Well….its one day before the Big Day. (Ok, I probably should have posted this sooner, but remember its not too late to pull this off).
You are well armed with your camera, a few lenses and some free time over Christmas Break. Maybe you have a special someone or two or ten, that you have absolutely no idea what to give because either:
1. They have absolutely everything they want.
2. They are picky and no matter what you decide to give them, they aren’t going to fully appreciate it.
3. You are short on cash this Christmas Season.
4. You want to give them a meaningful present, something they will appreciate and use for years to come.
Number 4 is usually my dilemma. I want to give a great present to someone, but I want it to mean something and have it last for many, many years. Most gadgets, even the really cool ones only last a year or two and then they break or are obsolete.
My suggestion, especially if you are a photographer is to give the Gift of Photography.
Obviously, this isn’t a great gift idea for small children, but for families, couples, even teenagers, it will make a great gift.
Here is one of the several Photo Gift Certificates Ive made:
I made it in Photoshop and printed several on a 4 x 6 photo paper (this particular design was made to fold in half with another design glued on the outside, which I then wrapped in either an envelope or another photo print (with their picture on it if I have it).
I also believe it is wise to put down the value of what you would normally charge for this service, not to be tacky, just as a subtle reminder that your time and efforts to do this as a gift have a real value. Otherwise your friend/loved one may see it as “a free shoot” which somewhat implies that your gift is without value.
(That said, it would be extremely tacky to try to make money off a photography gift, it needs to be completely free, no up sells or charging for proofs, prints or otherwise.)
I like to get the biggest nicest prints possible (think gallery wraps if you can, but if not a nice large print, even an 8 x 10 is reasonably inexpensive).
Sometimes its much easier (and better) to buy a certain toy (iPhone for example) that your loved one will appreciate and use, but its been my experience you cannot go wrong with pictures.
If you do a good job, they will hang it on their wall and treasure it for years to come.
I just printed this out and will call you early January to set up a day/time. HO HO HO… HAHAH… Happy holidays Michael and may next year be better than this one. Although going to be tough to top this year with getting yourself the iPhone and the 5D II, but…
🙂 Yes…I am spoiled!
Love the gift card idea. I did some photography for my father with his grandkids minus the nifty gift card. The combination of getting everyone together and creating a keepsake for both my father and my kids was a win, win for everyone. Merry Christmas.
You’re so right about this! People absolutely love photos, especially of their pets and kids. I’ve gotten out of giving my sister presents for YEARS because I shoot her kids so often throughout the course of the year. Thanks for your gift to ME this year, Michael! The photos of my girlfriend and I were great, and they got me thinking about the 24mm 1.8/f lens, and I got it, and love it. And, of course, the generosity you show with each blog you make, well, that’s a gift beyond value! Have a great holiday!
I’m with Bob….have mine printed out now too and you’ll be hearing from me in the spring! LOL Great idea but I’m not there yet. I’m still begging for people to LET me take their picture. Even my dog starts shivering when she sees my camera pointed at her.
Hey…great idea…. I printed a bunch for all my friends for Christmas, so you’ll be hearing from them too. What a great gift to give your blog participants! You are my hero! What a guy!!!! 😉
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. It means so much to me. Merry Christmas!