56 Best Gifts for Photographers

12 min read

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Sometimes it may seem difficult to buy gifts for photographers. The average DSLR costs thousands of dollars, and professional lenses are not much cheaper.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great gift for the photographer in your life! Photographers love all sorts of things that can go with their shutterbug passions! Please don’t buy another coffee mug shaped like a camera for your photographer friend.

We put together this list of some of the best gifts to help make your next shopping outing a little simpler! These gift ideas are great for photographers of all levels and range from expensive to cute stocking stuffer ideas.

Christmas Gifts for Photographers

Any of these would make a great gift for your professional photographer friend and won’t break the bank. These are ideas you may not have thought of that are enjoyable and practical.

Nikon lens cleaner.

Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

These trusty microfiber cloths are a great gift to help any photographer clean their lens. It works with any camera lens, so it does not need to be a Nikon and is perfect for photographers of all levels and genres of photography.

SD card case.

Carrying Case for SD Cards

This professional case for SD cards is waterproof, durable, and has 22 memory card holding places! Making it the perfect gift for any photographer.

lens cap.

Camera Lens Cap

This universal lens cap should work on almost any lens and is waterproof. Even more, it comes with a lifetime coverage policy and in a pack of two.

sandisk sd memory card for digital cameras.

Memory Cards

With over 100K top reviews online, the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO is a favorite among photographers. It gives them the extra space they need and works quickly and efficiently.

camera strap.

Camera Strap

This black peak design camera strap is a favorite among photographers around the world. When it comes to taking photos, it’s important you have something to help you hold your camera carefully and safely while around your neck or shoulder. You can also invest in a quality wrist strap that looks and feels good.

lenspen

LensPEN Lens Cleaning System

LensPEN is a great affordable gift for any friend! It comes with a brush and soft pen-like extension that helps keep a photographer’s glass clean. It’s easy to find as well and has a sleek design that will make a great addition to their bag.


Birthday Gifts for Photographers

These are some of the pricier gift ideas for photographers, but they need them, which makes them a great investment!

canon camera kit.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera

If you know a shutterbug who is just starting out in their business and needs a camera kit to get started, this is one of the most affordable DSLR cameras on the market that comes with everything they need, including memory cards, lenses, and a price that won’t break the bank.

hard drive.

External Hard Drive

The Seagate Portable 2TB Drive is a favorite among photographers and one of the most valuable gifts you can give a shooter because it helps them back up their work and secures their photographs on the go.

ssd drive.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable solid state disk has over 100k 5 start reviews because it is resistant to many elements, including water and dust! This is the best protection for their photos at an affordable price.

tripod.

Tripod

It’s important that all cameras have a stable base when taking long-exposure photos. A tripod should be inside any photographer’s bag, whether they are advanced or beginner.

gopro.

GoPro

A GoPro camera is a fantastic gift because it’s lightweight and takes beautiful videos. and photos for the traveling photographer in your life! They are very reasonably priced and well worth the investment.


Camera Gear Gifts for Photographers

These gifts make for great gifts for photographers in your life. Surprise them with something they will actually use.

50mm lens.

50mm Lens

The 50mm lens is the perfect gift for any camera enthusiast because it is lightweight and gives crystal clear photography results. The price is reasonable for all its photo capabilities. Almost all cameras are compatible as well with these lenses.

waterproof case.

Aquapac SLR Camera Waterproof Case

This plastic container is perfect for protecting any photographer’s lens. We often shoot in different weather elements or on boats, and if you want to waterproof your camera lens, this is a great gift idea.

smallest tripod.

Platypod Ultra Flat Tripod

This lightweight tripod is perfect for small, lightweight DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras. Help your photographer friend travel light with this gift.

unique lens.

LensBaby

These LensBaby lenses work great for DSLR cameras. They combine a simple lens with a ball to create special effects in your photos. These are great for playing with bokeh and for making your photos unique.

filter for lens.

Lens Filters

A filter is a small and lightweight piece of glass that sits in front of the camera lens. Filters like polarized, UV, or neutral density filters are especially useful for landscape shooting in bright light conditions. They work to reduce glare and enhance the colors and contrast of an image. Filters also help prevent lenses from being scratched or damaged.


Camera Bags for Photographers

As photographers, camera bags are one of our most important investments. Many times we travel for work. While we are off to see the world or bike to a new client, we need to make sure our gear is safe and well protected.

ONA bag.

ONA Bowery Camera Bag and Insert

Photographers love this sleek and versatile design bag. Even more, these camera bags are built to last and look great while traveling or shooting any event!

billingham camera bag.

Billingham Hadley Pro Shoulder Bag (Khaki/Tan)

This classic camera bag is a favorite among photographers. The price tag comes in a bit higher but with good reason.

Peak design backpack.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2

Photographers love the protection this bag offers because it’s not easy to slip into while you are on public transport. It looks like a typical camera bag that keeps pickpockets and other problems away while traveling as well.

pelican protection case.

Pelican Air Case with TrekPak Dividers

This hefty protection case comes with a hefty price. But that is because it is made of some of the most durable materials to keep all your gear safe. It’s perfect for storing your camera gear under a plane, bus, or car trunk. You can rest assured your gear will be safe in this stable case.


Film Gifts for Photographers

We love a film gift for a photographer. These can range from prints, cameras, and development! Rediscover the origins of photography!

polaroid camera.

Polaroid Camera

This retro Kodak camera comes with everything you need to take instant photos, including packs of film and much more! Enjoy images on the go as you print your photos with Polaroid!

compact photo printer.

Fujifilm Instant Photo Printer

This compact printer attaches to your smartphone for instant printing! Also, it gives you the option to add interesting filters and much more. Bring images to life in real-time.

single use camera.

Ilford XP2 Super Single-Use Camera With 27 Exposures

Remember the days of winding film and only having 27 chances to take a great photo! Well, you can relive those days with this single-use camera.


Photography Education Gift Ideas

Courses are a great gift for any photographer. There are a ton of online courses that your photographer friend or family member can take on their own time and better their skills whether they are already pros or beginners.

365 photography project.

365 Days of Photography Course

This 365 Photography course is great for photographers of all levels! Every day you join Kevin Lj as he gives you a bite-sized photography lesson. It’s a great way to learn photography in a fun way or better your craft. Each lesson is around 10 minutes long and ends with a fun challenge to test what you learned!

52 week photo challenge.

52 Week Photography Project

The 52 Week Project is a gift that keeps on giving! Every week, members will get access to a themed video and a challenge to help them master a new genre of photography. The project focuses on creativity and technicality. Within a year, photographers will be guided and trained to become the best possible versions of themselves. As a student, you can meet other photographers, request constructive criticism, and much more.


Photography Magazines and Books for Photographers

Books make a great gift for photographers. We are always looking to better our work and be inspired by the newest and greatest work of others. Consider one of these photography books or magazine subscriptions.

the photographers eye book.

The Photographers Eye: Composition and Design For Better Digital Photos

This book focuses on not only composition but the psychology behind what makes great photographs. It’s the perfect gift for the photographer in your life, no matter their level of expertise in shooting.

how to photograph everything book.

How to Photograph Absolutely Everything

This book really covers everthing there is to photograph in the world, including landscapes, weddings, and animals. It covered the basics and much more. What makes it so valuable is how well it’s organized and easy to follow.

business practices for photographers.

Best Business Practices For Photographers

Maybe you know a photographer who is struggling to earn money shooting, or maybe they could be making more. This book helps any photographer learn the business ins and outs of running a company so that they can make money doing what they love!

digital photographer magazine.

Digital Photography Magazine Subscription

The digital photography magazine comes out monthly and is available in paper and digital form. What we love about it is its pack full of all the latest and greatest in photography as well as discounts on accessories for photographers.

PPA.

Professional Photographers of America Subscription

This magazine is free with your PPA subscription. You should definitely buy a yearly subscription for the photographer in your life because with it, you gain valuable tools for your photography business and they also provide legal advice and protection.


Smartphone Gifts for Professional Photographer Friends

Another great gift for photographers is anything smartphone-related. Smartphones all have built-in cameras, which become more and more high-tech! I often pull out my smartphone for those quick shots instead of my big DSLR camera as a photographer myself.

Moment lens.

Moment Tele 58mm Lens

This mini lens is easy to mount to your smartphone and provides a more professional look to your photographs. Your photographer friends will love using it on the go!

wireless camera control.

Wireless Bluetooth Camera Shutter Remote Control for Phones

These wireless bluetooth camera shutter remote controls are lightweight and work with any phone. If your friends are struggling with blurry phone images and don’t want to carry a tripod around, using one of these remotes is the perfect solution.

A remote shutter release allows you to take photos from afar.

Remote Shutter Release

A remote shutter release is a must-have in any photographer’s camera bag. This allows a photographer to take beautiful long exposure photos. Without the risk of bumping the camera when pushing the shutter release which would create a blurry image.

smartphone lenses.

5 in 1 Wide angle, Fish Eye, Macro, Tele, CPL lens for Phones

This all-in-one smartphone lens kit is perfect for phone photography. Every photo will come out different when you use the 5 different light lenses that come in this kit. You can’t beat the price as well!

ring light.

Ring Light

Using a ring light is great when shooting on your phone. The ring light is easy to use and takes anywhere you need it. It balances the light on your face making you look more beautiful and professional on camera.


Unique Gifts for Photographers

These are great gifts for photographers if you want something quirky and fun! Every photographer needs a little light-hearted fun sometimes. These are great gift ideas for the advanced or beginner photographer friend in your life.

desktop camera organizer.

Vintage Camera Desktop Organizer

This adorable stationery is shaped like a camera and makes a great addition to any photographer’s desk. Help them stay organized and look cute while doing it.

This is a fun gift for the photographer man in your life. They will appreciate the originality of these fun and modern cufflinks!

camera cube.

The Level Camera Cube

Many photographers struggle with keeping their camera level while shooting. This affordable gift helps them do just that! They simply attach it to the top of their camera and immediately know if what they are shooting is level.

GoPro go fetch dog harness is a cool addition to your photography kit.

GoPro Fetch Dog Harness

This has got to be one of the coolest and cutest photography accessories out there right now. A GoPro Fetch dog harness sits a camera on top of your dog’s body as they go exploring. Simply attach the GoPro and then watch the world from your dog’s perspective. You can choose to video their adventures or snap some stills as they get themselves into mischief.

Custom, personalized mobile phone case with your own photo inside.

Custom Mobile Phone Case

A mobile phone cover is a fun and easy way to feed the photography obsession. For a personalized touch put their best photo on a custom mobile phone cover. This way, they can be reminded of their photo skills every time they take their phone out of their pocket.

Lens cup coffee mug.

Lens Coffee Mug

Coffee and photography go hand in hand with this present designed to fuel both addictions. These super cool camera lens cups are a great addition for the photographer who has everything.


Affordable Gifts for Photographers

If you want to buy something nice but don’t have a lot of cash to spend, this list of gifts is perfect!

crystal ball.

Crystal Ball

This lensball or crystal ball is perfect for adding more creativity to any photo. Simply shoot through the ball and watch as your images come to life. We wrote an entire article dedicated to using one of these fun balls.

Check our exclusive review here.

unique battery holder.

Think Tank Battery Holder

Batteries often get lost in your bag. But this Think Tank Case will help your photographer friend stay organized and relaxed about their precious batteries staying safe and sound.

Cleaning kit.

Cleaning Kit

Any photographer knows that taking care of a camera and its lenses is a never-ending battle. A small, portable cleaning kit is a must-have addition to a photography lover’s gear bag.

A good cleaning kit should include items like a lens cloth, cleaning fluid, blower, and brush to get rid of those pesky dust particles. We love this kit which comes in its own handy carry bag.

Sturdy and strong small mini grey and red tripod for dslr cameras.

Mini Tripod

This mini tripod is a great pocket-sized tripod with a versatile ball head. Handy for hikers or travelers, it’s simple to mount a camera and sturdy for both video and photos.

black and silver monopod.

Monopod

Unlike a large tripod which can be both expensive and cumbersome to carry around. A monopod is a great alternative to get steady photos. Cameras can be mounted on the top of a monopod for steady images in low light.

Reflector is a must to improve lighting.

Reflector

A reflector is a cheap and easy way to elevate the lighting conditions of almost any shoot. Whether they are shooting still life, portrait shots, or product photography a reflector is bound to come in handy.

A reflector should come with gold, black, and silver panels for bouncing light. As well as a white and translucent part for diffusing light. Reflectors like this are portable, foldable, light, and easily carried.

white balance, metering and reflector kit to add to a photo gear bag.

White Balance, Metering and Reflector Kit

A collapsable white balance kit is a great addition for photographers looking to take the next step. These help in making sure that the white balance in their camera is correct when shooting.

These are suitable for someone who is a little more knowledgeable on white balance and the technical aspects of taking photos.


Design Gifts for Photographers

If the photographer in your life needs help with marketing or making their website look more pro, consider one of these gifts.

smugmug.

SmugMug Subscription

SmugMug is your all-in-one photo website. They offer storage, sharing, and an easy-to-use sales platform to make money selling prints and other gifts.

presets for lightroom.

Lightroom Presets

Lightroom presets are an easy way to speed up editing time. With the click of a button, their images will change from average to professional and clear photos. Depending on their style, there is an abundance to choose from, including retro, portrait, and even real estate.

canva.

Canva

Canva is an all-in-one design website. For a yearly fee, it provides beautiful templates for your Instagram, Facebook, and much more. It’s a great investment for any business.

shutterstock.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock provides stock images for companies around the world. A subscription. is a great gift because it helps photographers earn money and add photos. to their own work.

community membership gift.

500px

500px is one of the world’s leading websites for photographers to share and discover inspiring photos. A membership of 500px allows photographers to design and host their own portfolio on the website.

This is a great idea for photographers who are just starting out or are new to the business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these photography-themed gifts and accessories are something every photographer who loves their craft will enjoy! Whether you spent a lot or a little, you will find a good gift on the list to help your photographer friend or family member make the most of their camera and passion! Did we miss a great gift idea?

Drop us a comment below with a link to your favorite camera accessories or photography gift that photographers will love!

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Krystal Kenney is an award-winning photographer residing in Paris, France. She has been photographing for over 10 years and enjoys teaching others about the craft. She spends most days shooting events, portraits, and weddings around Paris and working on writing new books.
Krystal Kenney is an award-winning photographer residing in Paris, France. She has been photographing for over 10 years and enjoys teaching others about the craft. She spends most days shooting events, portraits, and weddings around Paris and working on writing new books.
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