Nearly everyone has a photography lover in their life. So, when the time comes to surprise them with a little something on a special occasion, it’s only logical to offer them a gift that will reflect their interest in photography.
For this reason, we prepared a list of the 24 best gifts for photographers. We sorted the gift ideas into different categories to make the experience easier for you. Whether the photographer in your life is a beginner or a pro in their career, we’ve got ideas for everyone.
Best Gifts for Photographers – Our Top 4 Picks
Here are our top picks for each category.
| Top Picks | Best Features |
| 1. Photography Equipment | Lensball | Lensball is a fantastic gift for just about any photographer, regardless of their skill level or expertise. |
| 2. Photography Accessories | Xenvo Pro Lens Kit | Xenvo Pro Lens Kit because not all photographers have a digital camera, but they all have smartphones. This lens kit will take their smartphone photography to the next level. |
| 3. Photography Mugs | Strata Camera Lens Mug | Strata Camera Lens Mug. If you’re looking for an authentic, funny, and fabulous gift for a photographer, a camera lens mug is the way to go. |
| 4. Photography Books and Games | Photography Idea Cards | Photography Idea Cards. It’s hard to find a photographer who’s not open to challenges. This cards pack is just that – a challenge to get out there and get more shots for practice and fun. |
Best Gifts for Photographers List
Enjoy our complete list of gifts for photographers sorted by categories.
Photography Equipment
Photography equipment is the most expensive and also the most challenging category. Each photographer uses a unique set of equipment that works best for them. For this reason, you should do a little research on the type of camera they have and the type of photography the person does so that you can get them an appropriate gift.
1. EMART Photo Video Studio Background Stand
This multi-functional background stand from EMART can serve as a drape-support stand for professional photography sessions. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble and can also be used as a projector screen. The kit includes two adjustable crossbars, two light stands, four spring clamps, two sandbags, and a portable carry bag. There’s also a one-year warranty.
2. Neewer 2-Pack Dimmable USB LED Video Light
Lighting conditions are crucial for photographers. YouTube video photographers who do a lot of low-angle shooting or video streaming will appreciate this dimmable 5600K LED tripod stand. It comes with eight filters with white, yellow, blue, and red colors to create colorful effects when streaming. When combined with a background stand, it’s the perfect combo for photography shooting sessions.
3. Etekcity 24-Inch Photography Reflector
Photographers use reflectors to redirect light towards specifics objects or scenes. The reflector’s primary function is to fix shadows, which makes them ideal for product photography. If you think the photographer in your life could use a pack of reflectors, these can be a great solution. They come in five colors for different picture types, so they can warm up, brighten, bounce, or block unwanted light.
4. Lensball
Lensballs are fantastic additions to just about any photographer’s professional equipment. However, they’re best for those who like to capture fresh perspectives using strange effects. If your special someone does a lot of landscape photography, a Lensball is sure to make their work more creative.
5. DJI Mavic Air 2
Quadcopters have taken the photography and video editing world by the storm in the past few years. They allow artists to explore unparalleled heights and bring their photos to a new level. There are tons of quadcopters out there, but not all are worth it. DJI Mavic Air 2 is a fantastic solution that’s sure to knock your photography person off their feet. It comes at a price, though.
6. QIAYA Light Ring for Smartphones
Smartphone photography is a real thing. Photographers can use a smartphone to take fabulous photos, and light rings are a perfect addition to making perfect beauty shots. This model comes with three lighting levels, a USB charging cable for easy recharges and can also be used on laptops.
7. Lensbaby Omni Deluxe Collection
If a photographer is all about creating special camera effects, they deserve a filter system that will allow them to do just that. This collection works with all lenses and has three effect wands that create camera effects in many colors, crystals, and film styles. These tools are the shortcut to magical and innovative effects photographers, and their clients will love.
8. Mini Photo Studio Box
Does the photographer in your life do product photography? If so, this mini photo studio box may be the best gift for them. It comes with a customized light-bar design, HQ LED beads for high brightness, a multi-angle shooting feature, and is super easy to install. In addition, it comes with six color backdrops and can be taken to any office or shooting place since it’s travel-friendly.
9. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 has quickly become a favorite party picture-taking tool, and it doesn’t need much introduction. If your photographer friend doesn’t already have one, they would surely be amazed to receive one as a gift. Available in a dozen colors, you can choose the best match for their personality.
10. HP Sprocket Instant Photo Printer
Do you know a photographer who has a passion for smartphone photography? If so, they probably take hundreds of photos per week. This portable HP Instant Photo Printer allows them to print their favorite shots on the go. This way, they will be able to showcase their best work no matter where they are. This tiny portable printer can be a valuable tool for anyone, regardless of their photography skills. Of course, if you have a smartphone with a camera, you could use it too.
Photography Accessories
There are hundreds of photography accessories. We picked some universal ones all photographers can use – whether they have a Canon, smartphone, or other photography equipment.
11. CADeN Backpack for Photographers
Does your photography lover use a Sony, Canon, or Nikon camera? If so, this awesome backpack may just be what they need. It’s a unisex camera backpack with just enough space for one camera body and five lens accessories. In addition, the bag is scratch-resistant and waterproof and has additional storage for a bottle, umbrella, tripod, iPad, and other accessories.
12. LimoStudio Lighting Kit
Photographers who do many lighting-dependent shots such as portraits, weddings, or parties can benefit from umbrella reflector lighting kits. This affordable LimoStudio kit comes with two white and two black umbrella reflectors, three CFL bulbs and sockets, and five Velcro cable ties. In short, it’s a complete kit for capturing soft and natural shadows.
13. Xenvo Pro Lens Kit
Xenvo pro lens kit for smartphones is one of the most fabulous accessories for anyone who likes to take shots with their phones. Suitable for iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, Huawei, and most other smartphones and tablets, this lens makes taking stunning people, travel, pet, landscape, and architecture photography easy.
14. Movo CCD Professional Cleaning Kit
Cleaning accessories are always a good gift idea for photographers. This cleaning kit has everything a person may need to clean their DSLR cameras thoroughly. The sensor cleaning kit, microfiber lens cloth, sensor cleaning blower, screen cleaner spray, lens pen, etc., are included. Plus, there’s a LED sensor loupe to help remove microscopic particles on the sensor.
15. SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB SD Card
Memory cards are not typically bought as a present. But if you ask a photographer what they often lack in their equipment, they’ll say external drives and SD cards for storing images. That’s why a photographer will always appreciate additional storage accessories, no matter the occasion. The SanDisk 128GB SD card can be a great side-gift, while the 512GB or a 1TB one is more than enough to be offered on its own.
16. Red Woven Vintage Camera Strap
A free-spirited, creative, and joyful photographer can be spotted from a distance, especially when they wear a handmade woven vintage camera strap around their neck. This all-DSLR camera-friendly neck and shoulder strap comes in wonderful floral patterns your photographer friend or family member would love to have.
17. Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film 50 Shoots
Does the person you’re purchasing a gift for have a Fujifilm Instax Mini Series camera? If so, getting them instant film sheets is the best gift you can offer. Many people using this camera face the problem of running out of the special film and never get a chance to take new photos. With this 50-shot package, you can ensure the Instax camera can catch all the action as soon as you get to the party.
Photography Mugs
Being a photographer often means living on the go. And when the photography person in your life gets rushed to their next session, they can take their coffee with them in a beautiful mug gifted by you.
18. STRATA Cups Camera Lens Mug
Here’s a mug we initially confused for a lens, and so will you. This fabulous no-spill mug with a spoon is the perfect gift for photographers who can’t stand to miss their coffee or tea in the morning. The 13.5-ounce stainless steel mug is also a thermos, keeping drinks spill-proof and warm for hours.
19. TMANGO Camera Lens Coffee Mug
If you’re up for a more budget-friendly but equally fun coffee mug, try the TMANGO one. The 13.5-ounce mug is a replica of popular Canon lens, making it a perfect gift for Canon camera owners. Built like a thermos, this mug is ideal for keeping drinks warm. And if your special someone isn’t a coffee drinker, they can use the mug as a pen holder or a vase.
20. Retreez Funny Mug for Photographers
Here’s a simple and funny mug for photography enthusiasts for their morning cup of coffee. With a funny slogan – “Warning! At any time, I may SNAP” – this 11-ounce ceramic mug is an excellent gift for a friend, sibling, or coworker into photography.
Photography Books and Games
Books and games are great selections when you’re unsure of what the recipient needs or wants. So here is our choice for photography-themed solutions.
21. Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs of People
Rated as one of the best photographers, this illustrated book provides excellent portrait photography tips to those with beginner camera skills. More than 50 photographers share their secrets and techniques for taking perfect portrait shots at home, on the street, or in the studio.
22. Photography Idea Cards
Looking for the best photography game? These idea cards may be what you’re looking for. Perfect for photographers of any level, the pack comes with 72 photo challenges, including household objects, landscapes, and more elaborate scenes. It can be used for teaching photography or as a challenge where the person can draw a card each day to motivate them to get more shots.
23. National Geographic Photo Basics
What better way to learn about photography than from photography masters? National Geographic is known as the place of inspiration for thousands of photographers worldwide, and getting published there is the crowning moment of each photographer’s career. Both digital camera and smartphone photographers can enjoy this easy guide on how to take great pictures written by National Geographic’s experienced photographer Joel Sartore.
24. Digital Photography Complete Course
This complete course in digital photography is a perfect place to start learning photography basics. Your photographer wannabe friend or sibling can learn all about mastering portrait and
Buyer’s Guide
Buying gifts for photographers can be challenging. If you need a hand picking out the right gift, follow our small buyer’s guide.
Be Purposeful
When buying a gift for a photographer, make sure they will be able to use it. For example, ensure the lenses match their camera model, or the camera bag can fit all their equipment.
Don’t Buy Problem-Makers
Would the gift you plan on giving potentially cause problems for the future owner? Maybe they don’t have enough room to store the background stand, or it doesn’t fit their studio proportions. Make sure to know the details before purchasing any equipment.
Follow Your Instincts
If the photographer in your life is someone close to you, trust your intuition. If you believe a new professional cleaning kit would serve them better than the expensive Instax Mini camera, go for it.
FAQ
What Is the Best Gift for Photographers?
The ultimate best gift for photographers is a matter of debate. It all comes down to knowing the needs of the person you’re buying the gift for and making sure it’s purposeful. If you’ve heard your photographer talk about owning one particular item for ages, it’s probably the best gift for them.
How Much Should I Spend for the Gift?
The gift’s price shouldn’t be the top reason why you decide to buy or not to buy a present. For example, if you know the recipient could use an equipment piece that only costs $9.99, why not buy two of them? On the other hand, don’t buy an expensive present if it’s beyond your financial abilities.
Is Quadcopter a Good Gift for Photographers?
A large number of photographers have dreamed about getting a quadcopter at some point. These handy flying devices can get amazing shots, but they’re not for everyone. Since a good quadcopter is expensive, it may be best to first ask their opinion on the device and how it could benefit their photography.
Best Gift for Photographers Revealed
Buying gifts for photographers is not always easy, especially if we’re talking about equipment. First, you need to know the person’s existing tools and exact camera model. However, we tried to include as many universal gifts as possible. If you’re uncertain about getting them photography equipment, there are lots of accessories, books, and photography-themed gifts you can go for instead.