Holiday Gifts for Photographers of all Ages and Stages

If someone on your holiday list loves photography, then this might be your golden ticket to great gifts. The items below are perfect for all ages and stages of photographers. From novice to seasoned pros, these gifts are unique, fun, functional and memorable.

Fuji Instax Mini 8

Instant cameras are back. I just bought one for myself … an early Christmas present. Mine is the Mini 90 Neo Classic listed below but first I want to introduce you to the Mini 8 because it’s perfect for tweens and teens. Its cute and compact body design is available in seven colors including two new ones: grape and raspberry. Does this not just scream tweens and teens?!? My favorite feature of this camera is the high-key mode. It allows you to set the brightness adjustment dial to take pictures with a lighter, softer impression. Price: $70

Fuji Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

This is the camera Santa dropped off early at my house. I chose it because of the retro look and stylish design. Yes, the advanced features appealed to me too, but mostly, it just looks super cool. The Instax Mini 90 offers bulb and double exposure modes as well as a macro mode and high performance flash features. It’s double the price of the Mini 8 but provides a lot of control you would never expect from an instant camera. Price: $150

Purchasing film for these two instant cameras is the kicker. Film comes in rolls of varying quantities but generally averages $1 per picture. You heard me: 20 images equals about $20. Make sure the recipient understands that the film is gold.

Fuji makes an entire line of instant cameras. These are simply two of my favorites. You can see them all at Fuji Film USA Instax Cameras.

Olloclip

This company makes award-winning lenses for your iPhone. Whether you take award winning pictures with it or not is completely irrelevant because Olloclip lenses are so much fun! I own the 4-in-1 Lens for iPhone 6, which includes the following lenses: fisheye, macro 10x, macro 15x and wide angle. When shopping, make sure to start by selecting the model of your phone. Every generation of iPhone has a different set of lenses made to fit that specific model. Price: $80

I also highly recommend buying an Olloclip case. My daughter Kate has the iPhone 5s case on her phone pictured above. It’s designed to work seamlessly with your Olloclip lens by simply attaching the lens to the top of the device. Without it, you’ll need to remove the existing case on your phone to use the lens. I always want my camera(s) ready to go, so having the Olloclip case on my phone makes me quick to the draw. Price: $30

Monogramming done locally at Providence Gift Company.

Olloclip makes several other iPhone lenses and all of the lenses come in a variety of colors. Check them all out online.

Family Photography Sessions in Charlotte

I may know a few photographers you could call if booking a 2016 family photography session is on the top of someone’s holiday list. I know many mothers and grandmothers who would LOVE to unwrap this gift card. Plus, right now is a great time to lock in 2015 pricing. Or so I hear.

Happy photo gift shopping!

CSP Team Note:

Abbe McCracken is an award-winning photographer and owner of Abbe McCracken Photography here in Charlotte. She is the 2015 Smarty Awards Winner of our very own Charlotte Smarty Pants’ Best Family Photographer and has also been featured as one of our Smarty Moms. Abbe specializes in joyful child and family photography for the Charlotte metro area including Matthews, Ballantyne, Weddington and beyond.

Smarties – You can follow Abbe McCracken Photography on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google+.