What to Get a Photographer for Christmas:

20 Snaptastic Gift Ideas

Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for the shutterbug in your life? Whether they’re a professional photographer, they can’t resist taking photos to capture memories or they just really like cameras, look no further to get a thoughtful present that will make any photography enthusiast’s Christmas even better. This guide will make your Christmas picture perfect as it covers everything from accessories to essentials they didn’t know they needed, to fun knick-knacks – and there is something for every budget.

Bean Bag

Most photographers will already own a tripod (if not, the Gorilla Pod is a fantastic option), so instead consider gifting a camera bean bag . Unlike traditional tripods and monopods which can be very heavy and bulky, camera bean bags are very lightweight and easy to use. This makes them ideal for travelling or long walks. They can be purchased filled or unfilled – the unfilled option is perfect if the photographer in your life frequently travels and is concerned about space and weight as they can pack the bean bag empty, and then fill it with rice, beans or pasta once they reach their destination. Camera bean bags are also really versatile as well as being incredibly stable meaning camera shake is significantly reduced. They are an especially great gift for those who prefer to shoot wildlife or landscapes as they can be placed directly on the ground.

Camera Bag

The photographer you’re buying for might already have a camera bag but perhaps it is a large one that stores of all their equipment as is used for organisational purposes. Consider getting them a smaller bag that can be used for the daytime so they don’t have to lug around all their stuff and can instead be selective and choose suitable equipment for their shoot. There are so many different styles of camera bag and span a range of price points. We recommend the K&F 2-in-1 Shoulder Bag as it is a great quality bag that has plenty of storage, it has capacity for a camera and two lenses as well as any needed cables, portable chargers and spare batteries. Most importantly, it is comfortable to be carried all day so is the perfect day bag and works well for travelling.

Alternatively, the person you are buying for may already have a day bag for their camera and what they really need is a bigger bag to store all their equipment which they can then select from and pop into their day bag. Again, there are so many different brands out there but the 35L Gomatic Peter McKinnon Backpack is an excellent choice and is one of the biggest DSLR camera bags out there. With that title, comes a large price tag so if you are looking for something more affordable then the 18L K&F Lightweight Camera Backpack is another fantastic choice and has the capacity to for 2 DSLR cameras, 5 lenses, a flash, a laptop, a lightweight tripod and all other camera essentials.

Even if your loved one has a camera bag, getting them a new one is still valuable as having multiple bags offers versatility and back up options as well as updating their current one to something that is more comfortable and durable.

Capture Clip

Whilst it doesn’t look like much, the Peak Design Capture Clip is an excellent alternative to a camera strap or camera bag as it allows even the heaviest (up to 90kg) and most expensive camera to be attached to belts, rucksacks and bag straps. Unlike a camera strap, the camera will be stable whilst hiking or cycling, and unlike a camera bag, the camera will be accessible instantly without needing to rummage around when a photo opportunity arises. This handy piece of equipment will mean your loved one will no longer have to have a camera dangling around their neck or tucked away. Instead, photography will be more convenient and efficient; you will be leveling up the shooting experience if you decide to gift this!

Datacolor SpyderX Pro

The Datacolor SpyderX Pro is a fast and accurate colour sensor that will ensure colours are displaying correctly on monitors. This allows confident and accurate adjustments to colour balance, brightness, and contrast. This is a more complex gift and may cater to a professional photographer.

Film

If the person you’re shopping for prefers the nostalgia of shooting with film cameras or Polaroids then gifting them film is a thoughtful idea, especially as the cost can quickly add up when they’re buying it for themselves, and you can never have too much film! The amount you choose to buy depends on your budget as you get single packs or larger bundles. For a traditional 35mm film camera, the Kodak Gold is a great choice. For polaroid enthusiasts, you could opt for fun borders like hearts or rainbow colours . Before getting the film, double check the make and model of their camera so that it’s compatible with their gear – film for an Instax mini will be no use if they own a square Polaroid!

Frames & Albums

In addition to film, another excellent gift would be something they can use to display their photos like a photo frame or an album . As there are so many options available, choose something that matches their style and encourage them to showcase their photos! Of course, it is important to check the camera they use to make sure that the photos fit. Most standard film is a consistent size, but polaroid photos come in various sizes, such as a mini or square format.

Gimbal Stabiliser

A gimbal stabiliser could be the perfect gift for aspiring videographers and podcasters. It is a lightweight, hand-held device that is easy to use and will assist by stabilising the camera as it's used to capture video.

GorillaPod

This portable tripod can be used to attach a camera to almost anything. Simply wrap its flexible legs around something and it’ll stay in place, camera attached.

Lego Camera

A Lego camera is great novelty gift for all ages despite what you might think! Building Lego is great fun and is amazing for keeping your brain active which is so important for keeping diseases like Alzheimer’s at bay. There are two to choose from, a 3-in-1 retro camera or a polaroid replica . The retro camera also builds into a video camera and a TV. The camera toy comes with a moving lens, film to load and a strap; the video camera has an opening flap, and the retro TV is complete with an antenna and a set of stickers. All of which you get for under £20! The polaroid is a replica of the Polaroid OneStep SX-70 which could be nostalgic for some. It features authentic details and even operates like the real thing. It comes with 3 illustrated ‘photos’ which you load into the camera and press the red shutter button to eject. Once built, your loved one can keep their Lego as a decoration but if you are buying for a child then even better as they are very play-friendly!

Lensbaby

A Lensbaby is a great gift for any photographer who owns a DSLR, whether they prefer landscape or portrait photos. This unique lens brings a fresh approach to all photography – it illuminates faces and brings out specific details in landscapes in ways that the normal camera lens can’t. Known for its artistic effects, a Lensbaby offers fine-tuned and selective focus, dreamy blur and bokeh which adds a layer of depth to the photos. This is the perfect gift to reignite a photographer’s creativity and imagination as it encourages experimentation and makes them see their photography from a new perspective. If you decide to give your loved one a Lensbaby you are gifting the opportunity to explore new artistic styles and take their photography in exciting directions.

Lens Travel Mug

A travel mug in the shape of a camera lens is fun and practical gift that combines your loved one’s passion with everyday functionality. This unique mug is a thoughtful, useful and budget-friendly way to keep drinks warm. It is perfect for photographers who spend long days shooting outdoors and see them through early mornings or late nights. It also doubles as a cool decorative piece that would look great on a shelf when not in use. This is a fantastic novelty gift that will go down well.

Memory Card Holder

No matter how serious a photographer your loved one is, if they use a camera that requires a memory card (which is most of them, although not if they shoot on phones, polaroids or disposables) then they will certainly benefit from having a handy memory card holder. The Think Tank Pixel Pocket is a sleek and compact holder that stores up to 10 memory cards. It is designed for ultimate portability so is perfect for on the go or just for organisation at home. It fits easily in pockets, can be clipped to a belt or attached to a bag. There is also a built-in business card holder for the professionals, who may already have a memory card holder but would appreciate another. It is of great value and is of exceptional quality for reliable storage that will keep you loved one’s memory cards safe.

Mobile Phone Camera Lens Kit

If you’re shopping for someone who loves capturing moments with their phone rather than carrying around a bulky DSLR then a phone lens kit is a fantastic gift idea. The Yarrashop ones offers a variety of creative options as it includes a fisheye lens, macro lens and a wide-angle lens. This sturdy and compact clip-on lens kit is affordable and fun which makes it the perfect stocking stuffer. It would be great for a tech savvy teenager who is phone-obsessed to get creative and share their photos to Instagram.

Photography Book

Think about the person you’re buying for, do they have a favourite style of photography? Maybe they even have a favourite photographer. Getting a book that could be either informational, about the life and work of a particular photographer, or is purely visual and filled with photos is a thoughtful gift that will be well-received. A great coffee table book filled with stunning photos on every page is Joel Meyerowitz’s Cape Light . This would be an excellent addition to any photographer’s library. Another great, more informative and less visual, book is Henry Carroll’s Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs . This book is more suitable for hobbyist photographers and those that use phone, mirrorless and DSLR cameras. It provides a balance between technical advice and how to make the most of equipment as well as providing examples from some amazing photographers – how inspiring!

Portable Camera Cleaning Kit

The camera cleaning kit contains everything needed to keep lenses clean. Most kits include an air blower, a dust brush, a microfibre cloth, lens cleaning solution and moist cleaning wipes. All of this is packed into a handy carry case, how convenient!

Power Bank

A power bank is perfect for charging camera accessory batteries on the go. With lightning-fast output, this power bank can provide power for up to three devices simultaneously.

Prompt Jar

If you enjoy taking the time to give handmade gifts or think your loved one would appreciate something more personal, consider creating a jar that is filled with photography prompts. Just write down one-word ideas on slips of paper and place them in a jar. This means that whenever they need a burst of inspiration then they can reach in the jar, and they’ll have something to photograph! This inspires creativity, especially as your loved may interpret the words differently to you. All you need for this gift is a jar, some paper, and some pens so it’s very budget-friendly whilst also still being thoughtful. If you’re unsure of what prompts to include then head to Pinterest where you can easily find loads of suggestions.

Retro Camera Strap

The retro camera strap is an affordable accessory that comes in several stylish colours and patterns, and is compatible with all cameras.

RØDE On-camera Microphone

This high-quality microphone will capture sound for video, attaching to a DSLR via the flash shoe. The microphone even comes with pop-up windshields for a more professional sound.

Storm Rain Cover Protector

A rain cover can be invaluable in keeping a camera kit safe and dry. The cover can provide total protection, even when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

Final Thoughts

We hope that with these thoughtful and creative gift ideas, you'll be able to inspire the photographer in your life and help them capture even more beautiful moments and explore new possibilities. Don’t forget to also let your loved one know that we can insure all their camera equipment today.

Merry Christmas from the team at Eversure!