Every year about this time, I get several questions about great gifts for beloved shutterbugs who want to take their photography to the next level. So, without further ado, here are some recommendations: A Lens Upgrade (Yummy Fast Glass!) The term "fast glass" refers to a lens with a large maximum aperture, allowing the user to capture images in low-light with a faster shutter speed, earning the name "fast glass" because it negates the need for a tri-pod. However, the main reason so many people love "fast glass" (even in situations with plentiful light) is that the larger aperture capabilities allow you to create the yummy blurred backgrounds you see is so many professional photos. (Example of my cutie pie nephews below, shot with some "fast glass." Note the deliciously blurred backgrounds...)

If you or your loved one have a dSLR that came with a lens or two, they're likely zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 (you can see this printed on the lens itself if you look closely). While those are nice general/multi-purpose lenses, there is a fantastically awesome difference when you upgrade to a fast prime lens, and if you go with something like a 50mm f/1.8, you can up your game for less than $120. (Here's the link for the Nikon equivalent.) The numbers to look at are the numbers that appear after the "f/." The lower the number (say.... f/1.8 vs. f/5.6), the larger the aperture, and the "faster" the glass. Really fast glass (like the 50mm f/1.2) comes with a pretty price tag of $1400, but you can get in the game with the f/1.8 without breaking the bank.

Seriously. This lens will change your/their world.

I can hear you now. "But Khara... it doesn't zoom!" True. But let's pause for a moment and respectfully acknowledge that there is more to photography than zooming. And when it comes to dramatically changing your photographic game, it helps to simplify things and learn to seriously rock a single piece of gear. And when that single piece of gear is a decently fast prime lens, if used properly, it can yield more dramatic results than any generic zoom/kit lens you could ever buy.

That said, a 50mm lens can be an all around awesome focal length. Unlike a zoom lens, a "prime" lens is "fixed" at a single focal length, meaning that in order to change your view, you'll need to use your feet. :) But nothing beats the sharpness of a prime lens. Of all my lenses, my 50mm lens is hands down my favorite and spends more time on my camera than all my other lenses combined (zoom or otherwise).

Get Your Knowledge On

Having an upgraded lens is nice and all, but in order to actually take advantage of it, you'll need to get your camera off "auto" mode and into something with more control like Aperture Priority mode or Manual mode. Don't panic! It's not as scary as it sounds. Seriously.

I've been teaching people how to fall in love with their cameras for years, and wrote a book specifically for people who want to learn but don't know where to start. Your Camera Loves You is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Peachpit. It's an easy read that may even put a smile on your face.

On a related note, I'm happy to announce that Your Camera Loves You has been re-released in a special edition exclusive to Barnes & Noble for the holidays with the title, "Getting Started in Digital Photography: From Snapshots to Great shots." It's the same fun-loving, easy going book with a few added features at the beginning and ending of each chapter. Check it out in stores or online!

Practice! A good lens and some serious know-how will take you or your loved one far in their photographic journey—assuming you/they put in some practice. If you're the gift giver, why not include a Saturday/Sunday morning on the town volunteering to model for them? They'll get some practice, and you'll get some nice images (if not right away... eventually). It's a win-win! (And... it's FREE!)

Gear Schmear I know you probably came to this post looking for more "gadgets" you can get the shutterbug in your life... but seriously, gadgets won't make their photos any better. The best thing you can do for yourself or for them, is to amp up on knowledge and practice. The rest will take care of itself. Just tellin' it like it is!

Happy shooting!

xoxo