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Best Photography Products of 2017 (and Perfect Holiday Gifts!)

12/3/2017

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We tend to get a lot of questions around photography throughout the year, so we thought it'd be fun to write up a quick blog and share a few products we think are pretty amazing — gear, services and innovations to make it fun.

Looking for great gift ideas for a photography lover? These are some great gift ideas for under the tree or to help fill the stockings. 

Gear // Cameras, Kits, and Lenses

Starting off with some professional gear:
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Nikon D850 - FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body
  • 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of moiré
  • Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
  • 8K2 and 4K time-lapse movies with new levels of sharpness and detail
SHOP IT
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV - Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body
  • 30.4 MP full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting
  • Up to 7.0 frames per second continuous shooting speed
  • 61-point AF system with 41 cross-points for expanded vertical coverage
  • ISO range 100-32000 with 50-102400 expansion
SHOP IT
Affordable camera kits for beginners:
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Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera Kit
  • Bundle Includes: Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera w/ 18-55mm & 70-300mm Lenses / 55mm 2.2x Telephoto & 0.43x Wide Angle Lenses / Nikon Gadget Bag / Focus Flash, Cleaning Kit, Battery, Charger & Card Reader / Remote / 32GB SD Card / 3-Piece Filter Kit
shop it
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Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Digital Camera Kit
  • Bundle Includes: Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens - Lexar 32GB Platinum II 300x Class 10 UHSI-U1 SDHC Memory Card - Canon EOS Shoulder Bag (Black) - LP-E10 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (1020mAh 7.4V) - 58mm Digital Essentials UV, Circular Polarizer and 2 (ND2) Filters, with Pouch.
SHOP IT
Favorite portrait lenses:
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50mm f/1.8G for Nikon 
If there's one lens you purchase for portrait work, let this be the one.
  • Fast, upgraded f/1.8, compact FX-format prime lens
  • Focal Length-50 mm, Minimum Focus Distance-1.48 ft.(0.45 m)
  • Canon 50mm f/1.8 available here. 
shop it
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85mm f/1.8G for Nikon
Our second favorite portrait lens! And if you can afford it, go for the f/1.4. 
  • Fast aperture medium telephoto lens
  • Canon 85mm f/1.8 available here. 
shop it
Photographing children or moving objects? Consider...
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Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8
SIGMA delivers the performance and functionality that help pros succeed in news, nature, and many other fields of photography.
shop it
On the move?
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GoPro Hero6 Black
  • Captures super smooth footage, whether it’s handheld or mounted to your gear.
  • Automatically sends your footage to your phone where the app turns it into a QuikStory-an awesome edited video.
shop it
Just looking to kick up your iPhone images?
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iPhone 8 Plus / iPhone 7 Plus Case with Wide Lens Kit
  • Best iPhone wide attachment lens with thin protective case.
shop it

Editing // Software

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Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan with 20GB storage | 1 Year Subscription (Download)
  • The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan features the world's best photography tools, including Adobe Photoshop CC and Lightroom desktop, mobile and web at an amazing price
  • Everything you need to organize, edit, enhance and share stunning photos on any device, anywhere

shop it
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Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6
  • Organize, perfect, and share - Lightroom combines all your digital photography essentials in one fast, intuitive application
  • Lightroom lets you get the best from every pixel in your photos, whether you shot them with a pro DSLR camera or a camera phone
Shop it
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A Color Story
Specializing in mobile imaging apps, Lightroom Presets, and Photoshop Actions.
shop it

Extras // Tripods, Bags, and More

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JOBY GorillaPod Hybrid. Multiuse and Flexible Camera Tripod
  • If you're looking to actually get into some of your photographs, this tripod (super portable) is key! 
  • A durable, lightweight tripod. The rubberized foot grips, wrappable legs, and stainless steel plates ensure your pro cameras, external flashes, and video cameras stand strong on the toughest terrain.
shop it
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Memory Cards
  • Not all memory cards are created equal. The camera you own should dictate the memory cards you purchase.
  • If your camera only has one slot, get several smaller sized memory cards. Larger cards are great until you store so much on them and it goes corrupt.
  • If you plan to rapid shoot, plan to get a high speed memory card. 
shop it
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Seagate Expansion 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0
  • Speaking of memory...the cost of external hard drives is so cheap these days there's no reason to not back up your work! Trust us that you won't regret it. We have two external drives we back everything up on. 
  • Easy and simple to use - plug it in and go
  • Fast file transfers with SuperSpeed USB 3.0
shop it
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Studio Soft Box Lighting Kit Continuous Lighting Equipment
  • Looking to explore some studio lighting? We recommend the  CRAPHY 700W 5500K Photography Studio Soft Box Lighting Kit
  • It includes: 20x28" Softbox + 80" Tall Light Stand + Carrying Bag
  • It will soften light stream and remove shadow to make perfect shooting; moreover, it will reduce overexposure and hot spots; perfect for any object’s shooting
shop it
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Leather Camera Bag
  • ZLYC Vintage DSLR SLR Bag Removable Shockproof Padded Camera Case Small Messenger Shoulder Bag
  • 100% GENUINE LEATHER! This kind of bag is very suitable for photography lovers do for short trips, also can be used in the daily travel.
shop it
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Lowepro Slingshot Bag
  • A Secure, Slim, Smart and Protective Camera Sling for a Mirrorless Kit and Small Tablet​.
  • Rotate sling to front, unzip side-access pocket and grab kit to shoot.
  • ​You're free to move about with ease thanks to the incredibly slim design, padded backpad and stability strap.
shop it
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Vintage Waterproof Canvas Shockproof Camera Shoulder Messenger Bag­
  • High Density Waterproof Canvas with PU Leather Trim, strong stitching, durable zipper, quick snap buckle.
  • Durable and soft Cotton inner material insert for absorbing shock and vibration To protect your camera against damages, dust and scratches.
shop it
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Fabric Of Bohemia Floral Scarf Camera Strap
  • Comfortable with fabric of rayon
  • Stylish and fashion with several different prints to select from. 

shop it
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Camera Neck Shoulder Strap
  • High-quality pure cotton webbing, top cowhide, and super-soft fiber cloth.
  • The universal interfaces are compatible with cameras of various brands.
shop it
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Nylon Shoulder Strap with Metal Hook and Screw for DSLR Camera
  • Specially designed to distribute the camera weight evenly across the shoulder and prevent the painful feeling after hauling the heavy camera around for a whole day.
  • Features a ZIPPER POCKET for storing small camera accessories.
shop it
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Peak Design Capture Camera Clip
  • Holds camera during any physical activity while providing instant access for picture taking
shop it

Get Inspired // Online Tutorials, Subscriptions, and Books

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Creative Live
Creative Live is one of the leading platforms for photographers to learn, grow, and connect! Don't underestimate the value of what these teachers have to offer. 
FTC Disclaimer **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 
shop it
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Digital Photography School
Leading photographers that have created ebooks, courses and presets to help improve your photography and get you off auto mode. Browse through their collection and you'll find what you need to create amazing photos.
shop it
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Bella Grace Magazine Subscription
  • OMG - One of our favorites.
  • This publication is devoted to discovering magic in the ordinary.
  • They aim is to touch the souls of our readers through beautifully penned stories and striking photographs that capture life's beautiful journey.
shop it
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Shutterbug Subscription
  • For the camera enthusiast. 
shop it
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A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live
​Emily P. Freeman will help you:
  • turn fuzzy vocational dreams into current reality
  • respond to your critics with bravery and hopeful discernment
  • catch a fresh sense of motivation for the work you do everyday
  • move into the world as the person you most deeply are
shop it

Get Organized

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PhotoSync App
PhotoSync – transfer, backup and share your photos & videos between iPhone, iPad, Android devices, computer, NAS & cloud services.
Get It
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Weekly Planner
Coral, Mint & Gold Chevrons Premium Cover with Modern Calligraphy & Lettering
shop it
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LEATHER JOURNAL Writing Notebook
  • Soft & Supple Dark Brown Genuine Water Buffalo Leather with a real leather scent.
  • 240 pages (counting both sides) of blank, off-white/cream colored paper (NON-REFILLABLE), hand-crafted with recycled cotton which is acid free & tree free - environmentally kind!
shop it
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17 Hats
  • ​Tired of endless paperwork, multiple apps, and never enough time? 17hats is made for you!
  • It's the All‑In‑One for your Business of One. Handle your invoices, contracts, questionnaires, and client/project management, for as little as $11/ month
Shop It
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Planoly
  • Manage, plan, and schedule your Instagram posts from your computer and mobile phones.
  • Create a cohesive Instagram feed and manage multiple Instagram accounts.
Get it
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Amazon Echo (2nd Generation)
  • Call or message anyone hands-free with your Echo device. Also, instantly connect to other Echo devices in your home using just your voice.
  • Just ask Alexa to check your calendar, weather, traffic, and sports scores, manage to-do and shopping lists, control your compatible smart lights, thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers, and more
shop it

Little Indulgences

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Oh, Snap! Camera Mug
shop it
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Vintage Camera Print Loop Infinity Scarf
shop it
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Stay Focused Photography T-shirt
shop it
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Crystal Lens Antique Camera Necklace
shop it

Participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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Gifting, Made Meaningful

11/25/2017

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Every year we have clients asking where they should go to get holiday cards printed, photo enlargements, canvas prints, etc. To help simplify this year, we've created our list below. Many sites will offer holiday deals, so be sure to check back often. 

Holiday Cards: 

There is no better way to correspond with friends and loved ones than a holiday card. Find the perfect holiday card for your style and budget, with luxe paper and printing. Our favorite: TinyPrints 
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TinyPrints

Photo Books:

  • Artifact Uprising: High quality photo album, perfect for the wedding book you never made or special moments.
  • Past Book: Hassle Free. Download their app and create a book in few clicks. 
  • Blurb: Great if you're looking for a variety of size and style options, plus narrate throughout your book. 
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Artifact Uprising
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Past Books
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Blurb Books

Large Format Prints

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Float Frames 
artifact uprising
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Hanging Canvas 
PhotoBarn
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Shaped PhotoBoards
photobarn
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PhotoPallets
PHOTOBARN

Additional Ideas:

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Calendars at Minted.com
Minted
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Custom Stamps
Zazzle
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Calendars at Artifact Uprising
Artifact Uprising
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Our 4 Favorite Holiday Cards this Season!

11/2/2017

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If you're anything like me, getting ahead on holiday things helps keep me a bit more sane by the time the holidays ACTUALLY get here. So here we are... well before the season sharing our favorite holiday cards from Minted! Their cards seem to always have that extra little love in them that you can't find anywhere else.

Bonus for everyone on top of their game.... Get 15% using Code: JOY17  Ends 11/6.

Disclosure: In the spirit of full disclosure, this blog includes affiliate links, which means I may get commission for select products. I only recommend products that I use myself, so know you'll be in good hands!
#1 Simple and Clean. If you're looking for something simple and clean consider the below. And yes! you should absolutely consider using one of your wedding photographs if you were married in 2017. Remember, less is more. Let the beauty of your photograph show.  
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#2 Whimsical with berries. Not into all the glitz of some holiday cards? Not to worry. These little watercolored berries are the perfect balance of a whimsical holiday style.  
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#3 Bold and Fun! Get creative with using several photos vs just one. While we absolutely love photographing family portraits, don't forget a few holiday cheer images in your home with the right lighting, adds a personal touch. Pair it with a joyful holiday card and it's as simple as that. 
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#4 Gold Foil. Last but not least, we can't help ourselves with all the foiled options from Minted! Here's our fav for 2017! It has that shimmer that just makes everyone smile (and in this case "sing")!
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​Be sure to check out all the designs over at Minted.com!

Minted.com

Why Minted?

We love Minted Holiday cards for a number of reasons. First and foremost, their designs. They work with professional artists to bring you the best designs from modern to traditional styles. Secondly; the quality of their products. They print their cards on luxurious paper using some of the best printing techniques. 

They're truly one of a kind and stand out from the other competitors. 
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Understanding cropping and how it affects your photos (and framing)

7/14/2016

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Have you ever gone to place an order for an 8x10 of one of your favorite photos to find out you will lose an arm or leg with that chosen size?

How did this happen? It's all about aspect ratio. We'll do our best to explain. 

Aspect Ratio is simply the width to height of a photograph.
  • The aspect ratio for most cameras used today, is 3:2. (perfect for 4″ by 6″ prints). Not so perfect for 8″ by 10″ prints which have a 5:4 ratio.
  • You will ALWAYS need to crop your 5x7 prints slightly and ALWAYS need to crop two inches for your 8x10 prints. 

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Why are there different ratios?
To really understand you need to think about the history of photography.
  • We won't go into a history lesson, but simply know that in the early years of photography - photographers used 8x10 and 5x7 cameras.
  • Thus, 5x7 and 8x10 prints being the perfect fit. 

Since the birth of 35mm, our prints and frames for larger images can somewhat be a torn in our side. We do our best to photograph your sessions with apply background to compensate for any cropping that may take place for enlargements. 
  • If cropping is not an option, you can always print 6x9, 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, etc

​Let us know if your need assistance in ordering prints.
  • We highly recommend using the lab that is connected to your online gallery. ​
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    Photography Blog

    Our photography blog is a collaboration of recent work, inspiration, resources and some days - just awesome fun stuff. ​

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    Weddings & Engagements are extra special, so we've created a site just to showcase all that love...

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AMY MILLARD: CREATIVE STUDIO

Direct: (814) 730-1778  
Local:  (619) 887-4269
Email: amysuemillard@gmail.com​
Serving the whole big world from a private little office in
​San Diego, California.
© Amy Millard.  All rights reserved.
Photo Portal
​​Member of the AIGA Community.  Photography featured in: The Knot Website, San Diego Style Wedding Magazine, Love Inc. Magazine, San Diego Weddings, Borrowed and Blue, Gay Weddings and Marriage Magazine, Xaaza Style Blog, the Westchester, MRSter, GayWeddings.com, and Equal and Forever.  Also winner of the San Diego A-List Award for Best Wedding Photographer.

Since 2005, Amy Millard Creative Studio has been offering professional creative services in the design, web and photography field for a variety of businesses among San Diego. Amy is a San Diego wedding photographer known for innovative, stylish, and timeless imagery. When you are seeking a San Diego corporate event photographer, Amy Millard is the perfect choice for creative and powerful event photography. Amy’s talent doesn’t end there. She’s mastered her skill for San Diego Graphic Design as well as a San Diego Website Designer. Her design solutions, whether web, print, or social media - are clean, professional and modern.  

Amy and her team is the perfect fit as your San Diego Wedding Photographer, San Diego Engagement Photographer, San Diego Event Photographer, San Diego Graphic Designer, San Diego Web Designer. Whether it's San Diego Wedding Photography or San Diego headshots, or San Diego Events, Amy and her team will deliver.  Check availability, email amy@amysuemillard.com
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