When that special person on your Christmas list spends their day thinking about flash sync speed, focal length, and the latest “glass,” you may find yourself at a bit of an impasse on what to get them. When you Googled “new Canon lens,” you quickly determined that you didn’t like them that much, but you still want to get them something that makes them feel special. While there is one gift you should never give a photographer, there are countless other choices, from budget-friendly gear to office décor, that will make them feel special. Ready to boost your gift-giving cred? Here are some of my favorite gifts to get that special photographer in your life this holiday season.
Don't Get the Mug
Anytime it’s my birthday and someone comes with sparkles in their eyes announcing that they found “the perfect gift for me,” I dig deep to bring to life my inner Meryl Streep. If you’re reading this and you’re a photographer, you already know exactly what is going to come next: the lens mug. Don’t do it. We have six already. Every time, we have to do the shock-and-awe routine as if it was our first encounter. Now that you’ve dodged the biggest gifting no-no, check out these ideas that will shine bright under the tree.
Non-Gear Items You Should Get
The 'I Shoot People' T Shirt
This shirt or sweatshirt, which you can find in men’s and women’s styles, is sure to be a photographer’s go-to conversation starter. -$20.16/$29.09
Office-Worthy Photography Candles
From witty (wash your mouth with soap) candles to decorative farmhouse style candles, Etsy has many choices. A simple search for “photographer candles” will pull up results that will have you laughing. Here are two of my favorites:
The perfect candle for the sarcastic over-editor in your life — $17.99.
Modern and "clean," this soy candle is sure to give that talented artist in your life a smile every time they light it. -$18.52
Kodak Film Glass
This unique beer glass or cocktail glass will have the photographer in your life reaching to their shelf with a big smile every time. - $36/ $27
Blue Light Glasses
As photographers, our eyes are one of the most vital tools we have. Blue light glasses are a lifesaver for long hours of editing. Here are my favorite shops for blue light glasses:
Software or Online Classes
Have you heard your special someone talk about how they wanted to get better at portraiture or delve into the complexity of Photoshop? An online class is the perfect gift. Here are some platforms that you can browse:
Fstoppers
Fstoppers Tutorials has classes on everything from "Making Real Money" to "Swimwear Photography."
Classes Direct From the Photographer
Have you heard your friend talk about their favorite photographer? Many Fstoppers writers offer one-on-one guidance; just reach out to your favorite writer to ask.
Photography Business Management Tools
PPA
Gifting a PPA membership to the photographer in your life can be an invaluable tool. This gift will give them insurance for their photography gear, access to contracts and legal advice, over 900 classes, and a beautiful print magazine each month.
Bloom
Artists are notorious for being disorganized. If your special someone is a brilliant photographer but sees business management as an abstract art form, I have just the tool for you to save their lives: Bloom. I began using Bloom two years ago, and it honestly has taken so much off my shoulders. From contract and invoice management to an organized interface where I can see all the jobs I'm working on, it helps me stay organized, efficient, and present a professional image to my clients with just a click.
You can purchase an annual or monthly package for the special photographer in your life online, and once Christmas arrives, they can log in and put their own email on the account.
Gear Items
If buying gear for a photographer feels a little bit like picking wine for a sommelier, I am here to give you safe choices that are sure to satisfy their taste without leaving you guessing if you were right.
The Capture Clip by Peak Design
The Capture Clip by Peak Design is a convenient and accessible way to carry a camera. Unlike a camera strap, this clip keeps a camera in the front of the bag. It eliminates the constant bouncing of the camera against your thighs, sparing you the bruises that are all too familiar to many photographers. -$74.95
Prism Lens FX Filters
Prism Lens FX filters are the latest rage for artistic effects. From crystals on the filter creating a dreamy bokeh, to starburst or ripples, these are fun toys for any creative photographer. -$89.99
Perfect Stocking Stuffer: DSLR Rain Cover
At $4.25, this is the perfect stocking stuffer that will save a ten-thousand-dollar camera for the price of a Happy Meal.
AirTags
Apple AirTags are a photographer’s best friend for keeping their camera bag safe. I have been a victim of someone grabbing my bag behind my back while I was shooting. It happens so fast, and the loss is monumental. When photographers place an Air Tag in their bag, it can be tracked and retrieved in case of theft. -$27.50
Happy Holiday Shopping!
Ready to sleigh the holidays and earn major points with the photographer in your life? You’re welcome! You can also send one of each of these to me at 1326...
If you are a photographer, what is your favorite and least favorite gift you have ever received? Leave a comment below, and we can expand our list. Happy Holidays!
