Whether it’s a spouse, sibling, son/daughter, or friend, if you have a photographer in your life, you understand their constant search for that next piece of gear that will make them just a bit happier.
So, when it comes time to find a gift for that someone, you are probably always looking for something photography-related that won’t break your budget. Here are 15 ideas, most of which are under $100 and many of which are cheap enough, you’ll be able to buy a few. Some of the gifts are quite practical; others are just zany and fun. All are available on Amazon [1]; however, you can also check with the manufacturer, compare prices, and maybe find something else you will like even more.
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The Spider Holster [2]
If you have ever watched photographers with a couple of cameras hanging from straps, you may have noticed that this can be a bit cumbersome. Here is a utility belt for cameras – it will hold two at a time, and there is even a quick release feature. Hang them back up with very little effort. This is one of the pricier products on the list, but so worth the convenience. -
The LensPen [3]
This is literally a pen, but the tip is of microfiber carbon. Using a circular motion, your favorite photographer can have a perfectly clean lens without having to get out the liquid cleaner and tissue. The other end of the pen houses a retractable brush for getting into crevices. These great little tools are small and you can get a year’s supply very affordably. -
Lens Mug [4]
Here’s a gift for the coffee, tea, soda or energy drinking photographer. And if they don’t take mugs along? It makes a great pencil and pen holder. -
Mod Designer Straps [5]
Made by Mod [5], these straps are under $50. Lots of options to fit any photographic personality. -
Remote Control Shutter Release [6]
Photographers with lots of experience understand the convenience of this accessory, but newbies may not. Firing off a camera remotely is especially helpful for low light environments. Just make sure you get the right one for the model camera your photographer has. These are made by several different manufacturers and come in all price ranges. -
What the Duck [7]
A hilarious book with great cartoons of a duck photographer. Most will relate to the foibles, mistakes, and comedic situations. -
Portable White Balance Filter [8]
This one is for the tech-minded photographer who is really into detail. Very easy, very portable, and very lightweight. Hold it in front of the camera lens and get a light balance reading. No attachment is required, and it’s inexpensive and easy. -
Photo-opoly [9]
Yes, now there is Monopoly for photographers. This one has a bit of a twist – the photographer fills in the spaces with his/her own shots. -
Hoodloupe [10]
This little gadget hangs around the photographer’s neck on a lanyard. When outdoors on a sunny day, the photographer just places it against the screen, and it shields the sun, providing a magnified view of the subject so focus can be checked. It is one of the pricier items on the list, but will be well-appreciated. Be certain to get the right model to match the camera. -
Cell Phone Lens Kit [11]
For those amateur photographers who love snapping anything and everything with their phones, here is a set of three lenses [11] – wide angle, fish eye, and telephoto/macro. -
Domke Wrap [12]
Your young photographer has decided to take a gap year [13] to do some traveling and experiment with his/her style and skills. This is a great protective wrap for camera and lenses – to safely carry gear in a purse, backpack, or carry-on. It’s made completely of Velcro with a nylon, water resistant exterior.
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Green Screen Kit [14]
This will definitely be an unexpected ad unique gift. The green screen lets a photographer drop out the backgrounds s/he does not want in a photograph. Then, anything can be inserted into that space for an original “set.” While this is definitely a beginner kit, it does come with some lights too. It, too, is on the pricier side of this list of gifts. -
Lens Bracelets [15]
Here’s a great little idea that is just fun – bracelets that look like lens focus devices. -
Camera Cuff Links [16]
For the photographer who may have to dress up for events, this is the perfect gift. These can be found at cufflinks.com or on Amazon. -
Personal GPS [17]
For the photographer who spends a lot of time traipsing through countryside, forests, and other out of the way places, looking for that perfect shot, here is a personal GPS device, and he/she will never get lost again.
I hope you enjoyed this list of photography gifts! Please take a moment to share some more ideas with us on Twitter [18] or Facebook [19].