Jon Sienkiewicz

Mom’s Day is Sunday the 13th and Dad’s is next month. In this era of extended multilayer family structures, gifting all of the parental figures in your life could run into some serious cabbage, so here’s a rundown on some useful and thoughtful items that won’t drain the ATM. And if Mother’s Day slipped your mind—there’s still time to give something more meaningful than a Whitman Sampler from the 24-hour drug store.

With the exception of a birthday cake or sand castle, few Americans have the opportunity to own something that is handmade. The new Bannoch photo messenger bag from Glasgow-based Trakke Ltd combines style, functionality and handcraftsmanship to create a true luxury experience. Keep this on your radar for Mother’s Day (13-May this year), Father’s Day and June Grads. If you want to present a gift that will last a lifetime, think stinging nettles.

There is only one photo accessory that improves 100% of your images: the tripod. However, traveling with an extra set of legs can be cantankerous. Ask any centipede. Our friends across the pond have a couple new products that eliminate the temptation to leave the tripod at home.

Throughout history, photographers (famous and not so) have described photography in their own words. This article isn’t about that—because that horse has been ridden so many times that the saddle sores have saddle sores. This is a request—an invocation if you will—for you to express how YOU define photography.