Photo, Video & Audio Gift Ideas

Photo, Video & Audio Gift Ideas

Author: Steve Brazill November 18, 2022 Duration: 49:10

A few episodes ago I talked about how I edit and finish some of my images in the episodes on Dodge & Burn + and Photoshop + Nik Color Efex Pro + Nik Silver Efex Pro. After those shows went live I received a few comments from people that they didn’t own some of the software I mentioned, like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or the DxO Nik Collection of plugins.

That got me thinking that maybe some gift ideas might help some people. All of the things I mention in this show will make great gifts for the upcoming holidays, but if you watch this after the holidays don’t worry! These gifts are timeless.

In this show I break down some suggestions into categories as follows:

    • Software
    • Hardware
    • Accessories
    • Services
    • Store Suggestions

In some cases, where I don’t have a preference or the experience with a particular product, I may mention a gift idea without making a specific product suggestion. Mainly, I want to pass on things that I know, use, and / or just like.

Lastly, none of the links below are affiliate codes! I make nothing off any purchases made through these links, but do note that I do have some discount codes on this site.

Hopefully these suggestions will make shopping for the photographer, videographer, podcaster, or general creative in your life easier.

Software:

Adobe Photography Plan

CaptureOne

Photo Mechanic

Nik Collection by DxO

Topaz Bundle

Ecamm Live Subscription

Backblaze Backup

Hardware:

MICS:

Shure SM7B

Shure MV7

Heil PR40

Video Mics from Rode or Deity

INTERFACES:

Shure X2U

Sound Devices MixPre 3 II

LIGHTING:

El Gato Key Light

Aputure MC RGB

FJ Westcott Flashes, Modifiers & Backdrops

Nanlite Products

STORAGE:

Synology NAS

External or Portable HDD – Lots of option available

VIDEO:

Black Magic Design ATEM Mini

Accessories:

BAGS, BELTS & STRAPS:

Think Tank

Black Rapid Straps

MISC:

Zeiss Lens Wipes

El Gato Stream Deck (Sm, Reg, XL or the new Stream Deck +)

Platypod – (Discount Code Here)

Custom Ear Plugs – Ultimate Ears

Services:

LensRentals.com – (Discount Code Here)

KelbyOne Membership – (Discount Code Here)

Creative Live Membership – (Discount Code Here)

PHLEARN Membership – (Discount Code Here)

Shoot From the Pit with David Bergman

Store Suggestions:

B & H Photo & Video – Deal Zone

Adorama

DVE Store


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
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I have always been fascinated with the education side of photography. I don’t have a formal photography education myself, and I am very aware of what skill sets I wish I had been exposed to earlier in my photo journey. I…
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This is a show I have been thinking about doing for a while, and that I believe is an important subject for both new and veteran music photographers…. BUT even if you’re not a music photographer, this subject should matt…
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Duration: 0:00
I will never forget growing up hearing my dad talk about his days flying P-51 and P-40 planes. His walls were covered in model planes of classic war birds, as though he was trying to relive his youth. When he passed away…
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Duration: 2:06:11
One of the things I love about the podcasting world is the instant camaraderie you sometimes feel when talking with other podcasters. It’s hard to explain the connection you get when you have something creative in common…
Photographing Spirits of Carnival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:49
The photographers I am exposed to by doing this show never cease to amaze me. Recently, my buddy Ian Spanier told a friend of his that he should be on the show, and gave him my contact info. At that point, Jason Gardner…
Product Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
I never used to go to photography conferences. It’s not that they didn’t interest me, it’s just that none of them cover my genre of music photography. WPPI is all about weddings and portraits, and while Imaging USA seems…
Artistic Macros [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:22
One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is that I get to discover and meet some amazing photographers, and L.A. based Nikon Ambassador Joey Terrill is a perfect example. We’ve all joked about a photographer we kno…
Architecture Photography Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:44
I find guests for Behind the Shot in a number of ways. Sometimes it’s a referral from a friend, sometimes it’s a cold email I send after seeing an image I just need to know more about, and now and then it’s through a pho…
Portrait Composites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:53
One look at the client list at the bottom of Paul Mobley’s About page and it’s quickly apparent that he’s one of the best commercial, advertising, and editorial portrait photographers working today. It’s a list of A leve…
Elevate Your Portrait Images [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:51
Zoe Rain is one of those photographers in the rare group of artists that was born to do what she does. Some people can learn to become amazing artists, while others, people like Zoe, seem to have a natural gift for seein…