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: February 6, 2023
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.
$250+ GIFTS
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.
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.
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.
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 new Mavic Minis look amazing.
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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.
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.
Under $250 GIFTS
Ever since we added Lume Cubes to our collection, they have become our go-to light for traveling. Not only are they waterproof, but you can also control them via your phone. These are a must-have for any avid traveler.
They’ve also created so many other products we use. We use their studio lights at home, an edge in our office, and the portable video lights for local shoots.
Lume Cube Coupons Code: JACOBTHEFU for 10% off (good until 12/31/23). Start shopping here.
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.
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.
If you have a photographer who shoot alone a lot, check out the Pivo. It’s great for capturing video on your phone because it tracks your movement and pans the camera automatically.
We have friends who love their DJI OM Mobile since they shoot so much on their phones. Plus, phones shoot 4K now so it’s always convenient to have.
Under $100 Gifts
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. Here’s another option if you need something more rugged. It’s waterproof, drop-proof, and crush-proof.
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.
I also got their Flex Dock which makes my bed side space look beautiful!
For people who carry a ton of gear and do a lot of road trips like us, we love this carryall duffel from Think Tank. It’s a workhorse and we use it to organize camera gear but also other essentials for our trip.
We recently got these SANDMARC Prolights and love them. It’s helpful having both of them on hand to light subjects and backgrounds. We used them in the photo below to light the inside of the van.
Under $50 GIFTS
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 Topo Designs Camera Strap, it hasn’t come off.
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.
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.
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!
Peak Design just launched its newest Kickstarter and the new Mobile system looks amazing. Whether you’re looking for a solid tripod for your phone, or mount for your bike (we just got a 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. I know I’d be happy to get this!
Under $20 GIFTS
We like to carry a LensPen with us to clean our gear since it’s convenient and compact.
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.
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 Eearth Travel, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both 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.
