our picks for photography + portrait related gifts

We get asked all the time what cameras are the hot picks over the holiday season. After finding out a little more about what the person is looking for, what they photograph and what their budget is, we usually call up Lens and Shutter to find out what they recommend. We’re also offering some classes and portrait specials that make great gifts as well.

This is a long list so if you’re just looking for pretty pictures, you should just come back tomorrow. If you have a shutterbug on your list, read on!

Portraits
When you book a January or February studio portrait session during December, we will include a complimentary small, framed wall print ($197 value). There are limited sessions available, so book yours early! We have our natural light studio, home interior or our bunker studio that are available for these sessions.
$200 weekday, $250 weekend or evening

Classes
1. SLR Overview Class
An introduction to key settings on your SLR camera. This is a hands on class where Jason and I go around and help each participant find the settings on his or her camera. A must for people with a new camera and no desire to read the manual!
Thursday, January 6th, 6:00 – 8:30
$70

2. How to Take Better Photographs
This class is geared towards amateur photographers who want to learn more about how to take great photographs. We cover composition and lighting while showing samples from our portfolio.
Saturday, January 8th, 12:00 – 2:30
$70

Both classes are offered at The Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford. Please call 604-864-8087 x0 to register. Spaces are limited.

SLR Cameras
1. Nikon D3100 (with 18-55VR lens)
Duncan, the manager at Lens + Shutter in Seven Oaks, tell us that this is a smoking hot camera this year. 14 megapixels, good in low light situations, 3.5 frames per second. 2 year warranty body and 5 year warranty lens.
$649

2. Nikon D90 (with 18 – 105VR lens)
For someone who wants to learn and grow without having to upgrade a camera in a year or so this is a great deal. Super flexible camera with both focus systems (AF and AF-S), wireless flash built in, 4.5 frames per second and additional battery pack available with improved battery life, (double the Nikon D3100). They are officially discontinued but get them now while good stock available. Darcie would buy this camera if she could think of the proper excuse.
$999

Point and Shoot Cameras
1. Fuji F200 EXR
This compact camera has great control, many DSLR features in a small body with 5x optical zoom (28-140mm). 12 megapixels with unique EXR sensor for low light and highlight performance. We know a certain Lens + Shutter manager who uses that!!!! NO HD video sadly although a newer version just released called Fuji F300 has 15x optical and HD video with very similar controls.
$379

2. Nikon Coolpix P7000
If you like having extra controls but don’t to carry around an SLR, this is a great choice for you. 7x optical zoom (28-200mm), external flash capable, great low light, quick access to ISO, quality, white balance. Electronic Level built in 10MP with HD Video. Duncan tells us this camera has all round great control and excellent colour and that he wants one … which is always a good sign.
$449

3. Panasonic TS2
This camera is shock and waterproof. It is durable, cool looking, and well priced. It comes in orange or blue, with HD video and 5x optical zoom.
$319

Lenses
The quickest way to spice up your photography, is to add some new lenses. Lenses are a great investment as bodies have a limited lifetime but lenses can last for years. Meaning, you can often still use them when you upgrade your camera.

1. 50mm 1.8
This handy lens allows you a wide aperture to shoot in low light settings or to get a narrow depth of field (think Martha Stewart style photography). You use your feet to zoom. We always recommend this lens when we teach and use it regularly ourselves.
Around $150 for most cameras.

2. Tamron 17-50 2.8 with stabilization
Duncan tells us (and we agree) taht this is a super little lens for someone wanting more without busting the bank. It has great reviews and a 5 year Canadian warranty. It is great for lower light shooters and for people wanting to increase their creativity and sharpness.
$599 (brand name versions are usually $1500)

Gadgets and Gizmos
1. Puffer
This is a diffuser you put over your pop up flash to soften the light which makes it a little more flattering for your subjects. If someone is taking pictures of you opening presents with a pop up flash, give them a puffer and make sure they open it and use it!
$30

2. baLens
This nifty tool allows you to do custom white balances. We have a similar product, but Duncan tells us that this one is easier to use. Or there is a WB Ring as well that fits all lenses up to 82mm.
$50 – 70

3. Gorilla Pod
This is a great little tripod for ease of portability and stability. They can stand, hang, sit on uneven ground. They vary in size and price depending on your needs.
$30 – $120

4. Constant LED ring light
Duncan is very excited about this new gadget that will in the store in the next week. It is perfect for macro photography and is a cost effective alternative to using a ring flash. It is easy to use so you don’t need to be a light specialist.
$60

5. Crumpler Camera Strap “The Industry Disgrace”
We don’t have one yet but hear that it is super comfortable. I’m trying to figure out where the name comes from and am guessing it’s because it’s a strap that doesn’t advertise your camera brand. Who knows! It comes in brown and black. Duncan tells us it’s the best camera strap he’s ever used.
$30

Books
1. Complete Digital Photography by Ben Long
$32

2. Photography for the Joy of It by Freeman Patterson and Andre Gallant
Or anything else by Freeman Patterson or Andre Gallant.
$17

If you want to do more research, we recommend checking out the website Digital Photography Review. If you’re ready to buy, we recommend purchasing photography gear from Lens and Shutter in Seven Oaks mall by the food court. They have photographers who work there who can guide you in the right direction and competently answer your question and provide future customer support.