Great Gifts for Travel Photographers

Does the travel photographer in your life say "I dunno, I have a lot of stuff already!" when you ask what they have on their Wish List? I know, personally, I have at least five cases filled with photography equipment, and still, every trip I take, I still think of cool little gadgets and nifty toys that I really 'need'. Unfortunately, I think of these things AFTER I am in Rangoon or Rotorua!

Here's some of the best things for travel photography that I've bought…

Extra Rechargeable Batteries for both film and digital cameras and accessories - There is nothing quite as sad as having the 'perfect photo opp' of the Prime Minister of Australia visiting crocodiles in Kakadu National Park and running to snap the pictures, only to find that your camera batteries died 15 minutes ago! I always keep several sets fully charged, just in case. If you are unsure of the type of batteries your travel photographer uses, give them a gift certificate for batteries ($10-$50), along with…

Travel Sized Battery Charger - I love my T-8000 30-Minute Super Fast Charger with Universal Input (AC 110-220V), from Tenergy Corporation, http://www.all-battery.com. This little babe is a fast and efficient battery charger with input range from 100V through 240 V, with just a flick of the AC Switch on the unit, and can charge 1-4 batteries in just 30 minutes! Under $30, and worth every penny! The charger also comes with a cigarette lighter plug, which I found comes in very handy when on a safari, because vehicles around the world run off the same 12 V batteries and nearly all have cigarette lighters, or as they are more commonly known in the politically correct verbiage, accessory plugs.

If you want to give your traveling photographer an awesome and inexpensive gift, think about buying Brookstone's Universal Travel Power Adapter. This unit is an all-in-one design so your travel photographer has just one 'kit' for electrical power needs around the world. The built-in 110V/220V indicator light lets you know any outlet's voltage. It is small and very easy to tuck in the corner of camera bag, and can be used throughout Europe, Australia, Asia and both North and South America! The cost is just around $25 and I bought the Universal Power Adapter from Brookstone, just to keep my life and luggage lighter, at http://www.brookstone.com.

Speaking of camera bags - Take a look at the huge selection at LowePro! I love my
Rolling Mini-Trekker AW! The Mini-Trekker is a single-handle rolling camera case and can be converted to a backpack that has a comfortable ergonomic harness and well-padded waistbelt. It has a terrific tripod pocket, fully customizable interior padded dividers so you can include those extra long lenses as well as a couple extra lenses, a digital camera or two, and accessories. The Mini-Trekker also has attachment loops, and an All Weather Cover. Find the Rolling Mini-Trekker AW (around $125) by going to LowePro, http://www.lowepro.com and locating your local retailer by zip code.

Another great and practical gift is a multi-pocketed vest, for packing all those lenses, memory cards and extra batteries. My favorite travel vest is from Orvis, online at http://orvis.com. They have several styles and fabrics to choose from, even a gorgeous leather vest for under $300. I chose the Orvis Bush Poplin Vest for just $98, for its cooler fabric and ease of cleaning.

For stocking stuffers and other affordable goodies, think about extra memory cards; lens cleaning kits for digital and SLR cameras, which you can find at nearly any drug store or mart type store for under $10; a packable safari hat that can be rolled or even folded and with a shake and a slap against your thigh, returns to its breathable shape, at Orvis for about $35, http://www.orvis.com. Get her a Bra Safe Security Wallet, or a Neck Safe that hangs around your neck and holds your passport, credit cards, cash and jewelry at Lazar's Luggage Superstore, http://www.lazarsluggage.com.

There are plenty of great gifts for the travel photographer in your life! Just use your imagination and choose a few gifts that will really make her travel photography experiences more fun and provide even better equipment.