The Holidays are Coming! It’s Time to Start Thinking About Photography Gift Ideas
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Yeah, I know it’s still July, but it seems like it was just February, and in a flash it will be December, so we might as well start talking about photography gift ideas now.
I mean, we talk all the time about how planning and preparation can make or break a photoshoot, right? Well, the same principles apply to giving gifts - if you sit around and wait, you’re more likely to fail spectacularly in your gift-giving. But if you start thinking about it now, the chances are good that you’ll end up with an awesome collection of gifts for your loved ones.
To further this point, I want to share a photography gift idea for photographers that I think you’ll appreciate - and the photographers in your life will appreciate as well!
Give the Gift of a Beautiful Print
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What better photography gift idea is there than a beautiful print?
Think about it - a print is a thoughtful gift, it’s something that can be put anywhere in the home, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving! So, for me, a print is the ideal gift to give this holiday season.
And I’m speaking from experience here…
People on my holiday shopping lists frequently get prints from me. I give paper prints, canvas prints, acrylic prints, and metal prints, too.
photo by Ondrooo via iStock
Sometimes I’ll give someone a print of one of my photos. Sometimes I’ll be sneaky and have one of their favorite photos printed. They might be landscapes or portraits, cityscapes or macro - whatever the gift recipient enjoys.
Sure, you can give someone a gift card, and while gift cards have a lot of utility, they are just a little cold and informal.
But the same can’t be said for a gorgeous print. Not only is it something that has a lot of utility, but it’s also a personalized gift that shows the person you have put thought and effort into their gift.
Okay, so What Kind of Print Should I Get?
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Giving a print requires you to think about the person you’re giving it to as well as the space they have to put a print.
So, you need to think about the sizing, of course, but you also need to think about the substrate. A paper print has a nice simplicity to it. A canvas print has a classic look. An acrylic print looks and feels quite modern. And if you ask me, a metal print blends all of those things together - it can be simple or classic or modern or even all three at the same time!
Of course, these days, there are all sorts of print options you can choose from as well. From the type of inks that are used to the features of the substrate to framing and mounting options, it can be a bit of a whirlwind to decide what the print you’re giving to someone should or shouldn’t include.
But, this goes back to my previous point - by thinking about what your loved one might prefer and weighing these options now, you’ll get a leg up on the madness of holiday shopping and improve your chances of giving an awesome gift.
Where Can I Get a Beautiful Print?
photo by Kosamtu via iStock
There are dozens and dozens of places you can get a beautiful print to give as a gift this year. From local printers to online companies, the choices are as diverse as they are many.
Of course, not all printing companies are alike…
Some companies specialize in paper prints while others deal mostly in canvas. Some printing companies focus on bargain-basement, cheaply made prints for the masses while others focus on providing high-quality prints to professionals.
photo by Sinenkiy via iStock
The point is that as much time and effort you need to put into thinking about the type and sizing of the print, you need to put equal effort into finding a printer that will deliver a high-quality piece that you’re proud to give as a gift.
For example, I love a good metal print (both for myself and as a photography gift idea). I love that they’re fade-resistant, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and water-resistant. Heck, you can even wipe them down if they get dirty! That means you can put a metal print in the kitchen or the dining room without worrying about whether it will get dirty. Heck, you can put a metal print outside if you want! That kind of versatility is a gift of its own.
Now, there are a ton of high-quality metal print companies, but one I keep coming back to is Metal Mouth Prints. Not only do you get a high-quality metal print but you get it without breaking the bank.
And while some companies out there claim that they strike a good balance between quality and price, it seldom seems to pan out. But in this case, Metal Mouth Prints achieves incredible quality while maintaining low prices.
When you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, you want something that is meaningful, made to last, and doesn’t require all of your holiday shopping budget. That being the case, a print from Metal Mouth Prints or your favorite printing company certainly fits the bill.
So, since it’s so hot outside, kick back on your couch, grab your laptop, and start shopping for a perfect print for your loved one. I’m telling you - as someone that has given away dozens of prints over the years, it is a gift that your loved one will love, especially if you take the time to work with the best printer!