^{Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash}

Opening a photography business can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be as stressful because there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel.

Thousands of people have done this before you, so all you need to do is take a deep breath and follow these simple photography business tips that have helped other photographers build a successful business.

Let’s get to it! 

Table of Contents

• Know How Much to Charge
• Remain Organized, At All Costs
• Invest in Your Business
• Do Some Soul Searching
• Wow Your Clients With Quality Prints

Know How Much to Charge

^{Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash}

Money can be a difficult subject for us creatives…

I was stuck working with a tiny budget with a small photography business for years because I didn’t know how to grow it into something more profitable. 

What’s more, I was afraid to ask how much other photographers made with their photography business. I was afraid to ask clients to pay me more money. Because of that, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep my photography business afloat for another month.

It’s exhausting not making enough money to live off of.

So, don’t settle for charging an amount that barely gets you by. Develop a sensible pricing structure that allows you to be compensated fairly while also giving your clients a good value for their money.

Chris Hau, a famous YouTube photographer, gives some solid advice in the video above for figuring out a pricing structure for your new photography business.

Hau was even nice enough to create a budget template on his YouTube, for those of us who aren’t great with numbers.  

Give the video a watch, and you’ll learn some actionable steps you need to take to start charging more for your work.

Remain Organized, At All Costs

^{Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash}

Again, most photography marketing ideas work hand in hand with each other. So, remaining organized might be one of those areas where you need to spend some money to make more money.

Everyone that reads PhotographyTalk knows I love Holdfast Gear products, particularly their leather camera bags.

While you don’t necessarily need to spend a few hundred dollars on a camera bag, you do need to ensure you have a good bag that is weather-proof, comfortable to carry, and most importantly, has a ton of pockets to keep all your camera accessories protected and neatly organized. 

If you have different smaller bags that you take on different shoots, I guarantee you you are going to leave pertinent gear in the wrong bag at some point - at least I did!

Remaining organized in your photography business doesn’t just mean keeping your photography equipment organized. It also means keeping your photos organized (and in multiple places).

For me, I follow a simple system to organize all of my photos:

• Ensure your camera’s date and time are correct, and if possible set a custom file name before you even begin shooting
• Use the same naming structure across the board (i.e. Date-Shoot-Client Name)
• Put keywords on all of your photos after the shoot (I do this in Lightroom)
• Keep your edits with the originalsBack them all up (preferably with hard copies and in the cloud)

Is organizing your gear or your image files as fun as taking photos? Not at all. But is it crucially important to your success? Absolutely!

Learn More:

• Learn How to Make More Money With These Photography Business Tips
• How to Keep Photography Clients Happy

Invest in Your Business

^{Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash}

For the first three years of my photography business, I put about 70% of what I was making back into my photography business.

Granted, most people are not this lucky. I didn’t have student loans, and I didn’t have a family to support at this time so I was able to afford this luxury.

But, any photography business tips that tell you that you don’t need to invest back into your photography business is missing an important piece of advice.

You may need to grow your photography business at a slower pace, but even 10% of your profits being reinvested into your business will make huge changes in the long run.

After all, you can’t make money if you don’t have the appropriate gear, if you don’t spend money on marketing, if you can’t compensate second shooters, or pay for gas to drive from one art show to the next.

It’s cliche to say it, but you really do have to spend money to make money!

Now, this isn’t a license to go out and drop tens of thousands of dollars on frivolous gear you don’t need…

Be smart about how you invest money into your business, and it will help you grow it into something that has long-term financial stability.

For example, you need to invest in the tools that allow you to stay in business, like a reliable web host.

I've had the unfortunate experience of suffering through bad hosting, and trust me, it's hard to make money when your website is constantly down...

After years of struggling to find a quality host, I finally found OVH about four years ago. Since I switched to them, uptime for this website has truly been 99.9 percent, just like OVH promises!

OVH has provided me with the best hosting I've ever had, and it's really not a competition at all.

On top of that, OVH has excellent customer service that makes you feel as though you are the only customer that matters.

That's saying something in today's world when even small companies outsource their customer service.

Yet, OVH is a global company and they treat you with the respect you deserve as a valued client. They're timely, informed, and they go the extra mile.

OVH is actually affordable, too, unlike many other hosting companies. So they really are the best of many different worlds!

Likewise, investing in your business means investing in the infrastructure that's necessary to protect your work.

Backing up your images (and all your files, really), is of critical importance for sustaining growth over the long-term. Just like a thief could rob you of your cameras, and therefore your ability to take photos, a fire, flood, or another unexpected disaster could cripple your business if you don't have your files backed up in multiple places.

Personally, I follow the 3-2-1 backup rule and have at least three copies of all my files on at least two types of media with one of those being an off-site cloud storage account.

My onsite backup is the Synology Diskstation 1019+, which gives me ample room to store images, videos, and other important files.

I got the DiskStation 1019+ for several reasons, but primary among them is because it's such a small unit.

I wanted something that could be on my desk but without taking up half the desktop - and the 1019+ certainly delivers.

I also invested in this rig because of Synology's reputation for packing their NAS systems to the gills with features.

It has five hot-swappable bays, each of which can accommodate a 2.5-inch or a 3.5-inch drive.

The combination of the Intel Celeron J3455 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR3L 1866 SO-DIMM RAM gives me read/write speeds of up to 225MB per second. That speed can be achieved even with data encryption enabled, giving you both fast and secure data transfer.

I wanted a NAS that was easy to set up and maintain, too.

The 1019+ has Synology's easy-to-use operating system that's simple, clean, and intuitive. Even if you've never used a NAS before, with this operating system, you'll find your way very quickly.

Speaking of quickly, you can set this thing up in a matter of minutes, which for busy photographers is a huge bonus.

Of course, you want a backup system that's reliable and has a track record of durability, and Synology's products definitely tick those boxes.

Though the DiskStation 1019+ isn't the cheapest NAS out there, for my money, you just can't get anything better for your buck!

Do Some Soul Searching

^{Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash}

I love pancakes as much as the next person, but if I had to spend an 8 hour day doing nothing but taking pictures of them in 500 different ways, I would go crazy and I would not still be running a photography business.

But for some people, photographing food is their passion and they make it work and work well.

In order to begin a photography business, you need to do some soul searching before you figure out what kind of photographer you want to be.

^{Photo by Alif Ngoylung on Unsplash}

I love the outdoors and I love to travel, which is why I tend to focus my photography business on landscape photography. 

But, I also spend too much of my profits on the act of traveling (I’m not going to go to India and not spent 4 days traveling out of my way to visit the Taj Mahal!). I also spend a ton of time away from my family, and both of those things are deal breakers to a lot of my photography friends. 

^{Photo by Igor Reno via iStock}

One of my closest friends is a boudoir photographer because she enjoys making women feel good about themselves, but boudoir photographers often don’t have a steady income because they are constantly needing to find new clients (recurring clients in this industry are hard to come by).

My point is that there are too many photography niches to name, and they all have their pros and cons. So get out there, start shooting, and find out what you love. 

If you love what you do, the rest of these business-building tips will be SO much easier to implement!

Wow Your Clients With Quality Prints

The most important tip I learned about how to expand a photography business is to deliver your clients photos in a timely way.

The second way I began to really grow my photography business was to deliver my clients photos in a beautiful way. I do that through canvas prints.

After years of trying to find a business that has products that really wow, I found CanvasHQ. 

They use quality inks on their canvases, the kind that don’t fade over the years and are water-resistant.

They also hand craft every single one of their frames, then hand stretch the canvas over that frame for a taut, beautiful canvas with no waviness or bubbles.

Their craftsmen and customer service reps have hands on your project from the moment you send it to them until the moment you receive the print. There is no outsourcing, and as is true with most small businesses, they care that you love what you receive.

If you don’t, you get your money back quickly and without any hassle! 

The first time I saw one of my prints as a CanvasHQ print, I was dumbfounded. It simply blew me away with the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

I’ve been a loyal customer ever since, and I’d be willing to bet that if you had a print or two made by these folks that you’d be hooked too!

See what your photos look like as a fine art canvas print. 

Learn More:

• Tips for Natural Indoor Light Photography
• Photography Mistakes to Avoid

---

^{Photo by Rawpixel via iStock}

If you haven't figured it out already, starting a photography business is a little more involved than buying a camera and telling people you're a photographer.

To build a photography business that has long-lasting success, you have to start off on the right foot, and that involves doing your due diligence when it comes to everything from building a website to buying photography insurance to ensuring your images and other files are backed up correctly.

In this quick photography business tutorial, you'll learn about some of the most critical - yet often overlooked - aspects of photography businesses that you need to research BEFORE you start your own.

Research Your Startup Costs

^{photo by Geber86 via iStock}

Even if you already have all the photography gear you need, and even if you're going to work from home in a space you've already established for work, you will have other startup costs to get your business off the ground.

You'll need a website, photography business insurance, accounting software (or an accountant!), you'll need to hire an attorney to make everything legal, and you'll have marketing expenses for things like business cards and targeted ads on Facebook.

And that's just the start.

^{photo by scyther5 via iStock}

The point is that you need to spend some time evaluating the true financial cost of starting your business before you ever think about opening your doors.

The better you understand the financial implications of building a business, the better prepared you will be to price your services appropriately, that way you can pay for overhead and other expenses, and still have room left to make a profit.

Get more details about the planning phase of building a photography business in this tutorial.

Decide on a Website Architecture

^{Photo by Urupong via iStock} 

Sure, your photography friend in another town might just use Facebook as their "website," but that doesn't mean you should...

Having a website for your business is critical for presenting your work in a professional manner. Think about it - would you rather hire the photographer that has a sleek, professional-looking website with a portfolio or someone that has a gallery on their Facebook page?

Don't get me wrong - Facebook can be a vitally important asset for marketing your business.

But, for me, having a professional URL on your business card is MUCH better than putting a long Facebook URL string.

^{Photo by Aramyan via iStock}

When considering your website, you have to research what platform is best for your particular needs.

Do you have the skills to make something of your own out of a Wordpress template? Does it make more sense to customize a template from someplace like Sqaurespace? Do you have the funds (and the need?) to hire a professional to make you a bespoke website?

Each of these options have their pros and cons, and part of your job at this juncture is to research which of these will work best for you.

Find the Right Web Host

Trust me when I say that one of the most critical things you need to research when starting a photography business is the web host you use.

Back in the day when I started PhotographyTalk, I did some cursory investigations, but after just a few months with my initial web host, I realized that I did not do enough research.

We had all kinds of problems keeping PhotographyTalk online, and when those problems arose, we had even more problems just trying to get the customer service reps from that hosting company to help us out.

I tried a couple of other hosts after that, but not until I found OVH did I finally find a host that gives me the reliable uptime they advertise.

Since switching to OVH, we've had true 99.9 percent uptime, and that has enabled PhotographyTalk to grow by leaps and bounds.

But it isn't just their reliable hosting that has me singing OVH's praises...

Their customer service has proven to be among the best in the industry. Not that I've had many occasions to contact them, but when I have, I've been treated like I'm their only customer and their only concern at that moment. For a global company, that's hard to pull off, yet OVH does it masterfully.

Of course, you need to do your own research and find the right host for your needs. Personally, I can't give OVH a big enough shoutout, but it's important that you see what's out there so you can make an informed decision.

Investigate Back-Up Solutions

Another photography business topic that you need to spend some serious time researching is the appropriate back-up solution for your data.

All too often you hear about memory cards getting fried or a computer's hard drive melting down, and a photographer losing all the data on those devices.

But if you take the time to research back-up storage solutions, you can avoid that same fate and rest assured that your data is safe and secure.

I personally use the Synology DS419 Slim as my back-up device because it's affordable, reliable, and portable.

This compact, 4-bay NAS offers tons of storage in a device that's small enough to sit on top of my desk without taking it over.

In fact, this rig is just 4.72(H) x 4.13(W) x 5.59(D) inches and weighs just 1.46 pounds, so not only will it be a simple addition to your desk, but you can take it with you when you head out for out-of-town gigs.

This unit runs Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) just like Synology's bigger storage devices, has RAID protection, file-sharing capabilities, a dual-core CPU, and read-write speed in excess of 220 MB/s and 94 MB/s, respectively.

On top of all that, you can access this device from anywhere using your smartphone and Synology's QuickConnect offers a fast connection via a secure and customizable address.

You can sync files across platforms in moments, use Cloud Sync to keep the device in sync with Dropbox, Google Drive, and other services, and the web assistant makes for ultra-easy setup.

For my money, you simply won't find a better NAS for the money than this. But, again, do your due diligence, get the right back-up for your needs, and protect your images, videos, and other files as they should be protected!

Find the Best Insurance Coverage

^{Photo by skynesher via iStock}

Last but not least, you need to take some time to figure out what kind of photography insurance you need.

What you need in terms of coverages as a portrait photographer who works from home is going to be different from what I might need as a landscape photographer that travels a lot.

And since insurance can be a little confusing for laypersons, getting guidance from the pros is a great first step to take when building your photography business.

I've worked with Full Frame Insurance for a good, long while now, and I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised with their insurance offerings, their knowledge and professionalism, and their commitment to customer care.

And since no two photographers' needs are alike, Full Frame Insurance offers a variety of policy options that are scalable to meet your specific needs.

The have flexible options, too. For example, you can opt for one-time insurance for an event that covers you for up to three days of work, or if you already have more consistent clients, you can get an annual insurance policy with general and product liability coverage.

Whatever the case may be, you'll find that Full Frame Insurance offers highly affordable plans. Short-term policies start at just $59 and annual policies start at $99.

That's a very small price to pay for peace of mind that if something goes awry, you'll be covered!

You can check prices and buy your policy online 24/7, so don't hesitate to tick this box off your to-do list. Research insurance options, select the right coverage for you, and protect your investment!

---

^{Photo by recep-bg via iStock} 

With the sheer number and size of images and other files you need for your photography business, you need to have ample backup storage.

But choosing the best backups for your business can be a bit of a daunting task, given how many options are available on the market today.

That's where this list comes in...

If you need backup storage sooner rather than later, consider one of the following as being among the best available.

Best Backups for Photographers: Synology DiskStation DS1019+

Brand-new to the market is the Synology Diskstation DS1019+. This is a new model line and replaces Synology's 5-bay DS1517+.

Critical upgrades include a newer CPU - an Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core processor at 1.5GHz with burst up to 2.3GHz - and more RAM. Where the DS1517+ had 2GB of RAM (expandable to 8GB), the DS1019+ has 4GB of RAM with expansion to 8GB (2 x 4GB DDR3L memory module pre-installed) if needed.

Additionally, the new DS1019+ has a hardware transcoding engine for 4K video. In fact, it's capable of transcoding up to 2-channel 4K video simultaneously. That's just one of the reasons why I'll be using this rig for my video backups!

That means this unit offers excellent video streaming, and with built-in applications like file sharing, data backup and recovery, and collaboration tools, you can utilize the DS1019+ to give your productivity a boost as well.

With scalability to up to 10 bays with one DX517 expansion unit, it's not like you'll be lacking for storage space, either.

Speaking of backups, the DS1019+ offers active backups for business, including the ability to centralize backup tasks for VMware, Windows, and file servers. Likewise, you can use what's called Hyper Backup to backup your data to a local shared folder, a public cloud, an rsync server, an external device, or another Synology NAS.

There's even a Desktop Backup option that allows you to safeguard your PC with Cloud Station Backup or back up data on a Mac to a Synology NAS using Time Machine.

Also of note is that the DS1019+ has a PCIe expansion slot for M.2 NVMe SSD support for SSD caching.

That's significant because you don't have to use any of the drive bays if caching is something you need to do.

As a Synology customer, I can attest to the ease of use of their products, their impeccable design and performance, and their reliability.

If a comprehensive backup system is what you need, this is it.

Learn more about the Synology Diskstation DS1019+

BEST BACKUPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: SYNOLOGY DISKSTATION DS918+

I've used this rig for a while now, and I've been impressed with everything from its features to its performance to its ease of use. 

Setting it up is easy, even if you have no experience setting up network-based storage.

Just pop in your drives, fire up the DS918+, and connect to your network. Then all you have to do is open a browser, enter the IP address assigned to the DS918+, and enter your credentials to begin setup.

The Control Panel makes it easy to set up the DS918+, particularly because help is built right in.

You can quickly set up user and groups, start and stop services, and configure networks. And that's just the start!

All told, it'll take about 15-20 minutes to get things set up. That's not bad!

I like the size and build of this thing, too.

It's not much bigger than a toaster, so you don't feel like it's encroaching on your workspace. In fact, I don't even notice it on my desk anymore.

Part of the reason it blends into my office is because it's so quiet.

The DS918+ has two huge exhaust fans that keep the unit cool, but despite their size, they are whisper quiet.

From a hardware standpoint, this thing is loaded for bear with an Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core processor at 1.5GHz. It can be boosted to 2.3GHz when in full load as well.

The DS918+ comes with 4GB of DDR3L RAM (expandable to 8GB) and the network attached storage can host up to nine hard drives if need be (with the optional Synology DX517 drive bay).

All told, it can accommodate up to 48TB of storage or 108TB of storage with the optional external drive bay. That's a lot of photos! There's hardware transcoding engine for 4k video, so you can use some of that storage space for gorgeously detailed videos.

Better still, this unit has a PCIe expansion slot for M.2 NVMe SSD support for SSD caching, which is notable because you don't have to use up any of the drive bays if caching is something you need to do.

This rig is feature-rich, easy to use, powerful, and scalable. If you need a backup for your photography business, it's hard to beat!

Learn more about the Synology Diskstation DS918+

Best Backups for Photographers: Drobo 5C 

If the networked storage options available with the Synology DS918+ are a little much for your operation, you can opt for something direct-attached like the Drobo 5C.

It's got one USB 3.0 port and one Type-C port as well.

This little guy holds up to five 3.5-inch SATA hard drives and supports a total volume size of 64TB, so there's a plethora of space for all your files. It even has self-healing features and will create a second volume to protect your computer's files and operating system.

If you find you need more storage space, you can hot swap drives with larger ones or add additional drives to give yourself a scalable desktop storage solution.

It also has battery-backed memory so you don't have to worry about power bumps interrupting your backups.

This Drobo unit is compatible with Windows and Mac for ease of use no matter which system you have.

Speaking of ease of use, this unit has a toolless design, so you can insert hard drives without screws or carriers.

And like the Synology unit discussed earlier, the Drobo 5C is supremely quiet so you won't be bothered by fan noise all day long. You can even dim the lights and spin the unit down when it's not in use.

In other words, this is an affordable, scalable option with direct connection to your computer that ensures quick and efficient operation.

Learn more about the Drobo 5C

Best Backups for Photographers: Seagate Backup Plus Hub 10TB External Hard Drive

With 10TB of space, the Seagate Backup Plus Hub doesn't offer the mountains of space of the Synology or Drobo units, but it's still a good deal of storage for you day-to-day needs.

It has two front-facing USB 3.0 ports so you can easily connect your camera, phone, or other devices to backup files or to simply recharge them.

It's compatible with Windows (out of the box) and Mac (with the installation of the provided NTFS driver).

Seagate has made it easy to use this unit with a downloadable dashboard that enables one-click backups. You can also schedule automatic backups to occur at specified intervals.

You can take advantage of a two-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan as well, so long as you redeem it by January 31, 2020.

In other words, this rig will give you the storage you need, is easy to set up and use, and has functionalities beyond simple backups.

Learn more about the Seagate Backup Plus Hub

Best Backups for Photographers: LaCie Mini 1TB Portable Hard Drive

If you're on the go a lot like me, you need a backup storage device that you can take with you and that will take a few hits along the way.

The LaCie Mini 1TB Portable Hard Drive definitely fits the bill.

This thing is dustproof, water-resistant, and shockproof for drops of up to four feet. It's also pressure-resistant.

It's got built-in password protection for added security, and for fast file transfer, it uses USB 3.0.

The orange color is nice, too, as you can easily see it in your camera bag when you need to make a quick backup or grab files.

There are various sizing options, too, with 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB models available.

At the time of this writing, if you buy this backup by LaCie, you get a free month's subscription to Adobe CC (all apps) too.

Learn more about the LaCie Mini 1TB Portable Hard Drive

Best Backups for Photographers: G-Technology G-Drive Mobile 4TB Portable Hard Drive

Another option for photographers that need a small, portable storage backup is the G-Technology G-Drive 4TB Hard Drive shown above.

Though this outfit isn't a rugged, go anywhere sort of device like the LaCie, it's nevertheless an ultra-portable backup that you can easily take with you from the studio to shoot locations.

It's got a plug-and-play USB 3.0 port that enables transfer speed up to 130MB/s. With 4TB of storage space, you can load it up quickly and retrieve your needed files quickly as well.

The package includes USB-C and USB-A cables so you can start backups on any computer. This rig is specially designed for Mac users, though, because it has native support for Apple FileVault and Time Machine.

This little backup looks great, too.

The aluminum exterior complements Macs beautifully, and since it's so small, it can look good on your desk without taking up a ton of room.

Learn more about the G-Technology G-Drive Mobile 4TB Portable Hard Drive

---

^{Photo by Seth Doyle on Unsplash}

Starting a photography business should be listed on those “biggest stressors in a person’s life” lists, right up there with divorce and marriage.  

That’s because there is no shortage of errors photographers make when they open a business for the first time. 

So, in order for you to learn from the mistakes of others, here is a list of photography business mistakes you should avoid in your first few years of business.  

Undercharging Your Clients

^{photo bygpointstudio via iStock}

I get it; money is never fun to talk about. It’s also not fun to think about, so when you’re trying to set prices for your business, you may need a little help.  

The issue is, even the professionals disagree. Should you give away your services for free while you begin to build a portfolio? Should you offer your services for cheap prices and then slowly build them up?

While both of these routes can seem tempting, particularly when everyone else is doing it, you’re only undervaluing yourself when you give away your services at anything less than full price. 

^{photo byAndreyPopov via iStock}

Plus, when you give away your services for cheap, you’re costing your business money. Have you thought about all the money you put into your equipment? Into rent? Into insurance?

Did you think about the gas and car maintenance required when you drive to and from shoots that are up to a few hours away?

Have you stopped to figure out how much your time is worth to you? 

These are all important questions to ask yourself so you don’t make one of the most fatal photography business mistakes and undervalue your services.

While I agree that your prices will need to be lower when you’re just starting out, they shouldn’t be so low that you can’t pay your bills (and yourself!).

Add up all your expenses and overhead, factor in a salary for yourself, and then determine what you need to charge. Again, your markup might be less when you first start out, but at least you’ll have all your bases covered with the prices you set up. 

Learn More:

• Don't Wait for Disaster to Strike
• What You Need to Do to Get Started in Wedding Photography

Not Protecting Your Images & Other Files

^{Photo by Geber86 via iStock}

I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer here, but there are too many things that can go wrong in your life as a photographer to not have the proper backups in place for your images and other files.

Obviously, the best protection for your files is to follow the tried-and-true 3-2-1 backup rule:

• Have three copies of every file
• Store backups on two different kinds of media
• Have one backup stored offsite

Every photographer is a little different in terms of workflow and preferences for backups. For some, having a fireproof safe full of thumb drives might be a good option. Not for me, though.

My onsite backup is a Synology Diskstation DS1019+.

Having a network attached storage (NAS) was a must for me because I need a ton of space to store files.

But just because this unit has five hot-swappable bays doesn't mean it's a big rig that takes up tons of room.

In fact, it sits on the corner of my desk, out of sight, and out of mind.

It can accommodate 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives and has an Intel Celeron J3455 1.5GHz quad-core processor that can run at a burst speed of 2.3GHz.

With all that space and power, this NAS gives me lightning-quick read/write speeds of up to 225MB per second, not to mention a ton of space to backup my files.

The Synology Diskstation 1019+ is also incredibly easy to use. The Synology DSM operating system is simple to navigate and intuitive to use, even if you've never used a NAS before.

In fact, setup takes just minutes, again, even if you have no experience in using a NAS.

In other words, Synology has created the ideal backup for photographers - this thing has all the space you need, the speed you want, and it's simple to use.

Leaving your files without a backup is just asking for trouble. Before it's too late, get a backup plan in place!

Learn more about this network attached storage device in my Synology DiskStation 1019+ review.

Not Working With Your Competition

^{photo by AntonioGuillem via iStock} 

I don’t understand photographers who view their competition as competition all the time. Sure, you may be technically vying for the same business, but there’s often enough work to go around, even in smaller towns.

All you’re doing by refusing to work with your competition is hurting yourself. Your competition probably has great advice for problems you’re currently encountering. Your competition is also going to be one of the most brutal ways you can get good constructive criticism.

Is your husband or wife really giving you the best constructive criticism? Probably not, and it isn’t their fault; their not in the photography business. 

Do you want to know who is? The woman who grabbed the wedding you thought you were going to get to shoot last month. 

^{photo by RossHelen via iStock} 

Plus, other photographers can also be a great resource in terms of getting jobs. I recommend fellow photographers for jobs I can’t take or don’t want all of the time. I also work as a production assistant for some of my photographer friends on large photoshoots and they do the same for me. 

If you view your competition as your friends, you’re much more likely to work more often and with better clients. 

Learn More:

• How to Choose Products to Sell to Your Clients 
• 5 Simple Tips to Jump Start Your Photography Business 

Being a Poor Communicator 

^{photo by Adene Sanchez via iStock} 

My Gmail account sends push notifications to my cell phone. Yes, this can get annoying when I’m getting spam mail all day, but I want to be able to respond within a half hour to potential clients when possible.

Chances are, if you get an email from a potential new client, you are not the only photographer in the area that received that email. And if you respond faster than you have better chances of getting the job. 

^{photo by andresr via iStock} 

Photography business mistakes in communication also don’t just apply to responding to potential clients quickly. Being able to define what you do in an eloquent fashion is key.

Some potential clients have never worked with a photographer before, so they don’t really understand what they’re getting themselves into. Maintaining your brand, via Facebook, Instagram, your portfolio and email lists, is absolutely essential to starting a photography business.

You need to be able to sound authoritative about your craft, while still sounding humble. You should also approach all of your writing at around an 8th grade level, the same thing newspapers do. This ensures that most people can read and understand what it is you do. 

You basically want someone that has never even had a photographer as a friend to be able to understand exactly what you’re talking about when you explain your products and services. 

Not Partnering With the Best Vendors

I think this photography business mistake follows the same line as the rest of these photography business mistakes. Why don’t photographers work on finding the best people in their industry to work with? 

To be honest, I didn’t understand the necessity of working with good partners until I came across my first great vendor, CanvasHQ.  

CanvasHQ is a canvas printing company, which means they sell products I can upsell to my clients, but more importantly than this, they have some of the best customer service agents I have ever come across in this industry.

It’s a small business, which I like because I know my money is going to the people handcrafting my products. 

And handcrafting is exactly what they are doing. Every single canvas frame is handcrafted, and every single canvas print is hand-stretched.

Plus, since they are a relatively small business, their products are relatively inexpensive. In fact, they usually have a banner across the top of their website for up to 35% off your first order!  

Take it from me...it’s important to partner with vendors you respect, because it’s easier to sell products you believe in. And when you believe in a product like CanvasHQ, your clients will believe in it too!

Learn More:

• How to Make More Money With These Photography Business Tips 
• How to Keep Photography Clients Happy 

 

---

 ^{photo byOliver Knight via iStock}

I don’t know about you, but as I go about my daily routine, I’m not overcome with thoughts of what might go wrong.

And while our day-to-day activities as photographers typically don’t involve disaster, there is always the chance that something catastrophic could happen and derail our pursuit of building a solid business.

From simply dropping your camera to experiencing a natural disaster to not having a proper contract drawn up, there are many different ways that things can go wrong.

The important thing is that you take steps to protect yourself from occurrences such as this, that way when - not if - something goes wrong, your business can withstand it.

Table of Contents

• How to Protect Your Photography Business: Get Insured
• How to Protect Your Photography Business: Backup Your Files
• How to Protect Your Photography Business: Get Help With Contracts

How to Protect Your Photography Business: Get Insured

 ^{photo byKameleon007 via iStock}

It’s simply photography 101 to have insurance for your business. If you operate without it, you’re putting yourself at huge risk for disaster.

There are all kinds of insurance that you might get as a photographer, ranging from liability insurance to insurance for your gear to errors and omissions policies. As shown below, each of these types of policies have significant benefits: 

• Liability insurance covers you in the event you cause damage to a client, their property, or a third party entity. For example, if one of the light stands you set up in the reception hall of a wedding falls over and damages the marble floor, liability insurance will cover the expense of repairing the damage.
• Equipment insurance is a must-have to protect you against accidents (i.e., dropping your camera and damaging the lens), theft, and fire or water damage. Many of these policies offer replacement cost coverage, which means it provides you with the funds to replace the broken gear at today’s cost, not what you originally paid for it.
• Errors & omissions insurance, also called “professional liability insurance,” protects you in the event that you commit some sort of error. For example, if you lose the memory cards from a family portrait shoot, this kind of policy will often foot the bill to do a re-shoot, and if the error or omission is significant enough that you’re sued, this kind of coverage will pay attorney’s fees and other legal expenses. 

 ^{photo byBrianAJackson via iStock}

None of us set out to drop our gear or get robbed or commit an error that can endanger our livelihoods. Yet, these things happen, so it’s best to be prepared ahead of time with the proper insurance coverage rather than waiting for disaster to strike!

How to Protect Your Photography Business: Backup Your Files

 ^{photo by cnythzl via iStock} 

It’s just good practice to have multiple copies of your photos, business documents, and other files.

But it’s important that you not only have multiple backups, but that those backups take different forms. As the 3-2-1 backup strategy states, you need to:

Have at least three backups

Use at least two different storage medias

Have one copy offsite

I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I get in a rush and just click save on the photos I’ve been editing for hours on end and that’s where the process ends until a few hours (or days) later I go back and properly back everything up.

That’s a dangerous game to play, though. One hard drive malfunction and all that work could be lost!

  ^{photo by MattGush via iStock}

More serious issues can arise that put your data in danger if you don’t have it backed up.

It seems like every time I watch the news, there’s another kind of natural disaster happening somewhere in the world.

As a resident of California, earthquakes are always a possibility, and in recent years, wildfires have become an increasing problem, too.

Though you don’t like to think that you could find yourself in the middle of a disaster, they can and do happen.

I follow the 3-2-1 backup plan so if something does happen, I have all my images and other files at hand.

 A central component of that is my Synology Diskstation DS1019+.

This network attached storage (NAS) device is small enough to sit on top of my desk without taking up precious work space. It has five hot-swappable bays that can accommodate either 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives, so there is plenty of storage capacity for all my digital files.

It’s loaded with an Intel Celeron J3455 1.5GHz quad-core processor that’s capable of burst speed of 2.3Ghz.

The combination of this processor and 8GB of RAM (2x4GB DDR3L 1866 SO-DIMM) means that the DS1019+ can deliver read/write speeds of up to 225MB per second. That speed can be achieved even with the data encryption feature enabled!

Perhaps best of all, this NAS is easy to use - the Synology DSM operating system is intuitive and well put together, and setup takes just a few minutes, even if you have zero experience working with NAS devices.

It’s simply a smart choice to have a product like this as part of your backup plan!

Get all the details on this device in my Synology Diskstation DS1019+ review.

How to Protect Your Photography Business: Get Help With Contracts

 ^{photo by skynesher via iStock} 

I don’t know about you, but I’m no legal expert. That’s a problem for photographers because we work in an industry in which we need a rock-solid contract to protect us from scams.

In the past, I got burned a few times because I either tried to rely on a verbal agreement with a client or because I threw together a quick contract thinking that I could hack my way through it and create a legally-binding document. 

Needless to say, I finally got sick of not being able to enforce the contracts I was making and sought the help of an attorney to create a good, solid business contract.

  ^{photo by AndreyPopov via iStock}

And while it can be expensive to hire an attorney to do this work for you, in the end, it will represent a much smaller output of money than if you continue to allow clients to get out of paying you because you don’t have a contract!

Like having proper insurance and taking the time to properly backup your images and other files, sitting down with an attorney to draw up a contract is a simple task that can have a profound impact on your ability to make money and stay in business long-term.

 

 

---

^{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

---

  ^{photo by rdonar via iStock}

Let’s face it…

There are more photography gadgets available today to make photography an easier task than at any point in history.

Our cameras do more, our lenses are more capable, heck, even today’s tripods have innovative features that make them more functional than we could have imagined just a decade ago.

It’s like we’re living in the golden age of photography!

Granted, some of the “innovative” products out there aren’t all that great, and are more smoke and mirrors than an actual, functional product. 

But the items listed below are certainly game-changing products that can help you take your photography to the next level.

Let’s take a look at a few innovative camera accessories that are worth picking up today.

Table of Contents

• Foolography UNLEASHED
• Wiral LITE Cable Cam System
• Peak Design Travel Tripod
• Marumi Magnetic Filter System
• Litra Torch LitraPro
• Camera Canopy
• Synology Diskstation DS 1019+

Foolography UNLEASHED

One of the best photography gadgets currently on the market is the Foolography UNLEASHED remote.

I know what you’re thinking...how can a remote be an innovative camera accessory?! 

Trust me, this one is!

Aside from the fact that this thing is tiny (the remote for my Nikon Z7 is about the size of my thumbnail), it has a suite of functionalities that enable much greater creativity with your camera. 

For instance, the remote has a companion app that allows you to control it via your smartphone. That means no more sitting there with your camera, constantly adjusting its settings.

Instead, you can kick back, relax in a comfy chair, and change things like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO using the remote feature. You can even adjust white balance and exposure compensation too.

Want to shoot a timelapse? No problem! The Foolography UNLEASHED enables you to easily make timelapse videos, even with day to night transitions.

Additionally, you can shoot long exposures, start and stop video recording, and geotag your photos in-camera. You can do all that for up to six cameras at once.

That makes Foolography UNLEASHED a next-level remote. This sucker is about way more than simply allowing you to trigger the shutter. Instead, this little Bluetooth wonder and all its incredible features will help you kick your photography game into high gear! 

Learn more about Foolography UNLEASHED

Wiral LITE Cable Cam System

 

 Another one of my favorite innovative camera accessories is the Wiral LITE Cable Cam system.

Cable cam systems aren’t anything new, but what makes this one so innovative is how small, lightweight, and easy to set up it is.

In fact, it takes about three minutes to get this bad boy ready to roll. And don’t think that because it’s easy to set up that it isn’t just as capable as cable cam systems that take ten times as long to get going.

What makes the Wiral LITE so simple to set up is that there are just three components - the main unit, the remote control, and the quick reel rope system.

The main unit (shown above) is just 1.3 pounds and 10.8 x 3 x 1.7” in size, so it’s super portable. I can slide it into my camera bag and head out the door, no problem!

With a payload of up to 3.3 pounds, you can use all sorts of cameras with it, from an action camera like a GoPro to a DSLR with a standard lens on it. You can even mount your phone to it! 

The truly innovative part is the rope.

You get 164 feet (or you can opt for a 328-foot length) so you can span just about anything you want to shoot.

The thinness of the rope is absolutely incredible - it’s just 0.1 inches thick. It can be that thin because Wiral uses UHMWPE ultra static rope that’s incredibly lightweight without sacrificing payload capacity or safety.

It really is quite a marvel, which you can see in my video above. I think we got some pretty darn good footage myself!

Learn more about the Wiral LITE Cable Cam System

Peak Design Travel Tripod

In the introduction of this article, I mentioned that today’s tripods have more features and functionalities than we could have imagined just a decade ago. 

I say that with one tripod in mind - the Peak Design Travel Tripod.

When Peak Design launched this tripod on Kickstarter, their goal of $500,000 was surpassed in just 50 minutes, and with good reason - this is one of the most innovative camera accessories ever made.

On the one hand, this tripod folds down to about the size of a water bottle, making it about half the size of most traditional tripods in their folded down state. That makes this the most travel-friendly full-sized tripod on the planet.

This is possible because the engineers at Peak Design figured out a way to eliminate wasted space.

If you notice in the photos of the tripod, there is no space between the ball head and the tripod. There’s no knobs that stick out, either. 

As the image above shows, the ball head nests directly into the architecture of the legs. This space-saving design allows the tripod to be so small when it’s packed down.

But if you think that this small tripod has a small load capacity, you’re wrong… 

Not only does the Travel Tripod have a 20-pound weight capacity, but it can extend to 58.5-inches tall with the center column deployed.

Its 5-section legs are weather-resistant and impact-resistant, and give you the ability to drop the camera to as low as 4.5-inches off the ground.

I could go on and on here, but why not just check out my video review above to see this thing in action. It’s truly an innovative camera accessory and one of the best photography gadgets of 2019!

Learn more about the Peak Design Travel Tripod

Marumi Magnetic Filter System

Filters are a must for any photographer that spends any amount of time photographing landscapes.

The benefits of having filters like a circular polarizer (shown above), a graduated ND, and a solid ND are just too many not to have them!

A polarizer brings skies to life with more contrast and saturation while a graduated ND helps even out the exposure for a shot that has manageable dynamic range. A solid ND is also a must if you want to capture ethereal scenes with beautifully blurred motion.

And the best filter system for doing all that while you're traveling? The Marumi magnetic system!

The Marumi M100 filter holder and its companion magnetic filters strong and durable, which is just what you want for your travels.

The M100 filter holder, for example, is made of aircraft aluminum, which helps it stand up to the bumps and bruises of travel without adding extra weight.

The gaskets on the front of the holder form a seal around the back of the filter, preventing light leaks from occurring.

The magnetic filters (like the solid ND shown above) are made of high-grade Schott 5270 glass, which offers high-definition results.

Each filter also has anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and water and oil-repellent properties to stave off damage, unwanted aberrations, and dirt and grime.

It truly is the ideal travel companion for photographers - a lightweight, easy-to-use, and durable filter system that allows you to improve the quality of your photos whether you're photographing mountains, plains, water, forests, or something in between!

Litra Torch LitraPro 

Again, it might surprise you to see a light on a list of cool photography accessories, but, again, once you get to know the LitraPro, you realize just how incredible this innovative photography gadget really is.

Weighing in at just 6 ounces and measuring 2.75 x 2 x 1.2 inches, you might not expect much from this light. 

But since Litra works so hard to give us the most innovative camera accessories, this little guy puts out A LOT of light…

In fact, Litra has crammed 60 LEDs into this thing, which put out 1200 lumens of light. 

It’s good light, too - super clean, very crisp, and flicker-free. That’s just what you want in a light for photography!

On top of that, the LitraPro is bi-color and adjustable from 3000K to 6000K so you can customize the color of light to your specific needs. Not bad, right?!

You get excellent coverage thanks to its 70-degree beam angle, and since it’s built to MIL-SPEC 810 specs, you know that it will give you rugged durability for years to come.

It’s even waterproof up to 90 feet!

Add to that 10 hours of battery life (on low output), an OLED display, fully dimmable output, and Bluetooth control, and you have the makings of one of the best photography gadgets you can get your hands on! 

Learn more about the Litra Torch LitraPro

Camera Canopy

If you shoot landscapes like I do (or any subject outdoors, for that matter), you know the stress of worrying about the weather.

Will it rain? If it does, do I have time to get my gear out of the elements? If I keep shooting, how hard will it be to reach the buttons and dials to change settings?

These are important questions to ask, and fortunately, with Camera Canopy, those questions are easily answered.

As you can see above, the Camera Canopy simply attaches to your camera’s hot-shoe mount, so it’s incredibly easy to deploy if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

The canopy easily extends or retracts, so you can customize how much protection you need based on the lens you’re using.

What’s more, unlike those awful camera rain bags that restrict your ability to change camera settings or even see the LCD, camera canopy leaves all that real estate open (yet still protected). That means you can quickly and easily change camera settings, access the camera’s menu system, and review images on the LCD. 

Best of all, there are versions for DSLRs and for mirrorless cameras too. I picked one up for my Nikon D850 and then another for my Z7, and in inclement weather, there’s no better companion to have for my camera!

Learn more about Camera Canopy for DSLRs or Camera Canopy for Mirrorless Cameras

Synology DiskStation DS1019+

Okay, so technically this isn't something you'd carry around in your camera bag, but a good backup device is an absolute must-have for photographers, and the DS1019+ is one of the best money can buy.

I had a scare with a hard drive failure last year, and I didn't have a backup at the time. You can imagine how quickly I began researching backups!

I got the DS1019+ for several reasons.

First, Synology has a rock-solid reputation for developing reliable products that have innovative features. These units are easy to use too!

I'm no network storage genius by any means, yet I was able to quickly set up my DiskStation and back up my files.

It has an operating system that's intuitive and simple to use, and adding disk drives (2.5-inch or 3.5-inch) is a breeze as well. In fact, if you use 3.5-inch drives you don't even need any tools to install them - Synology has incorporated tension brackets to make the installation quick and easy. That's just one innovative feature you'll appreciate about the DS1019+.

Second, this unit is small enough to fit on my desk without being obtrusive.

It's 6.5-inches x 9-inches x 8-inches and even with drives installed, it only weighs about 5.5 pounds. Though I don't take it with me when I travel, I suppose you could do so with relative ease!

It also looks great with a sleek black design that looks modern and is a nice addition to my desktop.

On top of all that, it's quiet - something I really appreciate when I need to crank out a lot of work.

Lastly, I appreciate all the features that Synology has crammed into this device.

It has an Intel Celeron J3455 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, 8 GB of RAM, and read/write speeds of up to 225MB per second.

Add in data encryption, built-in audio and video applications, and dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots that don't take up space in the drive bays, and you have the makings of a fully-featured backup system for your photos and videos. It's innovative, feature-rich, and priced right.

Get all the details on this must-have photography accessory by reading my complete Synology DiskStation DS1019+ review.

---

Synology has built a solid reputation over the years for designing and building high-quality storage devices. Their latest addition - the DiskStation DS1019+ - continues that trend of dependable, easy-to-use network attached storage.

I’ve been using this rig for about a month now and wanted to report on my experiences using it for photography and video production purposes.

In short, this thing has done everything I’ve asked, is easy to set up, and has been a reliable addition to my home office.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the review so you can determine if the DiskStation DS1019+ is for you.

Synology DiskStation DS1019+ Design and Build Quality

 

As would be expected of a Synology device, the DiskStation DS1019+ is a well-put-together machine that looks and feels the part of a durable and reliable piece of equipment.

The design of the DS1019+ is in keeping with other Synology NAS devices (like the DiskStation DS918+), with a matte black plastic exterior that looks great and for some reason reminds me of something out of Star Wars. I like Star Wars, so that’s a good thing.

The device is small enough to sit on top of my desk without taking up the whole thing, which I definitely appreciate given all the things I have on my desk! It measures about 6.5-inches x 9-inches x 8-inches and weighs in at about 5.5 pounds without drives installed, so it’s a pretty small rig.

On the front of the DS 1019+ are the unit’s five hot-swappable bays, each of which can accommodate a 2.5-inch or a 3.5-inch drive (the unit is expandable to 10 bays with the Synology DX517 if needed). On the right side of the unit are the power button, a USB 3.0 port, and an array of LED indicator lights.

 

Looking at the back of the unit, you’ll find two large (and quiet!) fans that keep the device cool. Below that are two network ports, a power port, an eSATA port, and a reset button. You’ll also find another USB 3.0 port as well as a Kensington Security Slot on the back.

On the bottom of the DS1019+ are two M.2 NVMe slots for adding SSD cache.

As I noted above, this unit looks great, thanks in large part to all the utilitarian bits being relegated to the back and the bottom. That means you can sit it on your desk and not worry about having a big, ugly storage device in plain sight. 

Though a storage device shouldn’t be purchased for its looks, the sleek, black exterior and blue lights are aesthetically pleasing and will complement a clean desktop (or, in my case, a messy one) just fine.

Synology DiskStation DS1019+ Internal Components and Firmware 

 

This storage device is equipped with an Intel Celeron J3455 1.5GHz quad-core processor that’s capable of burst speed of 2.3Ghz.

The combination of this processor and 8GB of RAM (2x4GB DDR3L 1866 SO-DIMM) means that the DS1019+ can deliver read/write speeds of up to 225MB per second. That speed can be achieved even with the data encryption feature enabled.

Aside from the speedy performance when reading and writing data, the DS1019+ has built-in applications for video transcoding to make video work even easier.

It’s also important to note that performance is enhanced even further thanks to the dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots. Though SSD caching is not anything new, the addition of an SSD cache without taking up room in the DS1019+’s bays is something new.

 

Powering all of this is the Synology DSM OS.

If you’ve used Synology NAS devices before, you’re familiar with how intuitive and easy to use this OS is. Even if you’ve never used a Synology NAS before, you’ll find that you can easily find your way around - it’s that well put together.

If you do any video work at all, you’ll appreciate (as I do) the Video Station and Audio Station applications that allow you to use the two channels of H.264/H.265 4K videos.

Using the aforementioned SSD cache is a breeze as well - the SSD cache screen offers a quick overview of cache details, such as its mode type, RAID type, where it is mounted, the cache usage, the read hit rate, and whether or not it can be repaired or removed.

Synology DiskStation DS1019+ Ease of Use

As noted above, the Synology DSM OS is a joy to use, even if you’ve never used it before. In fact, setting up the DS1019+ is a process that takes only a few minutes, which is something anyone will appreciate, especially folks like me that don’t have the best attention span.

One thing I appreciate about the ease of use of this unit is that you can configure a fast copy operation using software so you can quickly transfer files to an attached USB drive. 

This is important because, unlike other NAS devices, the DS1019+ does not have a one-touch file transfer feature. Doing it via software is simple enough, though.

Aside from the easy operation of the OS, the hardware components are easy to use as well.

Adding disk drives is a simple process for both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch versions. If you use a 2.5-inch drive, they attach to the drive sled using four bottom-mounted screws.

However, if you use 3.5-inch drives, installation becomes a tool-free process as they attach to the sled using tension brackets that make installation a much faster process.

Adding SSD cache is also a tool-free procedure.

The drives snap into place using a plastic clip in lieu of the usual M.2 screw that’s so small and difficult to handle.

Synology DiskStation DS1019+ Final Thoughts

More than anything, I appreciate the speed with which this thing can read and write data.

As noted earlier, it’s capable of up to 225MB per second, even with data encryption enabled. I’ve found it to be perfectly suited for my recent forays into video production, for which I have a lot of 4K video transcoding needs.

That, combined with the built-in applications for video transcoding and the dual SSD slots that don’t take up space in the bays, make this one heck of a storage solution for photographers and videographers that demand performance in a small package.

 

And there’s a ton of space in that small package, too. With five drives, you can get up to 70TB of storage, and by expanding the unit to 10 bays, you can double that storage space. That’s a lot of photos and videos, my friends!

Something else I want to point out is how quiet this thing is. I have a particular pet peeve about fan noise, and in quiet mode, this thing is barely audible. That’s something I really appreciate when I’m trying to work and don’t need the distraction of cooling fans going on and off all day.

In the end, this unit has performed well for me no matter what I’ve thrown at it. If you’re in need of a solid NAS system that offers excellent speed, expandability, and ease of use, the DS1019+ is a solid choice for around $650.00.

Get more details on the Synology DiskStation DS1019+

---

Shooting high-resolution stills and HD video with a Nikon D850 means that my MacBook’s hard drive was always data shuffling.

Meaning...my drives would get nearly full and it was time to start saving photos and documents on external drives.

Having a half-dozen external hard drives floating around is certainly a little overwhelming.

Then I got my hands on one of these Synology DS918+'s.

In this Synology DiskStation DS918+ review, I offer up what I like about this rig after putting it through its paces.

Synology DS918+ Ease of Use 

Setting up the DS918+ is a simple process, though people unfamiliar with setting up network storage might need a bit of assistance.

The DS918+’s Disk Station Manager operation system is Linux-based, and needs to be set up via the Internet on a computer or tablet that’s connected to the network.

Just plug in your drives, boot up the DS918+, and connect to your network. From there, hop on your favorite browser, enter the IP address assigned to the DS918+, enter your credentials, and you can start setting things up.

The Control Panel makes it easy to access and change the settings.

You can do everything from configure networks to enabling users to starting and stopping specific services, all from the Control Panel. There’s even an Advanced Mode for tackling higher-level tasks.

What makes the DS918+ so easy to use is that help is integrated into the Control Panel. Just click on the help icon and you can find a wealth of information about setup, particular settings, and configuration options.

The Control Panel has access to most of the settings for your NAS. Here you can enable users, groups, start and stop services, configure networks, and a lot more. In Advanced mode, you as an administrator can do more than just tinker with the basics. Help is always around. Clicking on the Help icon can get you answers to basic queries about services, settings, setups and configurations.

Not only is the DS918+ easy to set up, but it can be set up as a web server for your office or at home. You can create an intranet if need be, use backup services (both in-house and via the internet), utilize FTP services, run virtual networks and VPNs, and much more.

All told, you can get this rig setup in 15-20 minutes. That’s tough to beat!

Synology DS918+ Build Quality 

 

The Synology DS918+, which is about the size of a two-slice toaster, has a matte black plastic exterior. It’s a simple, yet elegant look, and it’s something I don’t mind having on top of my desk.

There are no moving parts, save the four swappable drive bays, which is great from a durability standpoint.

There’s a backlit power button on the front of the unit, but all other controls are accessed via any web browser.

Also on the front of the unit are five LEDs, with one to indicate the status of the unit and one LED each for the drives that are installed.

You’ll find a USB 3.0 on the front as well, which makes it quick and easy to access your data and move it to a device like an external hard drive.

 

Heading to the back of the unit, you’ll find two gigabit ethernet ports, another USB 3.0, one eSATA, and a power socket.

There’s two big exhaust fans to keep the unit cool, and they do so efficiently and very quietly.

In fact, I have a bit of a pet peeve when it comes to electronics’ exhaust fans being too loud, but the Synology DS918+ certainly passes the test for noise tolerance.

In fact, the fans can be set to one of various settings - quiet operation, automatic, and high cooling.

Like the exterior shell, the drive bays in this rig are made of hard plastic. Each bay is lockable and can accommodate both hard drives and SSDs.

The drives slide into a solid metal frame and attach to the internal motherboard’s SATA ports.

Each of the four drive bays has a lever that you pull out from below the drive to detach it. Combined with a secure lock for each, there is no chance that a drive can be accidentally pulled out while in use.

The drives are hot-swappable, though, so replacement can take place when the NAS is operating, assuming of course the drives are in certain RAID modes.

Synology DS918+ Internal Components and Firmware 

 

The internal components of the Synology Diskstation DS918+ include an Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core processor at 1.5GHz that can ramp up to 2.3GHz when in full load.

There’s 4GB of DDR3L RAM, which is expandable up to 8GB, and the NAS can host up to nine hard drives (if you add a Synology DX517 external drive bay).

Each bay can accommodate up to 12TB drives, which gives you up to 48TB of storage or 108TB if you add the optional external drive bay.

 

You can increase the cache size if you need, thanks to dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots on the motherboard. You can add RAM, too, but to add either one, you have to remove the drives from the bay to access the motherboard.

The motherboard features a hardware encryption engine and H.265/H.264 4K video transcoding as well.

The DS918+ has its own bespoke Linux-based firmware called Disk Station Manager (DSM). There are frequent bug fixes to the firmware and updated features as well, which can be applied automatically, so you don’t have to spend your time making the updates.

If you need speed, you can use the two Ethernet ports on the back of the unit to connect to an internal network and WAN at the same time. You can also connect them to the same or dual networks.

Synology DS918+: Final Thoughts 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more robust network storage option than the Synology Diskstation DS918+.

This thing is powerful, feature-rich, and easy to set up, even if you have next-to-no understanding of servers. That, combined with the fact that it’s a scalable system, makes this a great option for your home or small office.

In addition to all that, this unit supports UPS so you’re sure your data is safe, even during a power outage.

Speaking of safety, you can enable a firewall and install antivirus software to mitigate threats to your data.

In other words, this tiny black box is filled to the brim with features that you’ll appreciate. And with the Synology name - a brand that has a long-standing reputation for quality - you know you have something reliable for all your data.

Get more details on the Synology DiskStation DS918+

---

Photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals need reliable internet to get work done. Heck, no matter what your occupation, reliable internet is a necessity.

Unfortunately, many of us make do with equipment that just isn't up to par anymore. I know I've held on to routers, modems, and even laptops for far too long, just because it seemed easier.

But it isn't easier!

I know using new technology can be intimidating. It can be difficult to set up, get you out of your workflow, and make you wonder why you tried to upgrade in the first place. But when you finally find gear that is reliable, easy to use, and fast, it's a total game-changer.

The latest game-changing gear I've added to my home office is a Synology Router, the RT6600ax to be exact. Below are my first impressions.

Table of Contents

• Synology Router Specs & Features
• Synology Router Installation
• The Synology RT6600ax Offers Speed and Expansion Possibilities
• Design of the RT6600ax
• Initial Verdict

Synology Router Specs & Features

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of this first impressions review, let's have a look at the essential specs and features of the Synology RT6600ax:

• Quad-core 1.8GHz processor
• 1GB DDR3 RAM
• 6 antennas
• Synology Router Manager operating system
• Tri-band frequencies at 802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac
• 2.5GbE port
• Parental controls
• Create up to five separate networks
• Pre-installed VPN server capabilities with remote desktop and site-to-site tunneling
• Pre-installed anti-malware tools
• Multiple security protocols
• 1 USB port
• 4 LAN ports
• 1 WAN port

So, as you can see, this Synology router is packed full of features.

The quad-core processor offers plenty of power for fast connection speeds, even when you have tons of devices connected simultaneously. And with the three-band Wi-Fi, all your devices are evenly distributed between the Synology router's radios, thereby maximizing range and performance. This also helps prevent bottlenecks and maintain high download and upload speeds.

You also get the capability of establishing five separate networks. This is a crucial feature because it allows you to separate vulnerable devices from the rest. Likewise, you can have a "home" network, a "kids" network, a "work" network, and more to keep your devices segregated based on task.

Add in a pre-installed VPN, multiple WPA2 and WPA3 security protocols, malware tools, and parental controls, and you have the makings of the ideal router for your home and work needs.

Synology Router Installation

While this isn't a plug-and-play router, it is very easy to set up.

Simply download the accompanying app to your phone, fold out the antennas, power it up, and connect the ethernet cable.

Next, you press the power switch, give it a minute or so to do its thing, and then you can access the installation guide on your phone using the default WiFi password.

The install guide is thorough, easy to follow, and provides detailed, step-by-step instructions. It couldn't be easier!

The Synology RT6600ax Offers Speed and Expansion Possibilities

I've had excellent luck with fast download and upload speeds with the Synology RT6600ax. With six antennas operating on Wi-Fi 6, that's just what you'd expect!

I get great coverage throughout my home, with speeds obviously faster nearest the router. For example, I see consistent download speeds in my office (where the router is) above 80Mbps and upload speeds in the upper 30s. Likewise, latency is negligible at around 4ms.

Further afoot in my house, the download and upload speeds go down and latency goes up. For example, in the kitchen, the download and upload speeds are closer to 40Mbps and 30Mbps, respectively. Latency is at around 6ms.

When using a wired connection, the data transfer rate is blazing-fast at about 2Gbps.

This router also offers expansion possibilities. 

Though you get good coverage with the router, a larger home or office application would benefit from a mesh Wi-Fi setup. Simply add another RT6600ax to the mix (or more, as needed), and you can extend the network to all corners of the property.

Design of the RT6600ax

I know that aesthetics aren't hugely important when discussing routers, but if your router sits on top of your desk like mine does, it doesn't hurt for it to look cool!

The black plastic casing and six antennas give it a futuristic look. It isn't enormous at about 6.89 inches tall, 12.6 inches wide, and 8 inches deep and weighs just over three pounds, but it isn't exactly tiny, either.

On top are seven LED status lights. The ethernet ports and USB port are located on the back. On the side are two buttons: one to enable or disable Wi-Fi and another for adding devices using WPS.

Initial Verdict

So far, so good!

This router offers tons of features, gives me lots of flexibility and control, and was easy to install. Add fast speeds to the mix as well!

It's been everything I need and more for my day-to-day needs for working from home, as well as home-based tasks like streaming movies and music.

At more than $400 on Amazon, this isn't the cheapest router in the world. But...it's been worth every penny thus far. In terms of the long list of routers I've had over the years, including those from Linksys and Netgear, this one is proving to be the cream of the crop.

Stay tuned for a long-term update on the Synology RT6600ax sometime next year.

---

If you follow my articles here on PhotographyTalk, you might remember that a few months ago I reviewed the Synology Diskstation DS1019+.

In that review, I spoke of how much I liked that device - it's easy to set up, offers a ton of storage, is fast and efficient, and doesn't take up a ton of space on my desk.

All of those things are true of Synology's newest storage device - the DS419slim - as well.

I've had the DS419slim in my office for a little over a month now, and I just wanted to share a few of my thoughts on it as Synology is officially launching the product today.

The nitty-gritty of it is that it's a 4-bay compact NAS and supports 2.5-inch drives. With four bays, there's plenty of storage for images, but its slim design means it takes up a tiny amount of real estate on your desk - just 4.72(H) x 4.13(W) x 5.59(D) inches.

If you're like me, your desk is a giant, cluttered mess, so having a high-quality storage system that doesn't take up precious room is a definite bonus.

Besides, this little guy weighs just 1.46 pounds, so it's as portable a device as you'll find. Leave it on your desk to save space, take it with you into the field for lightweight and portable storage, or do both!

But don't think that because this is a small and portable device that it's short on features or performance...

It still runs on Synology's excellent DiskStation Manager (DSM) and offers all the RAID protections and file-sharing capabilities of a regular-sized NAS.

It has a dual-core CPU with a hardware encryption engine, read/write speeds that exceed 220 MB/s and 94 MB/s, respectively, and dual Gigabit Link Aggregation with failover support.

Beyond that, this little guy is loaded for bear with tons of other features:

• Easy access from anywhere with iOS and Android mobile apps
• QuickConnect gives you a fast connection to your Synology NAS via a secure and customizable address
• Dual USB 3.0 ports
• Supports comprehensive network protocols, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, for seamless file sharing
• Synology Drive allows you to sync files across platforms while giving you on-the-go access to your files
• Cloud Sync helps you keep your Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Baidu, and Box storage accounts in sync with your DiskStation
• Hyper Backup gives you multi-version backups with block-level incremental backup and cross-version deduplication
• Web assistant makes for easy set up of the Synology NAS - installation is done in a web browser in just a few steps

And on top of all that, perhaps what I appreciate the most about this rig is that it's ideal for storing multimedia content.

I have tons of images, as you might imagine, and the last few months I've been diving into video production as well.

With the DS419slim, you can easily manage all that content with Synology's Audio Station, Video Station, and Photo Station platforms, organize your multimedia files, and share them too.

Photo Station, in particular, is impressive because you can organize images into custom categories, link them to social media sites, and create smart albums, all with just a few clicks. There's even a new trick up its sleeve - Synology Moments - that allows you to quickly back up images from your smartphone and share photos as well.

So, yeah, I think it's safe to say that I've been impressed with the Synology DS419slim. For me, it's the perfect storage solution for photographers, and now you can get one for yourself for $329.99!

Be on the lookout for a full review of this NAS in the coming weeks!

---

^{Photo by Ionut Andrei Coman on Unsplash}

How much do you like photography? Obviously, you like it very much, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading websites about it. 

Photography is very rewarding. You get to feel the thrill of creating art, of capturing important events, or giving something valuable and worthwhile to others. Those can be very tangible rewards.

Another reward for your love of the art and craft of home photography can be monetary in nature. The monetary reward may be large or modest, may be the result of a whole day’s work or come from a single image. 

How Do I Start a Home-Based Photography Business?

^{Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash}

There are a lot of very talented photographers, but only a percentage of those people bring in real cash from their talent. What makes the difference? 

Keep At It

One of the things most needed to start a home-based photography business is persistence. If your first bids or proposals don’t get results, re-examine your proposals. Maybe you need to tweak a phrase or clause. 

It could be your bids are fine as they are, but simply no one has hired you as of yet. Sure, from time to time someone gets lucky and has an amazing opportunity just fall into their lap, but you can’t rely on luck. You need to keep trying, keep plugging along. 

Your business model may be different from submitting bids or proposals. You could be operating a web based store-front for fine art images. Or maybe you are opening a studio in your home. The same principles of persistence apply to these endeavors as well. 

Find a Niche

^{Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash}

Most likely, you’ve been a photographer for a while. And you have found a certain style of photography or a certain subject matter that you are really good at. Well, that’s your niche. You can have more than one niche, but there are usually one or two things you do exceptionally well. Learn more about photo projects on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

Often times, a person starting a home-based photography business thinks they have to cover all bases. They offer themselves as a wedding photographer, small product photographer, real estate photographer, family portrait photographer, sports photographer, photojournalist, and videographer all at the same time.

^{photo bymeatbull via iStock}

I call this the shotgun approach. There may be some initial limited success with this approach. But what also happens is that potential clients might see you as a jack of all trades, master of none situation in their minds. 

By marketing your strengths, you create a stronger personal brand. Instead of your clients seeing a watered down version of everything you could possibly do, they see an outstanding representation of something in which you truly excel. 

Those web article business photography tips you see everywhere saying to build a brand for your business, this is what that means. Find your niche, set yourself apart. 

Go Outside Your Niche

^{Photo by Sead Dedić on Unsplash}

Once you find your strong personal brand, be prepared to take on other photography work. When that wedding client loves your images and asks if you do pet portraits, why not give it a try? If you small product contract client is selling their home and needs real estate images, offer that service.

Obviously, you don’t want to get in over your head, though. If you are happy taking portraits for high school seniors and the thought of shooting a destination wedding gives you the willies, maybe you should consider all the pros and cons involved.

^{photo byigor_kell via iStock}

We also may need to temper our tendency towards overconfidence. To be honest, not all photographers are cut out for wedding photography or wildlife excursions or fashion model photography. 

You could ruin your personal brand as a home-based photography business by ruining one unrepeatable event for your client. Don’t be that photographer! 

However, trying out other styles or genres of professional photography might also lead your home-based photography business into a better, more profitable, or more enjoyable photography niche. Be reasonable, but also be willing to expand.

Make Sure You Have the Right Tools

^{Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash}

While professional photography is not all about the gear by any means, having the right equipment for the job does help. 

I’m not saying you are required to have the latest and greatest cameras and lenses in order to run a successful home-based photography business. But, there is a reason why some products are described as professional equipment.

Usually, it’s more related to durability over other quality factors. As an example, a kit lens on an entry level camera can deliver superb images. But once you find yourself relying on a piece of equipment for creating income, you want something that has a good record of durability. 

Some of those extra features can be welcome, as well. For instance, exposure bracketing, spot metering, or multiple focus points for the camera. Fast maximum f-stop, speedy autofocus, and close focusing for lenses. Advanced flash functions and other options that are added to higher end cameras, lenses, and accessories can make some jobs either easier to do or able to do.

^{Photo by Plentypix Fotomagazin on Unsplash}

As an example, let’s take a look at 3 digital cameras from Nikon. The Nikon D5 is a top of the line, ultimate photography tool. It is a virtual hockey puck in terms of durability and has features that weren’t even imagined a mere 15 years ago. It also costs as much as a decent used car.

The Nikon D750 (full frame) and D7500 (APS-C) are what I call prosumer level. In other words, they have durability, features, and quality that would be welcome to a professional photographer or an advanced hobbyist. But the prices for these cameras are within range of many photographers.

The Nikon D3500 and the kit lenses marketed with it are considered entry level. Though sturdy enough for general photography, these cameras are not built for extreme use. Plus, they lack certain features that working photographers like to have. The image quality is superb, so you could get fantastic results from it. 

A decent photographer could capture beautiful images with a smartphone or a compact point and shoot camera. Just like a good carpenter could use basic power tools. But pro level and higher end equipment exist for good reasons. 

Again, I’m not saying to become a gear head or an equipment snob, but using good tools is always preferable to having to “make do” with lesser equipment.

Protect Yourself

^{Photo by Alexander Andrews on Unsplash}

In your home-based photography business, you’ll be providing images or imaging services to clients for payment of some type. The client will expect a certain level of work from you. So, you will need to consider how to protect yourself from things going wrong. Trust me, things will go wrong at some point.

As a protection for yourself and your photography business, consider insurance, image backup, and financial services.

Insurance

Insurance is a good idea for several reasons. 

You need to protect against theft and damage of your equipment. You need protection from liability for you and your stuff when on a job. Things like someone tripping over cords or you dropping a valuable antique you are photographing. And you need a form of errors and omissions insurance for failing to provide what was contracted.

Many carriers provide all three types of coverage at once with policies designed for photographic businesses.

Image Storage

A better insurance against lost images is having a backup of the images so you won’t have to file a claim for loss in the first place. You could save all of your memory cards, similar to how we saved chromes and negatives back in the day. But that gets cumbersome and doesn’t let you search for images.

A separate drive for image storage, such as the Synology DiskStation DS419slim NAS (network attached storage) device is a great idea. It is a physical storage device that is also connected to a user accessed local network and also to the cloud.

If you use an imaging program with cataloging features such as Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, you can find your images readily. Besides protecting from loss, an NAS is also a more convenient method to store your image files. This makes re-editing and re-ordering a better process for you.

Besides, even if you have zero experience using a NAS, Synology has developed this little guy to be incredibly easy to use. Setup takes just a few minutes thanks to the intuitive operating system.

It’s also a small unit, so it can easily sit on top of your desk without taking up tons of room. This, combined with its sleek looks and quiet fans, mean that it blends into the background of your workspace. I don’t even realize it’s there any longer! 

Financial Services

^{Photo by Carlos Muza on Unsplash}

One business photography tip that gets overlooked sometimes is to make sure you are handling the home-based business finances properly. Financial mistakes can cost you money or could cost you your home-based photography business all together. 

Avoid a going-out-of-business sale by investing in financial software and the training for how to use it. You could hire a local accountant, especially one familiar with small business taxes. Or you could make use of online business communities that host professionals willing to do online gig work. 

Those online communities are also a fantastic way to start or build up your own home-based photography business, by the way.

The Best Photography Business Tips

^{photo byGeber86 via iStock}

The best photography business tips are whatever tips you personally need to succeed in your own home-based photography business. 

Some valuable tips are how to create and maintain an online presence, how to market it properly, and the importance of a business plan. Those tips are all over the internet.

Our tips will help you see some other important considerations. Find your niche, expand your talents, get the right tools, protect yourself and your images, and don’t give up if things aren’t what you want at first.

Follow some of these tips, and you will likely have a profitable and enjoyable home-based photography business that you can keep going for quite a long time.

 

---

^{Image Credit: eclipse_images via iStock}

Need gift ideas for photographers in your life?

Look no further!

We're in a bit of a golden age of photography, with cameras, lenses, and photography accessories that enable us to take better photos than ever before.

And it's no secret that a lot of photography gear is expensive...

But you might be surprised at what you can get with a budget of $1,000 or less.

Here's some of the best gifts for photographers for 2018.

Lensfinder

Let’s face it - photography gear can be expensive. Really expensive.

That’s a problem year-round, but when you’re holiday shopping and have tons of gifts to buy, it’s even more difficult to justify getting your loved one the $1,000 lens that they really want.

Fortunately, Lensfinder can help in more ways than one.

On the one hand, you can find great deals on pre-owned camera lenses at Lensfinder. 

That means that you can get a truly top-notch lens for the photographer in your life but do so without busting your budget. It’s a win-win!

On the other hand, if you have some old lenses that you don’t use anymore, you can list them for sale on Lensfinder. When the lens sells, you can use it for holiday spending money for the photographer in your life. 

^{Image Credit: xxmmxx via iStock}

The best part? You can list your lenses for sale for free. 

There’s only a transaction fee (just 3.99%) when the lens sells (with a maximum fee of $500). If your lens doesn’t sell, there’s no charge at all!

And for peace of mind, the Lensfinder platform has advanced fraud filtering for both buyers and sellers as well as mediation services in the event that there’s a problem.

Payments are made and received via PayPal, so you can rest easy knowing that the transaction is safe and secure.

In other words, Lensfinder is the ideal solution for your holiday shopping needs. Either use it to find a loved one a killer lens or use it to sell old gear to pad your pockets for holiday spending!

Learn more about Lensfinder

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

GDU O2 Drone

What’s so great about the GDU O2 drone is that it’s designed to be used by pilots of all experience levels. For beginners, it’s easy to use and extremely portable. The obstacle avoidance system will assist in preventing crashes, and the vision positioning system allows the drone to maintain complete stability whether flying indoors or out. That makes this the ideal drone with which to learn about flying. 

Beginners and more advanced pilots alike will appreciate the host of smart features that the O2 has. That includes gesture recognition for taking photos and videos, as well as burst shooting, time-lapse shooting, slow-motion shooting, and selfie mode. The three-axis stable video capture feature allows you to take gorgeous panning 4K videos as well. 

 

There are multiple flight modes, too. Instruct the drone to fly in a circle around you, take off like a rocket, or follow you as you walk, hike, ride your bike, or otherwise move around. No matter which mode the O2 is flying in, it can use its return to home function to land in virtually the exact same spot from which it took off. 

The O2 also comes with a smartphone app to make using this drone even easier. Connect to your drone to see what it sees on your smartphone screen. You can also fly the drone with your phone. Add in built-in editing and sharing functions, and you have the makings of a total drone experience, from flying to taking photos and videos to editing and sharing your work quickly and easily online.

Learn more about the GDU O2 Drone

Meural

If you’ve got someone on your holiday shopping list that has everything, the Meural Canvas is the ideal gift for them.

Looking a the same old painting or photograph over and over again is so 20th Century…

With a Meural Canvas, your loved one can view their favorite artwork from Meural’s curated library or upload their own images to enjoy. Whichever is the case, artwork is displayed instantly for them to enjoy. 

Better still, they can control their Meural Canvas via the web, the Meural App, or with gesture control. It’s the easiest way to enjoy art! 

The Meural Canvas brings artwork to life by using TrueArt Technology, a proprietary blend of hardware, firmware, and software that renders images in beautiful detail and texture. To say that the Meural Canvas makes artwork look lifelike is an understatement!

This canvas looks great in any setting, too, with different sizes, frame types, and frame colors to suit any decor. It can even detect if it’s hanging on a vertical or horizontal plane, and will automatically adjust its display accordingly. There’s also a built-in light sensor so it will automatically increase or decrease the brightness of its display to suit the surroundings.

On top of all that, Meural gives 60 percent of its earnings to artists on their platform, so not only do they have an awesome product, but they also give back. It’s a win-win!

Learn more about the Meural Canvas

Canon M50

As mirrorless cameras continue to grow in popularity, it only makes sense that you consider giving your favorite photographer a mirrorless camera this year. 

Whether a photographer is a beginner and needs a new camera, an enthusiast that wants a capable mirrorless camera for everyday shooting, or a professional that wants to add a small mirrorless camera to their kit to serve as a second or third shooting option, the Canon M50 fits the bill.

The M50 is outfitted with a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that offers surprisingly good image quality at this price point.

This camera also offers Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS technology, which, among other things, offers superior focus tracking performance and a wider area of focus coverage when photographing moving subjects.

Additionally, the M50 features 99 autofocus points with most EF-M lenses while some EF-M lenses offer even more - 143 AF points, to be exact. Not only that, but the M50 sports excellent low-light autofocus capabilities, so even when shooting in less-than-ideal lighting, this camera’s autofocus system will perform well. 

This camera has plenty of features that make it easy to use, too.

The DIGIC 8 processor makes quick work of processing image data while the 1.04-million dot LCD is fully articulating for easier viewing when shooting in live view. It’s also touch-enabled for quick work of navigating the camera’s menu system. 

The 2.36-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder gives photographers a clear, crisp view of what they’re photographing while the built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth make sharing photos and connecting to other devices a breeze, too.

For video enthusiasts, the M50 offers HD video shooting at 1080/60p and 720/120p. You can also shoot in 4K UHD at 24p.

And if the photographer on your list already has Canon lenses, they can be used with the M50 with an adaptor. That means they don’t have to invest in new glass if they don’t want to, and simply use their EF and EF-S lenses.

All of those bells, whistles, and features make this a highly capable entry-level or enthusiast camera. If you want to give the gift of a more capable camera, the Canon M50 is it! 

Best of all, Paul’s Photo has this camera in stock and for a great price so you can give an awesome gift without busting your budget! 

Learn more about the Canon EOS M50

NiSi 100mm System V5-Pro Advance Filter Kit

There's a gear mantra to live by, and that's that the lens you use is more important than the camera.

Good glass can make or break your photos, and if you spend the money on good glass, you definitely want good filters in front of it.

That's why NiSi's 100mm System Advance Filter Kit is such a great gift idea for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.

This kit is loaded for bear and includes:

• 1 x NiSi V5 PRO Holder includes 67mm 72mm 77mm Adaptor Rings+82mm Main Adapter+86mm Pro CPL
• 1 x NiSi Glass 100x150mm Multi-coated Soft 0.9 (3-stop) +1 x Reverse 0.9 (3-stop) Graduated ND Filter
• 1 x NiSi Glass 100x100mm Nano Multicoated Filter IR ND 0.9(3-Stop) Filter + 1 x IR ND 1.8 (6-Stop) Filter + 1 x IR ND 3.0 (10-Stop) Filter
• 1 x NiSi All in One Case(can hold V5 or V5 PRO, adaptor rings and 8pcs filters at most)
• 1 x V5 Lens Cap + 1 x Square Filter Cleaning Eraser + 1 x Cleaning Cloth+ 1 x Air blower

I can personally attest to this filter system as being one of the very best that I've ever owned.

The filters expand the creative abilities of your camera, allowing you to create gorgeous long exposures and manage difficult dynamic range while giving you the highest color and contrast fidelity with minimal aberrations.

Not only that, but the filters and filter holder are beautifully designed and made of high-quality, durable materials, so your favorite photographer can get the shots they want without worrying about whether their filters are going to make it back home.

Having lens filters is a must for landscape photographers. Get the landscape photographer on your shopping list the best filters money can buy!

Learn more about the Nisi 100mm System V5-Pro Advance Filter Kit 

Synology DiskStation DS1817+

Photographers can never have enough storage space for all their images and other files, which is why we're including the Synology DiskStation on our list.

This expandable storage device can store up to 60TB of data. Start small with 12TB and expand as your needs grow.

The unit has upgradable memory, a PCIe slot to install a 10GbE network card for lightning-fast data transmission, and remote access, so your favorite photographer can access their files from any device anywhere in the world.

Perhaps even better, this rig allows for backing up all computers, servers, and other devices, that way all data is backed up and safe from ransomware, viruses, hacking, and human errors.

The DiskStation can be backed up to a cloud service or offsite location as well, giving you yet another layer of data protection.

While this might be overkill for some photographers, for professionals that have tens of thousands of images and other files, the Synology DiskStation can be a God-send.

Learn more about the Synology DiskStation DS1817+

Pre-Owned Sony A6500 From MPB

I've been a Nikon shooter since the beginning, but a few years ago I picked up a Sony A6300 and have loved every minute of using it.

It's brother, the Sony A6500, is a fantastic camera as well, and can be found for under $1,000 if you buy pre-owned.

This mirrorless APS-C camera has a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, and an ISO range that extends to 51200.

It can shoot 4K video, has a continuous shooting speed of 11fps, and has 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization, which helps minimize camera shake when working at slower shutter speeds.

Something I love about my Sony is how small and lightweight it is, and both of those factors apply in this situation as well.

This camera weighs just 16 ounces (without a lens attached), so you can easily take it for a day of shooting or on a long trip and never be in a situation in which you feel like your camera is drawing tons of attention.

What will draw attention, though, is the fact that this camera has an incredible 425-point phase-detection autofocus system that has 169 area contrast detection autofocus points.

What that means is that this camera performs unbelievably well when it comes to rapid and precise focusing.

If you have a photographer on your list that's been thinking about upgrading their camera, this is an ideal choice!

Learn more about the Sony A6500

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

I have a number of Microsoft Surface products, and as an Apple guy, I was skeptical when I got my first Surface.

But I quickly found that my reservations were misplaced because the Surface lineup is fantastic from top to bottom.

I particularly like the Surface Pro 4 because I don't always need a full-blown laptop to get done what needs to get done.

Yet, the Surface pro could easily replace a laptop by adding the optional keyboard and relying on the devices excellent suite of hardware.

This particular model has a 128GB hard drive, 4GB of ram, and an Intel Core i5 processor.

While those specs aren't going to be enough to be a primary computer for a photographer, for daily tasks like posting on social media, doing billing, emailing clients, and so forth, this little Surface will be all you need.

I love the PixelSense touchscreen display, especially when I'm slumming it on the couch and catching up on work as I watch TV.

And when I need to be a little more precise than with my big, clumsy fingers, the Surface Pen is ideal for getting the job done.

If you want to give the gift of technology this holiday season, try giving a Surface Pro 4! They're even on sale at the moment, so you can snag one for well under $1,000.

Learn more about the Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Surui SR-3204

Sirui has been making excellent tripods for years now, but their latest SR-series tripods are likely the best they've ever made.

The Sirui SR-3204 is a four-section tripod that extends from just 4.7-inches above the ground to 59-inches.

And all that height compacts into just over 21-inches, that way you have the height you need without having a large, bulky tripod to carry around.

Better still, the SR-3204 can hold up to 55-pounds of gear, a three-position leg angle mechanism for quick deployment of the tripod, and easy-to-use twist leg locks that also facilitate quick setup.

This tripod also has an integrated bubble level, a flat top plate with 3/8-inch mounting screw, and an integrated 1/4-inch socket on the spider for adding accessories.

In other words, this is a capable, functional, and durable tripod that will last the photographer on your list for years and years to come!

Learn more about the Sirui SR-3204 tripod

Formatt-Hitech 100mm Firecrest Ultra Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition Master Filter Kit

Yet another top gift idea for photographers is the Formatt-Hitech 100mm Firecrest Ultra Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition Master Filter Kit.

This kit comes with everything a photographer needs to capture gorgeous and breathtaking landscapes, cityscape, and long exposures, just to name a few.

Included in this bundle are several ND Filters (ND 0.9, 1.8, and 3.0), a graduated ND 0.6, a graduated ND 0.9, and an UltraSlim circular polarizer.

On top of that, the kit includes a 100mm filter holder and adapter and step-up rings, as well as filter pouches, a holder case, and a Ken kaminesky booklet.

 

What sets these filters apart from the rest is the lap and polish technique that makes them perfectly flat with consistent filtering power to enhance images.

What's more, the Firecrest Ultra line of filters have incredible clarity as well as lower reflectivity than other filters.

This makes them a prime choice for photographers that wish to enhance their photos!

Learn more about the Formatt-Hitech 100mm Firecrest Ultra Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition Master Filter Kit 

Bonus Gift Idea: Formatt-Hitech 100mm Firecrest Ultra Elia Locardi Signature Edition Travel Filter Kit

If the photographer on your list is more of a travel photographer, then the Elia Locardi Signature Edition Travel Filter Kit by Formatt-Hitech is a great choice.

This kit includes a variety of filters and related gear that will make the task of travel photography easier and more productive.

That includes a Firecrest Ultra ND 1.2 filter, a Firecrest Ultra ND 3.0 filter, a Firecrest Ultra Graduated ND 0.9 filter, a Firecrest 82mm UltraSlim Circular Polarizing Filter, and a 100mm filter holder as well.

Additionally, the kit comes with adapter rings, step-up rings, filter pouches, a holder case, and a booklet from Elia Locardi to provide your favorite photographer with a few tips and inspiration for their photos.

Like the Ken Kaminesky Kit describes earlier, this kit's filters are manufactured to the highest of specifications so photographers get the best possible results.

With unmatched clarity and sharpness, these filters won't get in the way of getting the shot, but will instead enhance photos with gorgeous detail.

Between the options of creating long exposures with the included ND filter, creating better-exposed images with the included graduated ND filter, and controlling glare, haze, and contrast with the included polarizing filter, this kit gives any photographer all the options they need to improve their photos.

Learn more about the Formatt-Hitech 100mm Firecrest Ultra Elia Locardi Signature Edition Travel Filter Kit

Promaster Unplugged TTL400

Shooting serious outdoor portraits requires that photographers have artificial lighting.

And while learning how to utilize artificial lighting can be tough, finding excellent lighting to give to a photographer this holiday is a breeze!

The Promaster Unplugged TTL400 is the ideal lighting solution for breathtaking outdoor portraits for a variety of reasons, not the least of which it's battery-operated, so your favorite photographer won't have to be bogged down by the availability of power.

This high-powered strobe light uses a camera's TTL system to create beautiful light that can be finely-tuned by photographers for a specific look.

This light offers TTL control with exposure compensation, multi-flash mode, high-speed sync, and manual mode, too.

There's 15 channels with 99 IDs, A, B, and C groups with ratio control, an audible alarm function, and FEB flash exposure bracketing mode as well.

In other words, the photographer on your list will have all the features and options they need to get the highest-quality outdoor portraits possible!

Just be sure to include the right trigger that correlates with the camera system being used, like Canon or Nikon, to complete this awesome gift idea!

Learn more about the Promaster Unplugged TTL400

---

 ^{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

 

---

^{Photo by RobertBreitpaul via iStock} 

With a $500 holiday shopping budget, you can really go all-out for a loved one that loves photography.

From huge canvas prints of their favorite photos to a new-to-them camera or lens, there's really an unlimited array of possible gift ideas.

To help narrow things down, I've listed 10 of my favorite gifts for photographers below.

These are personal favorites of mine that I have enjoyed at one time or another, and I think any other photographer would enjoy these as well!

Gifts for Photographers Under $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 large-format canvas print.

Think about it…

A canvas print is the 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 $500: Holdfast Sightseer Camera and Lens Modular System

There's two problems that this gift idea can solve: discomfort and difficult-to-access gear.

The Holdfast Sightseer is a small bag, yet it holds a ton of gear. The photographer on your list can put their 13-inch laptop in there along with a camera (with a lens attached), two more lenses, and other accessories like spare batteries, memory cards, and a flash.

And since Holdfast engineered this thing to be modular, you can give the gift of even more carrying capacity by adding a Lens Pouch (or two) and a Cell Phone Pouch to the mix.

Since the Sightseer is a truly modular system, you can mix and match lens pouches as you need to carry as much or as little gear as the situation calls for. What’s more, this system can grow with you as you get more gear - start out lean and mean with just the Sightseer bag, and as more lenses are accumulated, add Lens Pouches as needed.

Better still, because your gear is easily accessible, you don’t have to worry about missing a shot! With your gear at your fingertips, there's no waiting around to get ready to press the shutter button.

It’s easy to carry, too. Just use the two sets of carrying handles, the shoulder strap, or attach it to the Holdfast MoneyMaker dual camera strap for a super easy way to get your gear from point A to point B.

These bags look amazing, too, with a waxed canvas and American Bison leather exterior and an Aztec flannel fleece interior. In other words, the Sightseer is the complete package!

Learn more about the Holdfast Sightseer

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Synology DS419slim

Every photographer needs a lot of storage capacity, and I can't think of a better network attached storage than the Synology DS419slim.

I've been using this NAS since June, and it's been a great asset for my workflow.

There's four bays for adding 2.5-inch drives, so there's tons of space for image files, yet this little guy is just 4.72 x 4.13 x 5.59-inches in size.

It can literally sit on top of your desk and take care of all your storage needs without getting in the way!

What's more, it weighs less than 1.5 pounds, so if the photographer on your list needs to get up and go, they can easily take this device with them.

As far as specs go, this thing is loaded for bear...

It runs Synology's excellent DiskStation Manager, has RAID protection and easy file-sharing capabilities, as well as a dual-core CPU.

You get a hardware encryption engine, read/write speed of 220 MB/s and 94 MB/s, respectively, and dual Gigabit Link Aggregation with failover support as well.

Add in dual USB 3.0 ports, could syncing with Dropbox, Google Drive, and others, as well as easy access via iOS and Android apps, and you have the makings of a hard-working, functional, and easy-to-use NAS!

Learn more about the Synology DS419slim

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Wandrd HEXAD Access Duffle

It’s tough to beat a great camera bag as a gift for the photographer on your list.

And if it’s a well-designed, comfortable to carry, functional, good-looking bag you’re after, look no further than this beauty - the Wandrd HEXAD Access Duffle.

The huge clamshell opening on top offers total access to the inside of the bag, so you not only have a great view of the gear that’s inside but you can also easily retrieve and put away your camera or accessories.

Inside, you’ll find three organizational compartments that help you keep your gear nice and tidy. That’s a must for a bag that can hold a whopping 45 liters of gear.

But all that space is wrapped in a carry-on sized bag that’s 9"H X 14"W X 22"L and weighs just 3.9 pounds.

Check out the other features that this bag offers:

• A padded laptop sleeve
• Side camera access
• High-quality zippers
• Weather resistant materials
• Removable backpack straps
• Removable camera protection

There’s even an RFID secure passport pocket for those out-of-country adventures!

On top of all that, this bag looks like a million bucks! I mean, what photographer wouldn’t want to carry this bag around?!

But those good looks aren’t superficial - the bag is made of waterproof Tarpaulin and 1680D Ballistic Nylon with a WR Army coating. Not bad, eh?

You can get your favorite photographer the bag by itself or opt to add one or two medium camera cubes along with it. Whichever route you go, you’ll be well under your $500 budget!

Learn more about the Wandrd HEXAD Access Duffle

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Wiral LITE Cable Cam

If creating dynamic videos is on your favorite photographer's agenda, then the Wiral LITE Cable Cam is a perfect gift idea!

This simple rope system allows videographers to get tracking shots quickly and easily. In fact, it takes just a few minutes to set this thing up!

Called "Quickreel," the system's patent-pending rope system makes it super easy to capture awesome videos without tons of time setting up or taking down gear. Better yet, since an ultra static rope is used, you get excellent performance and top-notch safety without bulk or weight.

Once it's set up, you can use your GoPro or another camera to get long, smooth video sequences.

And in looking at the video above, you'd think it was done with a hugely expensive setup, right?

Not so...just a handy Wiral Lite that you can pick up for well under the $500 limit!

This is a functional and fun gift that any photographer that enjoys shooting video would love to have under the tree on Christmas morning!

Learn more about the Wiral LITE Cable Cam

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Insta360 One X

If you have an adventurous photographer on your holiday shopping list, why not give them a gift that will blow their minds and help them create unique photos unlike anything they've created before?

The Insta360 One X is a 360-degree camera that makes creating photos and videos a fun and exciting exercise.

But this thing is no gimmick - it has dual f/2 lenses with 200-degree fields of view. The overlap of the lenses results in a true 360-degree image or video.

With a 1/2.3-inch sensor, 14 MB still images, and up to 5.7K video shooting at 30fps, it offers tons of options for getting high-quality content too.

It's small and portable, too, so you can easily hold it in your hand, buy a mount for your bike, strap it to your dog, or put it virtually anywhere to get interesting images and video sequences.

And since it comes with an incredible 6-axis gyroscopic stabilization system, the video footage it records will be buttery smooth.

Insta360 has also packed this thing with software to make using it easier and more productive.

Control the camera via the companion app, which features Live View so you can see what the camera sees.

There's even built-in shooting modes, including HDR, time-lapse, and "Bullet Time" (remember those incredible scenes in The Matrix where the camera rotated around Neo as he dodged bullets?).

I've had this camera for about a month now, and it is SO much fun!

Learn more about the Insta360 One X

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: E-Image EK610 Tripod

Every photographer needs a reliable tripod in their camera bag, and the E-Image EK610 fits the bill.

Billed as a video tripod, the EK610 provides photographers and videographers alike with exceptional stability thanks to its strong two-stage aluminum legs.

Making adjustments to the tripod is quick and simple thanks to ergonomic leg adjustment knobs and a mid-level spreader that enhances stability.

There's a fixed counterbalance to enhance stability even further, and the included fluid head makes for ultra-smooth panning.

The head can support up to 6.6 pounds, so it's ideal for use with a mirrorless camera, DSLR, or small video camera.

There's even a handy carrying case for the tripod, spreader, and head, so the photographer on your list can easily transport it from one shoot location to the next.

Best of all, this tripod is WAY under the $500 budget mark, so you can give an awesome gift and save some cash at the same time.

Learn more about the E-Image EK610 Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: F-Stop Sukha Backpack

I've had the f-stop Sukha bag for quite a few months now, and it has quickly become my go-to bag for occasions when I need to haul a lot of gear.

It's waterproof, so that's a bonus since I'm often out in the elements taking landscape photos. That's a feature the photographer on your holiday list is sure to like as well!

Additionally, this bag holds a ton of gear - 70 liters worth. I can pack nearly all of my camera gear into this single bag!

As you can see above, even though this is a large bag, it's still super easy to find what you're looking for.

There's pockets and compartments galore, and with f-stop's Internal Camera Unit (ICU), all your gear is kept neat and organized.

The ICU is also heavily padded, so it cradles your gear and protects it from bumps and bruises you might encounter along the way.

I also like the fact that this bag has a huge panel that completely folds down, that way you can clearly see what gear is where.

On top of all that, f-stop has incorporated handy features that make this bag even more functional.

There's expandable zipper pockets should you need a little more room and a reinforced carry strap that's ideal for carrying your tripod.

The internal aluminum frame gives the bag excellent rigidity that makes carrying it an easier task, and with enhanced EVA-padded Jersey laminate shoulder straps, the bag rides nice on your shoulders (and on your hips, too).

It's just a great bag that can carry a ton of gear and lets you do so in total comfort. Talk about the perfect gift idea!

Learn more about the f-stop Sukha

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Wescott Rapid Box Octa Softbox

If you’re in need of a gift for the photographer on your holiday list, don’t just settle for any old thing. Instead, wow them with a gift that has the ability to help them elevate the quality of their photos.

In photography, light is everything, and if the photographer you’re shopping for takes any portraits at all, they need a high-quality softbox in their collection of gear.

And for me, the best softboxes on the market are those by Westcott.

I particularly like their Rapid Box Octa series because they’re lightweight, easy to set up, and supremely durable.

The all-aluminum frame is strong and helps the octabox keep its shape - a shape, by the way, that has a very shallow depth, so it can still be used even if space is at a premium.

But what will impress your favorite photographer most about the Rapid Box is probably not its durability or construction, but the way it modifies light.

There’s a silver reflector that’s sewn into the back of the box’s diffusion panel, which minimizes the hot spot from the speedlight and results in gorgeously even light from corner to corner.

Speaking of the diffusion panel - it’s made of an all-natural, unbleached nylon fabric, which softens the light without changing its color temperature. Lesser softboxes cannot claim the same!

In the end, you want the gift you give to your loved one to be something that they love, but also something that they can use over and over again. The Westcott Rapid Octa softbox certainly fits the bill, and with various sizes available, including 26-inch, 36-inch, and 48-inch, you can select a softbox that’s just right for the types of portraits your favorite photographer takes. 

Learn more about Westcott Rapid Box Octa Softboxes (26-inch, 36-inch, and 48-inch)

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Pre-Owned Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85

If the photographer on your list wants to add a mirrorless camera to their setup as a second camera, or if they're on the hunt for a fast and feature-rich camera to upgrade to, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is a great choice.

This micro fourth thirds camera offers a 16-megapixel sensor with an ISO sensitivity range of 200-25600 that allows it to be used in all kinds of lighting conditions.

The 10fps continuous shooting speed is great for action shots, but if you want to really speed things up, you can shoot at 40fps when using the electronic shutter.

This camera is capable of recording 4K UHD video and has built-in five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization that allows you to shoot handheld without the worry of blurry photos due to camera shake.

Even better, if you pair this camera with a stabilized lens, you get double the stabilization!

Learn more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85

Gifts for PHotographers Under $500: Pre-Owned Canon EOS Rebel T6i

If you're shopping for a photographer that's looking for an upgrade to their first camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T6i is a great choice.

This camera has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that's paired with Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor. 

That means that the photographer on your list can take high-resolution photos in a wide range of conditions from sunny to cloudy landscapes to bright or dark interior portraits.

That's thanks in part to the T6i's excellent ISO range that can expand up to 25600.

This is a modern camera, to be sure, with features like NFC for quick and easy transfer of photos and Wi-Fi for connecting to other devices.

Using the Camera Connect Mobile APP, photographers can quickly and effortlessly transfer their images and videos right from the camera to the cloud for safekeeping.

This is an excellent mid-range camera that offers tons of features, superb performance, and that works with Canon's extensive lineup of EF and EF-S lenses. And with MPB's thorough system of inspecting gear, you can rest assured that the pre-owned model you select will be what arrives at your door, in the condition as stated.

That means you get great gear while saving tons of money!

Learn more about the Canon EOS Rebel T6i