Studio Portrait Photographer of the Year, British Institute of Professional Photography - Yorkshire Region -
If you’re looking for photography gift ideas for the photo enthusiast in your life, then this article will help.
I’ve rounded up some great photography themed present ideas that I’m sure anyone with an interest or passion for photography would appreciate receiving.
These photography gift ideas include inexpensive novelty gifts which will likely bring a smile to their face, as well as more practical gifts that they can use.
Hopefully these will inspire you and help you source that perfect photography gift, whatever the occasion.
Search online for gift ideas for photography enthusiasts or beginner photographers, and the options are endless!
You’ll come to realise, if you didn’t already, that photography is not a cheap hobby. If you don’t have a considerable budget, it can be tricky to know what to buy someone who has a passion for taking photographs.
You’ll be pleased to hear though that there are a lot of inexpensive gifts for photography lovers out there, if you know where to look.
To help you, the list that follows includes suggestions I’ve curated. These range from the cheap and cheerful through to high-quality and practical gifts for photographers of all ability levels. Take a look!
To start with, I’ll share some ideas of inexpensive gifts for amateur photographers or photography enthusiasts.
These would be great as a Christmas stocking filler since they are small and fun, or as a budget birthday gift or for any other gifting occasion.
Crafted by a small family-run business here in the UK, this set of nine miniature chocolate cameras are sure to be a hit with any budding photographer with a sweet tooth!
They are handmade using fine white, milk, and dark Belgian chocolate, and are beautifully presented, making them an ideal photography gift item.
Quirky gifts for photographers don’t get much better than this!
Styled to look like a fully functioning full-size camera lens, this mug is ideal for drinking tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cold drinks from. Both practical and fun, it would make a great gift for anyone with a passion for photography.
For something extra special, you could purchase a personalised photography gift. For example:
I particularly like the look of these retro-style photography gadget bags. They’re 100% cotton and seem ideal for storing small camera kit and accessories.
The person you are treating will be able to keep all their photography related bits and pieces safely together and all in one place, and the personalisation is an added feature which will no doubt make them smile!
I also really like this personalised keyring! The idea is that you or the recipient can add your own photos to the keyring, making it a completely unique and special gift that they can always carry with them.
There are several options to choose from; you could buy one that can display up to ten photos on the keyring film roll, or you can have up to either 15 or 20 photos instead if you wish.
There is also a range of photography inspired accessories available to purchase alongside the keyrings, including decorative wooden boxes which would make the gift even more memorable and special.
Moving up in budget now, there are a wonderful collection of camera bags available online, including ones that any amateur photographer or hobbyist would surely find useful and would love to receive as a gift.
For camera bags, I particularly adore the ranges at TogLdn, Shootsac and Fig Bags.
TogLdn specialises in modern, contemporary and stylish camera bags. The collection is designed by photographers for photographers. A range of purses and other accessories are available too.
Shootsac’s lens bags are lightweight and can hold up to three camera lenses.
They are not bulky, like some camera cases can be, and they are ideal for when photographing in crowds and tight spaces since the clever design makes it easy to remove the lenses as and when you need them.
At Fig Bags, you’ll find an extensive range of vintage style leather camera satchels, camera straps and photography accessories.
They are designed to protect and carry a camera and the necessary accessories, while also looking stylish.
For camera straps specifically, I would recommend the range at PeakDesign.
I think they are both stylish and very robust, making them ideal for busy professional photographers as well as amateurs and hobbyists.
Alternatively, this leather camera strap range from NLLeathersDesign can also be personalised, which is a nice touch!
If you have more budget to play with, you could buy a camera as a Christmas or birthday gift. Perhaps your tween or teenager is showing an interest in photography, and you feel their ready for an entry-level digital SLR?
If so, then read this blog I wrote previously about the best camera to buy for older kids and teenagers.
Finally, anyone who has a passion for taking photographs will surely appreciate the chance to spend some time with a professional photographer learning how to better use their camera and create better photographs. This is exactly what I offer at my photography workshops, making them an ideal photography gift for beginners.
I run my workshops several times per year. These small group sessions are relaxed and are suitable for beginners of all ages.
If you have a friend or family member who wants to understand their DSLR camera and get off auto mode to take a wider variety of photographs, then this could be ideal. Similarly, if know someone who has a fancy camera stuck in a cupboard and has never had the confidence to use it or doesn’t know how to get the most out of it, then this workshop could be ideal for them.
I teach my photography students how to manually control their camera, and all the basics including photo composition and lighting. We cover the theory in the morning, a light lunch is included, and then participants spend the afternoon practicing what they learnt.
The workshops take place here in Boston Spa, near Leeds and can be purchased as a gift voucher making them ideal as gifts for Christmas and birthdays, and for Mother’s Day/Father’s Day.
To purchase a gift voucher for my photography workshop, visit the gift vouchers page and select either the denomination you are interested in gifting, or purchase a voucher that will cover the cost of the workshop in full.
Photography gift vouchers are available all year round and can be purchased directly from my website, but should you need any help or advice before buying, please do get in touch with me.
Have these photography gift ideas inspired you? I hope so!
Whatever your budget, and whether you’re looking for photography Christmas gifts or for presents for any other occasion throughout the year, my hope is that there is something among this list that could be an ideal gift for any budding photographers you know.
If you have any suggestions of other products or services that would be ideal as a birthday or Christmas gift for photographers, do please let me know as I’d love to keep updating this article.
As always, thanks for reading!
Andrea