Gifts for a photographer friend
53 Unique Gifts for Photographers
Gift shopping for birthdays and holidays can be a joy or a burden, depending on who you’re shopping for. It can be especially difficult to shop for someone who already has everything, or who doesn’t always say what they want. Fortunately, if that person is a photographer, there’s always something awesome you can get.
Here’s a list of unique gifts for photographers, organized into the following 6 categories:
- Useful Gear and Accessories
- Random But Cool
- Smartphone Photography
- Cameras
- Apparel
- Office Space
There are enough ideas and variety here that you’re sure to find something for every type of photographer, as well as put a few things on your own wish list. But in case you’re still stuck for ideas at the end of this list, check out these t-shirts, mugs, camera straps, and camera bags for photographers, which we’ve excluded here.
Useful Gear & Accessories
When in doubt, get a photographer something useful. These gifts may not seem spectacular, but they’re exactly what a photographer needs.
Think Tank Battery Holder
Batteries can be a pain to find when they’re loose in a bag. With this ThinkTank battery holder, you can keep them organized in one place, cutting down on frustration and giving you more time to shoot.
Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
This Nikon cleaning cloth is one of the best on the market. It’s soft yet durable, and when it’s clipped to your bag, it’s fast and easy to find.
LensPen Camera Cleaning Kit
One downside of cleaning cloth is that it can gather grit, which scratches your lens. Another great option is this Lenspen. One end has a brush for getting off grit, and the other end has a carbon swab for removing smudges. You just screw off the cap, clean your lens, then recap right afterward, keeping both your camera and cleaning kit free of dirt.
White Balance Filter
For an inexpensive yet valuable gift, get this white balance filter.
You can use it quickly and spontaneously to set an accurate white balance, free from yellow, red and blue color casts.
Flexible Tripod
The Joby GorillaPod tripod is perfect for outdoor photographers who want to pack light. They can take it into the mountains to get amazing cliff shots, or strap it onto a tree to get cool shots from above.
Floating Tripod Mount for GoPro Camera
Another necessity for an active photographer who loves their GoPro is this floating tripod by Mystery. You can take it on rafting and diving trips to get awesome group shots, or just use it in your pool for interesting underwater selfies.
Memory Cards
A photographer always needs more space for photos, and these Sandisk memory cards are great gifts.
Memory Card Carrying Case
Already have a lot of memory cards? Get this carrying case to hold them all.
External Hard Drive
An experienced photographer probably already has a good external hard drive (like this one by Seagate), but a new photographer might not.
This gift basically says, “Go for it!”
Protective Case for Filters
This inexpensive protective case by Altura Photo will keep your filters safe and organized. It’s a great gift for photographers who are starting to expand their skills and experiment with new gear.
Lens Wrap
A bulky camera bag can be a burden for some photographers, who prefer using whatever bag they already have. This strong, waterproof lens wrap by Tenba allows for that flexibility without compromising the camera equipment’s safety.
Cheat Sheet Cards
Photography can be a confusing skill to learn. These durable, pocket-sized cheat sheets can help make the learning curve easier with quick examples and explanations to common questions.
Sandbag Weights
Sandbag weights can be a lifesaver on windy days. They keep tripods and light stands from tipping over and blowing away, so you can focus on composing shots instead of keeping your equipment steady.
Gaffer Tape
Gaffer tape is like duct tape, only better. You can tear, handle, and reposition it easily, and it sticks to all kinds of floors without leaving residue. Use it for DIY projects, creative shoots, and on-the-spot solutions to unexpected problems.
Portable Lightbox Studio
A lightbox studio is essential for photographing merchandise to sell online, but you can use it for creative still life shots, too. This one is easy to put together and folds flat for storage, so you can have a mini studio even in a tiny apartment.
Camera Slider
A camera slider is something a photographer might not think to purchase, yet it can be incredibly handy during shoots. It allows for fast transitions between shots, like changing focal points with macro photography. You can also take smooth videos like time lapses or attach it to a tripod for interesting angles. And it works with a smartphone, too!
Adobe Photoshop Shortcuts Keyboard
This shortcuts keyboard skin should really be included with every purchase of Adobe Photoshop.
Random But Cool
Trying to find an unexpected yet cool photography gift? Maybe one of these items will catch your eye.
Green Screen Backdrop
This gift could inspire hours of research and watching videos on Youtube, leading to some fun and creative work.
Crystal Ball
No, not for telling your future. This crystal ball is mainly for creating fantastic, 180-degree images – a different type of magic.
A Photographer’s Notebook
This notebook was made for jotting down details you want to remember about a shoot. You can enter your camera and film settings on one side, then put notes, sketches or whatever else on the other side. The notebook also includes a page for camera and film settings, as well a simple “Exposure Guide Chart” for when you leave your light meter in the car.
A Regular Notebook + Inspiring Quote
Or, you can just get a normal notebook with something inspiring on the cover. Perfect for anyone who’s about to embark on a 365 project.
Lens Buddies
This gift would probably confuse a landscape photographer, but a children’s photographer would think,”YES!”
Photography-themed Magnetic Poetry
You don’t have to love poetry to enjoy these photography-themed magnets. You can arrange the magnets to create favorite quotes, tips, or reminders to inspire your photography every day.
Camera Patent Posters
This set of 4 camera patent posters celebrate the art and beauty of vintage cameras. Created by an award-winning artist in North Carolina, the posters capture the spirit of innovation and engineering behind cameras. They’re cool prints to hang on the wall for photographers and non-photographers alike!
Photography Magazine Subscription
There is something special about seeing photographs in print.
100 Photographs That Changed the World
Pure photography and history inspiration. A perfect coffee table addition.
Camera Cookie Cutter Set
Combine a love for photography with a love for cookies, and you get this.
Smartphone Photography
The cameras on smartphones are getting so good that even professional photographers sometimes use them instead of a DSLR. For a really cheap gift, take a look at these popular iPhone apps. Otherwise, the following gifts are also great choices.
Camera Lens Kit
That’s right–you can use a lens with a smartphone. In fact, why not use a tripod, too? This camera lens kit provides it all: macro lens, fisheye lens, telephoto zoom lens, super wide-angle lens, tripod and bluetooth camera shutter.
Macro Cell Lens Band
For a unique smaller gift or stocking stuffer, try out this macro lens band. It’s easy to use and fun to play with.
Backup Battery
You know that sinking feeling you get when you notice your phone’s battery is dying? It’s even worse when you’re a photographer shooting with your smartphone. That’s why every photographer needs one or two backup batteries like these ones by INIU.
Portable Charger & Flashlight
Backup battery + cuteness by Yooboa.
Waterproof Case for Smartphones
Dropping your phone in water is even worse than having a dead battery. This waterproof case will take away that stress, so you can go out rafting or sailing without worrying about ruining your phone.
Flash Drive for iPhones
This flash drive by SanDisk is one of the easiest ways to store videos and photos from your iPhone. It plugs right into your phone, so you don’t need to transfer everything to a computer first. It’s especially great for trips, since it’s so small and light.
Printer for Smartphone Photos
If you love being surrounded by good memories and pretty photos, this little printer from Fujifilm makes that much easier. It connects directly to a smartphone using the Instax Mini link app, so you can easily print your smartphone pictures at home.
Game of Phones
With this game, you can show off your photos and use your phone during parties without being antisocial.
Cameras
Cameras are always a good gift choice for photographers. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive DSLR. A simple point-and-shoot can be a lot of fun, too.
Holga Camera
Forget perfection. The Holga camera is meant for having fun. If you’re getting burned out from post-processing and technical stuff, take time to relax with this simple plastic camera. The photos will be flawed and beautiful, allowing you to rediscover the joy of shooting again.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film Camera
The Instax Mini is small and cute, and it takes great vintage-looking photos. What more do you need?
Polaroid Originals OneStep+
For photographers who love shooting in manual mode, simple toy cameras can feel too limiting. Polaroid has created the OneStep+ with these photographers in mind. Using a Bluetooth-connected app, it combines the simplicity of a classic Polaroid camera with the creative control of a DSLR.
Plus, it looks cool.
Digital Camera for Kids
This simple digital camera, designed for kids 3-10 years old, can be a great gift for photographers with children. It can create an opportunity for bonding over photography, while also helping to keep the real (expensive) camera gear safe!
Random Vintage Camera
If you want to get a vintage camera but don’t know which one to choose, try out this gift. The store Peace Love Cameras will send you a random vintage camera dating anywhere from the 1930s to the 1990s, along with a printed explanation of who it belonged to. The store will also try to give you some information about the camera, such as the years it was produced, where it was made, and what kind of film it takes. The camera won’t be perfect, but it’ll be in good condition for its age and no doubt fun to play with.
Apparel
There’s no shortage of photography-oriented clothes and accessories. The following gifts are good choices for photographers who like to wear their passion on their sleeve, hands, and neck.
Face Masks
Before COVID-19, a face mask with a camera design might’ve been a really strange gift to give. Now, it’s just another way of saying, “I care about you.”
Buttons
A well-chosen button can be an excellent stocking stuffer, white elephant gift, or decorative touch on a larger present (like a camera). Bonus: they look good on camera bags.
Socks
Colorful socks have become fashionable in recent years, especially for men. Why not combine this trend with your love of photography with camera-print socks.
Necklaces
Camera-themed necklaces can be fancy, inspirational, funny, or kitsch, just depending on what necklace you choose. That’s why it’s best to get a necklace for a photographer you know well, like a spouse (or yourself).
Earrings
Camera-themed earrings can also be hard to choose, mainly because there are so many nice options. Most are fairly inexpensive, though, so you can always get a couple pairs when in doubt.
Cufflinks
Camera-themed cufflinks are a subtle, classy way of showing off your hobby. It’s an especially appropriate gift for a photographer who likes to dress nicely or who goes clubbing regularly to photograph night life.
Fun Lens Cap Holder
Now, your camera can look fashionable, too.
Photographer’s Gloves
These gloves by Igloos keep your hands warm when you go out shooting on a cold day. In case you haven’t already cut the fingertips off of all your other gloves…
Office Space
If you’re slogging away in a cubicle by day, doing something that’s not photography, it can be refreshing to have reminders around you of your real passion. Here are a few desk supplies to lighten up the office atmosphere.
Upcycled Metal Photographer Sculpture
This photographer sculpture can add art to an otherwise dull office desk. Created by a Mexican artisan, Armando Ramirez, each sculpture is made from an assortment of recycled metal and automobile parts.
Because of this, no two sculptures are exactly the same. They’re handcrafted artworks, not mass-produced products from a factory.
Pen & Pencil Holder
This faux camera is probably a better choice for pens than a mug from the office kitchen.
Digital Picture Frame
With this digital picture frame, you can easily show your colleagues and clients all your latest photos. It eliminates the awkwardness of passing around your smartphone, and the larger size and higher resolution will make your shots look better.
Business Card Holder
This business card holder is ideal for a photographer who’s just started a business, or who you think should start a business.
Paper Clips
A small, unique way to keep in mind what you’re going to do this weekend.
22 Best Gifts for Photographers of 2023
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- Gifts for Grown-Ups
FYI
Looking for a gift for your favorite photographer but getting lost in the world of lighting, lenses, and general photography stuff? We’re not at all surprised. Photography gear can get complicated, and it’s tough to know what will actually be useful. The photographers at Wirecutter got together and came up with a list of our favorite accessories to help make shopping a little easier.
Put a frame on it
Photo: MichaelsMichaels offers custom mattes and frames in a huge variety of colors and sizes. The retailer also has all sorts of other useful stuff, such as busts for jewelry, a large selection of textured papers (which can serve as backdrops for small photo sets), and nifty seasonal decorations that work great for product and still-life photography.
The best part is that this store’s prices are affordable, and it almost always offers coupons, too.
—Arriana Vasquez
Lighting lessons
Photo: CreativeLiveI’ve been a fan of CreativeLive since before it offered an annual subscription. It has an extensive library of high-quality tutorials covering nearly all branches of photography and videography. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about anything—from how to use a camera to how to set up complex studio lighting—this is a great resource.
—Arriana Vasquez
A handy hard drive
Photo: Sarah KobosAs cameras continue to evolve, offering more megapixels and better video, their files take up more and more space. The 1 TB WD My Passport SSD is compact enough to tuck in almost any pocket, and it supports transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, for fast photo and video transfers.
In our tests, it emerged as our favorite hard drive, providing the best balance of speed and consistency at a reasonable price.
—Arriana Vasquez
On a roll
Photo: Japan Camera HunterIf someone you love shoots with a film camera and is always hunting around in their bag for the next roll, this case can help them get organized, protect their celluloid, and add a splash of color at the same time. Japan Camera Hunter started as a site where expat Bellamy Hunt sold classic cameras that he sourced from collectors and shops. And in addition to making this popular film case, he has gone on to create a unique black-and-white film and become a source of boutique camera lenses.
—Phil Ryan
Hang tough
Photo: StroppaCamera straps tend to be either utilitarian or long strips of leather, leaving you with few options if you want some color or a soft feel while keeping your camera lashed to your wrist or slung across your torso.
The Polish company Stroppa makes soft rope straps in a rainbow of hues that you can mix with a selection of thread colors as accents plus high-quality leather loops and split rings at the ends to connect the strap securely to the body of your camera. You can choose lengths from 28 to 59 inches (the strap that comes with your camera is typically 42 inches) and select from Flex (all-purpose), Duo (sailing), and Active (climbing) ropes and flat or round styles. We’re partial to the flat, green-and-white Duo 39-inch (100 cm) length.
—Phil Ryan
Selectable sharpness
Photo: LensbabyIf the photographer in your life needs some inspiration, and you know which camera system they use, the Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Sweet 35 optic could be the perfect thing to help them look at the world in a different way. Imagine a lens that has only a small circular area of sharpness, and all around that is blur.
Now imagine that area of sharpness moving around in the photo frame. That’s what a photographer can do with the Sweet 35 (the name refers to the sharp area being circular and the focal length being 35 mm). The link above leads to the Canon EF–mount version of the Composer Pro II, but Lensbaby also has versions for Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts.
—Phil Ryan
Back that data up
Photo: Rozette RagoBackblaze ($70 per year at the time of publication)
A cloud backup service might seem like a weird gift, but backing up is critical. For a photographer, nothing is worse than accidentally losing a bunch of photos because a hard drive failed, or realizing at the last minute that you’re low on hard drive space. Plus, there’s no such thing as too many backups. Backblaze offers unlimited storage, and it’s as easy to use as Google’s or Apple’s computer backup service and cheaper than any other service we tested.
Plus, it’s our top pick in our guide to the best cloud backup service.
—Arriana Vasquez
A blast of fresh air
Photo: GiottosIf there’s one thing that nearly 200 years of photography has proven, it’s that dust and loose dirt will eventually find their way onto the front of a lens. The first instinct might be to wipe it away with a shirt, but the best thing to do is to blow that dust away, not with your mouth (which would expel particles) but with a lens blower. The Rocket Air Blaster pushes a stream of air out the tip when you squeeze the rubber bulb and takes new air in as the bulb expands again. Plus, it looks like a rocket, thanks to the legs that let it stand upright on a surface.
—Phil Ryan
Legs for a smartphone
Photo: Michael MurtaughFor the photographer who enjoys using a smartphone, consider getting them the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit—a tripod with bendable legs—paired with the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount.
Like most smartphone tripods, the combo will let your gift recipient stand their phone on a table, but they can also wrap the legs around tree limbs, sign posts, handrails, or even an arm for taking more unusual shots. The possibilities are endless.
—Phil Ryan
Go-everywhere lens care
Photo: LensPenIf a lens is dirty enough that an air puffer can’t clean it, or if there are fingerprints on the glass, it’s time to try a LensPen. The size of a large marker, the LensPen has a retractable brush on one end and a lens-cleaning tip on the other. Start with the brush to get rid of dust before using the tip, which uses highly absorbent carbon to wipe away dirt or oils on the glass. A carbon-laced pad inside the cap recharges the tip for roughly 500 cleanings. I keep one in every camera bag I use regularly.
—Phil Ryan
Wet wipes for lenses
Photo: ZeissFor cleaning sticky gunk off a lens, your photographer needs a good wet cleaner.
We typically shy away from recommending disposable items, but properly cleaning the glass on a lens requires an absolutely clean, lint-free wipe and a cleaning solution. Zeiss’s wipes fit that bill and already contain an ample amount of cleaning solution. Since they’re individually sealed, it’s easy to toss a few in a camera bag or pocket.
—Phil Ryan
A wider view
Photo: MomentSmartphones can already shoot video that fills an HD or 4K TV’s wide screen, but if your videographer friend’s heart yearns for an even wider, cinematic look (think black bars on the top and bottom), they’ll have to use something like Moment’s Anamorphic Lens. Through a bit of optical magic, the lens squeezes the wider view into a distorted image that the smartphone captures. Then, the free Moment camera app unsqueezes the image to produce an undistorted super-wide picture or video. I don’t shoot much video, but I love using the anamorphic lens for still images. One caveat: To mount the lens on a phone, you must pair it with Moment’s phone case. That said, we like the case, and it’s available for a variety of iPhones, as well as Google Pixel, Samsung, and OnePlus phones.
—Phil Ryan
Spare storage
Photo: SanDiskMemory cards tend to fill up fast and occasionally fail, so giving one to a photographer could save them headaches down the road. We think the SanDisk Extreme Pro 64 GB is the best SD card for digital cameras because it’s fast and spacious enough for most uses, and it has a good price per gigabyte. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Watch out, though, for counterfeit versions, which are still sold through many retailers. Buy only if the Amazon listing says “ships from and sold by Amazon” or if you’re shopping with a reputable source like Best Buy or Adorama.
—Phil Ryan
A better strap
Photo: Black RapidFor the photographer who could use a good strap to keep their camera accessible (or to save it from dropping), we like the Black Rapid Sport Breathe. It’s the most comfortable strap we’ve tested, and the sling style makes taking fast photos super convenient. Unlike a basic neck strap, which uses lugs or clips to connect to the camera, a sling strap connects to the camera’s tripod socket. The piece that attaches to the camera can slide freely along the strap so the camera dangles by the photographer’s side when not in use, and they can just grab the camera and lift it up to their eye faster than they could with a traditional neck strap.
—Phil Ryan
A medium-format starter kit
Photo: IlfordIf the serious photographer you know likes to shoot film, this pinhole camera kit is a relatively inexpensive way for them to experiment with medium-format film.
The kit includes everything to get started: the camera, 10 sheets of 4-by-5-inch Ilford Delta black-and-white film, a three-tray light-tight box for exposed film, an exposure calculator so they know how long to keep the shutter open, and 20 sheets of 4-by-5-inch Ilford Multigrade IV RC paper. Your friend will be on their own in terms of developing the negatives and printing on the paper, but black-and-white development is much easier to do at home compared with color.
Pinhole cameras don’t need to focus—instead they have just a tiny hole on the front of the camera that’s small enough to create almost infinite sharpness from near to far. The only catch is that the pinhole lets in so little light that it forces long exposure times, but that’s honestly part of the charm of this kind of thing for those of us who enjoy it. There’s no zoom lens, either, so it’s a wide-angle camera with about the same kind of view you get from a smartphone’s main camera.
—Phil Ryan
Magical image making
Photo: Michael HessionAny photographer who has ever printed an image in a darkroom is likely to wax rhapsodic about the feeling of sorcery they got while watching a picture slowly emerge as the chemicals did their work.
An instant camera prompts a similar feeling. Our favorite model is the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6. Its 3.4-by-2.4-inch prints are about a half inch smaller in each dimension than the Polaroids that Gen Xers probably remember from childhood, but the images look just as good. In fact, the Instax film produces better-looking photos than you can get from any other instant-camera film currently sold—including Polaroid’s revived instant film cartridges. Plus, Fujifilm’s Instax Square film twin-pack keeps the price per print to about 85¢, less than for new-version Polaroids.
—Phil Ryan
Purple photo maker
Photo: LomographyIf your photographer friend tends toward the psychedelic or enjoys manipulating colors in photos for surrealistic effects, consider giving them film that’s made to shift colors. LomoChrome Purple XR film captures a world where blue becomes green, green becomes purple, yellow becomes pink, and reds remain red.
The result can be dramatic, and the film allows intentional overexposure to vary the effect of the color shift. Best of all, your friend can have it developed using the same standard processing (aka C-41) as Kodak Gold, so they can bring it to any drugstore instead of a special shop.
—Phil Ryan
Lens cap saver
Photo: PlatinumDoes your photographer friend have a habit of putting their lens caps down, or in their pocket, and then misplacing them? A lens cap holder, like this one from Platinum, can solve that problem. It works with any lens and any lens cap. Lens cap savers are all very simple and essentially the same—designed with an elastic loop that connects the lens cap to the body of the camera—and the Platinum model gets good reviews and comes at a decent price. It attaches to the lens cap with strong adhesive, and it could save someone headaches.
Many moons ago I lost my lens cap and didn’t bother to get another one. Then one day my lens got chipped while it was in my camera bag. Don’t let your friend suffer my fate!
—Arriana Vasquez
Little lights
Photo: Neewer“I have too many lights!” said no photographer ever. I have a couple of these Neewer lights; both were gifts, and I love them. They can take AA batteries or large rechargeable DSLR batteries. Because the lights are dimmable, you can dial in the right amount of light for a variety of situations. Plus, they’re small (about 5½ by 6 inches), so they fit in tight spaces. They’ve come in handy multiple times for both photo and video work.
—Arriana Vasquez
No tin to it
Photo: PelicanThis is the exact case that a good friend and fellow photographer gave me over seven years ago after he saw where I was keeping my SD cards (in a mini Altoids tin).
It has dedicated slots for microSD and miniSD cards, a water-resistant seal, and a virtually indestructible casing, all of which adds up to way more protection than an Altoids tin offers. Keep someone’s memories safe—get them this case.
—Arriana Vasquez
A better dongle
Photo: AppleIf the photographer you’re shopping for uses an iPhone or iPad, this dongle could help speed up their workflow. Most modern cameras have some sort of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth ability that lets you move images from the camera to a phone or tablet; although that’s handy in a pinch, the apps are glitchy, the connection can be finicky, and most cameras send only a small JPEG version of the image. With the Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader, your gift recipient can quickly load full-size raw images right onto their iPad or iPhone. It’s handy for on-location gigs or editing on the go.
—Arriana Vasquez
Mini mount
Photo: Pocket-TripodThe Pocket Tripod Pro is an origami-like cell phone mount that, when unfolded, fits into one of the credit card slots of your wallet. When you’re ready to take a photo that needs a little extra stability simply twist it horizontally, flip up the sides, and it’s ready to go. All you need is a vertical surface to sit it on. In our testing, we found it to be surprisingly stable even given its size, making it perfect for group shots, nighttime, or long exposure images.
—Arriana Vasquez
We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.
This guide was edited by Jason Chen and Jennifer Hunter.
About your guides
Arriana Vasquez
Arriana Vasquez is an updates writer for powering, home office, cameras, and hobbies at Wirecutter.
Her hobbies include reading and photography. Her photos have won several awards in various online competitions, and she is the producer and co-host of Old Books Podcast.
Phil Ryan
Phil Ryan is Wirecutter’s editor for camera coverage. Previously, over 13 years he covered cameras and other photo-related items for CNET and Popular Photography. As the latter's tech editor and then senior tech editor, he was responsible for maintaining and refining the lab testing for cameras, and as the main camera tester, he used many of the cameras released in that timeframe.
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30 ideas for any budget
Before the next holidays, we usually ask ourselves: what to give to friends and loved ones?
We will tell you what to give a photographer to make him happy and not miscalculate.
1. Stand. The Tripod is an essential accessory for those who like to shoot landscapes, especially long exposures. A monopod is also suitable for sports photographers who like to shoot on the move, including with wiring.
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2. Subscription to licensed software for the photographer. You can pay for Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop for a month or a year and send access to the photographer's e-mail, who will no longer have to use pirated versions of the software.
3. Backpack for photographic equipment. Backpack for photographic equipment with various compartments for the camera, lenses, tripod, reflector and other accessories is the dream of every photographer who does not yet have such a backpack, but has already accumulated a lot of equipment. Pay attention to the tailoring and quality of materials, as the backpack should be made of waterproof and dirt-repellent fabric. nine0003
4. Reflector. This is a great and, most importantly, affordable gift for a photographer, which will help you shoot against the sun and highlight dark areas of the frame. This is a light and compact accessory that even fits in a woman's handbag, but for a photographer it is worth its weight in gold!
5.
External drive. An invaluable gift for a photographer - storage for his photo archive. No cloud or computer memory can hold the terabytes of photos you want to keep. By the way, you need to store photos not only as memories, but also to confirm your copyright or to send them to customers who may lose their photos. nine0003
6. Unloading. A beautiful and useful accessory for a photographer is a leather harness that allows you to unload your neck and back during long shots. And if you add engraving, the unloading will become an accessory for creating the image of a photographer - such a personal gift is even more pleasant to receive.
7. Drone. An unmanned aerial vehicle capable of taking to the air with a camera, allows you to make crazy natural and urban landscapes, reportage shooting or investigative journalism. The drone can take both photos and videos! This is not only a useful photographic equipment, but also an exciting toy for adults.
And it also allows you to participate in photo contests for aerial photography! nine0003
8. Photo lamp. This is a cool thing for shooting with backlight in low light conditions. With the help of a lantern, you can highlight the silhouettes of heroes, shoot rays between them, or simply highlight faces. The lantern is an essential attribute of all our latest photo tours.
9. Graphics tablet. For photographers who spend a lot of time retouching, especially portraits, a graphics tablet will be a gift that will help speed up processing and make this process as comfortable as possible. With the help of a special pencil and a glove on the photo, you can draw shadows, eyelashes, eyebrows and hair, as if on a piece of paper! nine0003
10. New lens. If you know exactly what kind of lens your photographer friend dreams about, and you can afford to give such a valuable gift, from which he will definitely be delighted! After all, the beauty and quality of photography is 80% dependent on the lens, and only 20% on the camera.
11. Notebook or IPS monitor. We promised gift ideas for every budget, here you go! To process photos, the photographer needs a screen with adequate color reproduction and a computer with a large amount of RAM, since photo editors are very demanding on the power of the equipment. nine0003
12. New camera. If the person you're thinking of giving a camera to doesn't have one yet, you'll have to choose between a soapbox, a DSLR, or a mirrorless camera. Soap dishes should be discarded right away, since now phones are already shooting better than compact cameras. But DSLR or mirrorless, rely on your budget, the weight of the camera and, of course, its matrix. If the photographer already has a camera, then it is better to clarify whether he wants to change it and, if so, to which one.
nine0002 13. Rain cover for camera. All photographers are advised to carry at least a regular plastic bag with them to wrap around the camera in case of rain and protect equipment from moisture.
However, it is much more pleasant to put a special waterproof case on the camera - it looks professional and stylish. You can complement the gift with a beautiful raincoat for the photographer himself and, for example, with stylish rubber boots, as photographers often shoot from the water.
15. Spare battery and flash drive for the camera. These are necessary consumables that always help out in the most difficult moment. If your photographer friend likes to shoot for a long time, goes on photo trips and participates in photo marathons, he definitely needs a safety net in the form of a spare set of batteries and a memory card.
16. Set of light filters. For creative photographers who like to experiment, color filters are useful for shooting in the studio, for example, and neutral grey, gradient and polarizing for landscape photography. nine0003
17. Photophone. For a photographer who shoots objects and food, this can be a very nice gift. You can buy a photophone made of wood or concrete or make it yourself. But you remember that the best gift is the one that is made with your own hands :)
18. Photo box. The white fabric item photography box helps you shoot products for online stores or, for example, manicures. The white walls of the box serve as a perfect white background and reflector, which reduces processing to zero. nine0003
19. Decoration in the form of a camera. A girl-photographer can be presented with a charm bracelet in the form of a camera or a gold pendant of a similar shape.
This gift looks symbolic, but at the same time it is not just a souvenir or a useless figurine, but an accessory that can complement any look.
20. Themed gingerbread or cupcakes. Gingerbread cookies in the form of fotik or cupcakes with chocolate "canons" and "nikons" can be a very nice gift, especially if you bake and decorate them yourself especially for your favorite photographer. You look - and you will get a tasty treat :)
21. Thermal mug in the form of a lens. Why not? When a photographer has no time to drink coffee between shootings, such a mug can even save him from a cold and overwork. Just make a preface to the gift so that the photographer does not at first think that this is a real lens, because you want to present a pleasant gift, not disappointment :)
22. Bathrobe with embroidery. If you are already creative, you can even give a terry dressing gown with a fotik on the back.
This is a warm and cozy gift that will suit anyone, but embroidery can make it more personal. nine0003
23. Camera cleaning kit. This is a useful little thing that any photographer should have. Complementing any gift with a set for the care of photographic equipment, you will show attention and care for the photographer and his equipment, which will pleasantly surprise him.
24. T-shirt or biker with a cool inscription. For such a case, choose high-quality knitwear in a neutral (black or white) color and order photo printing or embroidery with some kind of inscription. To eliminate banal options, google similar phrases on the Internet and come up with something fresher than just “Smile!” or “Now the bird will fly out!” nine0003
25. Photo tour. Show how much you support and accept your loved one's passion for photography, best of all by taking them on a photo trip or even going there together! The organization and conduct of such tours are carried out by professional photographers who share their knowledge and experience throughout the trip.
By the way, our next tour will be to Iceland. Who is with us?
26. Image photo session. nine0008 A shoemaker without boots is not great. Therefore, the photographer must have high-quality photographs. Taking a lifestyle photo shoot or a good business portrait - or just changing your profile picture on social networks - that's what a photographer needs in the new year!
27. Certificate for renting a photo studio. Usually clients pay for a photo studio, but a subscription to rent a favorite photo studio can give a photographer a unique advantage. You can already include the studio in your package of services and thereby distinguish yourself from your colleagues. nine0003
28. Certificate for printing photos and photobooks. Every photographer sometimes needs to update their portfolio, including in the form of photo books. And it can also serve as a unique offer for customers: a package of services and a photo book as a gift! Such a gift will help promote the photographer and demonstrate your faith in his success.
29. Certificate for a photo equipment store. Such a gift will be as versatile as possible, as the photographer will always find something new to buy from photographic equipment and accessories. If you are not sure what kind of gift the photographer needs, it is better to give a certificate for a certain amount. nine0003
30. Certificate for a master class in photography. Every photographer, even the most experienced, needs to constantly develop and draw inspiration. An inexhaustible source of ideas and energy are master classes and photography courses that take place in our photo school. In order not to make a mistake with the choice of a particular course or master class, it is better to give a certificate for a certain amount, and the photographer himself will be able to decide which training format he is interested in.
nine0002 All photos were taken during the classes at the BLENDA photography school.
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What to give a photographer for his birthday and prof. holiday
If among your friends and relatives there is a person who does not see life without a camera, and he invited you to his holiday, then our article will help you figure out what to give to a photographer who is just starting a career, and to someone who has been leading for more than one year photo hunting. After reading, in your piggy bank of ideas there will be more than 40 gift options for a friend with a camera. nine0003
Cushions - cameras will perfectly fit into the photographer's creative room
Content
Technique and equipment as a gift
In no case do not give the photographer large equipment and additional accessories to it, if you are not sure that this item is really needed and fits his camera.
There are two options here: the first is that you yourself are well versed in photographic equipment and perfectly understand what your colleague really needs. The second - the person himself repeatedly mentioned this or that piece of equipment or perhaps asked to give a certain accessory. nine0003
Photo equipment is a costly business. You should not spend money on an expensive gift for a photographer, which will eventually gather dust on the shelf. The decision to give a whole camera to a friend who has been dreaming about it for a long time or wants to update his old model should be balanced and confident, and never spontaneous. It is best to discuss the future purchase with the person for whom it will be perfect. Photographers are picky people. Someone wants to work only with a certain brand of photographic equipment, while someone is used to using the same lens models. nine0003
What large technical equipment can be offered to a photographer to discuss a future gift:
- camera ;
- lens ;
- tripod ;
- optional flash .
2 in 1 Portable Aluminum Alloy Tripod and Monopod Selfie Stick
Others:
- Various photo filters for the lens will help brighten up and enhance the final image without additional processing in special programs. nine0195
- Flash drives and various adapters are also important and useful attributes of a photographer's life.
- Special gloves for winter filming will be an unusual option showing the care and attentiveness of the giver. Usually, models without fingers or with a removable warm pocket for them are chosen.
What to please a beginner photographer
There are more than enough options for giving a photographer a birthday present. With the choice of a present for a person who has only recently started taking pictures, everything is much easier than with professionals in their field or those who do not know what they want at all. Such people will be happy with small auxiliary accessories that you yourself do not always have time to do or simply forget to buy:
- Camera bag is one of the essential items for a photographer.
After all, it is in it that all the most necessary equipment during the filming is stored. Carrying it with you without a special bag is very dangerous and inconvenient.
03 Camera bag with lens compartment, camouflage
Bags are available in different sizes. From a small shoulder bag that only fits the camera itself and has a couple of small pockets for an extra battery and a spare memory card. To large backpacks and suitcases that can fit a tripod, various lenses, flashes and other auxiliary accessories. It is not only convenient, but also safe for transporting equipment. Such bags are equipped with special divisions, pockets and soft sides that protect the contents from shock, water and other unpleasant incidents. nine0003
- Educational books . It just sounds boring. In fact, in recent years, book publishers have released a huge number of beautiful books with inspiring illustrations, examples of photographs of masters of their craft, as well as useful tips and interesting stories.
The camera is a very complex and sensitive instrument. Each model requires its own specific approach. Professional units have a huge number of various settings and shooting modes. You can also understand and learn them with the help of the instructions contained in each box. But it is much more interesting to read about it in an illustrated book. Where experts will talk about their experience, the correct setting of light, various methods of setting up equipment and building a frame. nine0195
Austin Kleon Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work - books for creative expression
See also! Interesting ideas what to give a guy for 22 years: romantic and bright surprises
- Various workshops . Also a good gift option for a beginner photographer. They tell almost the same thing as in the books. Teachers share their mistakes and achievements, show illustrative examples, help to understand everything right on the spot. A nice bonus is that at the master classes you can find new interesting friends with whom the young photographer will associate his favorite business.
Yes, and understanding a new field is much more interesting with someone than alone. In the same place, among those who came, you can find a couple of people who will agree to patiently pose in exchange for the same or another service. nine0195 - Lens cleaner . The most popular and truly indispensable accessory for camera lens care is a special double-ended brush. On the one hand, under the cover, there is a smear for accurate and thorough cleaning of the lens, and on the other hand, there is a retractable brush that helps in the fight against impudent small dust particles.
Optics cleaning kit: dust blower, lens cleaning pen, cleaning wipes, heavy duty liquid
Useful! Find out what book to give a business man, sportsman and family man
- Additional memory cards and batteries . Sometimes, during long shooting, the camera has time to run out of battery, and the memory card is full. And if there is no spare tire at hand, you have to turn off the shooting.
That is why almost all photo business professionals always take spare accessories with them. They don't cost much, but you can't go wrong with them. It is better to take a memory card with the largest amount of space. And to buy a battery, you should specify the brand and model of your friend's equipment. nine0195 - Photo studio rental certificate . This is always a nice bonus. Taking pictures on the street, of course, is beautiful, but sooner or later all untouched places in the city end. Yes, and sunlight or rainy weather does not always allow you to do exactly the kind of shooting that can be done in a studio with artificial light, interesting decor and various little things.
- Phone lenses . Buying a camera lens as a gift is quite expensive and not always justified. A present in the form of a compact lens for the phone will serve as a replacement for him. nine0195
A macro lens for your phone that will allow you to take pictures from a distance, even when you don't have a professional camera at hand
That's interesting too! Excellent gift ideas for a girl: simple and original ideas for all occasions
Walking in nature or going to a celebration, the photographer does not always take a heavy camera with him, and then he may regret the missed shots for a long time.
But the phone is always at hand and everyone. In addition, a telephone lens is not expensive and almost always fits any phone. And the quality is affected very noticeably and weightily. It all depends on the brand of the phone and the location of the built-in camera in it. nine0003
- Remote control and cable for connecting the camera to a computer or telephone . Two very useful and inexpensive items.
Pleasant gifts not related to technology
In addition to the fact that it is very difficult to find suitable large equipment or accessories for it for another person, do not forget that for such joys you need to have good money in your pocket. You always want to make a person pleasant, but it’s not always possible to spend a lot on this good deed. It is important to remember - a good gift is not always an expensive thing. A simple gift for a photographer chosen with love and attention can bring much more pleasant emotions than a rash and unnecessary expensive purchase:
- A cake baked to order with the birthday boy's favorite filling and a camera figurine on it is a great birthday present for a photographer.
Cake-camera with images of the birthday boy inserted in edible film
Please note! An impressive handmade or custom photo gift: ideas and tips
- Photographers spend a lot of time at the computer, processing photos for a long time in special programs. In parallel, many of them like to drink coffee or tea. That is why the win-win option would be to buy circles in the form of a camera lens . The gift is not only symbolic and original, but also very useful, as well as necessary in the household.
- Also an interesting option is the piggy bank in the form of a lens. It is only important to tell the recipient what such a thing really is, in order to avoid unpleasant incidents and consequences. Indeed, due to the careful study of details and external similarity, such accessories are very similar to real lenses.
- An important attribute in the life of lovers of beautiful shots is a telephone. He is always there and will help at any moment to capture a picturesque picture or a joyful moment of life.
Therefore, it will not be superfluous to be waterproof cover for underwater photos or ordinary cover with a picture of retro photography equipment , symbolizing the occupation of its owner.
Other nice little things with photo paraphernalia.
The easiest way to pick up a holiday souvenir for the fair sex. After all, this role can be given to various jewelry or other decorations. These can be:
- rings ;
- pendants ;
- earrings ;
- bracelets ;
- watch ;
- hairpins and decorative rubber bands.
Gold-plated pendant with a pendant in the form of a camera and a precious stone in the lens
Read also! Tips on how to choose, find and present a gift card
For men from this list, only watches , bracelets and beautiful rings are suitable. In rare cases - earrings or clips .
It is important to remember that on all these products one way or another there should be a reminder of the recipient's favorite hobby.
There are many more pleasant little things that can be given to the photographer. The main thing is to approach with imagination and attention to the wishes and needs of a person. So, for example, you can use as a gift a set of themed bedding , various vases in the form of retro cameras , frames for ready-made and memorable photos, stickers , backpacks , postcards , drawings and much, much more.
You can also make something nice and original with your own hands. For example, drawing , clay figurine or papier-mâché . If a creative person, in addition to photography, also loves literature, you can give him a novel or a detective story , where a brave or romantic photographer plays the main role. You can also give a ticket to a photo exhibition , which will help you gain inspiration.
