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The Ultimate Gift Guide for Photographers

What to Buy a Photographer When You Know Nothing About Photography?

By Sophia CareyPublished 2 years ago 5 min read
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Alex Massek photographing Phoebe Torrance, captured by Sophia Carey

It's almost that wonderful time of the year already. How December has come around so quickly, I'm not sure. It feels as though it was just yesterday that we were welcoming in the new year, unsure of what 2021 would bring and whether or not it would be any different to what the anomaly we had hoped 2020 was. Maybe that's a topic for another day.

If you're anything like me, the Christmas period isn't dictated by gifts and presents. For me, my favourite part of Christmas is the time I get to spend with my friends and family and so, probably to their distaste, presents are at the back of my mind.

If you were to ask me what I wanted for Christmas over the past few years, you'll have almost definitely received the answer of "nothing". As someone who isn't particularly materialistic, the only things I really buy myself are photography related and, given that I'm a full-time photographer, you could argue that those aren't really things for myself but rather for my business. From the conversations I've had with fellow photographers, they're quite the same. Our life is consumed with photography-related objects and that's often all we really want.

But what do you buy a photographer, when you don't know anything about photography?

I have compiled the list below, based on the type of photographer, to help you find the perfect (and affordable) gift for your photographer friend/family member!

Disclaimer: Some of the below links are affiliate links, for which I will earn a small commission if you purchase the products, at no added cost to yourself.

For the Digital Photographer

For any digital photographer, whether they are a portrait photographer or a landscape photographer, these are great gifts that are must-haves that would be very much appreciated.

SD Cards

As a photographer, you can never have too much memory. SD cards are one of the things you need, and can't avoid needing, as a photographer. You can never have too many of these little cards. I usually recommend a minimum of 64GB, or even 128GB if you can stretch to it.

Hard Drives

Just like SD cards, hard drives are an inevitability of any photographer (especially a digital photographer).

I'd recommend the 1TB Samsung SSDs for photographers that like to work on the go. Or, for a cheaper option and one for photographers who prefer to work from home, go for a Toshiba 2TB hard drive.

For the Film Photographer

Film photography is alive and well. So well, in fact, that the prices for film increased drastically in 2021 and, you guessed it, are set to increase again in January 2022. If you can't splash out on a pack of film, consider buying one or two rolls of the below stocks!

Kodak Portra 400

Everyone's favourite colour film stock. Perfect for portraits and landscapes, this film stock is a safe bet if you're not sure what kind of film your photographer shoots with. The only thing you need to find out, is if they shoot on 35mm or 120 (medium format) film.

Kodak Tri-X 400

For those black and white film photographers out there, Kodak Tri-X 400 is my favourite black and white film stock. So much so that I even made a review on it! Available in 120 and 35mm.

Lomography Colour Negative 400 & 800

If your film-loving loved one is a fan of colour film, I'd recommend trying out Lomography's CN 400 and 800. Like Portra, they're solid options for colour film photography, but often a little cheaper.

Image Credit: Cameras by Max (https://www.camerasbymax.co.uk/)

Cameras by Max: Festive Gift Set

If you're really stuck for ideas, let Max think of them for you. This gift set is perfect for a photographer interested in 35mm film photography -- and even comes with a film camera -- all for the price of £46.95. And if you're cutting costs, Max also offers a gift set without the camera, for just £24.95.

The Analogue Wonderbox

If you're thinking a gift box sounds right up your film photographer's street, then consider Analogue Wonderland's The Analogue Wonderbox -- a subscription box full of film and film related goodies. You can buy it as a bi-monthly subscription or just as a one-off box. You can even use this link to get a free roll of 35mm with your first order (on anything on the Analogue Wonderland site)!

For the Natural Light Portrait Photographer

Reflector

For the portrait photographer who loves to shoot in natural light, getting a handy reflector to help them control their beloved light is a great affordable present!

For the Beginner Photographer or the Photographer Looking to Perfect Their Craft

Skillshare Subscription

The world of Skillshare is an amazing font of knowledge, whether you're learning the ins and outs of a camera or the techniques to better your business. Consider a Skillshare subscription for your friend (and you can even gift them a free trial to see how they like it, first)!

For the Photographer Who is Also a Videographer

ND Filter

More and more often, photographers have to wear more than one hat. One of those hats is the role of a videographer. If that sounds like your loved one, a variable ND filter is perfect for them! Just find out what their go-to lens is, look up the thread size for that lens, and purchase an ND filter that matches the thread size!

Image Credit: Sophia Carey (sophiacarey.co.uk)

For the Nightlife Photographer

Speedlight

For your friend that works both day and night, a new flash gun is the perfect present. Another necessary and appreciated present for your photographer friend who probably already spends too much money on new lighting equipment!

For the Product Photographer

Light Box

An at-home studio that can pack away and fit under the bed? Yes please! This light box is a great option for your loved one if they often need to take ecommerce photos!

Backdrops

Wipeable, temporary backdrops that clean up easily and pack away tightly is the perfect gift for your favourite product photographer. Whether or not they work with messy food or skincare products, these PVC backdrops are always a great idea.

For the Photographer Who Loves to Edit

Adobe Subscription

You'll surely have heard of Adobe before. The industry standard to photography editing. From Photoshop, to Lightroom, Adobe has a great photography package for your loved one to enjoy!

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Hopefully my gift guide for photographers has given you some inspiration for your photography-loving loved-one! Whether for Christmas or for any other celebration, these gifts will stand the test of time!

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About the Creator

Sophia Carey

Photographer and designer from London, living in Manchester.

sophiacarey.co.uk

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