A professional photographer is going to need more gear than the average hobbyist, opening up a world of possibilities when sifting through birthday gifts for pro photographers. But you still need to consider what type of photography they’re doing to find the gear they actually need.
Are they shooting products, landscapes, architecture? Or are they a street photographer in need of stealthy equipment? Getting fun accessories that show off their craft can be a good idea too. For example, a lightbox or turntable that makes their job easier or offers more creative possibilities can be a great option. So can a fun clock or a new camera strap.
Whether you want to help support them on their journey to really make it big or you want to give them something unique and whimsical, you’re going to find some of the best birthday gifts for pro photographers available right here.
1. ESDDI 24″ Photo Studio Light Box
If you’re looking for a gift for a product photographer, a studio lightbox can really come in handy. After all, small items can often get lost in a large space, or they can be difficult to light just the right way. With this photo studio lightbox by ESSDI, you can control the light and make sure the object is well-defined.
This brightness can be adjusted by simply turning a knob to get it just where you want it. There’s also a hook and loop design that makes it a snap to fold flat and store or transport. Plus, it’s just as easy to get it set back up again when you want to use it. All of that makes it a great option for anyone who wants to take professional-quality product photos.
2. ComXim MT320RL40 Professional 360 Degree Photography Turntable
This is another great option for product photographers shooting smaller items. Rather than walking around an object to get a lot of different shots, the photographer can set their subject on this turntable and take still shots or even videos of the product from different angles as it rotates.
The turntable has an 88-pound capacity and allows you to control the angle, speed, direction, and rotation all from a single remote control. All of that is going to make it even easier for your photographer friend to get the images and the videos that they’re looking for. Plus, it’s simple to set up and very portable, which makes it great for on-location shoots.
3. Kshioe Lighting Kit with Background Support System
The right setup for your studio shoot is extremely important and this kit will give you the options you need to get it right. It includes everything necessary to take high-quality portraits including three photo backdrops, four shoot-through umbrellas, and two fluorescent light holders. You’ll also get light bulbs, two strobe light stands, a background stand, and more.
All of these different pieces are designed to provide you with everything necessary to take high-quality professional studio portraits. You’ll even get a full-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. That means it’s something your photo bug can try out and make sure it’s going to work for their needs.
4. HAVOX Photo Studio HPB-80D
When it comes to lighting up an object, the HAVOX Photo Studio lightbox is a great option. It has 168 LED lights that can be dimmable to whatever level you want, which means your photo-loving friend can get that perfect shot in no time at all. Not only that but the box has various openings to make sure they can get the right angle for their photos without too much reflection or shine.
This photo lightbox is easy to use and easy to take apart and reassemble. There’s even a bag included to carry it in. Even better, it’s big enough to hold items that are nearly two feet in size, which makes it easy to get great pictures of just about anything.
5. CADeN Camera Backpack
Carrying around a DSLR camera and several lenses can be difficult because they take up a lot of space. Not to mention you want to keep them well protected. This bag can help your photographer keep things easy and organized. It holds a base camera with lens plus an additional five lenses with ease and is compatible with the top camera brands.
On top of that, it can hold a flash, tripod, and laptop or tablet. And the bag itself is backpack style, which makes it easier to carry. It’s sufficiently padded throughout to keep everything separated and protected while walking or hiking, and helps your photographer keep their gear ready to go. Having a strong, sturdy camera bag is always important.
6. SomeThings Photographer Clock
Sometimes you need a gift that’s just a little whimsical, and that’s where this clock comes in. It’s a cute gift that anyone can put on their wall to enjoy. Plus, it’s something your birthday photographer probably won’t get from someone else. The vinyl record will definitely take them back, and the etching is a great way to highlight their hobby.
It’s lightweight and easy to read. Plus it comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. The little reminder to ‘capture life’ is one that any photographer definitely understands, so it makes for a great birthday present.
7. Datacolor SpyderX Elite
One of the most important things for any photographer is getting the right colors in an image. But when computer monitors have slightly different looks for the same color it can be difficult to figure out just how to find the right color. That’s where the Datacolor SpyderX Elite tool comes in. It actually calibrates the colors on the computer monitor to make sure they match the original colors in your image.
When you’re taking a shot you can even use this to help monitor the room lighting, update profiles, and get the exact right color on your screen. This gift is one that photo lovers may not know exists, but it’s going to give them a lot of peace of mind during post-production.
8. Axton Toys Photography Idea Cards
Anyone who’s just getting started with photography may need a little bit of help finding just what to take a picture of. With these Photography Idea Cards from Axton Toys, they’re not going to run out of creative possibilities for a while. The deck includes 72 different cards that each offer a challenge to help the photographer practice and improve.
Even for those who are more advanced with their career, this can be a way to have a little fun and try out something different. There are even hashtags on the cards that make it easy to share them on social media and see what other people are doing with the same challenge. That way, new and experienced photographers alike can get even more new ideas.
9. Art Tribute Blue Woven Vintage Camera Strap
This vintage style strap makes it more comfortable to carry a camera around with you. It’s hand-embroidered with cruelty-free materials and has cotton padding to make it softer on your neck for a long day. Plus, the patterns are designed to be fun and playful.
There are several different styles to choose from and each one comes with a lifetime warranty and customer service. The photo bug in your life is going to need a way to keep their camera with them at all times, but why does that have to be with a boring camera strap? This one does the job but with a little more pizzazz!
10. ProMediaGear A13 Photographers Keychain Multi-Tool (Budget Winner)
Having the right tools on hand to fix your equipment at any moment is crucial for a photographer and that’s where this multi-tool comes in. It’s a great little addition to any birthday gift because it’s small, lightweight, and easy to use. And if your photographer friend ever needs to tighten up the accessories on their camera or even take apart some of the components, this will help.
The keyring design means it’s even easier to keep with you at all times. Plus, it has the most common size of hex key that you’ll need when working with cameras. There’s also a flat-head option that works great for other purposes, which makes this a nice gift for any photographer.
Choosing the Right Birthday Gifts for Pro Photographers
When it comes to picking out gifts for a professional photographer it can get tricky if you don’t know what they have or need. They may have some basic gear but are in need of something specific. Or maybe they just need some new creative tools to get them inspired. These gifts are perfect for pros and might even help an amateur photographer get up to pro status.
