12 Photography Gifts That Inspire Creativity
Finding the perfect photography gifts can feel overwhelming. With so much specialized gear, it’s easy to get it wrong. With “inspiring creativity” as our theme, we’ve curated our list this year to encompass photography gifts to expand the minds of all types of photographers, from beginner to pro, fashion to documentary.
The Cyanometer Postcard
Share the sky above with someone far away. Artist Macarena Ruiz-Tagle created these conceptual art postcards as part of the 13th Annual Architecture Venice Biennale. Hold the Cyanometer or Sunset postcard to the sky and peer through the Cyanometer, mark the corresponding hue, and share a thought or two before dropping it in the mail.
Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, a Swiss Naturalist (1740-1799), is credited with inventing the Cyanometer in 1789 during his expeditions in the Alps.
The Cyanometer Postcard has been exhibited internationally for over a decade.
Hand-Painted Unique Photography Backdrops
For over 45 years, Oliphant Studios has been creating one-of-a-kind backdrops with exceptional artistry and quality. Each piece is individually crafted with meticulous detail, featuring timeless tones that enhance subjects with elegance. Chosen by top photographers, including Annie Leibovitz, Oliphant backdrops will elevate any portrait shoot.
Prices start at $950 through Oliphant Studios.
On-the-Go Waterproof Camera Bag
As far as photography gifts go, it’s hard to go wrong with a camera bag. And We love accessories that enable photographers to explore the outdoors with ease. The Peak Design Outdoor Sling 7L is an adventure-ready camera bag. Designed for the wilderness or urban explorations, it’s ultralight, weatherproof, and built to keep up with an active lifestyle. Its durable Terra Shell™ exterior with PFAS-free water resistance and weatherproof zippers ensures gear stays protected, whether cycling, trekking, or commuting.
It’s perfect for carrying a small mirrorless camera or drone kit, with room for essentials like batteries, SD cards, or even a travel tripod using external gear loops.
The Diana F+ Camera & Flash
This is a great gift for getting back to the basics and adding the element of surprise back into a photographer’s practice. The Diana F+ Camera & Flash brings the retro charm of the 1960s to your photography. Capture dreamy, vibrant square images on 120 film, enhanced by the vintage-style Diana+ Flash and colored gel filters. Enjoy creative options like pinhole photography, multiple exposures, and long exposures.
The Diana F+ Camera is $79.20 via Lomography
1000 Colours Wheel Puzzle: The Colour Theory One
Go back to photo school with this color wheel puzzle. “The wheel demonstrates classic theories of harmonic and dissonant colour schemes. Place each of the 1000 individual colours in perfect order to reveal the complementary, triadic and split complementary systems.” Made in Germany.
The Color Wheel is available for $35 via The Play Group.
Aperture magazine subscription
Since 1952 Aperture has been “creating insight, community, and understanding through photography”. Each issue is themed and runs the gamut from AI to spirituality. These days, it’s a thrill to get a magazine in the mail, and Aperture is always a welcome surprise. Yearly subscribers get:
- Collectible print edition, delivered quarterly
- Current issue digital edition
- Free entry to the annual Aperture Portfolio Prize
- Includes The PhotoBook Review, a special section for lively engagement with photobooks, featuring interviews, book reviews, and more.
It costs $75/year or $124/2 years for a print subscription.
The WonderBox ULTIMATE – Bi-Monthly 35mm Film Subscription Box
If you’re looking for photography gifts that keep on giving throughout the year, The WonderBox ULTIMATE is Analogue Wonderland’s top-tier 35mm film subscription, perfect for adventurous film photographers eager to explore a wide range of films, from reversal and low-ISO to expired emulsions and vibrant colors. Launched in 2020, it has gained hundreds of subscribers, helping them experiment, learn, and build confidence in film photography.
The WonderBox ULTIMATE subscription costs £60.00 every two months.
Jollylook Pinhole Zoom Instant Film Camera
Unleash your creativity and DIY skillset with Jollylook’s Vintage Style Instant Film Camera Kits. These eco-friendly, self-assembly kits allow you to craft your own pinhole-style instant film camera, blending classic vintage aesthetics with modern innovation. Designed and handcrafted by Jollylook, these cameras use biodegradable materials and feature a manual development mechanism, bellows, and an exposure calculator for an authentic photography experience. Perfect as a gift or a fun project.
Prices start at $100 on Jollylook’s Etsy page.
Horizon Floor Lamp (Halo Edition)
The Halo Edition Horizon Floor Lamp combines cutting-edge technology with artistic design, featuring a high-power LED and an elegant optical system. As the first piece in the Landscape collection, it recreates the stunning natural phenomenon where light bends and scatters at the boundary of day and night, delivering a mesmerizing display of colors and shades that bring a breathtaking cosmic landscape on set or into your home. Made in Italy.
The Halo Horizon Floor Lamp is $2,056.00 on Lamp Twist.
Modern photography props
Up your prop styling game with these modern props for photographers. There are so many to choose from, you can mix and match. Even if you’re not a still life photographer, you can still have fun styling your fruit bowl or cosmetic drawer!
Prices start at $25.99 and ship from Theuniquedisplay on Etsy.
Subscription to the British Journal of Photography magazine
Subscribers to the British Journal of Photography will receive upcoming issues, gain unlimited access to inspiring photography content, and enjoy free entry to prestigious industry awards. Since 1854, the world’s longest-running photography title has explored art, culture, politics, and society through the lenses of world-class photographers. Like Aperture, issues are themed and cover a wide range of topics like Spatial Awareness, Virtual Reality and Money + Power.
A digital and print subscription is £24.75/ quarter on BJP.
Clip Lights
I think the best way to edit your photos is to print and hang them. Clip Lights, featuring 20 clear clips, each with its own LED for a warm white glow, makes this process aesthetic and fun. The 120” cable provides ample space, with clips spaced 6” apart for easy hanging. Battery-powered (3 AA, not included).
Clip Lights are $15 on Parabo Press.
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