Articles

I am including some articles on this website that may be of interest to the photographer.  Some will be contributed by others and some will be written by me.  My first article is about "gifting" photographs at Christmas time. I hope you enjoy it.

 

The Art of Giving Personalized Gifts by Using Photographs

Using photos to add that special touch!

At various times of the year we all are presented with the task of buying gifts for either a birthday, anniversary, Christmas gift or other special holiday like Mother’s day, or even Valentine’s day. How can we keep the gift giving spirit alive and meaningful? Here are some ideas to personalize the gift giving process by using photographs to turn an ordinary gift into a special one.

Choosing the Right Photograph. Everyone has a camera of some sort, and taking advantage of this timeless resource can provide a means for preserving meaningful memories. Find a photograph that you know will conjure up a memory or emotion for the person who will receive the gift. It could be a humorous photograph from early childhood, a vacation photo, or a photo of an important time, such as a child’s school play performance. It could even be a beautiful landscape photograph which you know the recipient will appreciate, for example, if they love visiting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, this would be an appropriate scenic photograph.

Be Mindful of Quality. It is important to choose a photograph that is well taken and in good condition. If the photograph is blurry or torn, it is best to pass on it and find another photograph that will work.

Make a Good Presentation. Giving a photograph alone does not give the same impression as one which is properly framed. If you choose to frame a photo, you have the option of taking the photo to a custom picture framing shop, or you can purchase a standard sized photo frame at a store like Target or Kohl’s. If the goal is to preserve the image for many years, such as a wedding photo, it is recommended to choose custom framing, if it fits your budget. However, if budget is a concern I would look for a good high quality frame with acid free matting.

 

Combine with a Gift Basket to Enhance the Gift


No matter how special the photograph is, sometimes a photograph isn’t enough. When these times arise, you can still use your photograph to personalize a more practical and visually impressive gift, such as a gift basket. Gift baskets come in all varieties and sizes and for this reason can still offer a complimentary way to personalize the entire presentation. For example, if the recipient loves chocolate and it is near Valentine’s Day, a chocolate gift basket would be appropriate. By adding in the basket a framed picture of you and your loved one, you are further enhancing the personal value of the gift. If they enjoy Italian foods, an Italian gift basket which includes items such as olive oils, pasta, cheese and olives would nicely fit the bill. Of course, if it is near Christmas time, think of a gift basket for Christmas.

When the time comes to give a gift, using a bit of thoughtfulness and personal creativity will leave a lasting impression. No one enjoys giving a gift which is not appreciated. By using photographs to provide a personal touch either as a stand alone gift, or to further enhance a supplemental gift, you are letting the recipient know, not only do you care, but that you care enough to put your own personal time and energy into the gift giving process.

 


Author Bio: Elizabeth Krause lives in Central Virginia and enjoys photography and cooking. She owns and operates her own website dedicated to topics related to cooking Italian food, such as easy Italian recipes, easy to use kitchen supplies and Italian gift ideas for the holidays.