Best Photography Gifts (An Evergreen Gift Guide for Photographers)
This is a curated list of photography gift ideas I actually use and love. They’re practical, meaningful gifts for photographers who shoot film, digital, or both.
As a photographer, I often get asked what gifts to give someone who already seems to have all the gear under the sun. It’s a fair question. Our closets are stuffed with lenses, flashes, and gadgets. Over time, I’ve learned that the most meaningful photography gifts aren’t the biggest or priciest ones. They’re the thoughtful gestures that show you get our passion, or the simple tools that save the day in a pinch.
Everything here comes from hard fought experience, from lifesaving little accessories to quieter, more soulful sources of inspiration. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist, these ideas go beyond the cliché of “another camera lens” and focus on things that bring real joy, convenience, or creative spark.
The Mundane Gear That Saves the Day
Every photographer has that nightmare scenario. You’re in the middle of a once in a lifetime shoot, let’s say, the bride is walking down the aisle and bam, your memory card fails or your battery dies. I’ve been there. During one wedding I shot, an SD card decided to corrupt itself mid ceremony. It was truly one of the most terrifying moments of my life. Fortunately, I had packed a handful of spare cards and was swapping them regularly, so we didn’t end up missing anything incredibly important. That adrenaline fueled incident taught me a simple truth: the most boring gear can be BY FAR the most essential.
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Consider the “boring” stuff that a photographer might not splurge on for themselves but absolutely needs. Think of spare memory cards, batteries, or a rugged portable hard drive for backups. These might not make flashy Instagram posts, but they will earn you eternal gratitude when they save someone from a potential disaster. For instance, a durable SD card case filled with a few extra high quality memory cards is a gift I once received and immediately put to use. It’s the kind of thing we know we should have but often forget to buy until it’s too late. Same goes for camera batteries, running out of juice at the tail end of a long day is the worst. An extra battery (or two) wrapped with a bow is downright romantic in a photographer’s eyes. And if you really want to go the extra mile, an external SSD for photo backups can be a godsend. I back up all my files in multiple places because I’ve heard the horror stories of data loss. A portable drive and or a cloud backup subscription gift shows you care about their work as much as they do. These practical tools might not be glamorous, but they’re the unsung heroes of every shoot. When my SD card failed at that wedding, I silently thanked my past self for having redundant gear. Give the photographer in your life that same peace of mind. It’s a gift you can’t put a price on!
Film Stocks: A Little Analog Magic
There’s something special about gifting film in this digital age. For photographers who grew up on digital, a roll of film is an invitation to slow down and experiment. For die hard film shooters, it’s basically currency. Handing someone a roll of 35mm film is like saying, “Go make something unpredictable.” I remember the grin on a film photographer friend’s face when I gifted them a roll of Lomography’s quirky color shifting film. It was as if I’d handed them a ticket to another world.
If you’re considering film as a gift, here are a few crowd favorites and why they’re beloved. Kodak Portra 400 is often at the top of every film shooter’s wish list. It’s known for its gorgeous skin tones, fine grain, and forgiving exposure latitude, which basically means it’s hard to take a bad shot with it. It’s the film equivalent of a cozy blanket, warm and reliable. On the black and white side, Kodak Tri-X 400 is legendary. This film has been around for ages and was the choice of countless photojournalists for its gritty, classic look and high contrast. Frequent users rave about its beautiful grain and versatility in different lighting. Gifting a roll of Tri-X is like gifting a piece of photographic history. It’s the film that shot iconic moments decades before digital was a thing.
Some other options are Lomography 800 which is a high speed color film that delivers bold, vibrant colors even in low light (great for night street photography or indoor candids) and happens to be my personal favorite film stock. Kodak Ultramax 400 is an affordable everyday film that gives pleasantly punchy colors. It’s perfect for someone learning film.
And then there’s the funky stocks. LomoChrome Purple is a film that literally shifts colors in wild ways (think green foliage turning purple and blue skies going turquoise). I was gifted a roll of Lomochrome Purple by a fellow photographer, and the results made me feel like I was photographing an alien planet; it’s surreal and fun.
Another delightful idea is bundling a few creative film stocks like those from Dubblefilm. Dubblefilm makes 35mm films that come pre-treated to add whimsical effects. Some have light leaks, others tint your photos with rainbow hues. They basically ensure that when your photographer friend gets their film developed, every frame is a surprise. I once tried a Dubblefilm roll that added star like sparkles to night shots which is totally impractical for client work, but 100% joy for personal projects.
And don’t overlook disposable cameras as a gift. Yes, those cheap one time use cameras from the drugstore! They’ve made a comeback at weddings and parties. People love passing them around for candid shots. A disposable camera is the simplest way to let someone shoot film without any technical fuss. It’s photography in its most fun, no pressure form. In fact, instant and disposable cameras are a favorite for behind the scenes shots at events or for travel, because everyone can join the fun. Slip one into a gift bag and watch even a pro photographer revert to a giddy kid, eager to see what develops.
Bottom line, gifting film is giving an experience. Unlike a digital memory card, a roll of film has a beginning and an end. 36 shots and then it’s done, ready to be processed. It urges you to treasure each frame. Whether it’s a pro pack of Portra or a weird roll of Lomochrome Purple, you’re not just giving emulsion in a canister. You’re giving a little dose of magic and nostalgia.
Instant Cameras: Snap and Share, Reimagined
There’s a unique charm to instant cameras like the classic Polaroid camera that even the fanciest digital camera can’t replicate. The first time I watched an instant print develop in my hand, I was hooked. It’s such an addictive feeling. It felt like a tiny miracle and I use my Polaroid I-2 almost every day. Instant photography is all about immediacy and tangibility. In a world where most photos live on a screen, an instant camera gift encourages a photographer to create something they can hold, share, or stick on the fridge right away. And trust me, no matter how high tech we get, seeing a photo physically materialize never gets old.
When considering instant cameras, the go to for many is the Fujifilm Instax line. Those Mini or Square format cameras that spit out cute little prints. They’re user friendly and great for parties. But I’ll put in a personal plug for Lomography’s instant cameras, which have stolen my heart. Lomography (the same folks behind those creative films) makes instant cameras like the Lomo’Instant and Lomo’Instant Wide that combine the joy of instant film with a bit of creative control. I have a Lomo’Instant Wide that my fiancé gifted me, and it’s become a staple at gatherings. The Lomography instant cameras often let you do neat tricks like multiple exposures, or come with colored gel flashes and little attachable lenses. That means you can get artsy by superimposing two shots in one, or tinting a scene pink. All on an instant print. It’s the kind of playful creativity that can rejuvenate anyone’s love for photography.
Why give an instant camera? Because it brings people together. I’ve used mine at family reunions and even during wedding shoots (at the reception, I’ll roam around taking Instant pics of guests). Everyone lights up when you hand them a tiny photo of themselves a minute after taking it. Instant cameras are a favorite for behind the scenes shots, wedding welcome tables, travel adventures or anywhere you want to make memories and souvenirs on the spot. One of my most cherished travel keepsakes is a little instant photo of my fiancé and me taken on one of our first dates. It’s pinned above my desk right now, a daily reminder of that wonderful day.
If the person you’re gifting already has an instant camera, you still have an easy win with film packs. Those refills aren’t cheap, and we photographers can be stingy about using our last few shots. Bundle a few packs of Instax film (throw in a pack of the monochrome Instax film for a cool twist) with a note saying “go capture some memories on me.” It’s the equivalent of giving permission to go wild with the shutter. And if they don’t have an instant camera yet? Well, you might just ignite a new obsession. There’s something beautifully simple about these devices. No memory cards, no editing, just point, shoot, and watch. In a way, an instant camera gift reminds a photographer why they fell in love with images in the first place… because it’s fun!
A Strap to Love: Comfort, Style, and Sentiment
I’ll admit, for years I underestimated the humble camera strap. I used the stiff, generic strap that came with my camera, emblazoned with brand logos and digging into my neck on long shoots. Functional, sure, but not exactly something that sparked joy. That changed when my father gifted me a beautiful leather camera strap from a small company called Clever Supply Co. It wasn’t just any strap: it was a rich chestnut leather, already soft and broken in, and it hooked onto my camera using Peak Design anchors (those clever quick release buttons). I cannot overstate how much I love this strap. Not only is it infinitely more comfortable, but every time I sling my camera over my shoulder, I’m reminded of the person who gave it to me. There’s a long term joy in using a gift like that every single day.
So why is a strap a great gift? Because a high quality camera strap hits the sweet spot of being both practical and personal. It’s something a photographer might not splurge on for themselves (we tend to allocate budget to lenses and bodies), but it can dramatically improve their shooting experience. A good strap distributes weight better, looks stylish, and can be quickly removed if needed. It’s super useful if you’re switching to a tripod or want to stow the camera. The Peak Design anchor system in particular has been a game changer for me. Those little red and black connectors loop onto the camera and clip into the strap ends, letting you detach the strap in seconds. Despite how small they are, each Anchor Link is ridiculously strong (rated to hold over 200 pounds each, with extreme abrasion resistance). Not that I plan on towing a car with my camera strap, but it’s nice to know my heavy camera isn’t going to come crashing down due to a weak link!
The strap my dad gave me is made by Clever Supply and It’s hands down one of the most thoughtful piece of gear I own. Over time the leather has developed this lovely patina. A roadmap of all the places we’ve shot together. Gifting a good strap says, “I see how hard you work, let me make it a bit more comfortable (and good looking) for you.” Look for straps made of materials like full grain leather or heavy duty woven fabric. Many of the best ones are compatible with Peak Design’s anchor links or similar quick release systems, combining classic style with modern convenience.
And let’s not overlook style. Cameras can be pretty utilitarian looking, but a beautiful strap adds character. Whether it’s a vintage looking braided leather, a colorful woven pattern, or a sleek minimalist design, you can match a strap to the photographer’s personal aesthetic. I have friends who shoot film on old 1970s cameras and a retro plaid woven strap makes them look like the cool artists they are. Others prefer an understated solid black leather that matches any outfit. It’s a fashion statement and a functional upgrade in one.
In short, a high quality strap is the kind of gift that a photographer will use literally every time they pick up their camera. It carries the weight (literally) of long shooting days and, if chosen well, carries the weight of a lot of love and thought too. Years down the line, when the leather is worn and the edges are frayed, they’ll think of you with every click of the camera over their shoulder.
Photobooks: Inspiration You Can Hold
One of the most meaningful gifts I ever received was a photography book. Not one about how to take photos, but a beautifully printed book of photographs. My fiancé found it in a little bookstore in Paris and surprised me with it. It’s a collection of black and white street photos of 1950s France, and I swear, flipping through those pages felt like time travel. To this day, I consider it the most treasured photography gift I’ve gotten. Every time I open it, I discover something new in those images and feel a spark of creativity.
There’s a certain magic to photobooks and coffee table photography books. In our digital era, we’re used to swiping through thousands of images on screens. But a curated book of photographs forces you to slow down and absorb each frame. You can study the composition, marvel at the colors or tones, and read any notes or essays that accompany the work. It’s an experience almost like visiting an art gallery, but you get to do it curled up on your couch with a cup of coffee. Both Beautiful and inspiring, a quality photobook makes a perfect gift for any photographer’s home or studio. I keep a few of my favorites displayed in my home office, both as décor and as constant sources of inspiration. On days when I feel creatively drained, I’ll pull out that French photobook, my copy of Fan Ho’s “Hong Kong History” or Annie Leibovitz’s portrait collection, and within minutes I’m itching to grab my camera and try something new I gleaned from those pages.
When choosing a photobook as a gift, you can tailor it to the person’s interests. Are they into portrait photography? Perhaps a book of Steve McCurry’s portrait work or Peter Lindbergh’s fashion photography (which is as much about mood and storytelling as fashion) would captivate them. Landscape lover? Maybe Ansel Adams’ iconic Yosemite images or a collection of stunning aerial photography from Grey Malin (his Coastal series is a joy). Many photographers also have favorite artists or eras. Gifting a volume of Vivian Maier’s street photography or Gordon Parks’ work during the civil rights era, for example, shows you’ve paid attention to their passions. There are also fantastic compendiums like The Photography Book which is like a greatest hits album of photographers across history. Perfect for broadening one’s horizons.
Another angle is to consider personal photobooks or albums. If you’re very close to the photographer (say, you’re family or a significant other), assembling a custom photobook of their own images or memories can be incredibly touching. One year, a friend’s spouse secretly gathered a bunch of his favorite travel photos and made a high-quality album through a printing service. Seeing his own work in print, laid out elegantly, nearly brought him to tears. Photographers often don’t print their work enough (guilty as charged), and a gift like that both celebrates their art and encourages them to do more with it. It says, “Your photos deserve to be seen and cherished, not just stored on a hard drive.”
Whether it’s a famous monograph from a legendary photographer or a bespoke album of personal moments, a photobook is a gift that endures. It lives on a shelf or coffee table, always within reach to provide inspiration, education, or just a pleasant visual escape. In a way, it’s a very intimate gift. It’s sharing a world of images with someone and saying, “I thought you’d find this world as fascinating as I do.” For a photographer, that’s pure gold.
Creative Boosters: Fuel for the Imagination
Cameras and lenses are tools for taking pictures, but what about gifts that help a photographer make pictures in their mind? I’m talking about those less tangible, often overlooked goodies that can kickstart creativity when inspiration is running low. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate gifts that fall into this category. Things that aren’t gear per se, but that nudge me to see differently or try something new.
One of my favorites is a prompt book. There are a few popular ones out there. For instance, The Photographer’s Playbook (which contains 307 assignments and ideas from photography professionals) has been on my shelf for ages. A good prompt book offers a challenge or theme for each day or week. It might say “shoot only shadows for a day” or “take a portrait of a stranger” or “photograph the color red wherever you see it.” These exercises can be incredibly refreshing. It’s like having a personal trainer for your artistic muscles. If you gift a photographer a prompt or exercise book, you’re not so subtly telling them, “I believe in your growth, have fun with this!” It invites them to step outside their usual comfort zone. I bought and extensively used a 52 weeks of photography prompts book one year. Some prompts sounded silly at first, but I played along and ended up with images I never would have captured otherwise (one week I found myself lying on the ground photographing clouds reflected in puddles, all because the prompt was “Look Down”).
Another modern creative booster is Lightroom presets or editing presets for whatever software they use. Now, presets can be a touchy subject . Some photographers love them, some pride themselves on not using them. But here’s my take, a well made preset is like a filter that can reveal a new mood in your photos, and it can be a fantastic learning tool for editing. In fact, I’ve created two preset packs myself over the years and have gifted them to others. Giving someone a set of presets (whether you bought them from a photographer they admire or made them yourself if you’re savvy) is like giving them new “film stocks” in their digital darkroom. It encourages experimentation. They can reverse engineer the settings to learn how certain looks are achieved (I certainly did this when I was starting out. Applying presets and then dissecting them taught me a ton about tone curves and color grading). If you know your friend idolizes a certain photographer’s style, see if that photographer sells their presets because many do. Receiving that as a gift would be a thrill for a fan, and it’s something they’ll use in their daily workflow.
Beyond books and presets, there are other little inspiration boosters like photo essay collections, zines, or magazine subscriptions (think Aperture or National Geographic) can expose someone to new genres and stories in photography regularly. Even something like a set of composition cards (yes, those exist. Decks of cards each with a photography challenge or concept) can gamify the creative process.
Big Ticket Upgrades: When You Want to Wow
Maybe you’re looking for something a little more grand. A gift for that very special photographer in your life who’s truly dedicated to the craft. We’re venturing beyond stocking stuffers now, into the realm of significant investments. These are the big ticket gifts that can elicit actual gasps (and maybe a happy tear or two). If you’ve got the budget and you really want to spoil them, here are a few ideas that would make any photographer feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
1. Tripods & Supports: A top notch tripod is a game changer, especially for landscape, architecture, or astro photographers. The difference between a flimsy $30 tripod and a solid, smooth, carbon fiber one is night and day. Perhaps they’ve been eyeing that Peak Design Travel Tripod or a sturdy Manfrotto or Gitzo model but couldn’t justify the splurge. Surprise them with it, and you’re basically gifting sharper images and newfound possibilities (hello long exposures and panoramic shots!). I remember when I upgraded to a “real” tripod it was like going from a tricycle to a sports car in terms of stability and confidence. If they already have a decent tripod, consider other supports like a monopod for sports shooters, or even a fancy camera strap harness if they do a lot of event photography with two bodies.
2. Lighting Gear: If the photographer is into portraiture or studio work, a new lighting setup will make them feel super inspired. Continuous LED panels have gotten great and come in portable sizes that are perfect for on location portraits or even video work. Or perhaps a speedlight (flash) kit with wireless triggers is more their style, allowing them to venture into off camera flash photography. When considering lighting, do a bit of sneaky research on what they already have. Maybe they have flashes but no modifiers so a nice softbox, umbrella set, or reflector kit could be amazing. Or if they have a basic LED, an upgrade to one that lets you dial in color temperatures and brightness more powerfully could level up their game.
3. Prints or Framing of Their Work: This might not be “big ticket” in cost (though it can be), but it’s big in meaning. If the person has a particular photo that is the pride of their portfolio, you could have it professionally printed and framed or even printed on a large canvas or metal. I personally recommend using Whitewall. They have the best quality on the market and are a joy to work with. Seeing one of your own images presented like art on a wall is deeply fulfilling. It’s a daily reminder that their work deserves to live outside the computer screen.
4. Camera Upgrade (the Holy Grail): Okay, I’ll mention it, though this is the trickiest because cameras are so personal and expensive. Gifting a camera body or lens is usually something only done between very close relations (or very generous benefactors!). If you’re in a position to do so, you probably already have intel on what exactly they want (maybe they’ve been drooling over the latest mirrorless body or a killer prime lens). If you do go this route, brace yourself for possibly the most enthusiastic hug you’ll ever receive. But since this guide is more about the less obvious gifts, I’ll just say: if you know, you know so proceed accordingly!
Ultimately, the big gift category is all about knowing the photographer’s dreams. These are the items often sitting in an online wishlist or saved in a shopping cart, waiting for “someday.” When you swoop in with a big upgrade, it’s not just about the object itself. It’s also about the doors that object opens. A new tripod says, “go out and shoot star trails, I’ve got your back.” A lighting kit says, “I see that future portrait studio of yours and I’m helping build it.” These gifts are memorable not just for their price tag, but for the vote of confidence they represent. And if you ask me, that combination of tangible tool and emotional support is the most wonderful thing you can give.
Conclusion: Whether you opt for a small, practical stocking stuffer or a blow the doors off surprise, the best photography gifts come from paying attention to what makes your photographer friend’s eyes light up. Maybe it’s geeking out over film emulsions, maybe it’s the smell of a new leather strap, or the inspiration of a beautifully printed photo book. In the end, it’s not about adding more “stuff” to their collection. It’s about adding value to their journey as a photographer. Every time I use the gifts mentioned above, I’m not only grateful for the item itself, but for the thought and care of the person who gave it to me. And that’s the sweetest part of all. Happy gifting, and here’s to many beautiful photos ahead!
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