MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

That's what I do. Pre-Covid, my husband and I traveled extensively. I spent most of our 1st two trips stressing over and shopping for items to bring back as a "thank you" to neighbors who took care of keeping the home fires burning while we were away. That just took so much of the fun out of the trip for me. Hubby came up with the suggestion of making up calendars of my photos to say thank you. Did my first ones for 2013 from our 2012 trips. Those calendars were a HUGE hit. Last year, I inadvertently left someone off my list, and boy I heard about it almost immediately. Family, friends, and neighbors really look forward to their calendars. The first ones I had made up were the standard 8 1/2 x 11. The last 2 years, I switched off to the 14 x 11 size - almost twice the price of the smaller, but well worth the price difference IMO. Those were an even bigger hit. PLUS, the added advantage is that if a calendar recipient really likes one of the images, it's really simple for them to just frame and hang it on their own. If a larger
print or if a canvas, acrylic, or metal print is desired, I handle that for them and just ask to be reimbursed for my out-of-pocket cost. I use Costco for the calendars and have the photo fill the entire page for each month. For the most part, I have been very happy with Costco. Next year's calendar was the exception, but Costco made it right very quickly.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Exactly.
A mug,
a scarf,
a necklace,
a candle,
a picture,
a gift.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I would never give art work as a gift unless you knew ahead of time it was something they wanted. My house is loaded with photos and paintings but each was selected because of size and colors to match the room. If you give art, the people feel like they must display it in case you stop in and that is not a gift anyone wants!

My wife (the artist) gave me a painting for my personal room and a few months later asked my why I did not put it on the wall. I told her that I was saving it for the gardening season. I felt that if I put it in my garden the crows would bring back stuff they stole 2 years ago. Wrong response!

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

I just had some calenders printed for Christmas gifts. Nothing wrong with sharing the beauty of a great photograph

axiesdad Loc: Monticello, Indiana

Thank you. I think you just articulated what was really bothering me. Given to the wrong person a picture could be the bunny PJs from "A Christmas Story."

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Of course it a great gift- why hesitate!

Many years ago, I taught my kids that it's easy enough to buy a greeting card but MAKING one with your own artwork and thoughts is unique, more personalized and will be greatly appreciated by the recipient. When I receive things that friends or family have crafted- somethg knitted, carved, homemade, any kind of artwork unless it is food- I keep it forever.

I give framed prints all the time. I try to create them especially for the recipient and wait for a holiday, birthday, or another occasion to present them.

This has nothing whosever to do with ego! Think about it- you are taking the time to create something using your own skills and talents and presenting it to someone- you can't buy that in a store or order it from Amazon!

Shoot it, print it, sign it, frame it, and gift wrap it! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

kotography4u

If the photographer (or any other gift-giver) is a work colleague: "I have it hanging at home. It looks great." Even take a phone photo of it for them showing it hanging on the wall for a second where something else normally hangs.
If the photographer is a neighbor or relative: "I have it hanging at work. It looks great." Rinse and repeat.
No hurt feelings and if you took a photo, you have a reference point if they visit home/work and you want to reconstruct your memory. Admittedly untrue, but a white lie like "I like your haircut!" and could be better than hurt feelings brought on by bald honesty or resentment due to having to hang something that really isn't good or liked. All in all, I think people like to receive something you have put effort and thought into, even risking that it might not be their "cup of tea."

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Photos and art make great gifts. Just be sure what you give is in their taste/liking.

bobbyjohn Loc: Dallas, TX

What you think to be a photographic masterpiece, another person might perceive as ho-hum or worse, junk. The better solution is to gift a Digital Picture frame, and let the recipient pick which photos he wishes to show in a forever slide show. You could also gift a SD card with your masterpiece photos for a starter...and the recipient can elect to keep or discard your images. I have NIX Digital Picture frame and it runs continuously during awake hours with pictures dating back 35 years to the present, combining both family photos (most taken by me) and landscape photos from professional photographers and from UHH which has some really good photographers!

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

I too have given framed prints of my work as gifts. The recipient may have commented on their liking of a specific photo. All have been very well received. I think the degree of knowing the recipients 'taste' is a factor.

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

Have done it many times. However I only give my photos to those that I KNOW will appreciate them.

Be proud of your talent, you worked hard to refine it to the art it is!!!

Thanks,
Boone.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Your ego has not run amok. It really means your a talented Photographer. May I suggest two avenues to approach. When we went on vacation to Barcelona, Spain, at least on memory card’s worth had art quality photos. Some in color and many in B&W. I made a few additional Copies. I matted them signing my name and date. I put them in a high end custom 10x15 frame. They hang in my friend’s homes.
The second avenue involves more work on your part. So if your not up to it, don’t do it
As a pharmacist in a major city hospital, I noticed myself and other staff being burned out by the pandemic. I suggested to the hospital’s administrators if they would be interested in creating a Respite Room, were Healers Can Heal. They liked the idea.
A hospital room was stripped of all electrical panels and was created to look like a living room. No TV, just books, employee paintings and photographs. Nothing patient orientated can be discussed. And no computers or laptops are allowed.
If you believe your talent is worth sharing, then step up to the plate. Ego is just a three letter word.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

What happens if they don't <really> want a digital frame?
(Now they have to find a place near an outlet...)

Better solutions are dependent on the recipient.
A better solution in general? Doubt it.

Sergey

This is exactly how I feel. Like I'd force them to hang it because they don't want to offend me