Rad A. Drew Photography: December 2015

Continental Divide at Dawn

Continental Divide at Dawn
Continental Divide at Dawn

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Holiday Gifts for the Photographer on Your Shopping List!

Is there a photographer on your shopping list this year? Whether you’re giving to a traditional shutterbug, or a newfangled mobile photographer, here are suggestions for some great gifts across a wide range of prices. These are all items I use and enjoy.


I created this image using the iPhone and the apps FRAX and Percolator.
© Rad A. Drew



Extra Power for iPhone Photographers!

Every iPhone photographer needs an external power source when there’s no place to plug in and juice is running low. Here are three I use and love.

Mophie Juice Packs are a great way to protect your phone AND always have an extra charge or two with the push of a button.

Mophie Powerstation is a small stand-alone battery and a great external source because they are lightweight and still pack a punch. I’m often seen with one dangling from my iPhone!

New Trent PowerPak when you need lots of juice! I took a 10-day trip down the Colorado River last year and had to pack all the power and batteries I needed. I had two of these big boys for recharging my iPhone. They are rugged, pack lots of juice, and let you charge multiple devices at once.

Lightweight Travel Tripod

The lightweight Manfrotto BeFree tripod is great for stabilizing the iPhone as well as small point-and-shoot cameras. It packs up small and has been a great travel tripod for me on recent trips to Cape Cod, The Palouse, and Cuba.

Tripod Bracket for iPhone

To make use of any tripod with your iPhone, you’ll need an iPhone bracket. There are a lot on the market, but my current favorite is the MeFoto. It securely holds the iPhone and will allow for quick movements and positioning. And it comes in cool colors, too. J

Pocket-sized Tripod from Brookstone

Can’t carry a big tripod? Then how about this pocket-sized iPhone tripod from Brookstone? It’s about the size of a pocketknife, but provides all the stability you need to take great shots with apps like Slow Shutter and Camera+.

Attachable iPhone Lenses 

For wide angle, fisheye, macro or telephoto needs there are two lens makers for the iPhone that I like a lot: Olloclip and Moment. The glass is great on both and the only decision you need to make is which attachment mechanism you prefer.

Olloclip Lenses

Moment Lenses

Topaz Software for the Mac or PC

Processing photos on your computer and applying textures, painterly looks, special effects and more has never been easier than with the software packs from Topaz. The Topaz line now includes 17 different packs that can be purchased as a set or individually. Some of my favorites are Topaz B&W Effects, Topaz Clarity, and Topaz Texture Effects. The total package is the best deal.

Use the links below to purchase. Watch for free Topaz webinars and obtain a discount when you signup.








Independent Art by Moi!

Nearly all my images on Facebook and my web site are available for sale. I don't use an online store because I print my images myself, and I sign all my work. And I like to meet the people who like my work! Contact me via Facebook message or email.

Most popular sizes are ~8x10 at $125 and ~11x17 at $195.  All images are printed with archival inks on an Epson 3880 printer using Museo Fine Art papers. Matting and framing is available upon request.

One of my books of Fine Art iPhone Images

Give the gift of inspiration with one of my books featuring fine art iPhone photography. And if you love rural Indiana and Indianapolis, you may find these books doubly pleasing!

In Good Light, Images of the Circle City

Rural Indiana, A beauty all its Own

iPhoneography classes with me! 

  • Photo Tour or classroom workshop
  • 1:1 lessons

Infrared Camera from Spencer’s Camera

For the photographer interested in exploring a new look, infrared might be just the thing. This past year I purchased an IR converted LUMIX DMC LX7 point-and-shoot camera from Spencer’s Camera. It’s small, compact, with an 8x zoom, and produces stunning infrared images.

Use the discount code RadDrew25 for a $25 dollar discount on your purchase!


However your gift giving goes, I wish you and yours a loving holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Until next time, keep on shooting!