Technology Archives - Page 3 of 41

Complete This Ultimate Photo Scavenger Hunt This Spring Break

Looking for a fun Spring Break activity for you and your family? Get your smartphone or camera ready, we’re going on a scavenger hunt! To help inspire your creativity and encourage you to experiment with photography, our London Drugs Photolab invites you to participate in the ultimate Photo Scavenger Hunt this Spring Break. Each of the photo categories below will challenge you to examine your surroundings from a different perspective, experiment with different photography styles, and hone your photo-taking skills. Plus, you can share your scavenger hunt photos with us on Instagram for a chance to win a $100 printing credit for our London Drugs Photolab!

Here’s how to participate in our Spring Break Photo Scavenger Hunt contest:

Follow @LDPhotolab on Instagram
Share your scavenger hunt photos on Instagram with the hashtag #LDPhotoScavengerHunt to be entered for a chance to win a $100 LDPhotolab printing credit!

You can post one entry per scavenger hunt category, for a total of up to 20 entries. The more categories you enter, the more chances you’ll have to win the $100 prize! Make sure to indicate in your caption which category your photo is fulfilling. The contest runs March 15 – April 5, 2021. Official contest rules can be found below.

Plus, your photo could be selected for a feature on our Instagram Stories!

Tips to Get You Started

This photo scavenger hunt is meant to get you thinking creatively about your surroundings! Once you’ve looked through the list of categories above, here are a few photo tips to get your started:

Think outside the box – You don’t have to take the categories literally! For example, ‘something green’ could be the colour green, or something environmentally-friendly.
Try a new perspective – Before you take the shot, consider if a low or high perspective would add to the photo’s interest, rather than simply shooting it straight-on. Sometimes, a change in perspective can convey an entirely different message.
Try shooting on film – One of the things people enjoy most about film photography is that it makes you think more intentionally when composing and capturing your shots. Plus, there’s the wonderful feeling of excitement that comes with seeing your newly developed photos for the first time! If you don’t already have a film camera, we offer a selection of single-use cameras and instant cameras. And if you already have a film camera, we have you covered, with a selection of film products as well. Of course, we can also develop your film for you when you’re done the roll!
Get creative at home – You don’t have to leave the house to participate. Just get creative with the categories. For example, ‘an uplifting sign’ could be a sign you see through your window, and blossoms could be from a house plant.
Challenge friends/family – Why not create some friendly competition? Challenge your friends or family to see how many categories they can capture within a set amount of time. Or delegate one person as a judge, and have awards for the top photos based on photographic skill, artistic sensibilities, emotion, impact and originality. This could be something you do together with your bubble, or connect virtually with those outside your bubble afterwards to share your photos.

Proudly Displaying Your Scavenger Hunt Photos

Once you’ve completed our scavenger hunt, it’s time to admire your photos! You might just find you’ve taken some real gems. Before those photos disappear into the abyss of your smartphone or memory card, why not do something more with them?

If you’re particularly proud of one of the photos you took, consider printing it as an enlargement you can display. We can print all the way up to 44×96 and offer mounting up to 24×36. Aluminum metal panels, canvas gallery wraps or our fine art prints (like Kauai and Baryta) are also great options if you want to really elevate your images. If you can’t decide on just one image that you love, create a collage with all of your favourites!

If you participated in the scavenger hunt as a family, you can create your own personalized Spring Break photo book, with pages featuring each person’s images. Your photo book could also include images beyond just the scavenger hunt, from bike rides to baking at home – however you’re spending time together! Considering this Spring Break will look vastly different than usual, it’s worth documenting all the ways you and your family made the most of your time at home this year. It will make a valuable keepsake you can look back on years from now.

We look forward to seeing all of your Spring Break Photo Scavenger Hunt snapshots over on Instagram with the #LDPhotoScavengerHunt hashtag!

Spring Break Photo Scavenger Hunt Contest – Official Rules

To enter:

Looking for a fun Spring Break activity that will inspire your creativity? Participate in our Spring Break Photo Scavenger Hunt!

Follow @LDPhotolab on Instagram and share your scavenger hunt photos with the hashtag #LDPhotoScavengerHunt to be entered for a chance to win a $100 LDPhotolab printing credit! You can post one entry per scavenger hunt category, for a total of up to 20 entries. The more categories you enter, the more chances you’ll have to win the $100 prize!

Spring Break Photo Scavenger Hunt Categories

Blossoms
Letter L
Bird
Something tall
Rain boots
Reflection in a puddle
Something green
Candid
Outdoor mural
Unique building
Prized possession
Something with paws
Canadian flag
Someone smiling
Sunset
Beautiful landscape
Uplifting sign
Shadows
Something close up
Selfie

Contest Dates: March 15 – April 5, 2021

No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) entry for each category listed in the Spring Break Photo Scavenger Hunt (the “Contest”) – up to a maximum of twenty (20) entries per social network per contest. Contest will commence on Monday, March 15 2021 and all entries must be received no later than 11:59 pm Pacific Time on April 5, 2021, 11:59pm PST. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected. All entries become the property of London Drugs Limited and will not be returned.
Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who, as of the date the prize draw is made: (i) have not won a London Drugs contest since April 5, 2020; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as at March 15, 2021 (iii) are not employees of London Drugs, or any family member living with any such employee.
Entries must be posted as a feed post on a public Instagram account to be eligible.
In the event of a dispute as to who submitted an electronic entry, the entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the Instagram account associated with the entry. “Authorized account holder” of an Instagram account is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an Instagram account by the applicable social media platform
The entrant must clearly indicate in the caption of the Instagram post which category the photo is fulfilling. If the entry is not clear which category the photo is fulfilling, both in the caption and in the photo, it will not be eligible. London Drugs reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant should entrant’s registration be incomplete, not meet all requirements of these official Rules, or contains inappropriate or offensive content. Your entry may be rejected if (in the sole and absolute discretion of the London Drugs) is not fully completed with all required information and submitted and received in accordance with these Rules during the Contest period.
A carousel post that features multiple photos will only be considered as one entry (the first photo in the carousel).
In the event that more than one entry is posted per scavenger hunt category, only the first entry collected (starting from the bottom of the contest hashtag on the Recent hashtag search tab) will be eligible.
Entries must be posted to Instagram between the dates of March 15, 2021 and April 5, 2021. Entries posted before this date will not be eligible (this includes entries that were posted before March 15, 2021 and were edited to add the Contest hashtag between March 15 and April 5, 2021).
The selected entrant will be randomly chosen by London Drugs on April 8, 2021 in Vancouver, British Columbia, from all eligible entries received. To win, selected entrants must have correctly answered the skill-testing mathematical question on the online entry form and must sign London Drug’s declaration and release confirming compliance with the contest rules and acceptance of the prize(s) as awarded, releasing London Drugs from liability in association with the contest and prize and consenting to the use of their name, photograph, voice and statements for promotional and publicity purposes.
There will be 1 (one) prize awarded to 1 (one) winner: prize is one (1) promo code for the London Drugs Photolab valued at $100. The promo code will have an expiry date of December 31, 2021. Prize must be accepted as awarded, is non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. London Drugs reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should any prize become unavailable for any reason. Prize will be awarded via email or the social network it was drawn from.
Only one prize may be won by any one person and household. In the event that any selected entrant incorrectly answers the skill-testing question or is otherwise unwilling or unable to comply in full with these rules, a new entry will be drawn.

Contests dates: March 15 – April 5, 2021

Draw Date: 12:00 PM Pacific Time: April 8, 2021

Selected entrants will be contacted by email, or social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the selected entrant does not respond then she/he will be notified for the second time, 3 (three) days after the first notification. If the selected entrant still does not respond within 3 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.
The chances of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Decisions of the judges in respect of all aspects of this contest including, but not limited to, eligibility of entries and correctness of answers given to the skill-testing question, are final.
London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization, and their respective agents are not liable to an entrant in any manner relating to the contest or the awarding and use of the prize(s). Contest winners must hold the copyright and necessary consents and licenses to any image they provide for entry into the contest.
This contest is subject to all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. By entering the entrant consents to the collection of all personal information included on their entry and agrees to the use and disclosure of such information by and between London Drugs and their agents. The winner(s) also agrees to the collection, use and disclosure of their name, entry, photographs, voice and statements for London Drugs’ publicity purposes without further compensation. All personal information collected from entrants will be used only for the purposes of administering the contest and for marketing and promotional purposes as contemplated by these rules; under no circumstances will any personal information be sold or rented to third parties. All personal information collected by London Drugs will be kept in accordance with the privacy policy of London Drugs, which can be viewed at londondrugs.com, and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.
This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or any other social media platform which may be used to communicate this contest. All such entities are completely released of all liability by each entrant in this contest. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the contest should be directed only to London Drugs.
London Drugs is not responsible for any failure of any website during this Contest, nor is it responsible for any problems or technical malfunctions of computer online systems, servers, access providers, computer equipment, software or any e-mail, online or internet entry lost due to technical problems or traffic congestion on the internet or at any website or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to an entrant’s or any other person’s computer or property related to or resulting from playing or downloading any material in the promotion.
The right is reserved by London Drugs to terminate this contest, in whole or in part, and/or modify, amend or suspend the contest, and/or these rules in any way, should any cause beyond the reasonable control of London Drugs or its agents affect the proper administration thereof.

Statement of Declaration and Release

All selected entrants will be required to sign the Statement of Declaration and Release attached before they can be declared a winner and receive a contest prize.

Pro Tips for Photographing Your Pets and Immortalizing Their Cuteness

Especially with so much time spent at home lately, you may be running out of subjects for your photos – but what about your furry friend? They make a great pawtography subject!

To help you get started, we’ve launched a new video all about taking pet photos over on our Photolab’s DIY Studio! Our Photolab members have free access to all of our DIY Studio modules, which are a great resource of insider photography tips to help you improve your photos. If you don’t already have a Photolab account, you can join for free here. In our latest video, pro photographer Erin Manning is sharing lots of helpful tips for taking great photos of your pet – she’ll even show you how you can immortalize their purr-fect little face on all kinds of fun pet photo items, from pillow cases and tumblers to key chains and pet bowls.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy camera, your smartphone will do just fine! In fact, Erin has some clever tricks that will help you take even better photos of your pet using your smartphone. Get a sneak peek of her pet pics video below, and watch the full DIY Studio video here!

Once you’ve got some great photos of your fur babies (thanks to the photo tips you picked up from DIY Studio), here are some fun and adorable ways to share them.

Make Your Pet a Meme

A creative way to put your best pet photos to use is by captioning them with something funny! If you’ve got an adorable photo of your tired doggo, why not add that photo to one of our photo mugs, and add some text like: ‘Mondays, am I right?’ or ‘Case of the Mondays’? The possibilities are endless – just take a look through your collection of pet photos and see which ones have humanlike attributes you can associate with them. A quick online search for ‘pet memes’ will give you lots of ideas to get you started!

Our Photolab makes it easy to customize every part of your mug, from the colour to the photo, theme and text. Just customize, order, and pick-up in-store or ship to home. It’ll be a great way to make you smile first thing in the morning (even if you’re not a morning person!).

Immortalize Their Hungry Face

Snapped a great shot of your pooch mid-lick or tongue-wagging? Sounds like the perfect photo to customize a pet bowl! Our Photolab offers two pet bowl sizes, small and large, so you can pick the right one for your pet. Then just choose from the available photo templates that include fun pet patterns, and customize the number of photos featured on the pet bowl, from one to nine photos (because who really can pick just one?).

Treat Them to a New Pet Tag

Upgrade their pet tag with a beautiful aluminum one that is fully customizable! Portrait-style photos are great for this (make sure to follow Erin Manning’s tips in her pet photos video). Just choose from one of the three pet tag shapes, bone, heart or round, and then add your photo. You can also add your pet’s name to the tag too, if you like. We also recommend customizing the back of the tag (if you choose a double-sided tag) with your contact information, in case your beloved pet ever goes missing.

Turn Your Fur Baby into Fine Art

Yes, you heard that right: that great photo you took of your fur baby is worthy of a fine art print! Choose from beautiful papers like bamboo, Baryta, Kauai, canvas, metallic paper, and metallic canvas, each of which offers a unique and elevated look to your images. Frame the print of your photogenic pup and hang it above your desk, or anywhere else in your home so they can put a smile on your face every time you see it. In fact, if you’re particularly smitten with your pet, why not create a whole gallery wall to honour them? Mix and match frames and print sizes for a bit of added visual interest.

Preserve Family Moments Together

Your four-legged friend is part of the family, and being able to see them grow together with the rest of your family is so precious. Preserve those sweet moments together by turning them into keepsakes, like this photo puzzle. Once you’re done piecing it together, take it apart and pass it along to another family member to complete, or frame it and hang it on your wall!

Of course, your pet photography doesn’t have to be limited to just cats and dogs. Many of Erin Manning’s pro pet photo tips (and our ideas for preserving those photos) can be applied to pet birds, gerbils, lizards…or whatever animal has captured your heart. There are also lots more tips available on DIY Studio covering everything from composition and lighting techniques, to how to improve the look and sound of your video calls. More helpful videos are coming soon on DIY Studio, so make sure to check back for new videos.

A don’t forget – if you’re snapping pet photos from your smartphone, make sure to download our London Drugs Photolab App (available for iOS and Android) to order quickly and easily straight from your phone. When ordering photos or other products with your prized pet on them, you can choose to have them shipped to your home, conveniently pick-up in-store, or select curbside pick-up if available at your local London Drugs location.

We’d love to see what you create with your pet photos! Share with us on social media by using the hashtag #LDPhotolab.

Tech to Keep Your Fitness Goals on Track

Keep your New Year’s resolutions on track with these helpful tech products. With a wide variety of activities, these handy gadgets can help make sure you are on pace for the best year yet!

Watches

No matter the activity you choose, keeping track of time is usually a key factor in achieving your goal. Whether doing intervals on the track, or going for a 30 minute cruise on your bike, a watch is a great accessory to help. The Timex Ironman is the true classic, introduced in 1986, the original sport watch is still as practical today as it was then. With a timer, stopwatch, and alarm, it performs all the tasks you need to track your workout times.

Timex Ironman Watch

Timex Ironman Transit – Blue

Timex Ironman Transit – Pink

Smart Watch

If you want a watch that can go the extra mile, a smart watch is what you need. With a variety of options on the market with various features, make sure to compare options to find the one best suited for your needs. Smart watches have added abilities like tracking your route using GPS, a heart rate monitor, or a step counter. Some can also sync with your phone allowing you to receive text messages or calls on the go.

Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Multisport GPS Watch

Timex Ironman R300 GPS Smartwatch

Fitbit Charge 4SE – Granite

Fitbit Charge 4 – Black

Satellite Messenger

For those who like to venture into the backcountry to exercise, a satellite messenger is a handy tool to ensure you keep safe. With the ability to connect with love ones beyond the reach of cell service, these are great for back country runs, bike rides or adventures.

Spot Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger

Sports Headphones

Getting inspired during your fitness routine is another important element to remain focused. Whether listening to music or podcasts, a pair of dedicated sport headphones is a must have. Specially designed to stay on while you move, you’ll never have to worry about them falling out. Being waterproof is a big plus too, ensuring you can get sweaty or wet during your workout. These options will ensure your music mix keeps you going, or your favourite podcast keeps your mind off the pain.

JBL Under Armour Flash Sport True Wireless In-Ear Headphones

JBL Reflect Flow True Wireless Sport

Smart Speaker

If you’re looking to get active at home, then consider a smart speaker. Changing songs, or podcasts while in the middle of your workout routine has never been easier with their voice activated commands.
Pro tip: You can also set yourself reminders via voice, for that to-do list item you only remember while struggling through those last few reps.

Google Nest Mini Voice Assistant Speaker

Amazon Echo Show 8 Voice Assistant Display

Apple HomePod mini

Games

Getting active doesn’t always require endless exercise. There are many games available to get you moving. If you’ve ever played Just Dance, you know that it can be a workout in its own right. There is also the Nintendo Switch Ring fit, which gets you moving while on a mystical adventure. You can even track your pulse estimate with its built-in IR motion sensor.

Just Dance 2021

Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure

We hope this gave some ideas for great products to help you achieve your fitness goals for 2021.

6 Movies For When you Just Need a Break

We all need to take time and relax every now and then. A movie is a great way to do so. If you are having a bad day, bad week, or just need to refresh on the couch, watching a fun movie is a great way to reset your spirits. Keep reading for some great picks to lighten the mood.

Babe and Babe: Pig In The City

Babe, everyone’s favourite sheep-herding pig will delight the family in this 2 movie combo. In the original film, Babe learns he’s cut out for herding, against his owners wish. The sequel takes babe and a gaggle of animal friends to the big city to help save Arthur Hoggett’s farm. With plenty of light hearted laughs, and adorable characters, these movies are family fun for parents and kids alike.

The Pink Panther Cartoons

The Pink Panther is paws down the world’s grooviest cartoon star. In 1964, this pink-inked feline slinked onto the opening credits of Blake Edwards’ caper film by the same name and threatened to steal the entire show. This digitally remastered Pink Panther cartoon collection is the perfect companion for everything from a few minutes to a few hours of laugh inducing entertainment.

Bad Boys for Life

Action packed, and full of laughs, the Bad Boys Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett come back together for one last ride in the highly anticipated Bad Boys for Life. A great last hurray for this mid 90’s hit franchise, sure to help you escape reality for 2 hours and 4 minutes.

The Land Before Time

This is another great adventure for the whole family. For some this will remind them of their childhood, for others it might be a whole new discovery. Voyage back in time with Littlefoot, Cera, Spike, Ducky and Petrie – a group of very different young dinosaurs who find themselves thrown together when the world around them quickly changes. With one common dream of making it to the lush, legendary Great Valley, they quickly learn that they’ll need to overcome differences and trust each other in order to survive.

Ocean’s 8

The latest addition to the Oceans series has Debbie Ocean planning an elaborate heist at the biggest event of the year, the Met Gala. The target, 150 million dollar diamond necklace that’s around the neck of world-famous actress Daphne Kluger who will be center stage at the event. Laugh along as her and the team of specialists she’s recruited, as they try to do the impossible.

Aladdin

Soar away to “a whole new world” in Disney’s animated masterpiece Aladdin. Join the charming street rat Aladdin, the determined Princess Jasmine and the hilarious Genie (voiced by the unforgettable Robin Williams) on a wondrous journey filled with action, laughter and Academy Award-winning music.

We hope whatever your movie taste, we’ve inspired some fun ways to escape for a bit and unwind in the realm of cinema. Remember we have everything you need for your home theater, and a wide selection of Blu-Ray and DVD’s.

Gift Ideas for Tech and Home Entertainment

Someone on your list loves tech, and you need to find them the perfect gift? Fret not, we are here to help. With all your tech in one spot, we make finding that perfect gift, easy. With options like block rocking home surround sounds, the hottest tablets & computers, head thumping earphones, and everything in between, we are sure to help you find that special something. If you are looking for gifts for the photo lover, check out our photographer gift ideas blog here.

Tablets

A tablet has become an extension of many peoples’ lives. Great for streaming, reading, connecting, and just about everything really. If you have one, you know they are the perfect gift for those who don’t.

Huawei MediaPad

Settle in with your favourite apps and streaming content with a Huawei MediaPad. available with 9.6 and 10.1 screens, and various configurations, you are sure to find the perfect match for your needs and budget.

Samsung Galaxy Tablets

With a large selection of options on the market, the Samsung Galaxy line up has a tablet for everyone. From the ultra portable 8 inch Tab A, to the 12.4 inch S7+ powerhouse, stream, scroll and create with ease. Storage options from 32gb all the way to 128gb will ensure you have enough space for all your content while on the move.

Computers

Asus Vivobook

If shopping for a student or young professional, this ASUS VivoBook laptop has the upper hand when it comes to work or study. The AMD Quad Core R5 processor and 8GB of system memory ensure seamless multitasking and dependable operation, while the AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics bring out the best in videos and games. This lightweight laptop comes equipped with a 256GB solid-state drive for convenient file storage. Boasting a 15.6-inch Full HD frameless NanoEdge display, this ASUS VivoBook laptop delivers exceptional picture quality.

Acer Chromebook

For those who want the traditional key board, but with streamlined functionality to tackle assignments at school or home, this Acer Chromebook 514 laptop is the answer. The quad-core Intel Celeron processor delivers dependable power for everyday use, while the 4GB of standard memory provides convenient storage for spreadsheets, photos and documents. This laptop boasts a 14-inch Full HD ComfyView display for an immersive viewing experience. With four USB ports, this Acer Chromebook 514 laptop makes it easy to customize your setup with external drives, wireless accessories and other peripherals. .

LG 22 inch LED Gaming Monitor

Complete your gaming computer setup with this LG 21.5-inch gaming monitor. Full HD resolution delivers clear, detailed images, while the AMD Radeon FreeSync technology and 1ms response time help prevent tearing and ghosting for seamless playback. Flicker-free technology works to reduce eyestrain to keep you in the game longer. VESA mount compatibility allows for versatile placement options. This LG 21.5-inch gaming monitor comes equipped with VGA and HDMI video inputs for effortless integration with your current computer configuration.

Google Nest Hub

Give the gift of connectivity. Control all your smart devices with this Google Nest hub. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you connect to your home automation system, while the Bluetooth technology pairs with your smartphone or tablet for access to streaming content. A touchscreen display makes it easy to navigate through alerts, upcoming activities and menu options. Compatibility with Google Assistant offers advice, answers and other helpful information. This Google Nest hub boasts a mute button, so you can enjoy added privacy when not using the voice command features.

Thinkware F70 Dash Cam

Give the avid driver peace of mind with the successor to the best-selling Thinkware F50 Dash Cam. The F70 builds on top of a winning recipe to offer the same discreet and compact design, coupled with an all-new image sensor for improved recordings in low light conditions, and the latest Energy Saving Mode for increased Parking Surveillance duration.

Sony 75-Inch 4k HDR Ultra HD Android TV

For the streaming lover, consider bringing vibrant colour and stunning clarity to movies and shows with this 75-inch Sony 4K Ultra HD LED smart TV. X-Motion Clarity technology enhances action films and sporting events, while the Ambient Optimization technology automatically adjusts the picture and sound for a more immersive home theatre experience. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility makes it easy to find content on your favourite streaming media sites using this 75-inch Sony 4K Ultra HD LED smart TV.

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar

Enjoy the quality of the cinema in the comfort of your own home with this JBL Bar 5.1 soundbar. Bluetooth connectivity supports online and music streaming, while JBL MultiBeam technology powers high-quality audio around your family room. The wireless subwoofer boosts the bass and optimizes your audio, delivering incredible surround sound. Including a wall-mount bracket kit and hardware, this JBL Bar 5.1 soundbar lets easily you set up your own home theatre in almost any room.

Skullcandy Mood Boost Headphones

If you’re looking for something bright and unique, in a black and white world of earbuds, these Skullcandy Sesh Mood Boost true wireless earbuds are the answer. Integrated controls let you adjust the volume and answer incoming calls hands-free, while a long-lasting battery and included charging case deliver up to 10 hours of use. Noise-isolating technology keeps ambient sounds to a minimum. An IP55 rating offers sweat, water and dust resistance, so you can use these Skullcandy Sesh Mood Boost true wireless earbuds during morning runs or outdoor training sessions.

Panasonic Earbuds

Panasonic true wireless Bluetooth earphones are sleek and great as a stocking stuffer. The long-lasting battery design delivers up to 20 hours of uninterrupted playback, and the convenient storage case doubles as a charger for a portable power source. A high-performance MEMS microphone makes these earphones ideal for answering incoming voice calls hands-free. Equipped with premium 6mm drivers, these Panasonic true wireless Bluetooth earphones bring sharp, detailed sound to music, podcasts and voice calls.

Vinyl Records

If you want to get something extra special, why not their favourite album on vinyl? With a wide selection of new titles and classics, we have vinyl records for all musical taste. Nothing better than listening to an album on vinyl on a cozy winter eve.

We hope you have found something for everyone on your list. Be sure to check out our other gift guides for more great ideas this holiday season.

Gift Guide – Gift Ideas for the Photo Lover

Looking for the perfect gift for the photographer in your life? We’ve curated some ideas in our gift guide for the photo lover. From unique accessories to the best cameras, we have something for whoever you are shopping for this holiday season.

GoPro HERO 9

Everyone loves a GoPro. Versatile, compact, and powerful, with a wide assortment of mounts, a GoPro can keep up even in the most extreme environments. From snorkeling, to sky diving, this camera will keep up with just about anything. Great gift for the adrenaline lover in your family.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

Great for all ages, this Instax camera revives the pre digital revolution instant photo experience. Creating one of a kind prints instantly, it’s great for little ones and older ones alike. Don’t forget to pick up some film to go with it, or a stylish case!

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera

The Sony ZV-1 is the all in one power house for the budding content creator. Designed specifically for vlogging, featuring built in WiFi for quick and easy uploads. It’s 3″ swivel LCD screen and advanced autofocus makes sure your images stay sharp, and you can keep an eye on your shot, even when it’s of you! It’s an all in one power house that everyone will love.

Photo Accessories

Acessories are always a great gift. Anything from a new bag, travel tripod, microphone or a sling camera strap, there is sure to be an accessory that is a perfect holiday match!
With so many options for the camera lover, these are but a few suggestions to start. Be sure to browse our full camera section here to find the perfect gift.

Canon R6

If you are looking to get serious with your photo related gift, consider the all new Canon R6. With a 20MP full frame sensor, and DIGIC X processor, this powerhouse camera can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second and 1080 HD at 120 FPS. With Canon Log and HDR HQ output options, seasoned filmmakers can get the precise edits they need.

Betsey Johnson Camera Drop Earrings

These cute earrings are the perfect accessory for the photo enthusiast in your life. Show them you know what they love with these unique earrings that show off their passion even without a camera in their hand.

Photolab gifts

Remember our Photolab also has a wide assortment of gift ideas. From mugs, to express photobooks, even puzzles, there is sure to be a gift that strikes your interest. Many items are available to order and pick up before Christmas, right until the 23rd of December. Click here to view our order deadlines to have your item before Christmas.

6 apps and tips to virtually connect with your family – including for Christmas dinner

The holidays will definitely feel different this year by not being able to gather with friends and family. But that doesn’t mean that Christmas is cancelled! With the power of technology, you’ll still be able to hear your uncle’s dad jokes, or your cousin’s elaborate stories – it will feel as if they were seated right at the dinner table with you! We’ve compiled a list of video call apps and equipment to use, as well as some set up tips and tricks to help make this year’s virtual Christmas a memorable one.

Best Apps to use for Video Calling

With all the apps and services out there to choose from, it might be overwhelming to know which one to use. Below, we have broken down some great video calling apps, and what sets them apart to help you choose the right one for you.

Zoom
Zoom is an excellent choice if you have larger families, as you can call with up to 100 people using their free plan, although only for 40 minutes of video calling. It works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here for a Zoom how-to set up guide.

Facetime
Facetime is great for those Apple product lovers, as it works on all Apple devices such as iPads, iPhones and Mac computers and laptops. You can host a video call for up to 32 people. Click here for how to set up FaceTime.

WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a great choice for video calls when you have friends and family living across the globe. You can have up to 4 users, and the calls are on the phone’s data plan or via WiFi, so voice calls do not use up any of your phone minutes. It works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here on how to set up a WhatsApp group video call.

Skype
Skype is another great app to use, especially if you have family living in other countries. What makes it a little better than Whatsapp is that it lets you make free international calls online for up to 100 people for audio or video conferencing on any device (Hello, big virtual family gathering!) Works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here for how to set up a group chat in Skype.

Houseparty
If you love being the life of the party (or your friends and family do), you’ll love Houseparty. It’s a social networking app that allows up to 8 people to video chat at once in a “room,” plus you can also play games on it, such as Heads Up!, Trivia, Quick Draw and more! Works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here to learn more about Houseparty and how to set it up.

Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger lets you easily chat and video call with your friends and family. It’s great because most of your friends and family will probably already have it if they have a Facebook account, making it an excellent choice for those who aren’t as tech-savvy. Plus, video calls have a limit of 50 users. Works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here for how to set up Facebook Messenger group video chat.

Set Up Tips

Lighting
Of course, you’ll want to look your best when video calling with your friends and family, since someone might request a group screenshot to capture the moment. If you are using a laptop, set up a light source behind and above your screen. This way, your face will be nicely lit up and visible. Also, use lighting from multiple sources and angles, so that it is dispersed nice and evenly. This can help you avoid harsh shadows casting on your face or in the background.

Sound Check
Nothing is worse than not being able to hear your video caller, or them struggling to hear you. If you have a microphone plugged in, make sure your computer isn’t sticking to its default audio input device. Check by making sure your microphone settings on your computer are correct. You can check on a Mac computer by clicking the volume control in the menu bar and selecting “sound options.” In the “Input” tab, make sure that your external microphone is selected from the list. Once it is selected, ensure that the “Input level” bar is moving to show that the computer is picking up any sound. Lastly, check that the volume slider isn’t all the way down.

If you’re using a PC, right click the volume icon in the taskbar and select sounds. Choose the “Recording” tab and choose your external microphone from the list. If you are using you computer for the first time or it is fairly new, you can select “Set up microphone” to go through the Microphone Setup Wizard.

Go Hands-Free
If you don’t have a laptop and will be using your phone, instead of awkwardly propping it up on your table, use a mini or table top tripod. This way, you can eat or do other things while you chat with friends and family. As well, many tripods have convenient, bendable legs that you can securely place on any type of surface or wrap around anything, like a floor lamp post.

Tidy Up!
Lastly, if you’re planning a big family video call, make sure the space in the background is somewhat tidy. The last thing you want is a big pile of dirty laundry sitting in plain sight, or the dishes you forgot to put in the dishwasher the night before on the counter behind you. It’s not the end of the world, but it might save you some embarrassment!

Take it to the Big Screen

If you have your set up ready to go, take it one step further and run your video calls through your TV screen! It is a lot better than hunching over a laptop or trying to see everyone on a tiny mobile screen. If you have any Apple or iOS devices, use a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter. Just plug the adapter into an HDMI cable, hook the cable up to the TV, and switch to the appropriate input.

If your laptop has an HDMI port, you can also simply plug an HDMI cable from the laptop straight into your TV. For newer Macs and Windows PCs with USB-C ports, you can use a USB-C to HDMI cable. Once you have plugged it in, press Windows-P on a Windows laptop to switch between display modes. Choosing “Second-screen only” will disable your laptop’s screen while it’s connected to the TV.

BONUS TIP: If you own a camera, you can also check out our blog on Using Your Camera as a Webcam | How-To Guide for Better Video Calling at Home.

We hope you found this blog helpful on how to virtually connect with friends and family over the Christmas holidays. From choosing the right video call app or service, to setting up, and even using your TV for enhanced visual and sound, it will feel like your loved ones are right there with you!