The Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals on Amazon for Photographers in 2024!

I wait alllll year for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and in case you didn’t know, Amazon’s Black Friday Week starts today, November 21! As a photographer, I’m constantly buying gear, accessories, batteries, memory cards, lenses, cameras, everything. It’s just part of the job. But I truly hate overpaying for basic things that I need to help run my business. Every year, I spend the weekend after Thanksgiving updating my gear, refilling my fridge with film, stocking my battery drawer, and occasionally, gifting myself with a camera or lens that I’ve been eyeing all year. :)

I wanted to share a few of the deals I’ve been keeping my eye on this year. These are all great gift ideas for photographers. Or if you’re a photographer yourself, it’s that time of year to buy yourself a little something for all of your hard work! There’s honestly no better investment in your business as a photographer than an incredible lens or camera. It will only help your business grow, prove your professionality, and encourage you to grow as an artist.

(By using the links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

  1. CANON 5D MARK IV

    If you’re looking for a workhorse of a camera to start your photography business with, the 5D Mark IV is on sale! This is my main digital camera. I use it to photograph weddings, events, musicians, portraits, food, landscapes, etc. It’s incredibly versatile, has dual card-reader slots, great battery life, and is a tried and true DSLR camera in the industry. I originally started my business with the 5D Mark II back in the day and eventually upgraded to the 5D Mark IV. You can read my full blog post about it here! It’s currently on sale for $2899 and comes with a 24-105mm f/4 IS II USM lens! And don’t forget to pick up a super fun vector star filter like this one if you want to get experimental! If you’d prefer a mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 are also majorly discounted. I currently use the original Canon EOS R as my backup camera, but the R5 and R6 are the newer, updated versions and are equipped with even more settings and upgrades. The images I’ve taken with my EOS R are ridiculously sharp and it has amazing low-light capabilities. You can read more about it on my blog and see samples photos here! If you’re hoping to stay in the $500 range, the Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera is on sale too! You honestly can’t go wrong with Canon. Just start where your budget allows and then upgrade over the years as you’re able!

2. GO PRO HERO 12 BLACK

I’ve been through about 5 Go Pros over the years because every time they come out with a new one I want to buy it! I love them so much because they are super tiny and inconspicuous, but are capable of capturing high quality video during my travels. I’ve used Go Pros for years to film parts of YouTube videos when I'm traveling, and for secondary angles when I’m filming videos at home. Plus, they are so fun to take underwater if you’re at the beach or somewhere tropical and want to spy on the fish creatures. They are pretty incredible little cameras. The Go Pro Hero 12 is $100 off at the moment! You can check out the deal here! And make sure to pick up a GorillaPod too, which is also on sale for Black Friday! The Go Pro Hero 11 is also on sale here if you’d prefer to save a little cash!

3. APPLE 2024 MACBOOK AIR 15-INCH LAPTOP WITH M3 CHIP

There is nothing better than a good laptop deal during Cyber Weekend. Every few years I’ll cave in and upgrade to a new one. This year, the 2024 Macbook Air 15-inch laptop with 512 GB SSD storage is running for only $1199, which is honestly incredible. Sadly, I’m not in need of a new laptop at the moment, but if I was, I would totally go for this one. You can find the deal here. Just don’t tell me that you got it because I’ll be majorly jealous. I currently have the M1 14-inch Macbook Pro and I’m obsessed. I even posted a YouTube video about it here! All of my Macbook computers have lasted forever. As in, they never actually stopped working, I just grew out of them and ended up selling them. I’ve never had one die on me. But I would also consider myself a responsible laptop owner and try not to drop it, bend it, or spill anything on it.

4. FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 11 INSTANT CAMERA

This is one of those deals I actually might seriously take advantage of this year. I currently have the Instax Mini 8, which works just fine if you know what you’re doing, but the Instax Mini 11 is fully automatic and is super easy to use. The Instax Mini 11 would be great for a photographer at any level - beginner, amateur, professional… it doesn’t matter. They’re fun for anyone. Plus, they are tiny and cute and colorful. Everyone should have one if you ask me. :) Check out the current $59 deal here! Oh, and don’t forget to pick up a super cute carrying case that is also on sale here!

5. SANDISK 128GB EXTREME PRO SDXC UHS-I MEMORY CARD

Not the most exciting gift in the world, but I can tell you from experience that having a large memory card makes all the difference, especially if you’re shooting weddings. It’s important to replace your old memory cards every once in a while too, just so you don’t end up in a bad situation with a faulty card. The SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card is only $18.99 at the moment so make sure to snatch one up here! I’ll likely be grabbing one or two or three of these for myself too!

6. POLAROID NOW+ GENERATION 2 - CAMERA + FILM BUNDLE

I have enough Polaroid cameras to last a lifetime, but I always want more! They’re so cute and collectible. What I love about the Polaroid Now+ is that you can get super creative. It comes with lens filters, multiple exposure options and even has bluetooth connectivity. You don’t necessarily need to be a professional photographer to use one of these, though I would say you need a bit of patience to get used to the various settings. I’d just read through any paperwork it comes with first so you know how to get the best photo possible in different lighting scenarios. Amazon is currently offering a camera + film bundle so make sure to check it out here!

7. EMART BACKDROP STAND 10x7FT (WxH) PHOTO STUDIO

If you’re starting to build your photography studio, the EMART backdrop stand kit is only $37.99 at the moment. You can’t really get much better than that! Not to mention, everything folds up really small and fits into the carrying case. It’s the perfect addition to any home studio. There are different size options available too. I’m in the process of building a studio shed in my backyard so I’ll be picking up another one of these soon. I like to have 2-3 backdrop set-ups prepared for shoots, just so my clients have options. And I’d also recommend scooping up a Neewer ring light. They’re 30% off for Black Friday! I use mine for literally everything. Sometimes even as my only light for in-studio photo shoots!

8. BEATS STUDIO PRO - WIRELESS BLUETOOTH NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

Creating this list is just making me want everything… I’ve been unhappy with my current headphones and have been on the lookout for noise cancelling headphones for a LOT of different reasons. My husband is a musician so he’s literally always making noise - whether he’s playing guitar, drums, piano, or just walking around the house singing, it never ends. I’m just over here trying to focus and get some work done! I like to watch relaxing tv shows or listen to music while I’m photo editing because it helps pass the time and makes the experience a little less daunting. I also travel a lot and airplanes are SO LOUD. I’m extremely sensitive to sound, especially when it’s a stressful sound (like terrifying random airplane creaks and groans) so I’ll definitely be considering upgrading to these Beats Studio Pro headphones

9. SONY ALPHA 7R V CAMERA

If you’re more of a Sony camera person, or more of a videographer, then you might want to check out the Black Friday deal on the Sony Alpha 7R V Full-frame Mirrorless Camera. The Sony a7 III is also on sale WITH a 24-70mm lens for only $1498! If I wasn’t so obsessed with multiple exposures, I’d switch to Sony. Their cameras are insanely sharp, fast, and compact. I seriously considered switching to Sony before I bought my Canon 5D Mark IV, but it just didn’t make sense for me personally. If you’re wanting to focus more on video but still want to be able to take incredible photos, Sony is perfect for that. I’m just more of a photographer first, videographer second. You can find out more about the current discount on the a7R V here! If you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend so much money, the Sony ZV-1F is also on sale for only $398. It’s particularly great for vlogging and YouTube videos, and isn’t quite so chunky and intimidating.

10. AMAZON GIFT CARDS

If you truly can’t decide what to get for someone, you can absolutely never go wrong with a gift card. Amazon has a million different gift cards to pick from throughout Cyber Weekend. Definitely take advantage of that while you can, even if it’s just buying yourself a gift card to use next year when you’re in need of something for your business. I mean, why not?? You can look through the gift card options here!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I hope this list helps you come up with a few gift ideas for the photographer in your life. Or if you’re a photographer yourself, I hope this list reminds you to invest in your business and believe in yourself! I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2012 and it all started with my first Canon 5D Mark II. It truly only takes one amazing camera and one amazing artist to create a successful business.

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing. Find out more here!

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my Amazon storefront for more Black Friday/Cyber Weekend camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

(By using the links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

5 Unique Films to Try to Make Your Photos More Interesting | 35 mm & 120 Gift Ideas for Film Photographers

(By using the links and/or codes below it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

If you know me, you know I get bored easily when it comes to photography. I’m always trying out new filters, weird films, different cameras and tons of tricks to make my photos more unique. I guess you could say I’m a huge proponent of creativity and I don’t believe in creating the same photo twice. The first time I accidentally shot a double exposure with my Holga camera, it inspired me to keep going and to keep challenging myself to make work that truly stood out. When it comes to film photography, an easy way to push yourself out of your comfort zone is to try a film that’s unique in its own right. So, here are 5 different films that I love for those who want to try something new!

LOMOGRAPHY LOMOCHROME PURPLE

This is my absolute favorite of the bunch. Some photographers like to hate on this film, but I think its just because they’re scared of it. Personally, I think it makes for beautiful, surreal landscapes and whimsical portraits. I probably also love it because purple is my favorite color so its as if this film was created just for me. I love it so much. :) You can find this film in 35mm and 120 formats. It’s somewhat pricey so if you’re new to this film, you might want to start with the 35mm version to get more bang for your buck, since you’ll end up getting more frames per roll over the 120 version.

Purchase:
Lomography LomoChrome Puprle 35mm on Amazon

Lomography LomoChrome Purple 120 film on eBay

Lomography LomoChrome Purple on Adorama

2. LOMOGRAPHY LOMOCHROME TURQUOISE

If you love the LomoChrome Purple, but are looking to expand to something else, the turquoise is another fun option. I don’t love it quite as much as the purple, mostly because I feel that the skin tones are strange when it comes to portraiture with this film. It gives more of an “avatar” vibe, which could be fun if you have a plan! I still love landscapes with this film though. I haven’t used this one quite as much either, so maybe I just need to give it more of a chance. :)

Purchase:

Lomography LomoChrome Turquoise 35mm on eBay

Lomography LomoChrome Turquoise 120 film on eBay

KODAK GOLD 200

If you love warm color tones and sunset hues, you should try out Kodak Gold 200. It’s perfect for any sort of beach or tropical vacation because it adds a nice, golden glow to the images. I always bring a few rolls with me on vacation because it’s flattering on skin tones and great for architecture. It’s also pretty affordable, which is another reason you can always find it in my camera bag. Sometimes, it just makes the most sense simply because of the price point. It’s a very sharp film too with a speed of 200, but might not work as well in low light as some of the other films on this list. However, it is the most subtle on the list, so if you’re trying to branch out but don’t want to get too crazy, this would be a good one to start with!

Purchase on Amazon:

Kodak Gold 200 35mm film

Kodak Gold 200 120 film

Lomography Berlin Kino 400 ISO

I’m sure by now you’re realizing that I love Lomography film. But they offer so many unique options! If you’re looking for a vintage-y, vibe-y black and white film, Lomography has a handful of options that vary in tone, warmth and grain. There’s Earl Grey 120 film or 35 mm film or Lady Grey 120 or 35 mm. For these sample photos, I used Berlin B&W 400, a warm-toned, extra grainy film that really gives that old school film vibe. It’s quite noisy for a 400 film but it adds to the overall aesthetic of the images.

Purchase:

Lomography Earl Grey 120 film on Amazon

Lomography Earl Grey 35 mm film on Amazon

Lomography Lady Grey 120 film on Amazon

Lomography Lady Grey 35 mm on Amazon

Lomography Berlin Kino 400 35mm film on eBay

Lomography Berlin Kino 400 120 film on eBay

LOMOGRAPHY 35MM REDSCALE XR 50-200

Lomography Redscale is definitely a very extreme film to try out. You have to be ready for some crazy results! However, I love how surreal and unusual the images are. I’ve even had some of these photos in art galleries! It’s a great option for getting creative, especially if your client is a musician or artist and are looking for one-of-a-kind photographs.

Purchase on Amazon:

Lomography Redscale XR 50-200 120mm

Purchase on eBay:

Lomography Redscale XR 50-200 35mm film

Or…TRY FILM SOUP!

If you want to get REALLY crazy, you can always try soaking your film in things like vinegar, lemon juice, tea, etc. I have a blog post and YouTube video all about film soup so if this sounds fun to you, check it out here!

I hope these fun and unique films inspired you to step outside the box and try something new! I absolutely love trying out new film because I never know what I’m going to get. Plus, I think it takes my photos to a whole new level. It’s an easy way to make your photos stand out amongst the sea of photographers out there in the world.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Feel free to leave any questions and comments below. And don’t forget to check out my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a lovely day!

<3 Myles Katherine

Top 5 Affordable Cameras for Beginner Film Photographers | Best 35mm, 120 and Polaroid Cameras for Beginners, Amateur and Professional Photographers

 

(By using the links and/or codes below it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

5 Cameras for Beginner Film Photographers

I’ve tried out a LOT of cameras over the years. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve met a camera that I didn’t like. However, there are a few that tend to make it into my camera bag more often than others. I’m always looking for cameras that are capable of meeting all of my personal needs as a photographer. Every photographer is different, but for me those personal needs are: simplicity, multiple exposures and lightweight body. I travel quite a bit and I hate carrying around a super heavy camera bag. I’ve learned to fill my bag with cameras that are light and small, instead of gigantic and heavy. I’m always jealous of those photographers that just have one camera in their bag with an assortment of lenses. MUST BE NICE. I just like to have options and I like to allow myself creativity in as many ways as possible. I’m just not a minimalist, as much as I wish I was! I wanted to share the top 5 cameras that tend to make it into my camera bag more often than not. All of these cameras are GREAT for beginners because they offer a TON of different features but are also all very simple to use. Not to mention, they’re affordable, collectible and fun!

HOLGA GCFN 120 CAMERA

You guys KNOW I’m obsessed with the Holga. I believe that every photographer should have one of these on their shelf and try it out at some point. To me, it’s a great way to begin understanding photography from a very basic level. It’s reminiscent of an older time, but has that cute, quirky style and is still being produced today. Sadly, it’s only being produced in the solid black color today, but you can find the fun, colorful ones on eBay. It’s essentially a pinhole camera, but with a few more features and easier controls. I love this camera so much that I’ve dedicated an entire blog post and YouTube video to it. This is the camera that always makes it into my camera bag no matter what. If I’m walking around town with only one camera, it’s this one. There is a 35mm version of this camera too (I just recently made a YouTube video about it!) but I prefer the 120 version. 120 film is slowly dying (for some reason!) so as a photographer, I beg of you to continue supporting 120 film. The negatives are much larger than 35mm which allows you much more detail and capability for printing. KEEP 120 FILM ALIVE!

CAMERA:

Purchase a Holga 120 GCFN on Amazon

Purchase a Holga 120 GCFN on eBay!

Purchase a Holga 120 GCFN on KEH Camera

FILM RECOMMENDATIONS:

Lomography 400 120 film

Kodak Portra 160 120 film

Kodak Portra 400 120 film

#CommissionsEarned

MINOLTA MAXXUM STSI

The Minolta Maxxum STsi is actually a newer camera to my collection but it has moved up to the top VERY quickly. It just has every single feature I like in a 35 mm film camera. A zoom lens, autofocus, panorama mode, multiple exposure mode, lightweight body, flash and auto setting. This is a PERFECT choice for any beginner 35mm film photographer. I have the AF 28-85mm 3.5-4.5 Zoom lens, which I purchased separately from the kit lens. This lens is a little bit sharper and better quality than the kit lens. Also, this camera is SUPER affordable and makes a great gift. I’m truly in love with mine and it’s my number one choice now for traveling when I’m grabbing my 35mm cameras. You can read more about this camera in my blog post here!

I purchased the body ($18) and the AF 28-85mm 3.5-4.5 Zoom lens ($25) separately, both on eBay. Browse through the available options here for the body or here for the lens!

But you can also find it on Amazon or KEH Camera. There are a ton of different versions of this camera, so if you ever have questions, I recommend calling KEH Camera and asking them what they’d recommend if they don’t have the STsi version. They’re always great with giving advice on film cameras.

FILM RECOMMENDATIONS:

Kodak Gold 200 35mm film

Kodak Portra 160 35mm film

Lomography 100 35mm film

#CommissionsEarned

NIKON FE2 OR FE3

This is probably the most expensive camera on this list but if you’re looking for a tad bit nicer camera with an amazing lens, I recommend the Nikon FE2 or FE3. These are on-par with the Canon AE-1 (which is also an incredible camera but doesn’t have a multiple exposure feature). I went into Blue Moon Camera in Portland, Oregon one day, asking if they had the Pentax K1000 or Canon AE-1. However, after chatting with the sales associate for a while, we decided the Nikon FE2 would be more my speed. I absolutely need a multiple exposure feature and I prefer to have an aperture-priority setting as well, especially when shooting weddings. The Nikon FE2 met all of my requirements. However, it is manual focus which takes some getting used to. Once you get the hang of it though, the photographs are incredibly sharp and beautiful, with a lovely bokeh blur and crispness that you won’t get with cheaper cameras like the Minolta Maxxum I mentioned above. The Nikon FE2 is more on the professional side and is really a collector’s item. It’s a beautiful camera with that classic old-school look to it. You can’t go wrong with this camera. I’ll never ever get rid of mine. I have a YouTube video and full blog post about this camera too!

CAMERA:

Purchase a Nikon FE2 on Amazon!

Purchase a Nikon FE2 on eBay!

Purchase a Nikon FE2 on KEH Camera!

LENS:

50mm f/1.4 AF Nikkor

35-70mm f/3.3 AF Nikkor (more affordable zoom lens)

FILM RECOMMENDATIONS:

Kodak Gold 200 35mm film

Kodak Portra 160 35mm

Lomography 100 35mm film

#CommissionsEarned

POLAROID 600 CAMERA

While I believe that every photographer should have a Holga, I also equally believe that every photographer should have a Polaroid camera. After a long and arduous process, the Polaroid brand is finally back up and running, producing new cameras and film. Thank the heavens above! Personally, I have the Polaroid One-Step 600 and Polaroid Impulse. Both of these are incredibly easy to use, sturdy and super cute on the shelf. I was lucky enough to receive them as heirlooms from my family members but you can still find vintage versions of the One-Step and Impulse on Amazon, eBay and KEH Camera. Or, if you prefer new cameras, Polaroid has recently released the Polaroid Now and Polaroid Go cameras. Everyone loves a Polaroid. They’re instantly gratifying, have beautiful color tones and are just plain fun to have at a party or event. I always bring a Polaroid camera with me to every shoot. It’s nice to have a physical print from each shoot as a keepsake. Check out my YouTube video from our trip to Japan where I took photos with the Polaroid One-Step 600! Or you can check out my blog post to see tons of sample photos I’ve taken with this camera over the years.

CAMERA:

Purchase a Polaroid One-Step 600 on Amazon!

Purchase a Polaroid One-Step 600 on eBay!

Purchase a Polaroid One-Step 600 on KEH Camera!

Purchase a Polaroid Now or Polaroid Go on Polaroid.com!

FILM:

Purchase 600 film on Amazon!

CANON REBEL K2

The Canon Rebel K2 is another affordable 35mm film camera that I always recommend when friends and family ask me what camera they should get before they go on a big trip. This was my very first 35mm film camera and definitely holds a special place in my heart. There’s not really anything super duper special about this camera, but it just happens to meet all of my personal requirements for a travel camera. It weighs next to nothing, has a flash, zoom lens, multiple exposure setting, autofocus, aperture priority, shutter priority, and full auto setting. It’s not the sharpest camera in the world, but there’s a certain nostalgia that the photos seem to have, especially when shooting in black and white. I took this camera with me on my first trip to Paris, and I’m still obsessed with the photos I took on that trip. I even recreated those photos on a recent trip to Paris and made a YouTube video about it! I also have a how-to YouTube video and blog post about this camera too, with tons of sample photos. The Canon Rebel G is incredibly similar to this camera too, if you’re not able to find a Canon Rebel K2.

CAMERA:

Purchase a Canon Rebel K2 on KEH Camera

Purchase a Canon Rebel K2 on eBay!

Purchase a Canon Rebel K2 on Amazon!

FILM RECOMMENDATIONS:

Neopan Acros 100 35mm B&W film

Kodak Gold 200 35mm film

Lomography 100 35mm film

#CommissionsEarned

If you found this post helpful or if you’d like to see more of my work, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing. Find out more here!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Feel free to leave questions and comments below. And don’t forget to stop by my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :)

Have a great day!
<3 Myles Katherine