As we gear up for the biggest shopping season of the year, we’re presenting our favorite gifts for photographers this holiday season. If you’re still finalizing your shopping list for yourself and for the camera-loving people in your life, we have you covered. For starters, below are a few of our favorites that are valued under $25 — perfect for stocking stuffers!
Need more gift ideas, and want to see all the latest holiday deals? Keep an eye out for our Holiday Shopping Guide!
Photopills App
Recommended by Bob Coates | Read Review | Available via PhotoPills
If you are only going to add one APP to your phone for night sky photography its gotta be PhotoPills. At $10.99, there is an incredible amount of night sky information at your fingertips. Inside the app, you’ll find a planner with various maps types, Pills for sun, moon, Milky Way, meteor showers, hyperlocal tables and so much more. Probably one of the most important features is AR, or augmented reality, which superimposes when and where the Milky Way and the galactic center will be at any time and date. Invaluable when looking for any information for sky photography. Get wherever you buy your APPS. Also, this works great on your tablet with more real estate.
Muji Two Zipper Pouches
Recommended by Kevin Ames | From $5.90 | Available via Muji
The pouches come in small and medium (and sometimes large) sizes and in a variety of colors. I use these versatile mesh bags for everything from cough drops, to batteries, to adaptors and dongles and more. I love the second back part of the pouch. When changing batteries for example, I put the used ones in the back pouch and fresh copper tops on the mesh side for a quick count of how many are left.
I keep several on hand for packing for shoots. Check back with Muji to see color and size availability.
Photographers on Photography by Henry Caroll
Recommended by Joy Celine Asto | $6.29 (Paperback) – $9.97 (Hardcover) | Available via Amazon
I’m sure photography-related books are part of every photographer’s bookshelf. A light read that you can occasionally flip through when the need for inspiration strikes, Photographers on Photography fits the bill. With its carefully curated selection of quotes, images, and interviews, this book offers an interesting peek into what matters most to the photography masters. Perfect gift for yourself or a fellow photographer-slash-bookworm!
Vello White Balance Card Set (Medium)
Recommended by Julie Powell | Read Review | $10.49 | Available via B&H
Perfect for setting the perfect white balance in photoshoots. Quick and easy to adjust in Lightroom Classic. Just get your model to hold one up to their face at the beginning of the shoot. I adore these as they are small and can fit in your pocket, or your pack or hang them off a light stand.
Kodak Steel 35mm Film Case
Recommended by Joy Celine Asto | $24.99 | Available via Amazon
Film photographers looking for a case to store and carry their precious 35mm film rolls have a stylish option in this steel case from Kodak. With its retro design and several color way options, there’s one for everyone — or for when the mood or need strikes. For example, get any of the vibrant colorways for color films, and any of the black, white or silver options for black and white films.
Japan Camera Hunter Film Hard Case
Recommended by Joy Celine Asto | $13.99 (35mm) or $15.99 (120) | Available via B&H
If you’re after a simpler, cheaper, and more modern option for your film case, Japan Camera Hunter’s offering is your best bet. Made of sturdy hard plastic and available in five color options (black, green, pink, red, and white), its exterior is intentionally kept blank so you can either customize its appearance or label the films inside. Both the 35mm and 120 format variants can fit five rolls of film. But if you’re more of a 35mm shooter who can quickly burn through your rolls, there’s also an option that can fit 10 rolls.
