Fun Gift Ideas for the Shutterbug

I love to take pictures... and lots of them. I like to look at them, hold them, and remember them. It doesn't matter if they are still photos or moving video... I love them just the same. So it's not surprising that I have a fondness for anything to make that easier or more fun. I'm not any kind of expert when it comes to photography. I don't even know what all the buttons on my camera do. But... I do know what I like.

Here are a few things that top my list right now... in no particular order.

1. The Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer
I like this printer and not just because it comes in pink. This portable printer is just plain fun. You can send photos to print straight from a bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or compatible digital camera. Or get your photos faster. Polaroid also offers an instant digital camera that lets you print photos directly from the camera.
The picture quality isn't the highest, but the fun factor makes up for that with these cute 2 X 3" peel-off, sticky-backed photos ready to go when you are. And did I mention... you can print right from your mobile phone.


2. Photo Books
Photo books have so many uses. They are a great way to record events, tell stories, remember trips.  And they look fantastic. I've made gifts for family and friends... and several for me.

Fun use: Make a photo book from your child's drawings and unclutter the refrigerator door.  You can photograph them and upload them to cherish  always. Just tape the artwork on a wall near natural light and photograph the pictures and paintings that you want to preserve. Upload the images and start creating your book. Then the originals can be stored away for safe-keeping.  

There are several sites you can create books online. Check out shutterfly.com, snapfish.com, and blurb.com to name a few. If you have a mac, you can use iPhoto to create one, too.


3. Moo Mini Cards
Mini Cards. Mass appeal. These are really nothing more than tag-size cards that you can print up in large quantities. 100 cards at a time to be precise. But the fun part is you can have one or 100 different images on them all for the same price. You can really get creative with these. Moo.com also makes other regular-size note cards and business cards, but these mini cards are for me.

Fun use: Personalize your presents. Use photos to showcase who the gifts are from or for.


4. Personalized M&M'S
Did you know you can print your own images or words on candy?  Make someone feel special with mini messages on m&m's. If you use a photo, you'll need a high contrast image for the best results.
 

5. Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Okay, this costs slightly more than a bag of personalized candy, but it's much sweeter. Not only does this 21 Megapixel camera take beautiful photos, but it also captures HD video. That's right ... you can go from still photo to motion video all in one device without missing a step. I want this camera. Santa? Are you listening?


6. Adobe Photoshop
I use this software all the time to edit, crop, and color correct my photos. It's powerful and helps me make my pictures look better. The price tag is a bit much if you don't work with photos often. But if you want to get serious about your digital images, then you may want to try it out. There's a learning curve for sure, but so worth it.


7. Lensbaby
Attach this little baby to your camera and start having fun. See how the body bends?  It lets you decide where and what you want in focus while the rest of the image is blurred in the background. You can achieve similar results with Photoshop, but these lenses are great because you can skip all the computer work and focus on having fun. Plus, you'll have instant flexibility with which part of the photo you want in focus. Check out the Lensbaby gallery for examples.


8. Spy Lens
This little lens is great for getting candids ... or for spying I guess. You can be shooting in one direction and your subject won't be the wiser. Perfect for capturing the camera-shy.


9. Gorillamobile/Gorillapod
Try out the Gorillamobile from Joby for your iPhone. This flexible tripod wraps, stands and hangs in all sorts of positions.
Take it on a plane trip and you'll be hands-free for the flight. You can also get the original Gorillapod for digital cameras.


10. Owle Bubo
I know I said I want the Canon 5D so I can take photos and video all in one, but this video accessory for the iPhone is too cool to pass up. It attaches to your iPhone 3GS and comes with a wide-angle/macro lens and microphone. The design makes it easy to grip for steadier recording. It also has four mounts. You can put the Owle on a monopod and easily drop the camera low to record at ground level or raise things up for even more fun.

I want an Owle... but first... I guess I need to upgrade to the iPhone 3GS. Santa... my list just got a little longer.