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Others might correct me, but I believe that a "battery grip" is an attachment which allows you to use two batteries at once, so that then one fails, the other kicks in without actually having to change batteries.
Does he have a good tripod? Reflector, umbrella thingies (yeah, I really know my stuff :P)
Wish I had more for you!
I don't know about anything photography that "we just can't live without," because I imagine he has everything he NEEDS. Think something he WANTS. Think LENSES! If you really want to get him something he'll love, if he doesn't have a macro lens or a fish-eye or a tilt-shift lens, those are fun ones that are kind of considered "extras" because while you don't NEED them, they open up new doors in terms of how you can create photos in camera. If he just started a year ago, I highly doubt he has all three of these if any (we buy what we need first). Does he use Nikon or Canon? Don't cheap out or he won't use it, as lenses really affect image quality.
Find out the brand he uses and then research one by that manufacturer on B&H Photo. One of these fun lenses will probably run you between $500 and $800, but for all the work he did for you shooting your wedding for free, I know he'd REALLY LOVE and appreciate it. You would have easily spent 3x that for a photog without him. If you have any questions or need guindance with choosing a lens, feel free to PM me :)
Another thought just occurred to me that may be slightly cheaper, but does he have a really nice camera bag? I personally like the lens idea best, but everyone has a budget.
I second pro-grade lenses (or really good ones!) but... those aren't cheap and can go for 1k plus.
So if lenses are out of the budget, bags are definitely another plus for photographers. I know for myself... I .. tend to upgrade my own camera bags every year and a half since I have more gear to bring with me. Domke, think tank, and crumpler bags are really great!
Pro lenses are very expensive, so if you can't afford such an expensive gift, you can look for something that he will absolutely need, such as additional memory cards, batteries, lens caps (they are easily lost), lens filters, bags (i love my Shootsack).
Another good gift might be to put together an emergency kit, this is very good to have for weddings, just think what can come handy at the wedding and put it in the kit, (lint rollers, glue sticks, velcro, tissues, etc...)
Another option can be getting extra flash, as it's cheaper than a good lense. Wireless transmitters, if your dad does anything wirelessly it's a must (Pocket Wizards, Radio Poppers, etc). I know it's probably over your head, but you can ask your dad just out of curiousity and see what he "wish" he had. :)
Have fun picking something up!!
Thank you!!!!!! He does seem to have everything he needs. His camara is a Canon (not sure about specifics on it). I know he has been talking about getting more lenses. I'm just not sure how to go about buying one and buying the right one =/ He says that he wants a particular lense that captures people in motion. (can't remember the name). Does anyone have any good websites that I could browse??? Thanks again!
I don't know anything about photography but when buying your stuff, make sure it's from a reputable store with a really good return policy so in case he doesn't really want what you got him, he can go and get something he's been 'eyeing' for a while that you didn't know about. It's so cool that your dad is doing all this for you. I'm envious :)
Does your dad do much travel photography? I'm in the midst of setting up storage and backup systems for myself for a major multi-month photo trek. Large backup hard drives can get pricey and are great to have, as are lots of extra compact flash cards.
Another thing that might be useful to him - if he doesn't already have a kickass website, you could help contribute to the building of one. Those can get pricey, and are absolutely essential to attracting clients.
This is the site where most pros get their gear.
Find out exactly what lens he needs, you need specifics, write it down then go shopping!
B&Hphoto and Adorama.com are highly reputable in our industry! If you ever get the chance, just visit B&h's store. It's like Santa's workshop! I always hate leaving, though, I am sure my bank account is happy when I do decide to leave.
If you do opt for a lens, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is highly reputable and pretty decent in price. I know a lot of photographers who rely on just that range for majority of their wedding images.
Hey Miss FlipFlops: here is a site for all your general pro-photography needs:
As for a lens that captures people in motion, they actually all have the ability to do that, it's just a matter of finding the right settings.
Here is a search for Canon Macro lenses. Keep in mind you DO NOT WANT ANYTHING THAT SAYS *NOT FOR FULL FRAME* as all professional cameras are full-frame cameras. Even if he has a non-pro camera, the full-frame lenses will still work if he ever upgrades, and then he'll be grateful you bought him full frame! The reviews are really helpful also.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=canon+macro&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
Here is a search for some external flash units. They are a must-have for any pro and even if he has one already, we can always use more! Anything in the $500 range will be a quality speedlight. Sorry, I'm a Nikon user, otherwise I could recommend something more specific!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Speedlites-Flashes/ci/4658/N/4291079706
If he wants a FAST focusing lens, I would suggest going with a 1.8, 1.4, or 1.2 (most expensive) prime lens for low light photography and shallow aperture. The only thing is, he PROBABLY has one of these already, so you are much more in danger of repeats. Any way you can sneak a peak into his camera bag and let us know what's in there? I can recommend some really good lenses if I know what he has. Sounds like he still needs some of the basics!
Here is what looks like a nice F/1.4 lens, but again, he might have it already!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12140-GREY/Canon_2515A003_50mm_f_1_4_USM_Autofocus.html
@crayfish: He takes his camara everywhere. He just hasn't been able to travel to far destinations just for photography do to him still working his daytime career. I have thought about back-up hard drives. I'll definitely look into those!
@TedNghiem: I'll definitely check out those sites!!! I think he might already have the lense you mentioned but I still wouldn't be surprised if I'm totally wrong about that one. He has bought a few lenses over the last year so that one might have been one of them.....I'll check!
@LBPhotography: Thank you, thank you! I think that you are right when you said getting a fast focusing lense. He has been doing a lot of our home towns local sports (esp. Football) and complains that he just can't get the clarity that he wants with the players in fast movement. Thank you so much for the tips! I will have to sneak over to their house within the next day or two and snoop around his camara bag! Watch out for another post from me saying what was inside!!!
Again, Thank you everyone for your kindness and patients with a camara challenged girl! I cannot wait to find this perfect gift!!!
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My dad started is own photography business about a year ago and it's just now really starting to take off. He's has done all of my Engagment pictures, most of the wedding pictures and countless other pics for me and my family for free. (I know hes my dad but I still think its a nice gesture to do everything for free)
As a Thank you I am on the hunt for something "Photography" for Christmas. I'm having the hardest time because I am very photography challenged and and no clue of what I'm looking for. My question for you is what is something that you just cannot live without that has made your Photography career so much easier???? Is there anything that you just cant live without? Any ideas would be very appreciated!!!! Thank you!