Looking for a gift for the photographer in your life? Here are 25 great gift ideas.
Whenever we travel, we have two main priorities: take epic photos and eat good food! Since the holidays are coming up, we put together a list of the best gifts for photographers. It includes all our favorite photography accessories, and we own most of these with the exception of a couple items that are still on our wish list.
Hopefully, this helps you shop for your photographer, videographer, or Instagrammer friend.
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Last Updated: October 28, 2024
25 Best Gifts for Photographers + Photography Enthusiasts
This is also assuming that the photographer in your life already has a camera and the lenses they want. A nice lens will be the best investment, and if you have the money to splurge, get them the some good glass! The rest of these are a more affordable, and I’ve labeled them with their price ranges.
Learn more about how we select gifts for our gift guides and our methodology here.
$250+ Gifts
1. Photography Workshop or Class 💰💰💰💰💰 →
I’ve been shooting for over 15 years, and I love that there is always something new to learn about photography. There are tons of great free online resources out there, but I’ve found that the best way to learn is through hands-on experience at photography workshops.
You can do some sleuthing. Find out who their favorite photographers are, and see if they offer workshops.
2. Travel Tripod 💰💰💰💰💰 →
This is the current travel tripod we use. We’ve gone through a handful of tripods over the years, and we love this one because it’s both light and sturdy.
See More: 5 Best Travel Tripods That Are Lightweight and Easy to Use
3. GoPro 💰💰💰💰💰 →
When it comes to an action camera, nothing compares to GoPro. It’s easy to travel with and perfect for water adventures. The stabilization of these gets better and better every year.
4. DJI Mavic Pro Drone 💰💰💰💰💰 →
We love using our DJI Mavic! And the Smart Controller is a game-changer. They are still the most popular and commonly used drones out there, although the Minis look amazing.
5. Underwater Housing 💰💰💰💰💰 →
Anyone who loves photography and loves to travel is bound to end up at a beach at some point. Underwater housing will give them the chance to take great photos without worrying about their camera.
See More: How to Pack for A Snorkeling Trip
6. Camera Backpack 💰💰💰💰💰 →
The Wandrd Prvke has been our go-to travel backpack lately. It has just the right amount of space for us and has a low profile. Check out our post below for other bags we love.
See More: We Found the Best Camera Backpack of All Time
Under $250 Gifts
7. Lume Cube Tube Lights 💰💰💰💰 →
Ever since we added Lume Cubes to our collection, they have become our go-to light for traveling. We started out with the original Lume Cube, then added their Panel Lights into our collection. We also have the Studio Panel Lighting Kit which we love! But our most recent addition, is the Tube Light Mini.
The Tube Lights are awesome! They have full color RGB lighting, pre-programmed special effects, and some of the best features we’ve seen on tube lights. I love that there is also a built-in magnet.
8. Extra Memory Cards 💰💰💰💰 →
I don’t know many photographers who wouldn’t appreciate an extra memory card. Plus, depending on your budget, there are plenty of different options you can choose from.
9. Photo Mechanic 💰💰💰💰 →
Discovering Photo Mechanic was a game-changer in our editing workflow. It used to be used by journalists since they have to sort through so many photos but has gained a lot of popularity over the years.
It really makes editing so much faster and their new Plus version also helps you manage all your photos in a database.
10. Sandmarc Motion Pro Variable ND Filter 💰💰💰💰 →
These Motion Pro Variable ND Filters help you control the light coming through your lens to step up your photography and videography game. They are made with multi-coated cinema glass and industrial grade aluminum and there are 3-6 stops giving you a range from ND8 to ND64. Any photographer would be happy to get one – just be sure you get the right thread.
11. Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 💰💰💰💰 →
The Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 is an app controlled LED Panel Light is the brightest and most durable panel made by Lume Cube. It’s great for on-camera use as an extra fill light and we bring it around to use off camera when shooting in darker scenarios. It has a full spectrum of RGB colors and seven pre-programmed special effects. Plus the panel has a built-in power bank.
In the photo below, we have the Panel Pro next to an iPhone 16 Pro.
12. Lume Cube XL 💰💰💰💰 →
Esther has been searching for a portable light for her photography and we’ve been eyeing the Lume Cube XL. It’s powerful yet portable lighting in a monolight design. In true fashion to Lume Cube, it has full-spectrum RGB control, CRI rating of 97+, a wide CT rrange from 2700-7500K, and it’s app-controlled. When we buy it, we plan to get a softbox and the Bowens Mount to use other diffusers too!
Under $100 Gifts
13. Lume Cube 5-Foot Adjustable Light Stand 💰💰💰 →
Lume Cube makes a very convenient 5-foot Adjustable Light Stand that collapses to 14″ tall making it very portable. Although it’s made for lights, I like throwing on a magsafe tripod head and using it for my phone too! Unlike cheaper collapsible stands, the Lume Cube one has some weight on the legs making it hold much steadier than others we’ve tried.
14. Power Bank 💰💰💰 →
In case you can’t get to an outlet, a this is the power bank we use. It’s always a great option to give you any extra juice when you’re on the go, and it has two USB inputs, so we can both charge at the same time.
15. Sandmarc iPhone Dolly 💰💰💰 →
Shooting on the iPhone is becoming much more popular now. We shoot with ours a ton since it’s so easy on the go. We recently got this Motion Dolly Slider to help us capture smooth tracking shots. You can adjust the angle on it and it’s a great way to up our mobile video game.
16. Arco Video Dr. Bag 💰💰💰 →
If you have a friend who shoots onsite often, get them an ARCO Video Dr. Bag. We use the 40 for all our video shoots so we have our gear organized and easily accessible. I throw our drone, DSLR, stands, audio equipment, and accessories inside.
17. Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap 💰💰💰 →
We have a hard time finding a camera strap that works well for Esther since she’s petite. But ever since we started using the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap, it hasn’t come off. It’s easy to adjust and gets short enough for her to use.
Under $50 Gifts
18. Photograph Q&A: Real Questions. Real Answers 💰💰 →
I’ve read countless photography books and taken a ton of photography workshops and have found Zack Arias to be one of the best photography educators in the industry. I’ve always appreciated his brutal honesty and critiques. This book compiles answers to over 100 real questions asked by aspiring photographers and ranges from technical advice to photography business advice.
19. Cell Phone Case System 💰💰 →
We love Peak Design’s Mobile system. Whether you’re looking for a solid tripod for your phone, or mount for your bike (we just got an e-bike and can’t wait to use it on our rides), or just a pretty place to put it on your desk, they’ve thought of everything. Plus I love the wallet accessory so I don’t have to bring anything else with me.
They also released a bunch of new colors for iPhone 15. See our YouTube review here. I know I’d be happy to get this!
20. GoGo Internet In-Flight Pack 💰💰
On those long flights, we’re always itching to get online to share photos with others or research our upcoming destinations for the best photo spots. Give the gift of Internet 30,000 feet above the ground.
21. Extra Batteries 💰💰 →
One of the worst things that can happen while you’re out shooting is a dead battery. We always try to carry one or two additional batteries with us to avoid that situation and more if we’re shooting lots of video, long exposures, or will be in colder climates. Find out what camera they own, since different cameras may have different batteries.
22. Spiffy Gear Lumee Light Bracelet 💰💰 →
We got our hands (or wrists) on a couple of these Spiffy Gear Lumee Lights and they’ve been handy to have with us. They are small and light and work like a slap bracelet so we can keep them on our wrists. With easy controls, you can adjust brightness and temps (or colors if you have the RGB one). Plus, they are magnetic!
Under $20 Gifts
23. Lenspen 💰 →
We like to carry a LensPen with us to clean our gear since it’s convenient and compact.
24. Memory Card Case 💰 →
We always have extra cards with us and a card case is the best way to keep them all together. Otherwise, those little suckers can disappear.
25. Giftcard 💰 →
I know gift cards can feel impersonal, but paired with a thoughtful card, it can be a great gift. Especially if you know they’re saving up for something bigger but you can’t afford to get it for them yourself. Get one to B&H specifically for photography gear or Amazon to cover photo gear and more.
Any of these on your wishlist? Any other best gifts for photographers we’re missing?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.