Gift-giving can either be exciting or challenging. Usually, it is the latter, especially if you don’t know what the other person likes. But if you’re lucky to know your receiver’s interests and hobbies, the gift-giving hunt becomes easier.
If you’ve been annually giving gifts to someone you’re close with, you’ll often run out of ideas about what to give this year. It becomes more challenging when they have specific interests like photography. What exactly can you gift someone who loves cameras and photo printing? If these questions remind you of a photography enthusiast in your life, you probably know what it feels like to think of what to get them.
To help shake up your ideas, let’s go through a list of gifts you can give a photography enthusiast. You’ve likely thought of or bought some of the presents on this list already. But hopefully, you’ll still find something simple yet practical for the photography lover in your life.
1. Negative films
If the photography lover in your life is into film cameras and film processing, they’ll likely never get tired of negative films. For them, receiving negative films is like refueling their cars. If the person you’re giving this to is a passionate film photographer, you don’t have to think twice about getting them a new set of films to shoot.
But, before buying a set of negative films, you should know the camera model your recipient is using. The world of photography is vast. Multiple cameras and film refills are available to cater to every enthusiast’s needs. So, to ensure your recipient will enjoy and use your gift, know the camera model they’re using first.
2. Ink cartridge
If someone loves photography, chances are, they’re also into photo printing. If you know someone who’s into photo printing, why don’t you give them something to refuel their printers, too? Receiving an ink cartridge may seem odd to many people. But if the person you’re giving it to loves printing their art, they’ll surely appreciate your gift.
On top of that, ink cartridges can be pricey. Photography lovers know that their hobby is not cheap. Every material and equipment they use comes with a cost that makes their work even more special. Without any doubt, having an additional refill to their printers will put a big smile on their faces.
3. Microfiber camera cleaning cloth
For photographers, cameras are like their babies. Their cameras are their pride and joy. Without their cameras, their art and passion would not be complete. And so, taking care of their powerful babies is a must. With that, why don’t you gift them a microfiber camera cleaning cloth?
You can find quality microfiber cleaning cloths in famous camera brands like Nikon. Many photographers love Nikon’s microfiber camera cleaning cloth because of its quality and practicality. But of course, compared to other brands, this microfiber cloth is quite expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, you can look for other brands that offer microfiber cleaning kits at a more affordable rate. Regardless of the brand, this is a present that a camera enthusiast will surely appreciate.
4. Photo editor application subscription/card
Another tool that photography enthusiasts spend most of their time on is a photo editor application. As we know, it’s rare to find professional and quality applications for free today. Most of the apps and software for professionals need subscription and payment.
If the person you’re gifting has been talking about an application they want to try for so long, take it as a sign to give them a subscription. Depending on the software or application, some provide yearly subscriptions while others have lifetime access. It’s up to you to decide which one to buy. Your recipient will surely levitate the moment they see your gift card present.
5. Hard drive or SD card
One of the problems photographers have is receiving full storage notifications. High-quality photos and professional photo editing software all require more storage capacity. To cut it short, photographers always need extra storage to store their data. And having one or two more extra hard drives or SD cards is always a great idea.
Today, even people who are not into photography always need extra storage. What’s more for people who constantly take and edit their photos daily? Save your friend from the trouble of worrying about their files by gifting them a hard drive or SD card.
6. Winter gloves for photography
If you live in a four-season country, custom-made gloves for photographers are a must. It is a perfect present for people who love to shoot subjects in different seasons, particularly winter. This protection will help your friend shoot seamlessly without worrying about the camera slipping off his hands.
I’d suggest going for ones that are also waterproof. The purpose of the glove is not only to keep their hands warm while shooting but also to not interfere with their shooting. In other words, their hands must not get in the way of their hobby.
7. Personalised camera strap
Everyone loves receiving personalized items. People appreciate personalization, even if it is as simple as a gift card or a mug. With that, why don’t you gift your friend a personalized camera strap? One that they can use in every shoot they’ll have.
You can find many online shops that offer personalized items. If you can’t find a camera strap from a business you like, you can buy one from a brand you trust. Then, you can have it personalized in other shops. It can be as simple as having their initials printed or sewn. It’s up to you to make the magic work.
Sometimes, practicality is better than extravagance when it comes to gift-giving.
Hopefully, you now know what gift to get your photography enthusiast. When it comes to giving, it’s not the price that matters. When the day ends, it will always be the thought that counts. Sometimes, practical gifts matter more than extravagant ones—especially for people who know your intentions. I hope whatever gift you have in mind will be enjoyed and appreciated.
About the author:
Bianca Banda is a writer for DS Colour Labs Ltd (DSCL), a professional photography lab that offers a vast range of products and services for photo and print needs.
