2014 TPW Member Favorite Things

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We can’t believe that we are halfway through November already! We know you are all putting your holiday wish lists together and before Black Friday and Cyber Monday are upon us, we wanted to share the first of our 2014 Favorite Things lists.  We asked TPW forum members to tell us about the coolest things they use and love, either photography-related or not, and here is what they said.   Open up Evernote, get out your notepads, wherever you make your lists – get ready to update your wish lists and gift-giving lists because our members have some great gift ideas for both men and women.

Stay tuned to our blog for The Photographer Within team members’ favorite things, coming soon!

Autumn Branscome
Princeton, WV

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream 
I’ve always loved BB creams and when I discovered this CC+ cream I had to try. I use it as my foundation and have noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it. I also love that it provides great coverage so I can wear it by itself if I’m in a hurry!

GoPro Hero 3+: Silver Edition
Okay, I’ll be honest. I haven’t had this little gadget for long and haven’t even put my videos on the computer yet (well, I did put one on there!) but I absolutely love my GoPro! I love that it fits in my purse and is ready to go anytime I need it. It’s super easy to use and the wide angle is so much fun!

Paper Mate Liquid Flair Felt Pourous Pens
I’m a pen junkie. If I’m having a bad day, I go out and buy myself a pack of pens. I discovered these pens a few months ago and love them. They write super smooth and come in lots of pretty colors!

Canon 135 f/2L
I can’t even put into words the love I have for this lens. The bokeh… The colors… The speed… It is photographer heaven!!!

Ann Tyer
Raleigh, NC

Clarisonic Mia
I love that this little thing gets all the makeup off my face at the end of the day. I have had fewer breakouts since I started using this about 2 years ago. My skin feels so much smoother.

Mini Jambox by Jawbone
I love music and radio shows. I love not having my phone tethered to a docking station and the mini jambox has incredible sound. It is worth every penny.

This American Life
I might be an Ira Glass groupie. I love this show and talk about it all. the. time. Ask my friends. I listen to this on my long runs when I am training for half-marathons, while I am at work and in my car during my commute. The app for the show is great if you like to download shows for when you can’t stream them. One of my favorite episodes is #510: Fiasco!

Lucky Jeans
I have an embarrassing amount of Lucky Jeans. I might be personally keeping them in business. My favorite fit is the Sweet Jean, but I have other fits that rock just as much. As a tall girl I need long lengths and I can find them at Lucky. Plus, the quality is excellent and the jeans last for years and years.

Ken Jacoby
Metro Detroit, MI

Sennheiser  Over the ear Urbanite XL Headphones
If you are also an audiophile such as myself, there is one thing that I love doing, and it is cranking up the music and getting into the zone during editing.   These headphones have the catch phrase “Bring the club with you”    And trust me, these blow any other headphones out of the water.   The treble, bass, and clarity of the music is phenomenal.   That, and having a spotify / Pandora free access account just makes it all worth it.    But my bread and butter are movie scores / soundtracks.   I swear, I should have been a DJ…

Up Band by Jawbone
We are always on the move… right?    Well, not for me.   My normal 8-5 life is spent in the automotive world.   And sometimes its stuck behind a desk working and working.   This little device has given me some help and motivation to remind myself to keep on moving.   The Up Band is now getting a huge overhaul, but with my current one… I can tell you that it’s a very helpful tool with setting yourself a reminder to get up and go get some extra steps, and it also tracks how much sleep you’ve been getting.   Not only how much sleep, but the quality of sleep you are getting.    It can pair up with MyFitnessPal which automatically helps adjust calorie count as well.   And now as I’m looking at the website, they are completely overhauling their design, and their new ones do even MORE cool things.   Toys I tell you…

Jam Audio Jam Plus Wireless Bluetooth Speakers
Once again, going along with my love for audio… these things are a MUST if you love entertaining people, and having fun with friends.   Stacey and I have a large backyard, and we enjoy having friends and family over for barbecues, but what is always missing from the backyard?    Music!!  Jam Audio has fixed this…. And I know there are many other units like these out there… but I can only tell you from personal experience that these are the best that are out there.    You can buy one, and it does a great job of filling the space, or you can purchase two, and as we did… hid them in corners of our backyard… and our guests couldn’t tell where the sound was coming from, nor could they believe the clarity of it when I told them they were small Bluetooth speakers. Works with both Android and iPhone operating systems.   Once again, I should have been a DJ… or at least, these allow me to be a DJ for a short while.

Natural Ice Chap stick
For those of us who have to survive in the frozen tundra of anywhere… I have to tell you that you will hardly find me without a tube of chapstick somewhere near me at all times.   And this one is by far my favorite.   It has your SPF, it has a great flavor, it is not too greasy, and it contains a special ingredient.   No, not glitter… but actually a touch of medication that will help numb any pain that is there.   One of the best to have… and pretty hard to find.

Heather Chang
Round Rock, Texas

Ellovi Body Butter
I just came across this product recently and I love this stuff. One of my boys has eczema and this has been amazing for his skin. Main ingredients are macadamia seed oil and coconut oil.

Savanah Bee Raw Honeycomb
You can buy this indulgence online and at Whole Foods. Paired with white sharp cheddar cheese and crackers – the perfect snack!

The new Kindle Voyage
I am a huge fan of my Kindle. My iPad just doesn’t come close to matching the reading experience. And I am ready to upgrade my older version. So this new Kindle Voyage is on my Christmas list!

The FIND Lab
This is where I send all my film for development and scanning. Not only do they do incredible work but the staff at the lab is passionate about education. They want people to learn how to shoot their film better and to enjoy film shooting. And they are always available to me for questions! They are true partners in my photographic journey.

Sue Ringquist
Northeast Indiana

Colorescience Skin Mattifying Primer
I have tried a lot of brands of primer but this is one I always go back to. Doesn’t bother sensitive acne prone skin. Bottle last a long time.

Mophie Juice Pack
Although they haven’t come out with their iPhone 6 version as of yet, I will be buying one as soon as they do. Best things ever. I can go without charging for days (depending on how much I use my phone).

My Burberry Eau de Pafum
My new found love. Received it as a sample ( I’m not one to run out and buy new perfume very often), I bought a big bottle the day I used up my sample. Great scent but not over powering.

Sigma 35mm f1.4 lens
No regrets going with Sigma 35 1.4 over the canon version (until this lens I was 100% sold that canon was the only lens for a canon mount).

Lindsay 
Ohio

Absinthe Hand Butter
Working in a school, I wash my hands often (and with pretty harsh soap). The Body Shop’s Absinthe Hand Butter is the only thing that keeps them from being raw in the winter months. It smells lovely, without being overwhelming, plus a little goes a long way so it lasts forever!

Macro Filters 
I’ve put a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens on my Christmas list, but I’m not sure if Santa will bring it or not. In the mean time, these filters let me experiment a bit more with my photography and they have helped get me out of more than one rut. Not too shabby for under $15!

Kindle App for iPhone
I LOVE to read, but during the school year I hardly have any time to read for me. What little time I do have is usually found at the strangest moments, not the moments you would bring your book, or even your Kindle with you. Thankfully, I usually have my phone and I can jump back into a book or reread one of the many David Sedaris essays I love so much. It’s a great way to sneak a minute or two of me time.

Outlander (the book series and the TV show) 
If you haven’t read this series, you should! It is amazing. If you aren’t a reader, watch the show. I fell in the love with the books first, and now my friends, family and I are all watching the show together. The best way to describe it is Harry Potter for adults. A little magic, a little history, a little romance, a lot of awesome. Plus, there are 8 books (the author is writing #9 now), so you won’t have to worry about what to read next for a while.

Gina Cooperman
Nyack, NY

Paddywax Blood Orange Bergamot candles
I LOVE this scent. Really seriously love it. It’s the right amount of citrus and a little bit woodsy. And, it’s not overpowering or fake smelling. LOVE it! Which reminds me that I need to go stock up again.  LOL!

Canon 24-70L ii
Meet Millie, one of Mark’s two best pals. She. Is. Awesome! Fast to focus, beautiful color renderings and bokeh, fantastic flare! She is swoon-worthy in the truest sense of the phrase. Seriously, Daniel Craig swoon-worthy. Robert Redford in his hey-day, swoon-worthy. You get the idea.

Coppola Sophia Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine
Yup. I’m adding champagne to my list because it’s festive and fun. I love the Coppola Sophia for so many reasons. It’s a California wine (you can take the girl out of Cali, but you can’t take the Cali out of the girl). It’s dry, but not too dry. And, it’s a *touch* sweet. Have I mentioned that it’s affordable? You don’t need to wait for special occasions. Break out the bubbly, my friends!

Coach Poppy perfume
It’s light. It’s fun and feminine. It’s floral without being annoyingly strong or fake. I really enjoy it.

Frye Tall Parker Lace-up Boots in dark brown
OMG! These were my splurge of the year, non-photography related splurge that is. They are super comfortable. I don’t slip in them, thanks to the rubber soles (which are not visible -yes!). And they are GORGEOUS! Perfect balance of tailored and vintage. I. Love. Them!

Emily Greenfield
Northern Illinois

Moroccan Oil Hair Products
I love each and everyone of these products. My life changed after I began using the Moroccan Oil Treatment which I use on my hair wet or dry. It gives it that nice silky look and has been a game changer for brushing my daughters super thick unruly hair. A little after she showers makes brushing a breeze! The skin care line is just as fantastic!

Mason Jar Tumbler / The Mason Bar Co.
I first seen these beauties on my instagram feed. The 24 oz is my favorite! Not too big and not too small. I think water tastes better out of glass so these make perfect sense to me. I love the different color cuffs, straws and lids they offer to accessorize. Makes drinking water daily so much more stylish!

Bolder Bands
A headband that stays. put. all. day. long. Do I need to say more? Super fun colors and styles. I love that you can wear them thin or thick.

Pretty Photoshop Actions and Overlays
Sometimes my images just need a little extra something to take it to the next level and I know I can get them where I want them with these.  They have such an amazing assortment that it is difficult to choose. Very high quality and I have yet to find one that I do not like.  You can download their free Photoshop Actions to give them a try!

Debbie vdS
Queensland, Australia

The Skimm
It’s a daily newsletter that gets emailed. I start my day skimming the skimm! They basically condense the news into a short, well written, often funny but very readable one-pager. I like to sound like I keep up-to-date with world affairs, ha!

Medik8 Serum
I use it everyday. Its the bomb!

Birkenstocks
Yay, they are back in fashion in Australia for summer. I am a long-time birky wearer, comfort over looks for these old, tired feet and I have just bought myself the white pair!

Monday Morning Cookbook
My go-to cookbook of the moment. They have just released a sequel but the original is the bomb.

Tamra Yandow
Jericho, VT

Sonicare toothbrush
How boring, right, starting with a toothbrush?! I love this thing, and I don’t leave home for an overnight without it! I swear it has saved me much money at the dentist!

Thermos travel coffee cup
I am a coffee sipper, not gulper, and I like my coffee hot. This mug keeps it hot long enough for me to leisurely enjoy every last sip. The portability means that the “leisure” can involve school drop-off and errands like grocery shopping.

Earth Science almond-aloe moisturizer
It’s light, but moisturizes well, and doesn’t have any “yucky” things in it. Plus it’s got SPF 15, which I make sure to use through the winter, too.

Black Rapid strap
Mine is an older version of this one, and may be my best photography purchase to date. I can’t wear a regular neck strap for more than 5 min. without pain, and I can wear this one all day long. I can’t recommend this strap enough!

Amy Drucker
Suburban NYC

iPhone 6
I love my iPhone. I have a 6, but I loved my 5 too. It probably seems obvious to say that my phone helps me feel connected, but I don’t think I can overstate it. Between kids and work, I don’t have much of a social life. Little bits of Facebook or text conversations with my people help me feel less isolated on days when my life is all about the computer or the supermarket or the car – otherwise known as: everyday. But the thing I love most about my phone is the camera. I’m nearly finished with my 4th year of a photo-a-day project and over the years it’s morphed into a mostly mobile project. I love that I have a quality camera with me at all times. Some of my favorite images were taken with my phone!

My Deva Curl
I have crazy curly hair. This stuff is the difference between an unsightly frizzy mess and happy bouncy curls for me. Enough said.

Aquaphor
Specifically the tiny little tubes. I have one in every bag, in my car and on my nightstand. No more chapped lips.

Fly London Shoes
These shoes rock my world. They are comfortable (so comfortable!), cute, and give me a little height (I’m 5’2″). I’m not much for heels – especially on an everyday basis, but a little lift is kind of nice! Every pair I’ve ever bought or tried on feel great.

Melissa Daughters
Bellingham, WA

GameWright
I love GameWright’s line of strategic cooperative play games! My oldest little guy (of three boys) is 8. Between school and extra-curriculars I really feel like we don’t have much time to bond and when we do…well…he’s not much of a talker so it’s more of a 20 Questions from mom type situation. About 6 months ago I bought the game Forbidden Island as a game for my husband and I to play with him and it was a huge success! We have since purchased Forbidden Desert and Gubs as well and the three of us really look forward to our game nights together. Even the 5 and 3 year old like to pop in and “help”.

Decorative Pillows on Etsy
I am sort of obsessed with decorative pillows. It’s a problem. I get bored rather quickly and for some strange reason my husband isn’t game with buying new furniture every 6 months. Enter pillows. I bought cheap pillows at Kmart and then find the cutest covers on Etsy! I switch out for holidays or to give a new accent color or just because I’m tired of looking at the same pillow. For $15-$30 I give my plain white furniture a fun pop! There are a ton of great Etsy shops selling pillows, just use the search engine to find the one that matches your aesthetic. Here’s a new shop I’m eyeing….just look at that Watercolor Abstract Pillow!

Expo Disc
I know, boring, but seriously, I’m in love with it. The ease of use, oodles of time saved in post, and accuracy just makes it a love affair I don’t see ending. I have the 2.0 portrait version, $50 and worth every last penny.

Karen Antonetti
Walpole, MA

Audio Books from audible.com
My obsession with audio books began about 9 years ago when I had a forty minute car ride to and from work every day. I would rent them from the library, and I would have a handful of CDs for every book. Now, much to my library loving husband’s dismay, I have a subscription to audible.com and I download a few new books every month. If you have a bad commute go get an audiobook! You will never look back. It’s like watching a movie while you drive, only much safer!

Tom Ford Jasmine Rouge perfume
If I was a better writer I would be able to come up with a creative way to describe this perfume. But I’m not, so I’ll just say it’s unbelievably yummy. And, like any good perfume should, it is in a beautiful bottle…which as of right now is on a shelf in my closet…but once I ever get around to redecorating my master bedroom it will be on prominent display for sure.

Frye Boots
I bought a pair of Frye Boots about four or five years ago, and I swear they look better as they get older. They are made of beautiful leather and I swear I love them more as they get broken in and worn. One of the highlights of the fall season is being able to put these on.

Dinner A Love Story, by Jenny Rosenstratch
I picked up this cookbook a couple months ago. I am not a good cook. I want to cook well for my family, but I don’t want to be made to feel guilty if I do not, or cannot, accomplish this goal. This book is right up my ally. It provides helpful suggestions while not making you feel like a bad mom if you cannot tackle everything. What I also like about this is that while this is most certainly a cookbook, it also reads like an interesting novel. I think it’s the first time I’m actually reading a cookbook from cover to cover.

Lexie Merritt
Mill Creek, WA

Hunter Boots
Living in the PNW, rain boots are a way of life. I started wearing them a whole lot more after we got our dog, Bo. He doesn’t care if it’s raining for 8 months straight – he wants to go to the dog park and NOW! After my first two pairs of rain boots did not hold up, I decided to make the investment in a pair of Hunters. I live in them during the rainy season, and they are worth every penny!

Birchbox
Earlier this year, my husband and I both signed up for Birchbox. Every month, we each get a box in the mail with about 5 different samples of beauty, grooming, and sometimes even lifestyle items. I love samples and it’s a great way to try things out from high end brands, without committing to a full size product! If you like them, you can purchase the full size from their store. The men’s box that my husband gets is even more awesome – he gets things like shirts, socks, tie clips, etc. If you decide to try them out, I’d love it if you use my referral link!

Lypsyl Cherry Lip Balm
I’m a lip balm snob, so I’ve tried dozens and dozens of kinds, and I’m totally obsessed with this one. I’m a flute player, so keeping my lips healthy is very important to me. Lypsyl goes on so smooth and smells amazing. I’ve only ever been able to find it in Canada, so it’s a good thing I’m only a few hours from the border! Every year, I head up there and stock up!

Misti Dawson
Montana

Glass water Bottle
Liquids just taste better out of glass. Glass also doesn’t absorb odors like plastic so my tea or water never taste funny.

My Happy Light
It’s a must during the long winter months here. It gives me the sunshine I crave and need. Keeps me from making everyone in my house miserable because I get cranky when the sun doesn’t shine.

Sally Hansen Nail Polish
I have a problem, I own every color and paint my nails every other week. There is not a color I will not wear.

Canon 70-200 2.8L
I had this lens years ago, didn’t like the weight so I sold it. I started shooting sports for my kids’ yearbooks and felt I needed to give it a second chance. Now I love it and it’s on my camera 85% of the time.

Katrina Gotschall
Nebraska

Corral boots
My grandmother always said there was nothing like a good pair of boots. After she passed away 3 years ago, I was in a western store, wanting to buy a new pair of dress boots for the first time in many years. A pair beckoned to me, and I have nearly worn the soles off of them. They remind me of her every time I put them on.

Shutterbag USA Heirloom bag
It is the only one in the world in this color of red. I LOVE how it is a shoulder bag, but it converts into a backpack too, and it pretty much carries everything I need on a shoot.

Noosa Yoghurt
Yum. Enough said.

Nikon 105 2.8 Macro.
When I feel “lost”, I turn to macro therapy. There is something spiritual to me in exploring things through my macro; it is metaphorical for me and often gives me new perspective in how I see things around me.

Netflix and Amazon Prime Streaming
During long hours of computer work, I stream it on my iPad next to me and it makes the time pass much quicker.

Wacom Intuos Medium Tablet
Ok, this is 6 things, but I have to put my tablet on the list.  I can’t edit without it!

Heather Meyer
Lynchburg VA

Caribou Coffee K Cups
My morning jump start.

Netflix
My evening wind down. Love my tv series with no commercials!

Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Thickening Spray
This is the best product I have ever used on my hair. Plus it smells amazing.

Febreze Milk and Honey Diffuser
I keep this plugged in all the time in my apartment. It makes it smell so warm and cozy.

Tracy Bradbury
Buckinghamshire, UK

iPad Mini
I use this so much for reading, keeping up with TPW, watching films and so many others things. It really is my most used item.

Tefal Vegetable/fruit Shredder
My Mum bought me this and it gets used all the time!

Estee Lauder Knowing perfume
My favorite perfume, I have tried many others over the years but always come back to this.

Amazon Prime
Its great that I can order items and they are delivered the next day.  This is so handy especially for last minute presents.

Ted Unruh
Littleton, CO

EyeFi Mobi
If you want to up your Instagram game or show off the images to clients on an ipad during a session (they are ALWAYS impressed)? Then you gotta get the EyeFi Mobi. This SD card has built in WiFi that sends images directly from your big kid camera to your iphone or ipad.

Topo Designs Field Bag
Love this bag! It holds my box of flies and extra line on the river and extra lenses at a wedding…it pretty darn versatile!

Nomad Solar Panel
Do you feel tied to your 12v car charger like a leash?  We are outdoors and traveling a lot for sessions in the summer. This is perfect to keep your equipment charged while on the go.

Yeti Coolers
You can’t go wrong with any model…YETI coolers a simply THE BEST. During 1 week trip in Yellowstone we re-iced the cooler ONCE!

Topo X Howler Gaucho Snapshirt
Keeps the sun off, breathes well to keep you cool, yet thick enough to stop the wind. Perfect combo if you ask me. but most important….it looks cool.

Cobb Hikers
Cause hiking boots don’t have to be ugly.

Holly G.
Metro Detroit, MI

64GB iPad Air
Now that I have this, I have vowed to never buy another paper book again. Not that I don’t love to read – but precisely because I do love to read so much! Not only that, but I’m also striving for a minimalist approach in my life, reducing clutter, etc…and it’s great that I can carry a whole library in a slim, sleek little tablet. (Oh, and the battery life is SO much better from my last one, a 16GB iPad 3 – charges literally 4-5x faster AND holds a charge much longer.)

LUSH
All-natural, whole-food, and handmade body care that makes me feel good and smell amazing. I’m all geeked out that they now have my favorite seasonal scents in stock (namely, Christmas Eve Bath Bars and Rose Jam Body Wash). Their Dream Cream Lotion has a wonderfully light scent that doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. And their Fresh Face Masks are lots of fun, too.

Ouidad Climate Control Hair Gel
A little goes a long way for my frizzy/curly hair. I bought an economy-sized bottle of it at ULTA almost a year ago, and I’m still not even 3/4 of the way through it. It’s amazing – it keeps my curls soft and flexible, but tames all the irritating flyways too.

Nikon 85 1.4D Lens
I thank my lucky stars that a fellow photographer offered to sell me her under-used 85 lens about 18 months ago. This has easily become my go-to lens (unless I’m shooting tight and need to pull out my 35 f/2, another great lens btw). I can shoot completely wide-open and still nail focus. The bokeh is like a Monet painting. It focus and shoots lightning-fast. No worry of distortion with portraits. I just totally big-puffy-heart it.

The Coffee Fool
Not gonna lie, I cannot go a day without coffee. It’s not even just the caffeine kick – it’s the taste, that creamy smoothness with just a bit of bite, the warm mug in my hand as I sip it and go about my morning. And this is some of the freshest coffee that I’ve ever had – no bitter or burnt aftertaste. Every batch is prepared fresh before shipment. My favorite varieties are: Dutch Chocolate, Coconut Dreams, Vanilla XXXX, and Fool’s Maui.

Pat Green
Geneva, IL

Sonos | Wireless HiFi
I am a little bit of an audiophile, (aka AV enthusiast) and this wireless home entertainment speaker system fills my home with music. I recommend the Soundbar for hooking up to your TV for surround sound (you don’t’ even need a stereo receiver!) and then spreading numerous Play1/3/5 components throughout various parts of your home. The Sub brings the “thump” that every music lover craves. HIGHLY recommended!

Goose Island Matilda
There are beers… and then there is Goose Island Matilda. Enough said.

Café DuMonde Beignet Mix
For my wife and I, New Orleans is our favorite adults-only destination. With the restaurants, nightlife and architecture, it’s a perfect spot for a weekend away without the kiddos. Our favorite spot? Café DuMonde.  It’s nestled upon the banks of the Mississippi River in the French Quarter, surrounded by artists and musicians. If you have never had their beignets, you truly have never experienced fried dough perfection!

Louisville Slugger Personalized Bats
With 3 young boys at home, a tour of the Louisville Slugger Factory was high on our priority list while driving to a family vacation destination. Once there (or you can even do it online), have your kids provide their signatures and they will be burned onto the end of an official Louisville Slugger bat. We have all 5 of our signatures hanging in our basement and it’s quite the conversation piece!

Daniella Norris
Surrey BC

Kleen Kanteen Stainless Steel Sippy Bottle
This one might not count since it’s not really for me, but I love these! I like that they are mostly stainless steel and I LOVE that they almost never leak – even when the girls dump them upside down and try their hardest to make a giant puddle on the floor.

Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Love, love, love! If I could only keep one lens I’m pretty sure it would be this one!

Spectrum Organc Coconut Oil
I use coconut oil for so much, my face, hair, in my food! I love using a little bit on the almonds when I roast them and it makes an amazing diaper rash cream when you mix it with ground oats.

Bare English Tea Infused Organic Lip Balm
I usually make my own lip balm, but I’m the type who has a lip balm in every pocket and every purse! I love to be able to quickly pick up some great lip balm while I’m out at the store.

For more gift ideas, check out our 2013 TPW Team Favorite Things!

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