The Gift of Photography
Let’s face it, this year is not the year to hop into a socially distant line to grab those last minute Christmas gifts for your family and friends. Don’t worry, we have other options.
I have always been a big fan of the gift of photography. What does that mean? Well, it can mean several things. Perhaps you gift your own prints in a nice frame or create a photo album or calendar. Maybe you want to gift another photographer’s work by purchasing a photo book or other piece from their collection. The options are plentiful, unique and would likely put a smile any recipient’s face.
Over the past year, I, like many of you, have spent a lot more time at home. It has given me time to look at my photography and the other photographer’s works in a different way. I love capturing images, and I still managed to capture quite a bit this year, but I also love printing my work and sharing those prints with others. Below is a list of some of the online printing sources I have used this year. All of which specialize in different mediums and all of which were top notch in the products I received. If you are looking to gift your own photography or want to purchase pieces from other photographers to help them through a tough year please take a look at the options below. They are in no particular order but I have had personal experience with all the products listed and they will not disappoint. None of these businesses have paid us for this referral.
Metal Prints from Aluminyze.com
Earlier this year, I received some prints from Aluminyze that made for some incredible pieces that are now hanging on my wall. Aluminyze was generous enough to send us a couple of sample prints that we did a short review video on. Take a look at the video below to see some of the amazing quality of their metal prints.
Canvas Prints from ARTrillion.com
I came across ARTrillion from an Instagram ad and thought I’d reach out to get a sample of their printed work. They were incredibly responsive and happy to work with us. They sent me a really cool 24X36in canvas print with some custom text I submitted that laid on top of the image. This type of printing might not be for everyone but it is a unique way to display your work. They also do standard canvas printing and all their canvas prints are made here in the USA. I was really impressed with the quality of the print I received and would recommend it to anyone looking to purchase images on canvas. Here is a short video on the sample print they sent to us.
Photo Albums or Calendars from Printique.com
Over the years, I have purchased many photo albums and calendars from Printique, which used to be known as Adorama Pix. I have never been disappointed by the quality of items I have received from them. They have a robust offering of photography items but the albums and calendars are the specific items I can personally vouch for. I will be ordering a few calendars this year for my 2021 photo calendar. In fact, if anyone is interested in purchasing one of my calendars please reach out to me via email [email protected] or on my Instagram @instadurr. It’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year. Also, here is a short video on Printique’s photo albums.
Photo Books and Fine Art Prints
As we know it has been a tough year for many types of jobs and professional photographers are probably among the hardest hit. With a lot of photographers businesses based on travel and events it’s no secret that it has been a difficult year. One way to help support those photographers is to purchase prints or photo books from them. I am sure you all have favorite photographers, even if you are a professional yourself. Taking a look at those photography websites and seeing what type of offerings they might have would be a great gift for yourself or for others. Below are some links to a few photographers we have talked to or worked with this year that are offering books.
Art Wolfe
Stephen Wilkes: Day to Night
William Neil
Paul Reiffer
Ignacio Palacios
And of course PhotoPXL’s very own, Kevin Raber
These are just a few photographers we have worked with this year but we encourage you to support any of your favorite photographer’s work.
Remember, at PhotoPXL we believe photography isn’t finished until you are holding that print in your hand and we hope this list has opened your mind to some amazing gift options this holiday season. It is important, now more than ever, that we don’t lose sight of creativity and support each other during this crazy time in our history. I hope anyone reading this has a happy holiday season and thank you for taking the time to view and support our work here at PhotoPXL, where we are working every day to help enhance your vision.
Michael Durr
November 2020
Michael Durr
Indianapolis, IN
After studying broadcast journalism at Illinois State University, I began my career in Central Illinois creating commercials and on-air promotions for local television affiliates. From 2008 to 2012, I worked for The Marketing Store where I created content for clients such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Southern Comfort. From there, I worked for Maddock Douglas, an innovation consulting firm, developing an internal photo/video offering. I left Maddock Douglas to be a creative director at FÁS Chicago, where I worked primarily for Case Construction. In 2017, I relocated to Indianapolis with my wife and two sons and I have started Michael Durr Photo/Video, LLC. Currently, I work in partnership with Kevin Raber and PhotoPXL, creating video content on all things photography. In addition I work on other freelance projects primarily around the midwest. Throughout my career, talented friends and great mentors have surrounded me. I have been fortunate to wake up every day never feeling like I was going to work. The combination of my professional experience, personality and drive to improve has given me a unique perspective from behind the lens. It is a combination of work and life that inspires me.
