Top Small Businesses in Washington, D.C. for Unique Photo-Related Gifts

Washington, D.C. is a vibrant city brimming with talented artisans and unique small businesses. For those seeking photo-related gifts, the D.C. area offers a variety of options ranging from custom prints to handcrafted frames and vintage cameras. Supporting local businesses not only helps the community but also ensures you find one-of-a-kind items that make perfect gifts for photography enthusiasts. Here’s a guide to some of the best small businesses in the D.C. area for photo-related gifts.

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW)

Location: 545 7th St SE, Washington, D.C.

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is a community arts center that offers a range of photography classes and workshops. It’s also home to a gallery that features local artists’ work, including stunning photo prints that make for unique gifts.

Highlights:

• Photography Classes: Gift a photography class or workshop to help someone improve their skills.
• Local Art Prints: Purchase beautiful photo prints from local artists.
• Custom Framing: The workshop can also provide custom framing services to make your gift even more special.

Pro Tip:

Visit one of their gallery openings or art shows to find exclusive photo prints and meet the artists.

Washington Photo Safari

Location: 1661 Penn Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

Washington Photo Safari offers guided photography tours of the city’s most picturesque locations. This is a perfect gift for photography enthusiasts looking to explore D.C. while honing their skills.

Highlights:

• Photography Tours: Gift a tour experience where participants can learn and take photos of iconic D.C. landmarks.
• Personalized Instruction: Tours are led by professional photographers who provide personalized instruction.
• Gift Certificates: Available for purchase, making it easy to gift an unforgettable experience.

Pro Tip:

Combine a photo safari gift certificate with a custom photo book to create a complete photography gift package.

Gallery Underground

Location: 2100 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA

Gallery Underground is an art gallery in Arlington, just across the river from D.C. It showcases the work of local artists, including photographers, making it a great place to find unique photo prints and art pieces.

Highlights:

• Local Photography: Purchase prints from local photographers that capture the essence of the D.C. area.
• Art Shows: Attend monthly art shows and exhibitions to discover new works.
• Custom Orders: Work with artists for custom photo-related art pieces.

Pro Tip:

Visit during one of their featured artist events to find exclusive prints and meet the creators.

Photoworks at Glen Echo Park

Location: 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD

Photoworks is a photography program located at Glen Echo Park in Maryland. It offers classes, workshops, and exhibitions that cater to photography enthusiasts of all levels.

Highlights:

• Photography Classes: Gift a class or workshop to help someone develop their photography skills.
• Exhibitions: Purchase prints from local artists showcased in their exhibitions.
• Darkroom Access: For film photography enthusiasts, consider gifting darkroom access.

Pro Tip:

Sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about upcoming classes and exhibitions.