They did it! They are graduating! Congratulations are definitely in order. And, of course, a gift.
This is the last big goal post before being unleashed onto the world. How are you going to celebrate and support your college graduate as they venture on into a very uncertain world? Great question.
Coincidentally, we looked into and gave thought to the best college graduation gifts for photographers, whether your graduate plans to try and make a business of photography, or is just an avid shutterbug.
P.S. Buckle up. We didn’t hold back with some of these choices. Prepare yourselves now.
1. Switti S20 Professional LED Photography Light Kit (Overall Winner)
This comprehensive, colorful, and continuous lighting kit ranks as our Overall Winner when it comes to college graduation gifts for photographers because it delivers options and portability at a reasonable price. In other words: the best of both worlds.
This lighting kit contains two lights, light stands, and softboxes in a carrying bag. For someone starting a business, this is a greater starter kit for studio and travel lighting options. It offers a step-up into the next level of professionalism which is the perfect gift for a college graduate.
2. Fujifilm instax WIDE 300 Kit
We chose this particular kit for a few reasons. First and foremost it comes with film and a cleaning cloth so the buyer doesn’t have to stress about finding compatible film. But secondly, this is a unique wide film, measuring 3.4″ x 4.3″.
These cameras are everywhere, so the wide format Fujifilm instax WIDE 300 stands out, making it a great college graduation gift for photographers. As Reba McEntire said, “Be different, stand out, and work your butt off.” For those focusing on classic instant film as their mode of expression, (or those that just enjoy it) this delivers new challenges and results in a memorable format.
3. Hasselblad X1D II 50C with 45mm f/3.5 XCD Lens
We warned you. Medium format photography can be viewed as a considerable next step from student to professional making it a dream come true for the college graduate.
For those undertaking photography on a serious level a medium format camera, especially from an iconic brand like Hasselblad, creates an advantage in a professional world overrun with phone photos. Unfortunately, it comes with a price tag to match.
We chose this kit because it includes both the camera body and a lens making it a great gift for both the college grad and the buyer. This wi-fi enabled, mirrorless medium format Hasselblad X1D II 50C and 45mm f/3.5 XCD lens is the ultimate gift for the rising star.
4. Pixel Ring Light
We chose the Pixel ring light because the best college graduation gifts for photographers should enable the photographer to succeed as a photographer. And if you can do that at a manageable price it’s a bonus for the buyer. Gift your college grad a studio ring light.
This ring light creates the unique lighting often seen on Instagram and YouTube but goes a step further with gel inserts to create dynamic new looks.
This package comes with a ring light, light stand, and wireless remote control in a compact portable carrying bag. It’s a flexible, functional start into lighting at a reasonable price.
5. Kobra Flash Modifier Full System
A college graduate is starting off on a journey and therefore needs portable options, right? That’s where the Kobra Flash Modifier System comes in.
This universal flash modifier can step up the game of an on-the-go photographer with a flash. With a wide range of gel inserts and a convenient wallet to carry them in, the Kobra system thought of everything so you don’t have to.
6. Godox Thinklite Camera Flash TT600 Kit
On-location shooting, like weddings, is a large part of starting out as a photography professional. Creating magical images is both fun and rewarding but lighting is essential.
It’s vital to have the ability to light the scene, and ideally in a portable, compatible, wireless system. That’s why we chose this kit from Godox as one of the best college graduation gifts for photographers.
The Godox TT600 universally works with all available camera brands. Its wireless function allows remote adjustment of sync speed and more. The kit comes with three flash heads and diffusers and filters for each head. It does not come with lights stands so you might want to consider them as an auxiliary gift.
6. Gary Fong Lightsphere Generation 5 (Budget Winner)
This flash modifier from the legendary Gary Fong is our budget winner for best college graduation gifts for photographers because of its brand and buyer-friendly price point.
Gary Fong is a strong name in light modification so while there are many flash head modifiers on the market, few come with the same brand-awareness and ensured quality as the Gary Fong brand.
This Lightsphere filters light in a universal, yet adjustable, fit. Additionally, the Lightsphere collapses making it likely to become essential for the traveling photographer.
This gem is our budget winner because although the gift is thoughtful, and from a trusted and known brand, it’s also the cheapest on our list making it very buyer-friendly as well.
Better Lighting. More Options. The Best Tools.
Regardless if your graduate wants to go professional or is simply a hardcore enthusiast, there is no wrong choice when it comes to the best college graduation gifts for photographers.
Social media and phone photography have turned everyone into a photographer and every photographer wants better lighting, more options, and the best tools. Conveniently, that’s exactly what we look for too!
