-designed, easy to use, do what they're supposed to, and offer durability for the long-term.

Kirk has a wide range of products, from tripod and monopod heads to quick release plates and lens plates to flash brackets and rails for macro photography.

They also make some really, really good L-brackets...

The beauty of an L-bracket like the BL-D850 shown above is that you can quickly and easily release, turn, and remount your camera for both vertical and horizontal shots without having to flip the tripod head on its side.

Not only is this a faster, easier way to do things, but it also means you can retain your shooting position.

The L-bracket fits on the base of the camera without interfering with access to the battery or I/O ports, which only aids in its ease of use and functionality.

What I appreciate about my Kirk L-bracket is that it has anti-twist flanges, an Arca-Type compatible dovetail mount, and it doesn't interfere with a tilting LCD.

There's lines on each access to help me ensure the sensor is centered, and the one-piece design means strength and durability.

I've used this L-bracket in all sorts of conditions, and it's always performed beautifully.

That's what it's all about - crafting dependable products that help you and I take better photos.

That's why Kirk Enterprise Solutions is on our list!

The Vest Guy

For nearly three decades, Salt Lake City-based company The Vest Guy has been making the best photography vests on the market. 

Not only are their vests made in the USA, they’re also crafted to a military-grade level so they’re incredibly durable. They stand behind their products with a lifetime workmanship warranty which means you’ll have a vest that will serve you well for years and years to come. 

Pictured above and below is the Colorado Vest - just one of many photography vest model options available. 

Like The Vest Guy’s other vests, this rig was designed using hundreds of hours of professional photography experience in the field to ensure it’s of the utmost in functionality, durability, and comfort.

There’s an adjustable camera strap on the shoulder so you can keep your camera ready for those quick shots. There’s also cargo pockets on the lower part of the vest so your camera gear is right at your fingertips.

What sets this vest apart from others is the attention to detail regarding functionality.

For example, the dual cargo pockets have adjustable, removable interior dividers. You can use the cargo pocket to carry additional camera bodies or utilize the  pockets dividers to carry multiple smaller lens.

This vest even has dedicated pockets for lens filters!

And with small zippered pockets on the front of the filter pockets, you have space to keep things like spare memory cards, batteries, and cleaning cloths easily accessible.

Add in the fact that these vests have adjustable straps to accommodate year-round shooting attire, D-rings for carrying a flashlight, bug repellant, or other supplies, a hydration sleeve, heavy-duty zippers, and a carrying handle for easy transport, it’s a recipe for a top-of-the-line photography vest bound to set you apart. 

You can even customize the vest by adding padded shoulders, name tags, MOLLE pockets, and more.

If that level of craftsmanship and attention to detail doesn’t earn The Vest Guy a spot on our list of the Best of 2018, I don’t know what will!

DJI Mavic 2

DJI's new Mavic 2 drone is one of the company's best yet, and that's saying a lot given the heritage of DJI's drones over the years.

The Mavic 2 - which comes in the Pro and Zoom versions - is a technology-packed and innovative drone that is certainly worthy of inclusion on this list of the Best of 2018.

Let's start with the Mavic 2 Pro...

This bad boy has a one-inch 20MP sensor in its Hasselblad camera. The lens has an aperture range of f/2.8-f/11, so you have all sorts of wiggle room when it comes to depth of field in your photos and videos.

The Mavic 2 Zoom, meanwhile, offers a bit more zoom range - thus the name - thanks to its 24-48mm lens. If you need more reach to capture distant subjects, this is the Mavic 2 for you.

Both drones fly at up to 44 mph, have a maximum flight time of over 30 minutes, and have all the obstacle-avoiding mechanisms you need to keep your drone safe.

Likewise, both the Pro and the Zoom are capable of shooting 4K video at up to 100MB per second.

When it comes to the best gear for photographers, increasingly, drones are on that list. If you're ready to step up your drone photography game, you might consider one of these top-shelf drones.

PolarPro Filters

There's a lot to love about PolarPro filters, from their incredible lineup of filters for just about any kind of camera to their use of innovative techniques and materials that generate incredible products and superb results.

In fact, PolarPro crafts their Quartzline filters out of 99.9 percent fused quartz.

That means that these filters offer vastly improved optical clarity while also being more durable than traditional filters as well. What's not to like about that?

You can get these Quartzline filters in a variety of forms, too - UV, circular polarizer, neutral density - you name it! So no matter your need for filters for your camera, PolarPro has what you're looking for.

PolarPro doesn't just make filters for traditional cameras, either.

In fact, they make equally excellent filters for various DJI drones.

For example, their DJI Mavic Air Cinema Series Filter 3-Pack Vivid Collection gives drone pilots the capability of shooting beautiful cinematic videos with three different neutral density/polarizing filter combinations.

Their Shutter Collection for the DJI Mavic Air includes three neutral density filters that enable smooth video captures without changing the color profile of the footage that's taken.

But it isn't just the products themselves that earn PolarPro a spot on this list.

Instead, these guys have proven themselves to be dedicated to improving the industry with top-notch customer service, a lifetime warranty on their products, and a dedication to innovations that make taking great photos more likely.

In other words, PolarPro is at the top of their game so we can all be on the top of our game, too!

Learn more about PolarPro

Synology DiskStation DS918+

There's only one network attached storage system on our list, and for good reason.

The Synology DiskStation DS918+ is loaded for bear with features that makes securely storing your image and video files a breeze.

With four bays for hard disk or SSD drives, you can have up to 48 TB of storage space. It's a scalable system, too, so you can get even more storage with an optional external drive bay that gets you a total of up to 108TB of data storage. That's a lot of photos and videos!

This rig offers fast encrypted and sequential file transfers, is perfectly suited for storing and sharing Ultra HD media files, and can transcode up to two channels of 4K video simultaneously.

The DS918+ has a small form factor, so you can set it on your desk and it won't take up much space.

It's got a simple, elegant look, too, with a matte black finish.

Inside, the DS918+ is powered by an Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core processor that runs at 1.5GHz and can turbo boost to 2.3GHz when needed.

It's easy to set up as well, with Synology's user-friendly Disk Station Manager OS that allows you to get things squared away by using a network-connected computer or tablet.

All told, from unboxing the DS918 to plugging in your drives to booting it up and accessing the Disk Station Manager OS, you'll be in it for about 15 minutes.

Security, tons of features and options, fast performance, ease of use, small form factor...this NAS has it all!

Learn more about the Synology DiskStation DS918+

Athos Insurance Services

In a market in which many insurance companies seem to have lost the capacity for putting the customer first,Athos Insurance Services breaks the mold.

Not only is Athos known for its mantra of making every customer feel like the only customer, but they also offer a wide-range of coverages to meet just about any need that a photographer might have. 

Let’s just consider for a moment what Athos’ equipment policies cover…

Natural events like hail, floods, earthquakes, lightning, and windstorms are all covered. So too is accidental damage, damage from falling objects, damage from fire, smoke, or water, and damage that results from an explosion. 

Beyond that, Athos’ equipment policy also offers coverage worldwide, including in transit or during shipping. Theft is covered, too, and replacement cost coverage is offered as well.

You can even get optional coverage for equipment that’s afloat or underwater!

In other words, if you’re looking for customizable and comprehensive insurance for your every need, Athos Insurance Services is who to call. 

Athos’ founder, Katherine Wong, specialized for many years in equipment and production insurance options, and now she’s leading the charge in digital insurance solutions. 

Athos provides quick and easy quotes, easy-to-purchase options, and quality covered to meet your needs, be that for equipment, home insurance, business liability, and various points in between.

It’s a true one-stop-shop for your insurance needs with an extensive online platform to deliver efficient services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s why we recommend them so highly for photographers that need insurance coverage!

Learn more about Athos Insurance Services

SnapPro

Ask any professional photographer what the toughest part of their job is, and I'd bet a healthy number would say "finding new leads."

After all, without leads, it's hard to develop your business, let alone sustain it...

But that's where SnapPro comes in.

SnapPro is a photography directory purpose-built to not only help photographers get leads but also help people find high-quality photographers in their area.

In that regard, it truly is a system that proves beneficial for both sides.

So, SnapPro is basically a database that lists its member photographers across the U.S. and Canada. People that need a photographer just jump on SnapPro, enter their location and the type of photographer they need, and voila - a list of matching photographers is provided.

You can even compare photographers side-by-side, that way you can determine which one is best for you.

SnapPro will then connect clients to their chosen photographer to learn more, get pricing details, and so forth. It couldn't be easier to find a photographer!

But for photographers, having something like SnapPro is a Godsend because it connects you with people that need a photographer in your area.

When business slows down, just turn to SnapPro to find gigs to fill in your schedule.

You can even use SnapPro to find side gigs - working as a second shooter at a wedding, for example.

Maybe best of all is the fact that you can join SnapPro for free in just a few seconds.

Once you join up, you can create a profile, upload a video to introduce yourself, create an image gallery to show off your work, and even publish articles and photography tips to help establish your expertise.

It really is a one-stop solution for photographers that need leads to generate new business!

V-Flat

Creating gorgeous portraits is all about having control over the light. 

And while perfecting your lighting setup goes a long way in giving you the precise light you need for dramatic and impactful images, having the ability to fine-tune and control the lighting will help you take your portraits a step further.

You can do that easily with the easy-to-use V-Flats from V-Flat World.

These V-Flats are just 40x40 inches when they’re folded up, and they’re super lightweight, so they are incredibly portable. 

In fact, you can slide them into the back of your car and take them from home to the studio to location shoots and points in between without any fuss.

The setup couldn’t be easier, either. As you can see in the video below, it’s a simple matter of unfolding the V-Flat, connecting the Velcro hinges together, and you’re ready to rock.

The white side of the V-Flat is ideal for bouncing light back onto the subject from a strobe for softer, more even light. Likewise, you can use the white side to bounce natural light back onto the subject for the same effect. 

The black side allows you to reduce bounced light, resulting in gorgeously dramatic photos with more shadow detail.

Perhaps best of all, you can add V-Flats to your kit without breaking the bank. A single V-Flat is less than $200. Buying a set of two saves you even more money with a price of just $379.

Whether you work in a home studio, on location, or outdoors, you can now have greater control over portrait lighting with these innovative V-Flats from one of the best photography companies of 2018 - V-Flat World.

Acratech

Over the years, Acratech has made a name for itself for crafting quality precision products from ball heads to L-brackets, quick-release clamps to panorama tripod heads.

But it isn't just the fact that they've designed simple, rugged, and effective gear that gets them on our Best of 2018 list...

Instead, in addition putting out quality, innovative products, I also love the fact that Acratech is a family-run business based in Pomona, California.

In fact, not only is the company based in Pomona, but every single Acratech product is proudly made there as well.

Acratech uses only the finest materials, which means you get a product that is of top-quality workmanship that makes your job getting the shot much, much easier.

Their special edition red GP Ball Head shown above is just one example of their incredible attention to detail and their drive to craft photography accessories that help you get better photos.

I own a GP Ball Head (an original black version as well as the special edition red version), and I can attest to the strength and durability of this thing - I don't leave the house without it.

If that doesn't demonstrate just how good Acratech's products are, I don't know what will!

If you're in the market for a ball head, get an Acratech GP Ball Head in black or contact the company directly to order a special edition red GP Ball Head.

CanvasHQ

I've been a customer of CanvasHQ for a while now, and they certainly don't disappoint.

On the one hand, CanvasHQ crafts the best canvases I've ever hung on my walls - and that's saying something because I've tested canvases from dozens of companies over the years.

These guys use only high-grade materials, which means your photos look like a million bucks on a canvas that won't fade, bubble, or crack. The frames are made of kiln-dried wood so they won't bend or buckle, either.

Aside from the quality of their canvases, CanvasHQ makes this list of the Best of 2018 because they have outstanding customer service.

They're a small outfit, so they treat you like an old friend rather than another order number that needs to be fulfilled.

If you have a question, they'll answer promptly. If you need help, they'll stay with you until the issue is resolved.

Speaking of issues, if there's a problem with your canvas, you can send it back within 30 days to get a refund, or CanvasHQ will ship a replacement to you.

On top of all that, the CanvasHQ folks work quickly.

No one wants to wait for weeks on end to get their canvas, so the turnaround time of 48 hours and quick shipping after that means you can get your canvas in a matter of days, not weeks.

It's this combination of fast service, customer care, and quality products that makes CanvasHQ one of our favorites for 2018.

Start making your CanvasHQ canvas today.

Xennec

Xennec is a new company on the PhotographyTalk radar, but despite that, they’re already being featured on our Best of 2018 list.

Why?

Well, that’s simple…

In hands-on testing, their camera bags have not only proven to be of impeccable build quality but their functionality is off the charts, too.

Take their “smallest” bag, the Messenger 13 shown above. 

In it, I have my Nikon D850 with an L-bracket and a 14-24mm lens attached. I have a 24-70mm lens and a 70-200mm lens in the bag as well.

That’s a ton of gear in a messenger-style bag!

If you need to carry even more gear, Xennec’s DayPack 15 (shown above) and BackPack 15 (shown below) are monstrously large, with the former accommodating a camera with a lens attached, 3-4 additional lenses, camera accessories, a 15-inch laptop, and a 12-inch laptop. The latter ups the storage capacity even more with space for an additional 2-3 lenses.

What’s so great about these bags (aside from looking like a million bucks) is that they can carry all your gear and do so without feeling cumbersome. 

The Messenger 13, for example, feels light on your shoulder even when loaded for bear, and you still feel as though you can move quickly and navigate through crowds, be that on a busy city street or a wedding reception or whatever else you might be photographing. 

I’m a stickler for details, and Xennec certainly delivers on that front as well. 

They’ve incorporated things like innovative magnetic closures on the Messenger 13 for easy access, Twiz-lock zipper pulls for improved security on the DayPack 15 and BackPack 15, and waterproof zippers to keep your gear dry.

If you look at the stitching on these bags, you can tell that time and effort was put into the construction, which means that the bag will look good and perform well for the long-term. 

And that’s what’s so refreshing about Xennec - they have thoughtfully designed their products to be as functional as possible, dedicated themselves to high-quality construction, and developed innovative features like magnetic closures and hidden gear access panels that make using their bags easier while keeping your gear safer.

If that doesn’t land a company on a photography “best of the best” list, I don’t know what will!

Seriously, give Xennec a look and see what I mean about being the perfect blend of form, function, and price.

Argraph

One of the problems that many photographers face is figuring out what to do with all their old slides and negatives from decades ago.

Rather than letting them sit and rot in boxes in your attic, you can save them for perpetuity using Argraph's Pana-Vue Pana-Scan Portable Stand-Alone Combo Scanner.

What puts Argraph on this best of 2018 list is the fact that they have streamlined the process of turning analog memories into digital dreams.

This scanner is loaded for bear with features but it isn't complicated to use. That's a great combination!

Whether you've got photos, 35mm negatives, 110 or 126 Instamatic negatives, or 35mm slides, this scanner will digitize them all. 

Argraph has developed anti-glare technology that allows the scanner to scan photos without even removing the photos from the album. That's a great feature for fragile, old photographs.

What's more, if you can remove photos from albums, the Pana-Vue scanner will scan up to 4x6 prints into 14-megapixel digital files.

Perhaps best of all, it takes just a moment to scan and you don't even need a computer. This is a standalone device that allows you to scan and share your photos via email and social media. You can print your images, too!

Plus, if you want to view the images you've scanned, Argraph has made it easy to hook the scanner up to a TV.

There’s simply not an easier way to digitize old photos than with Argraph’s Pana-Vue Combo Scanner!

SHUTTERbag

One of the factors I take into account when deciding what companies I think are the best of the year is how innovative the company is.

And in terms of innovation, SHUTTERbag is at the top of my list.

This company has been changing the face of photography for eight years now, particularly for female photographers.

That's because SHUTTERbag specializes in creating functional, durable, and affordable camera bags for women.

As shown above, there are a variety of models for just about any female photographer.

If you're a mom on the go, the Girls Day Out bag (shown top left, above) is ideal because it has three separate compartments - one for your photography gear and two zippered compartments for anything from your tablet to diapers for your kid.

The Journey bag shown above is actually in my wife's closet as we speak - I bought it for her earlier this year.

The bag is a tote-style bag made of genuine leather. It has a breathable cotton lining that snuggles your gear and protects it from scuffs and scratches.

The bag also has a detachable strap with a slip-resistant shoulder pad that makes for a comfortable carrying experience whether you use it as a shoulder bag or a sling bag across your body.

What I like about it is that I can have my wife carry my Nikon D850 with a 70-200mm lens attached while I chase our son around. It's a great setup!

Beyond the beauty and functionality of these bags, there's just simply an incredible selection to choose from. No matter what you need big or small, SHUTTERbag has the bag for you!

Meural

The Meural Canvas is one of my favorite photography products of all time.

I think it's easy to understand why, too...

For starters, it looks like a normal, everyday framed photo or piece of art. The difference, of course, is that it's digitized, so you can load whatever images you want on it, just like opening a playlist on Spotify.

But more than that, the digital images displayed on this thing look incredibly real.

That's thanks to Meural's TrueArt technology that recreates the images with lifelike detail.

On top of that, the Meural Canvas automatically adjusts its display to accommodate vertical or horizontal hanging.

It has an ambient light sensor to adjust its brightness to the level of the lighting in the room,and the frame is made of FSC-certified American hardwood.

All of that means that you have a gorgeous product and one that's sustainably resourced, too.

Perhaps best of all is that you can control what's displayed on the Meural Canvas via their website, a mobile app, or by using hand gestures. It's like living in 3018, not 2018!

Meural Canvases are truly impressive and something that has totally changed photography. That's why they're on our Best of 2018 list!

Excire 

Excire is an up-and-coming company that I became familiar with this year, and I just have to sing its praises. 

For me, there isn’t much that I hate doing more than manually tagging my photos in Lightroom. That’s why there are thousands and thousands of images in my Lightroom catalogs that aren’t tagged at all. 

Until now… 

What’s so great about Excire’s products - Excire Search and Excire Search Pro - is that they utilize artificial intelligence to tag your Lightroom photos for you. 

Yeah...we’re living in the future, my friends! 

Excire Search has 125 common keywords that can be used for tagging your images, so every shot you have of a mountain or a bike or a dog will be organized and easily identified. 

Excire Search can obviously be used to search your images as well. Just use the plugin to find the images in your catalog that meet your criteria!

Even better, Excire Search Pro offers over 500 keywords for tagging, so you have even more capability to organize and search your photos.

It includes a keyword transfer function, too, which means you can use Excire Search Pro on your existing catalogs. That means no more hunting around for the images you need, even if you have an enormous Lightroom catalog of tens of thousands of images. 

In addition to having a top-shelf, award-winning Lightroom plugin, the folks at Excire are dedicated to making a positive mark on the community. That’s why they take a small portion of the proceeds from Excire Search Pro sales and set it aside to fund non-profit organizations in the United States.

That fact alone is enough to land Excire on this list of the best of the best, but having an incredible Lightroom plugin that makes your life as a photographer SO much easier sure helps too!

National Photographic Adventures

National Photographic Adventures has been around for a good, long while, helmed by 40-year photography veteran Kevin Vandivier.

Kevin's award-winning photography, his down-home personality, and his commitment to helping others reach a higher level of success with their cameras are just a few reasons why his company is listed here as among the best of 2018.

I've had the pleasure of talking shop with Kevin on a number of occasions, and his love for photography is infectious.

He uses that passion to mentor his students to help them tell better stories with the photographs they take.

Each of Kevin's workshops includes one-on-one feedback, daily demonstrations of photography techniques, and shooting assignments that are designed to help each person grow as a photographer.

With locations all over the United States, these workshops give you a chance to learn and grow as a photographer in some of the most incredible places on earth - Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, and Monument Valley among them.

Perhaps best of all, these adventures are limited to just seven people, so you're sure to get the most individual instruction possible.

No matter which adventure you choose, National Photographic Adventures is one of the best photography tour companies around!

Tripod Flags

One of the criteria I use to determine if a company is truly one of the best of the year is their ability to think outside the box and provide products that truly help photographers build better businesses. 

Tripod Flags has certainly done that… 

Tripod Flags looked at one of the most useful (and visible) parts of a photographer’s kit - your tripod - and found an ideal place for photography branding.

Think about it - whether you’re shooting a wedding, a corporate event, working for a charity event, or something in between, your tripod is often front-and-center. Tripod Flags takes advantage of that prime real estate and turns your tripod into a miniature billboard with a heavy-duty canvas cover where you can place your business name and contact information for all to see.

I often see wedding and event photographers wear shirts with their branding on them. And while that’s a good idea, it’s also expensive! Besides, when you’re holding your camera to your eye, who’s going to see your business name printed on your shirt?

Aside from being a great way to advertise your business, Tripod Flags also offer enhanced safety for your gear. The large, heavy-duty canvas cover is easy to see, so it can help guests avoid running into your gear as they enjoy themselves at the event. 

In other words, a custom-fit Tripod Flag pulls double duty. It’s an ideal way to promote your brand while also offering safety for your gear and for guests.

What’s not to like about that?!

Learn more about Tripod Flags

GDU

What impresses me the most about the GDU O2 drone is that you don't have to be a drone expert to fly this thing.

For beginner pilots, the GDU O2 is easy to use, highly portable, and its obstacle avoidance system helps keep it in the air and avoid crashes.

What's more, the vision positioning system gives the drone total flying stability whether you're piloting it indoors or out.

For more experienced pilots, the GDU O2 has a gesture recognition system for taking still images and videos, bust shooting mode for capturing action shots, slow-motion and time-lapse shooting modes, as well as a selfie mode.

On top of that, this drone has a three-axis stable video capture feature that enables beautifully smooth panning 4K videos.

GDU has incorporated multiple flight modes as well - fly in a circle around you, lift off like a rocket, or have the drone follow you around.

No matter which mode you're flying in, the drone has a return-to-home function so it will land in basically the same spot from which it took off.

Add in a smartphone app to control the drone, and you have the makings of one of the best photography products of 2018!

Vallerret Photography Gloves

I live in Southern California, so I don’t get many opportunities for winter photography - at least not the winter photography that involves the cold and snow. 

But I grew up in upstate New York, so it’s not like I’m unfamiliar with how the cold can adversely affect your ability to take a great shot.

Back then, digital cameras didn’t exist, let alone all the awesome camera accessories we have today.

One thing I wish I would’ve had back then was a pair of Vallerret Photography Gloves. I have some now, so I guess that’s all that matters!

In a word, these gloves are amazing.

Specifically designed for photographers, these gloves not only keep your hands warm but they allow you to maintain the ability to interact with your gear.

For example, their IPSOOT glove (shown above and below) has FlipTech finger caps that allow you to change camera settings and press buttons with your finger without having to remove the glove. The caps are even magnetic, so when they’re open, they stay out of your way. 

On top of that, the glove has an ergonomic fit that ensures it contours to your hand and doesn’t get in the way of camera control.

The palm of the IPSOOT glove has a non-slip covering, too, that way you can more easily grip your camera, even in the coldest of conditions.

Speaking of cold… 

Vallerret offers varying warmth levels for their gloves, so whether you’re in mild winter conditions, deep winter conditions, or somewhere in between, there’s a glove for you. 

The selection of gloves that Vallerret offers is pretty incredible, too.

If you don’t need the deep winter warmth of the IPSOOT glove, perhaps the Markhof Pro 2.0 glove (shown above and below) - which is designed for mid winter conditions and everyday use - is for you. 

The Markhof Pro 2.0 has many of the same innovative features as the IPSOOT - the Merino wool inner lining, the FlipTech finger caps, and the non-slip grip, among them. Both models even have a handy zippered pouch to keep a spare memory card handy.

If it isn’t obvious, Vallerret has thought of everything! 

They’ve got an extensive line of gloves, gloves for all types of wintery weather, gloves with innovative features that make photography easier to tackle in the winter, and these gloves look really, really good, too.

Beyond that, these gloves have proven their mettle in the harshest winter conditions in Alaska, Canada, Norway, and other countries that really test a photographer’s abilities - and the ability of their gear. 

It’s the combination of superb quality, tried-and-true real-world testing, and must-have features in a beautifully crafted package that got Vallerret on our Best of 2018 list!

Strabo Photo Tour Collection

^{Frank Lavelle}

Since 2003, Strabo Photo Tour Collection has been leading enriching photography tours around the world that are designed by and for photographers. That's why they are the best of the best for 2018.

Strabo offers an incredible array of workshops and tours - more than 40, in fact - that take you to beautiful and enriching destinations the world over.

No matter if you love landscapes or architecture, portraits or wildlife, there is something for you!

In fact, if you're ready to get adventuring, you can head to Morocco - a land of breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and tons of history - to build your photography skills in 2019.

^{Ron Rosenstock}

If Iceland is more your style, Strabo Photo Tours can accommodate you.

Join their yearly tours of this land of fire and ice and explore black sand beaches, beautiful glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and more.

Of course, there are many, many more locations to visit, including throughout Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America as well.

Truly, Strabo has an amazing lineup of workshops, each of which is taught by a veteran photographer with years and years of practical experience.

That's what happens when you build a solid reputation as being a premier photo tour provider!

---

So, you've done the heavy lifting of becoming a photographer.

You have a business name and a business structure, a website and a portfolio, pricing plans, and so forth.

Now you just need clients!

There are right and wrong ways to go about getting clients in your door. Let's explore a few do's and don'ts of how to find photography clients.

DON'T Follow the Crowd

One of the most common mistakes that new photographers make is trying to copy the marketing strategies of their competitors.

The problem with this is that while those strategies might have worked for your competitors, there's no guarantee that they'll work for you.

What's more, part of the game of building a successful photography business is to stand out from the crowd, not follow it.

You need to develop your own unique selling proposition so people understand why you're different, and why that's a good thing!

DO Spend Time Developing Leads

When I say you need to spend time developing leads, I don't mean asking your friends and family for referrals (though that's a good idea, too).

Instead, you need to cast a much wider net to get your name and face out there amongst the buying public.

And one of the best ways to do that is with SnapPro.

SnapPro is the top photographer directory out there today. With SnapPro, you find a platform that was designed not only to help you market your photography business, but also help clients find a photographer in a simple, straightforward manner.

That means that if you're a wedding photographer, you join SnapPro, are entered into their database of photographers throughout the U.S. and Canada, and people that need a wedding photographer simply head to the SnapPro website, enter their location and their photography needs, and they get a list of matching photographers.

Easy, right?

From there, users can compare photographers side-by-side, and when they select you, SnapPro shows them the details of your business, offers pricing details, and so forth.

In other words, this is a total marketing platform for you, no matter what kind of photography services you offer. Once you create your profile and upload images to your gallery, SnapPro will work for you to help you find the clients you need.

Even better, you can customize your profile with a video that introduces yourself. You can even write and publish articles on your SnapPro profile as well!

In that regard, SnapPro is like having your own little marketing team, working hard to help you find the leads you need. If you want to build a successful business, SnapPro can help.

Learn More:

• Get More Details on SnapPro
• The Top 10 Resources for Photographers

DON'T Rely on Mass Marketing

Finding photography clients is hard enough as it is, but if you rely on such impersonal means of finding clients as mass marketing solutions, you're only going to make the process more difficult on yourself.

Though buying ads in the local paper or having a TV spot made might sound like the thing for businesses to do, for photographers, it just doesn't make sense.

Think about it - you don't need 500 clients a year to make a good living. Heck, if you had one-tenth that many clients, you'd be doing well.

So, avoid mass marketing and concentrate on drilling down to more personal methods - word of mouth, referrals, SnapPro, and so forth. You'll likely find that doing so gets you better and more meaningful leads that generate more clients anyway!

DO Make Time Each Day For Marketing

In the business world, if you're lazy, you die.

Sure, you might feel like you have enough clients right now, but part of building a successful photography business is having a solid mailing list and database of potential clients to target.

To make that a reality, you need to schedule time each and every day to work on marketing.

Even if it's 10-15 minutes to post on Facebook or write a few thank you notes to past clients, you'll be doing yourself and your business a huge favor.

After all, marketing yourself is how you'll get leads, get clients, and pay the bills. So, treat marketing like the important thing that it is, and you will not only see your business grow, but see it flourish for the long-term.

Learn More:

• How Much Do Photographers Make?
• How to Start a Photography Business

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If you’re like me, despite all your best efforts, you still find yourself scrambling to find gifts for people on your holiday list at the last-minute.

And if you have photographers on your shopping list, the task of getting them the perfect gift can be even more difficult and stressful because photographers can be a picky bunch to buy for.

But don’t worry…

I’ve got a pretty darn good list of incredible photography gifts that will put a smile on any photographers face!

Click Props Backdrops

One thing I can’t stand is an ugly portrait backdrop. Another thing I can’t stand are backdrops that are flimsy, hard to clean, or simply don’t hang well.

And I’m not alone…

Sure, the background of a portrait isn’t the star of the show, but that doesn’t mean that photographers want to make-do with sub-optimal backdrops. 

That’s where Click Props Backdrops comes in…

Click Props Backdrops has dedicated themselves to creating not just a HUGE collection of backdrops, floorgrounds, and combo sets, but they’ve also managed to create products that tick all the boxes when it comes to beauty, quality, ease of use, care, and price.

Consider this - these backdrops are made of heavy-duty vinyl so you get the ultimate in durability and performance over the long-term. But they’re also ultra lightweight, so the photographer on your list can literally set up the backdrop by themselves in a matter of seconds.

The backdrops have a series of reinforced grommets for easy hanging, or if your favorite photographer prefers, these backdrops can be custom-ordered without grommets and used with a roller system for even faster, easier setup.

And no one wants to use backdrops that they have to worry about getting dirty. That’s why Click Props Backdrops makes their products out of 550gsm vinyl that’s durable and easy to clean. Just wipe it down and it’s ready to go! 

On top of that, Click Props Backdrops has an enormous selection of products. We’re talking hundreds of different colors and styles that will fit any photographer’s aesthetic!

Plus, these backdrops are reasonably priced, so you can fulfill the wishes of the photographer on your holiday shopping list without breaking the bank.

What’s not to like about that?! 

Learn more about Click Props Backdrops

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens from Mike's Camera

If you have a Nikon shooter on your holiday shopping list, an ideal gift for them is the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

Why is it an ideal gift?

That's easy...it's incredibly versatile.

From wide-angle to telephoto, this lens does it all! It has a 10.7x zoom range, a close focus range of just 18 inches (at any focal length!), and VR II image stabilization that gives photographers up to 4 shutter speeds of leeway when shooting handheld.

All that translates into this being a powerhouse lens that will help your favorite photographer take better, sharper photos and videos.

The lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness with two extra-low dispersion elements that also offer superb color correction with minimal chromatic aberrations.

Likewise, the three aspherical lens elements eliminate coma and other aberrations, even when shooting at wide apertures.

This lens is one of the most versatile and reliable lenses that Nikon makes. That's why it's a perfect gift idea for the photographer in your life!

Learn more about the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens

DJI Mavic 2 Pro/Mavic 2 Zoom

DJI has been at the forefront of drone innovation for years now, but they’ve taken it up another notch with their latest drones, the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom. That’s good news if you’re looking for an incredible, cutting-edge gift for the photographer on your holiday list. 

Though these drones share the same heritage and the same name, they actually have very different purposes - and some interesting features that set them apart from one another. 

In the case of the Mavic 2 Pro, it’s armed with a one-inch 20MP CMOS sensor that’s housed in a Hasselblad camera - the same camera that’s found in DJI’s Phantom 4 Pro. The lens opens to f/2.8 and closes down to f/11, giving photographers and videographers excellent range for manipulating depth of field and shooting in low-light situations.

The Mavic 2 Zoom is geared more towards photographers and videographers that need a little bit more range with their drone’s lens. That’s why it’s outfitted with a 24-48mm lens paired with a 1/2.3-inch sensor that creates 12MP images. 

But just because the Mavic 2 Zoom has a smaller sensor doesn’t mean that its photos and videos are somehow low-quality. In fact, both the Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro shoot 4K video at up to 100MB per second, and the Mavic 2 Zoom has a “super resolution mode” that allows photographers to stitch nine individual images together to create a single 48-megapixel behemoth.

Both drones can fly at a maximum speed of 44mph, have a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, and have DJI’s latest obstacle avoidance system that’s armed with 10 sensors.

In other words, DJI has stepped up its game and created two incredible, versatile drones that make ideal holiday gift ideas for photographers, videographers, and drone enthusiasts.

Learn more about the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom

SnapPro

If you're shopping for a loved one that wants to start a photography business - or perhaps they already have and are struggling to find clients - SnapPro is a fantastic gift.

SnapPro is the best photography directory out there, and by gifting a membership to your favorite photographer, they'll be more likely to find clients (and more of them, too!).

This amazing photography directory is a database that lists its member photographers from all over the U.S. and Canada.

Consumers that need a photographer just head to SnapPro, enter their location and their specific needs (i.e., wedding photographer), and matching photographers are provided.

Users can then compare photographers side-by-side, and when they've chosen one, SnapPro connects the consumer to their chosen photographer. Easy, right?!

For the photographer on your holiday shopping list, SnapPro is a ready-made place to find clients.

But not only that, photographers can find jobs working for other photographers. For example, if your loved one is a portrait photographer and wants to pick up an extra gig, they can contact a wedding photographer to see about working as a second shooter.

So, basically, SnapPro is a photography community that can help the photographer in your life jumpstart their career.

This holiday season, give the gift of ongoing work by giving your loved one a SnapPro membership. It's even free to join!

Learn more about SnapPro

Nikon Z7 from Paul's Photo

If you really need to impress the photographer in your life with a great gift and they're a Nikon shooter, a new Nikon Z7 should get you in their good graces.

This camera is, in a word, incredible...

Just check out these specs:

• Backside-illuminated 45.7-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
• EXPEED 6 image processing
• 9fps continuous shooting speed
• ISO range of 64-25600; expandable to 32-102400
• 493-point autofocus system
• 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization
• 3.2-inch tilting, touch-enabled LCD with 2.1 million dots
• OLED electronic viewfinder with 3.69 million dots and 0.80x magnification

If you aren't familiar with camera speak, let me translate: this camera is awesome!

One of the best features of this camera is its sensor.

I shoot with a Nikon D850, and its sensor is widely considered the best ever made. The Nikon Z7's sensor is every bit as good.

Likewise, the Z7 has a fantastic autofocus system with 493 AF points. That makes this a perfect gift idea for photographers that work in sports, wildlife, and other venues in which capturing action is a must.

Additionally, the Z7 is lightweight, so if you've ever heard the photographer on your holiday list complain about carrying around a big, heavy DSLR, the Z7 is a great choice.

Not only that, but this camera has superb video functionalities with 4K video recording. Nikon even has a spate of new lenses to go with the Z7, though there's also an adapter that allows photographers to use their old Nikon lenses with the Z7, too.

Like I said before, if you want to impress your loved one this year, a Nikon Z7 is a great choice!

Learn more about the Nikon Z7

SIRUI SR-3204 Tripod

I've used SIRUI tripods for a long time now, and to say that I've been supremely happy with them is an understatement.

But now I have one of SIRUI's newest tripods - the SR-3204 - and it's even better than I thought possible.

A big part of what's so great about this tripod is that it has jaw-dropping statistics.

It holds up to 55 pounds of gear and can reach a maximum height of 80 inches with the optional two-stage center column.

Additionally, SIRUI has implemented excellent twist-lock leg mechanisms that make it quick and easy to set the tripod up and tear it down when you're done shooting.

Helping in the ease-of-use department is the fact that these tripods have three-position leg angles, so you can position the tripod just right to get the shots you want.

Add in the fact that there's an integrated bubble level, a removable flat top plate for converting the tripod from still photography to videography usage, and a 1/4-inch socket on the spider for attaching accessories, and you have the perfect tripod for the photography enthusiast on your holiday shopping list!

It's got all the features, versatility, and durability that your favorite photographer could possibly want.

Learn more about the SIRUI SR-3204 Tripod

Vallerret Photography Gloves

Whether the person on your holiday shopping list lives in the American Southwest, the Arctic Tundra, or somewhere in between, a pair of warm, functional photography gloves is an ideal last-minute gift. 

If you’ve ever tried to operate your camera with traditional gloves on, you know that you just end up taking your glove off because you can’t press the buttons, let alone operate a touch-enabled screen on your camera or smartphone.

But Vallerret Photography Gloves solves that problem with gloves that have magnetic FlipTech finger covers on the thumb and pointer finger, as shown on the Women’s Nordic Glove shown above.

That means that instead of your favorite photographer freezing their hands off, they can keep their hands nice and toasty while still having the ability to get the job done with their camera. 

Better still, Vallerret has a wide variety of gloves for men and women, as well as for different climate needs from light winter to mild winter to deep winter.

If you’re shopping for someone that lives in a temperate climate, the Vallerret Primaloft/Merino liner is a perfect gift idea.

This glove is supremely soft and warm and can be used as a standalone glove on mild days or as a base layer under any of Vallerret’s other gloves allowing you to layer up and adapt to the conditions. It’s even got conductive suede on the index fingers and thumbs that allows for using touch screens without removing the gloves.

If you’re shopping for someone that has more hard-core needs, Vallerret’s Skadi Zipper Mitt.

This versatile two-in-one mitten and glove is the height of functionality, with a Merino wool and Primaloft blend inner glove and a mitten shell that’s made of Goat leather, laminated soft twill, and two-ply DWR suede to resist water and provide excellent wind protection. 

The inner gloves give photographers touch screen finger and thumb access while the 100% merino wool lining keep their fingers toasty warm.

As you’d expect, the Skadi Zipper Mitt has the magnetic FlipTech finger caps as well. 

Add in a non-slip grip on the palm, a jersey cuff for supreme comfort, a wrist strap for security, and a handy SD card pocket, and you have the makings of an expedition-worthy glove for the deep winter! 

Learn more about Vallerret Photography Gloves

Excire

One of the biggest problems I have (and many other photographers, too) with Lightroom is that it's just so laborious to manually tag my photos.

So, rather than tagging any of them, I just upload them to my Lightroom library. Needless to say, it's a huge mess.

Not anymore, though...

With Excire, you can give the gift of beautifully organized and searchable images thanks to artificial intelligence.

Here's how it works...

Excire Search and Excire Search Pro are plugins that can be added to Lightroom that use AI to tag photos automatically.

With Excire Search, there's 125 common keywords available, so every shot your loved one has of boats or mountains or dogs will be organized and easily identified.

It'll even tag images for the predominant color in the shot as well as tag images based on the people in them.

For example, a photo of an older woman will be tagged "woman" and "elderly."

Excire Search Pro takes things up a notch with over 500 common keywords that can be used for searching and organizing photos.

Better still, Excire Search Pro has a keyword transfer function, so it can be used to search images already in Lightroom.

That means the photographer on your list won't have to hunt around in their thousands of images for the one photo they want.

On top of all that, Excire is an award-winning plugin and they have a 30-day free trial available. What's not to like about that?!

Learn more about Excire Lightroom Plugins

Kizoa

It might seem strange to have a video-making program on a list of the best last-minute gifts for photographers, but in this day and age, photographers need the ability to create video.

Kizoa provides them with all the tools to do so...

This program has been around for the better part of a decade, and in that time, the Kizoa team has perfected it and made it into a high-powered yet easy-to-use video-making machine.

It has a vast suite of tools ranging from music and transitions to special effects and texts to make professional-looking videos.

There's even pre-made templates designed by the pros to get you started!

Additionally, all the nuts and bolts are there that you'd expect - tools for straightening, rotating, and cropping so that the final product fulfills the creative vision.

Kizoa is easy to use as well. Photographers can log in from their computer and use the cloud-based platform or they can download the free Kizoa app to their iOS device and edit while they're on the go.

Sharing work is super easy as well - there's Facebook and YouTube integration as well as the ability to burn movies to DVDs or download them in a variety of formats.

Best of all, Kizoa starts at $30 for a membership - a one-time fee for lifetime access. Nice!

If you want a budget-friendly gift that keeps on giving, consider buying Kizoa for your favorite photographer.

Learn more about Kizoa

Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk}

If you're shopping for a photographer that like to shoot fast and quick with minimal gear, the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo is a great gift idea.

That's because this camera strap was purpose-built for single camera shooters.

It's made of beautiful leathers and metals that provide a comfortable carrying experience, superb durability, and they look incredible as well.

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk}

The big, contoured shoulder strap makes this a comfortable strap to wear, even for hours on end.

The integrated stabilizer strap helps keep the shoulder pad in place to enhance comfort and security.

What's more, there's a Belt Anchor on the other side of the strap to anchor the camera on the hip, that way when your favorite photographer is walking, stooping, kneeling down, or somewhere in between, their camera will stay put.

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk} 

The ingenious thing about the Belt Anchor is that it can be released with one hand so that photographers can quickly raise their camera to their eye to get the needed shot.

Then, with one-handed action, the Belt Anchor can be re-engaged.

This rig is versatile, too, given that you can add a Holdfast Cell Phone Pouch or a Lens Pouch for carrying a bit more gear.

It's beautiful, comfortable, durable, and made in the USA. What better gift is there than that?!

Learn more about the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo

CanvasHQ Canvas Prints

Photographers are always looking for great prints of their work, and CanvasHQ certainly delivers great prints.

I mean, sure, you can get a photographer a cheap paper print for Christmas, but what's the point of underwhelming them?

Instead, a large-format canvas print from CanvasHQ is the way to go. I should know...I have dozens of prints from these guys!

CanvasHQ does it right with a dedication to the process of constructing each print as though it's for their own loved one.

They only use the finest materials - including archival-grade canvas - so that the print looks great now and for generations to come.

Even the frame is meticulously crafted from kiln-dried wood, that way you're assured that the print doesn't bow or bend over time.

The inks they use are top-of-the-line as well. They're water-resistant, scuff-resistant, and UV-resistant, too.

Add to that the fact that they offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and quick turnaround times, and you have a recipe for the perfect last-minute gift!

Learn more about CanvasHQ

HiiGuy Camera Strap

Ask any photographer, and they'll tell you that a good camera strap is worth its weight in gold.

After all, it's hard to take photos when their shoulders and necks hurt because their cheap camera strap is digging into their muscles.

But a great camera strap doesn't have to cost you a ton of money this holiday season...

The HiiGuy Camera Strap is ideal for any photographer, no matter if they shoot with a big DSLR or a tiny mirrorless camera.

The strap is comfortable with a big shoulder pad and a highly adjustable length to accommodate any height of photographer.

The mount plate is padded to prevent scratching the camera, and there's a handy integrated zipper pouch on the shoulder pad for keeping an extra memory card or two.

There's even a three-year warranty in case something goes awry.

With that kind of peace of mind, you can't go wrong with giving the gift of a HiiGuy camera strap this holiday season!

Learn more about the HiiGuy Camera Strap

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When you think of the most challenging aspects of photography, the fact that it's such an up-and-down business has to be at or near the top of the list.

That is, you have periods in which you're so busy you can barely think straight, and periods when business is so slow that you stress out about whether or not you'll be able to pay bills.

Some people say that the best way to make money as a photographer is to sell your camera.

And while that's tongue-in-cheek advice, there's actually a lot of rock-solid ways you can make money to help even out the ebbs and flows of your photography business.

Here are a few ways that you can earn money to supplement your photography income, all of which you can do without even touching your camera.

Find a Good Affiliate Program

One of the best ways photographers can make extra income is by joining affiliate programs.

The short of it is that you put a company's banner ad, button, or even links to their website or specific products on your website, or have a specific code that you give to your clients, and each time someone clicks on one of the affiliate links and buys something with the code you gave them, you get a commission.

Those commissions range from company to company, and can start off as a low single digits to upwards of 50%. 

The exciting part is that, over time, those commissions - tiny or large - can add up, providing you with extra money to help beef up your rainy day fund.

Even better, affiliate programs earn you passive income. That is, once you've signed up and have the appropriate links on your site, you don't really have to do anything else. Now, I will recommend making sure it’s easy for your clients and guests to find these links, and in the case of a code, getting that code over to them.

Helpful Tip: Have one or two of your favorite affiliate programs mentioned in your email signature or even on the back of your business card you are handing out.  

If you select affiliate programs that are in line with the type of photography you offer, the chances are good that your clients and website visitors will likely find the affiliate's product or service useful. In other words, you can help your clients out while making a little money at the same time!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR RECOMMENDED AFFILIATE PROGRAM

Self-Publish an eBook

The eBook game is ripe with opportunities to self-publish a photography-related book.

And the best part is that you don't necessarily have to go out and take a bunch of new photos for the book, either.

I live in Southern California and have thousands and thousands of photos of beautiful and fun places to visit in this area. What's stopping me from pulling a couple of dozen photos out of my archives, researching each location to provide detailed information for photographers, and publishing a little Southern California Travel guide?

If you're a wedding photographer, why not self-publish a wedding photography posing guide using some of your old photos?

If you're a landscape photographer, how about putting together a themed collection of images (i.e., mountains, beaches, forests, etc.), and self-publish a photo book?

The point is that there is a market for all manner and sort of photography books, so tapping into that market could be a lucrative way for you to earn some extra money and put your old photos to use at the same time.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW EASY IT IS TO SELF-PUBLISH AN EBOOK

Edit Photos for Other Photographers

As you well know, when you get busy, you get busy, and finding the appropriate time you need to get everything done that needs to get done can be difficult.

So why not use your photo post-processing skills to help out other photographers when things in your world slow down?

You can find gigs on sites like Upwork and do a little freelance photo editing. These kind of jobs can often be found on Fiverr and Craigslist as well.

If you've got mad Photoshop or Lightroom skills, you might be surprised at how many opportunities you can find to edit other people's photos.

Heck, even if you aren't a Rembrandt with photo editing, that's okay. There are tons of top-shelf photo editing programs out today that make editing images a quick, simple, and painless process. In fact, some even have presets that allow you to take a photo from boring to beautiful in just a few clicks.

Plus, think of all the skills you can learn about post-processing by tackling image editing for other people! That means you can help others and help yourself all at the same time.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR RECOMMENDED PHOTO POST-PROCESSING PROGRAMS

Sell Prints

Remember earlier when I suggested that you use your old photos to create a photography eBook?

Well, there's something else you can do to earn money with your old photos - sell prints.

I'm primarily a landscape photographer, so I have thousands and thousands of photos of beaches, rivers, mountains, deserts, and other landscape scenes that would look pretty darn good on someone's wall.

To make a little extra money, it would be dead simple for me to connect with a printing company, have a few prints made, and start selling them.

The best part is that you can get high-quality, fine art prints made that make your photos really pop. Then you can add them to your website, post about them on your Facebook and Instagram, and earn some cash.

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT YOUR PHOTOS WOULD LOOK LIKE AS FINE ART PRINTS

Teach About Photography

Okay, okay. So it would be pretty hard to teach photography without picking up a camera, but at least in this case, you're picking up a camera to earn money by teaching, not by taking photos.

And there's tons of ways you can earn money by teaching.

Perhaps the easiest is to start a YouTube channel and monetize it.

You can offer workshops in your local area as well, or even work for an after-school program to teach kids how to use a camera and take better photos.

There are plenty of websites that specialize in offering online photography classes, too. Joining one of those sites as an instructor could provide you with the ideal platform for earning money by sharing your passion for photography and your expertise as a photographer with others.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO EARN MONEY TEACHING PHOTOGRAPHY

Broker Camera Gear

There are scores of people with camera gear they no longer want or need, and sometimes, you can find incredible deals from someone that just needs to get rid of their old stuff.

That opens the door for you to broker camera gear...

By that, I mean that if you can find smokin' deals on places like eBay or Craigslist, you can buy gear on the cheap and then turn around and sell it at a markup.

There are some keys to making this work, though.

First, you absolutely need to understand the market, including whether the items you're considering buying are priced well for you to make a profit and whether the item is in demand.

Second, you can't be trigger happy and just buy everything you see. Instead, you need to take a measured approach, crunch the numbers, and really consider if you'll be able to make money off flipping the gear.

Third, it's imperative that you inspect the gear to ensure that you're getting what you pay for. That can be tricky when buying from places like eBay or Craigslist, but understanding what questions to ask and what problems to look for will definitely help.

Lastly, you need a place to sell the gear you acquire. Joining communities that specialize in selling used photography gear can make it more likely that you can offload your purchases.

CLICK HERE TO EARN MONEY BY SELLING YOUR PRE-OWNED LENSES

Optimize Your Marketing

I remember years ago when I started my first website being shocked that I didn't get tons of traffic just by virtue of the site being live.

Clearly, I forgot the part about needing to actually tell people about the site to get them to come check it out.

The same is true of your photography business - you need to optimize your marketing strategy, because the benefit of doing so is getting more eyes on your work, more people familiar with your name, and more clients as a result.

Don't just rely on social media, either.

You need a website. Have an online portfolio too, either as a standalone or as part of your website.

Getting listed on photography directories is a good plan as well, because they connect photographers directly with clients that need photography services. In other words, by getting listed on a directory, you have a ready-made pool of potential clients that need a photographer right now.

When it comes to making more money as a photographer, it's hard to beat that!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR RECOMMENDED PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTORY

In summary, if you want to make more money (who doesn't?!) and do so without picking up your camera, give these seven tips a try:

• Join an Affiliate Program
• Self-Publish an eBook
• Offer Your Photo Editing Services
• Sell Canvas Prints
• Teach Photography
• Broker Used Camera Gear
• Optimize Your Marketing

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