30 Picture-Perfect Gifts Your Photographer Friends Will Absolutely Love

While this isn’t a super-technical gift, it’s affordable and useful (especially during cold, winter months). If your photog friend is also a coffee lover, consider gifting this Canon lookalike Camera Lens Coffee Thermos by Chasing Y. It’s perfect for travel (including camping, road trips, and sports events) and includes its very own coffee spoon.  “I saw this while browsing, and at first I thought it was a real lens (until I saw the price),” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I clicked, and had to laugh because it incorporated my husband’s two loves — coffee and photography! I got it for him as part of his Christmas gifts, and he loves it. The designer did an excellent job with this. It looks real at first glance, and the raised areas make it very easy to hold. We laughed when he opened it, and it has become one of his favorite mugs.”

Perfect for young aspiring photographers, this photography idea card deck includes 72 cards, each of which lists a different photography theme or challenge and a special hashtag so your favorite photographer can post their photos on social media.  “I bought these for my young teenage daughter who is just getting into photography,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “She has taken a short course at school and is wanting to do more. These cards offer a great variety of things to photograph, some that would be relatively quick to accomplish (to keep her shooting routinely), and some that are more complex and could take some time to either find or create (a recreation from a movie frame, decay). Some also include techniques that newer photographers would have to learn about, and more seasoned photographers could revisit (bokeh, using unusual light sources like a computer screen, long exposure). The cards are true to their representation and are similar to playing cards in quality and feel. I am very happy with this purchase.” 

You don’t need expensive equipment to get into photography. In fact, many want-to-be photographers and professionals alike have chosen to ditch DSLRs in favor of their iPhone (AKA iPhoneography).  Compatible with most mobile phones, including iPhones, Samsung, and Google phones, this lens accessory will provide your photographer friend with everything they need for travel shots, close-ups, birthday parties, weddings, Insta-worthy photos, and more. This lens kit also includes an easy-to-carry portable case.  “I was very skeptical about buying these lenses because I love my DSLR and thought nothing would replace it,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “But I was wrong and don’t have to lug it along anymore. These lenses do the job very well. I believe these are the future and DSLR cameras will be history soon.” That is a very bold statement indeed.

Crafted with the very same crystal that’s used for camera lenses, the Original Lensball Pro is the perfect gift for both beginner and seasoned photographers. What’s more? Lensball works with professional cameras and smartphones, so anyone (whether they have a phone or a high-end camera) can create a photographic work of art.  “This LensBall lives up to its reputation,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “It was packaged very nicely in a cushioned box with the included protective pouch and their literature cards and decal. Optically, it is excellent. I am sure there are other non-Lensball brands out there for less but for the few dollars more I know I’ve gotten quality with a company that stands behind what they sell. For those who are new to lens balls…YES be careful with them in the Sun. They do get hot and they can start a fire. I also HIGHLY recommend getting the LensBall Stand.”

This is more of a stocking-stuffer kind of gift, but a cute (and eco-friendly) gift nonetheless. Ideal for traveling photographers, these clip-on, refillable, and recyclable hand sanitizer sprays by OLIKA are perfect for photographers who are always on the go. They’re also available in five scents, including a fragrance-free option, Charcoal, Cucumber Basil, Lavender, and Mint Citrus.  Beyond being cute and affordable, these tiny gifts will keep your friends and loved ones safe while they’re out and on the job. And, thanks to the aloe vera and aromatherapeutic all-natural essential oils, they won’t have to worry about getting cracked or dry hands. 

I’m not a photographer, but even I’m a little excited about this one. This portable Photo Studio Light Box allows photographers to shoot products, food, etc. easily. Plus, with an adjustable brightness (120 LED lamps), your friends will have the option to start an e-commerce store as soon as they open the box. (Or, you know, shoot photos for one.) It’s also equipped with a hook-and-look design, so it can be transported from shoot to shoot with ease. (It’s basically a miniature studio in the shape of a small box.) All you have to do is fold it up and pop it in its storage bag.  “This kit is awesome, I honestly can’t think of any faults as long as your object you are photographing is a smaller product,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “The LED lights in the top of this kit are what sell it for me, it only takes one light to get the shots I got, and it’s a light that is already built into the booth, that is the biggest win for me easily hands down.”

With more than 1,900 five-star reviews, adding this gift to the list was a no-brainer. This five-in-one Photography Reflector Light Reflector Kit comes with one translucent panel with four color covers (gold, silver, white, and black) that provide five photography effects.  “Very useful to have, especially if you shoot photos of people outside,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I love that these are easy to pop open and lightweight so that they don’t add a lot of weight to my equipment bag. They’re also pretty small, about nine inches across. I’m not a professional photographer — I’d probably say I’m a really good amateur — so I can’t say whether these are professional quality. But for the price, they are a great addition to my kit and really make it easy to add some reflective light when I’m shooting people shots.” 

This Professional video Light Wand by UYLED is waterproof, rechargeable, and offers eight color temperatures and four common scene lighting simulation modes, including lightning mode, gradient color mode, breathing light mode, and police car mode. It also comes with a remote control, USB cable, and two lanyards.  “Great quality and ABSOLUTELY stepped up my self shooting game!” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I’ve been having an absolute blast ‘playing’ with this and taking some wonderful photos at home. It’s really helped me want to grow as a self-shooting photographer.”

Gift your photog friend with the ultimate camera bag. This book bag has a compartment for literally everything, including a laptop, tripod, and DSLR camera. Made from ballistic nylon, this bag is water resistant and is easy to clean. To save on interior space for other equipment, there’s a tripod strap located on the outside of the bag. This way, your photographer can edit their footage while traveling. What’s more? It comes with a built-in USB charging port.  “Love this bag!” one Amazon reviewer writes. “It holds all my equipment, is comfortable to wear and looks great. Keeps all my equipment safe and secure. Great quality, super durable and easy to wipe clean. Would definitely recommend it.”

This is the perfect gift for photographers who are interested in shooting products or food. The speed range of this 360 degree turntable is 20 to 68 seconds (24 seconds per circle). It also supports two rotation modes: Continuous rotation and intermittent rotation. It’s also portable.  “I do a little product photography and videography, and this turntable does the perfect job,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “The speed is very consistent and I can put a product that weights 10lb with no problem (and that’s the maximum weight of the products that I shoot, I’m sure it can take heavier).”

Give your photographer the power to create bright and beautiful rainbows with this photography prism by Optickle. It’s six inches long, lightweight, and both easy and comfortable to hold, making travel shoots a breeze. “This came in the mail in pristine condition,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I use it for photography, and I have to say, it REALLY adds some cool flare to my photos. I love it! It’s a little something special. Also, when I had a concern, I emailed the company and they were very fast in responding and addressing the issue. I would definitely order from this company again.”

The VL-81 LED video light includes 81 beads (41 white light beads and 40 warm light beads). The charging time for this light is three hours; maximum brightness output is up to 150 minutes and minimum brightness output is up to 480 minutes. It’s compatible with Sony, Canon, and Nikon, among other brands. “I love video lights, and this one is no exception,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “The Vijim VL-81 is extremely lightweight, has a pretty high output for its size, is bi-color, comes with built-in hot-shoe mount, is USB-C rechargeable (with built in battery), and has cold-shoe mounts on three sides.”