In any given year, you probably have to have to search at least a few times for a perfect gift for someone who has links to a creative field. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, Christmas, or just because you want to surprise a loved one, finding the ideal item may be challenging. We have put together a complete list of the best gifts for the photographer in your life, so you can relax knowing you’ll always get it spot on. From camera bags and cases to lenses, travel-friendly tripods, photography books, and accessories, here you’ll find a selection of good gifts for a photographer who is either a professional or a novice.
The PRVKE Pack Camera Bag
Featured in National Geographic and Forbes, the award-winning PRVKE Pack Camera Bag is one of the best gifts for the photographer in your life. The design maximizes function with easy side camera access, expandable tripod pocket, and secure pockets. Apart from the weatherproof materials, the bag also features water-resistant zippers. Other features include comfortable backpack-style straps, magnetic tote handles, a laptop sleeve, and a capacity of 21 liters.
Pelican™ 1555 Air Case
For ultimate photo camera protection, choose the Pelican™ 1555 Air Case. An obvious choice for our list of good gifts for a photographer, the case is designed to keep cameras safe in extreme conditions with a proprietary HPX²™ Polymer that is both super-light and extra tough. This version features a foam interior, but you can also order optional dividers for easy gear organization. Other accessories are also available.
Todd Hido, One Picture Book #93: Seasons Road
One of the best gifts for the photographer who already has every type of accessory is a photography book. If you’re still looking for something to surprise a friend this holiday season, the Todd Hido | One Picture Book #93: Seasons Road is a great choice. It features painterly photos taken on the small Seasons Road as artist Todd Hido travels from San Francisco to Ohio to spend Christmas with his family.
Subscription to Aperture Magazine
Established in 1952, Aperture magazine is one of the most iconic photography publications in the world. The quarterly journal has a specific theme for every issue and features both renowned and emerging photographers. Texts written by a wide range of professionals linked to the photography world also accompany the photos. Among the best gifts for the photographer in your life, the subscription comes with three options you can choose from: Archive and Digital, Print and Digital, as well as the complete package of Print, Archive, and Digital Edition.
DJI Mavic Pro Drone Kit
Perfect for photographers who love to shoot landscapes and cityscapes, this kit makes it easy to take stunning aerial photos. Made with a state-of-the-art design, the DJI Mavic Pro Drone Kit features 24 high-performance computing cores, a 12-megapixel camera with Adobe DNG RAW support, a 4K camera with a 3-axis stabilization system, 5 vision sensors, and a transmission system with a range of 4.3 miles. Thanks to the high-efficiency motors, Mavic Pro can fly up to 27 minutes. That’s a lot of fantastic aerial images for one photo shoot.
Rockland Colloid Tintype Parlor Kit
All good gifts for a photographer should have something special, but this Rockland Colloid Tintype Parlor Kit is on a whole new level of originality. The kit recreates the 1800s tintype process of making “instant” photographs. It includes 8 black anodized aluminum plates that are easy to cut to fit into any camera, an emulsion, tintype developer, fixer, and instructions.
Mitch Epstein’s Sunshine Hotel
When it comes to good gifts for a photographer, you can never go wrong with a fascinating photo book. This title from fine-art photographer Mitch Epstein is a great example. Featuring 175 photos taken from 1969 and 2018, Sunshine Hotel takes you on a journey through decades of cultural changes in America. At the same time, the series of images capture the country’s unchanging spirit and the evolution of the artist throughout the years.
3 Legged Thing Ellie-C Universal L-Bracket Copper
Made by 3 Legged Thing, the Arca-type compatible Ellie-C Universal L-Bracket Copper is an ingenious mounting system that brings incredible versatility to photo shoots. Apart from allowing the photographer to easily switch between a horizontal or a vertical axis, the bracket also features two mounting slots, an adjustable horizontal base plate, a vertical component that offers access to camera ports, and a mounting system that suits right or left-side cable plugging.
GNARBOX 2.0 SSD 256GB Rugged Backup Device
Every photographer should have a reliable backup system for photos and video. This is especially true for those who like to travel a lot while shooting. Naturally, our list of best gifts for the photographer in your life includes this must-have GNARBOX 2.0 SSD 256GB Rugged Backup Device. Perfect for those who prefer to travel light without a laptop, the device offers storage of 256GB and has a single-step feature that makes it easy to transfer data without a laptop or phone. Apart from the two USB 3.0 Type-C ports with a transfer speed of up to 350 MB/s, the SSD also has an SD card slot.
DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo Kit
Some of the best gifts for the photographer who likes to travel are compact and versatile. Like this DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo Kit that provides an easy way to mount a smartphone with a width of up to 3.5″ and get the perfect photo or handheld video. Lightweight but ideal for larger smartphones, the kit works with an iOS and Apple compatible app, supports Bluetooth 5.0, and has a built-in battery that lasts up to 15 hours. Other features include hand gesture controls and body shape recognition as well as a new Sport mode.
Pixelstick
Maybe the most ingenious and fun gifts you can buy for a photographer, Pixelstick revolutionizes the art of creative photography. It features 200 LEDs that display colors or images in a vertical line as the user moves the Pixelstick. Working with a long exposure setting, the photographer can capture the images suspended in mid-air or reflected on surfaces, as Pixelstick and the person holding it don’t appear in the final photo. Safe to say, the device offers endless creative possibilities to make stunning artworks. One of the best gifts for the photographer who likes to experiment with their work, Pixelstick also comes with optional accessories like a lens kit and a wireless remote.
Anthropocene
A multidisciplinary project by photographer Edward Burtynsky and filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier, Anthropocene explores the current geological age and the indelible marks left by human activity on the planet. The project includes the launch of a book, feature-length documentary, and interactive website as well as a traveling museum exhibition. Made with 236 pages, the cloth-bound book features haunting images delving into the issues of terraforming, animal extinctions, and landfills. New poems by Margaret Atwood and essays accompany the photographs.
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Motorized Mount Photo Package
There are many good gifts for a photographer, but you’ll need something a bit more specialized for someone who loves astrophotography. The Star Adventurer Motorized Mount Photo Package from Sky-Watcher is a perfect choice. It’s specially designed for long exposure as well as time-lapse photography and video with Solar, Lunar, and Star tracking modes, a built-in polar alignment scope with an integrated illuminator, and a 2.5mm three-segment stereo jack for camera shutter release control. The 3.8″-16 and 1/4″-20 tripod mounts fit most photo, video, or astronomical tripods.
Moment Wide 18mm M-Series Lens
Every photographer should have a wide lens for their camera. And your photographer friends probably do. However, the Moment Wide 18mm M-Series Lens is designed specifically for smartphones, making it a must-have accessories for photographers and filmmakers on-the-go. Made with a simple twist-and-lock design, the lens fits the latest phones from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. The high-end, cinema quality glass offers edge to edge clarity for ultra-sharp and extra-wide images.
Polaroid SX-70 Camera
If you’re looking for the best gifts for the photographer in your life, you can choose something with an iconic status. Like the Polaroid SX-70 Camera – the world’s first instant SLR camera. Launched in the ‘70s, the camera made waves with its instant film that allowed photographers to see their creation in mere moments, without having to develop the film and process the images in a darkroom. This perfectly restored vintage camera has a fold-down design for more convenience while traveling and easy-to-use manual controls.
Per Strada by Guido Guidi
Per Strada by Guido Guidi is one of the best gifts for the photographer who has a connection to Italy, whether it’s a family link or a love for the country. This special photo book features images taken by landscape photographer Guido Guidi along the ancient road of Via Emilia which connects Milan and the Adriatic Sea and runs through many cities, including Parma, Modena, Bologna, and Rimini. Taken from 1980 to 1994 with an 8×10 inch camera, the gorgeous images shows vernacular landscapes as well as glimpses of everyday living on the route.
Iconic Fine Prints
Founded in 1947 as an agency that provided photojournalists the freedom to pursue their creative projects without any pressure from magazines or newspapers, Magnum Photos is an established international photographic cooperative owned by its photographer members. Apart from supporting photographers, the cooperative also has an extensive archive of emblematic images. Aptly named Iconic Fine Prints, the collection includes historic and contemporary photos. All of them are either signed, signed and limited edition, or estate stamped. You can also choose between different sizes.
Kiorafoto Professional Memory Card Case
Some of the best gifts for the photographer who likes to travel may be just practical items that solve everyday issues and also bring peace of mind. The Kiorafoto Professional Memory Card Case is an ideal example. Made with both a weather-resistant seal and an anti-shock polycarbonate resin build, the case can keep 12 SD and 12 Micro SD memory cards safe in transit. It also features a molded rubber lining, snap-on locking system, and eyelet for easy strap attachment.
Master & Dynamic MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
You may not think of headphones as related to photography, but for many photographers who have to travel frequently or work in a noisy environment, they’re crucial. For our selection of good gifts for a photographer, we have chosen some state-of-the-art headphones. Made by audio brand Master & Dynamic, the MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones combine high-end technology with sleek design. They feature heavy grain leather on the exterior and soft lambskin leather on the headband and ear pads for extra comfort. 45mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX™ high-quality audio ensure a clear, rich sound. A battery that lasts 16 hours and intuitive controls complete the design. These headphones also come with a cable, cable box, and canvas pouch.
DxO One Pack for iOS
Products and accessories linked to smartphone are sometimes the best gifts for the photographer who likes to travel light. The DxO One Pack for iOS offers a convenient and compact solution to take smartphone photography to a whole new level. The digital camera has 20.1MP with a 1″ BSI-CMOS Sensor, 30 to 1/20000 sec shutter speeds, and both manual and automatic modes. It can also record 1080p/30 and 720p/120 video. DxO One connects through an iOS device with its Lightning port and comes with the DxO PhotoLab Elite photo editing software.
Peak Design Travel Tripod
Our list of good gifts for a photographer features many practical items, including this handy Travel Tripod from Peak Design. Designed to maximize function but minimize bulk, the tripod packs down to the diameter of a water bottle. Easy to set up, the tripod doesn’t compromise on height or stability. It has a 20lb weight capacity and features an ergonomic camera quick release system, shock-absorbing feet, and built-in mobile mount for phones, as well as a durable build backed by a lifetime guarantee. Plus, all the parts are conveniently replaceable and/or serviceable. We’ve picked the aluminum version, but you can also order it in carbon fiber for $599.95.
Giottos Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the best gifts for the photographer in your life. Take the Giottos Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool, for example. It’s a simple but crucial accessory that can help keep cameras and lenses in perfect shape. The long nozzle can be used to safely blow air in hard-to-reach areas and remove dust particles. Thanks to the silicone rubber with a virtually instant rebound, you can ensure an almost constant stream of air, while the one-way valve on the bottom guarantees that the Rocket Blaster only pumps out clean air.
Tough Tested 24,000mAh Bigfoot 3-Port Solar Power Bank
A practical choice for our list of gifts for a photographer, the Tough Tested 24,000mAh Bigfoot 3-Port Solar Power Bank provides reliable on-the-go charging thanks to a built-in solar panel. Perfect for traveling, the power bank gas a shock, water, and dust-proof build. It features a micro-USB port used to recharge the battery, two 12W USB Type-A ports with QuickCharge 3.0 support, and a USB Type-C in/out port to charge laptops and other devices quickly. This solar power bank also features a four-mode LED torch flashlight.
We Came From Fire
A must-have book for any documentary photographer, We Came From Fire features a haunting and sometimes disturbing account of war conditions in Syria and Iraq. Photographer and documentary film director Joey Lawrence traveled to the conflict area on three separate occasions. Using a medium format camera, he captured the brutal reality and human cost of war with images focusing on Kurdish militias and their fight against ISIS. The hardcover book features 240m pages and 150 photographs as well as the photographer’s essays and personal travel journals.
