Another photo from Thursday evening of the Chugach National Forest, Seward, Alaska.
Update: I just posted an updated, more extensive list here: Gift Ideas for Photographers.
I get asked this question a fair amount as friends try to shop for their avid photographer loved one. It is a tough question to answer because camera gear can be very expensive, and most photographers have fairly strong opinions on photo gear. So, I thought I would throw out some less expensive, safer options to consider.
Digital frames
Books. I can’t own enough books, I’m running out of room to store them all. I have books on particular animal species, books on locations, and books on photography. Here are some of my favorites:
Outdoor photography
Galen Rowell’s classic book The Inner Game of Outdoor Photography is scheduled for re-release next May. Until then, this great book by the master is a great read even if some of the information is dated: Galen Rowell’s Vision: The Art of Adventure Photography
I haven’t seen this book, but know most of the contributors so feel fairly safe in recommending: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nature Photography
Location Guides
These can be very helpful and provide a nice running head start for any location. I like to try to find my own “hot spots”, but there is nothing wrong with getting some help finding the existing ones. Except for the Oregon book, I have used, enjoyed and relied on these location guides:
Photographing the Southwest: Volume 1–Southern Utah (2nd Ed.)
Photographing the Southwest: Volume 2–Arizona (2nd Ed.)
Photographing the Southwest: Volume 3–Colorado/New Mexico (Photographing the Soutwest)
Photographer’s Guide to Yellowstone and the Tetons
The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite
Photographing Oregon (Phototripsusa)
Animal Reference
Birds – every nature lover should have this valuable resource: The Sibley Guide to Birds
Bird behavior. If your photographer already has the Sibley Guide to Birds, this makes a great compliment: The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior
Wolves. If you like wolves as much as I do, and Denali, then this is a must read: Wolves Of Denali
Moose. I wish there was a book like this on every species. It is very comprehensive, over 700 pages, and parts are technical, but if you have ever wondered something about moose, you can find it here. I should warn you, books like this don’t come cheap, but Amazon has it for $75: Ecology and Management of the North American Moose
.
Or when all else fails, you can never go wrong with a B & H gift card.
Comments 14
Beautiful image, Ron, and such sweet light – a very peaceful, calming image for me.
I have “The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nature Photography” and greatly enjoyed it – lots of great info, will bear re-reading.
– Jack
Great list Ron. I’ve been thinking of doing something similar but need to sign up as an Amazon affiliate. Galen Rowell’s Vision is actually my favorite book of his and what got me inspired to learn how to shoot photography.
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Nice list, Ron. How about including Oregon in your travel/shooting plans next year so we can make sure you have no hesitation about that last recommendation for travel guides? : )
– Greg
Very pretty photo Ron, nice ideas
I must confess that I bought the book about photographing the Tetons. It was so good that I went there to photograph the Tetons!!
Great photo and recommendations. Looks like I may want to buy one of your suggestions for myself for Christmas. Next year I will include it in the “Secret Santa” drawing that our family does for Christmas.
Great ideas! Thank you
Some great ideas here, digital frames are really popular this year it seems and I’m glad that I bought mine early as a lot of places seem to be running out. If you’re looking for something a little different this year then take a look at our charity Christmas catalogue – http://www.sendacow.org.uk/gifts – it could couple your other presents and i’m sure you’ll be able to find something for your friends and family!
Author
Thanks everyone!
I agree Greg! I was confident enough in your book to add it to the list, but I need to go there and put it to use!
Ron
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