Cash can be a bit tight around the holiday season, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a great gift. And some of the best gifts are actually free!
We’ve brainstormed a few budget ideas that would be perfect to give as a photographer, or to a photographer.
From Photographers
Framed Prints
Lots of possibility here! You could give a print of something you’ve photographed yourself. It could be a landscape, something abstract, a shot of you and whoever you’re giving the print to—anything really! Be creative! It could be a fun project photographing something that would be meaningful to the person you’re giving it to. Another idea is framing old prints! Find a photo from yesteryear that brings back some great memories and frame it!
Albums
Photo albums are blast to go through! They are especially powerful because of their storytelling potential. Maybe you’ve gone on a recent adventure with family or friends that could be made into a great photo album! A collection of your favourite photos from 2011 would make a great gift. You could create one on a budget using a program like iPhoto (though you might not get it in time for Christmas). Or for real shoestring value you could get one that you slip photos into.
Photo Shoot
Great photos are something that people can treasure forever! And giving them as a gift shows that you care about the person, and want to capture them. We’ve given the gift of a photo session a few times, and it has always been a win-win situation. We get to take photos of the people we love, and they get great photos of themselves. You can include the files, and then optionally add in prints or albums.
For Photographers
Framed inspirational quotes
The history of photography is full of inspirational characters. Words of wisdom and inspiration can really help a photographer stay motivated. We’ve put together a few of our favourite inspirational / motivational posters that are beautifully designed and ready to be printed. They’re all 8×10 in size which makes them easy to find frames for. You can download a 12-poster pack here, and 4 more posters here (all for free!)
Vintage Photos
A trip to the local antique/vintage store may be able to score you some vintage photographs. They are usually super inexpensive, but a fascinating piece of photographic history! Pop them in a antique frame for extra vintagey goodness.
A Library Card
A library card is probably one of the best gifts you could give anyone for any reason. It has the ability to give literally infinite inspiration and knowledge! Plus it can help anyone, from a beginner all the way up to seasoned pro.
Magazine or Magazine Subscription
The holidays are perfect time to browse through photography magazines. You can grab them for just a few bucks and they make great stocking stuffers!
Your Turn
Do you have any shoestring gift ideas from/for photographers? Share them in the comments now!
