If you’re shopping for gifts for beginner photographers, you’ll want to choose items to help them grow their skills and confidence. Photography is more than just a hobby—it’s a passion that combines art and technology, offering endless avenues for expression. With the rise of social media and powerful smartphone cameras, more people are picking up photography as a creative outlet, a side hustle, or a career path.

Selecting the right gear and accessories is crucial for budding photographers. Whether they need a reliable camera or tools to enhance their post-production workflow, thoughtful gifts can make all the difference. This guide includes over 50 gifts for amateur photographers, helping you find the perfect presents that inspire novice photographers to capture stunning images like seasoned pros.

Let me start with the disclaimer that I still consider myself an amateur photographer. I love taking pictures of anything, anywhere. I take thousands of photos (and I delete thousands of photos). In addition to documenting family travel adventures and kid’s sports, I love the art of photography. I take my camera everywhere every day.

And more important than that…I am the gadget queen; I have tried them all.

gifts for beginner photographer

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

Keep photography gear safe with these specialty camera bags that make perfect gifts for beginner photographers.

What do you want in a camera bag? Space.  Durability.  Comfort. The camera bag needs space for a Canon DSLR and a couple of extra lenses (often including a telephoto lens), a laptop, a smartphone, a wallet, and a few fun smartphone accessories.  Add a snack, a tiny pharmacy (kid allergies), a water bottle, and you are ready to go.

The Tenba Backpacks are spacious; with multiple dividers, zipped pockets small and large, a zipped pocket for a laptop.  They are weatherproof and have plenty of space for snacks and a water bottle.  AND fit perfectly under the seat on the airplane.

Other Types of Camera Bags.

There are multiple types of camera bags: waist packs, messenger bags, holsters, gadget bags, and if you are super serious, the rolling camera bag. 

Sometimes, photographers want to carry their equipment in a bag that is not designed as a camera bag, such as a backpack, suitcase, or designer handbag. Tenba has designed the BYOB camera inserts to accomplish this task safely and securely.

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On to the camera and lenses, the perfect gifts for the beginner photographer.

Choosing the right camera is the first step toward empowering someone to explore photography seriously. Entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras offer a great blend of quality and ease of use, providing features that nurture creativity.

Canon 80D DSLR ~ I recently replaced my Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with the 80D DSLR. The Digital Rebel XT lasted me about 12 years. I traveled all over the world with that camera, and I documented the first ten years of both of my children with that camera.  Both models offer intuitive controls and excellent image quality, making them ideal gifts for aspiring photographers.

Lenses are equally important, as they drastically affect the types of photos one can capture.

Canon 50mm Fixed Lens “The Nifty Fifty” ~ For portrait photography, a prime lens like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM offers beautiful background blur and crisp focus. It is simple, lightweight, inexpensive, and fun to use. It is great for action and nighttime photography, too.

Canon EF 70-200mm Telephoto Lens ~ Admittedly, I am not that good with this lens yet, but I am improving. It is too heavy to use without a tripod. My results have improved with the tripod, but it is a work in progress.

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The right combination of cameras and lenses sets the foundation for a versatile photography kit, especially for beginner photographers. They can experiment with different styles and subjects, honing their skills and finding what resonates with them. A well-rounded camera kit is essential for developing confidence and technical proficiency.

Editing Software – Perfecting Images After the Shoot.

Editing is an integral part of photography, allowing photographers to fine-tune their images and realize their artistic vision. Beginners can start with user-friendly photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom, which offers powerful tools for adjusting exposure, color, and composition. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive features make it a popular choice among photographers of all levels.

For more advanced editing, Adobe Photoshop provides endless possibilities for manipulation and enhancement. Though it may have a steeper learning curve, Photoshop allows photographers to explore creative edits and refine their skills.

Editing enhances photographs’ storytelling potential. Learning to use editing software elevates beginner photographers’ work and helps them develop a signature style. Mastering post-production techniques is a rewarding aspect of photography that complements the skills developed behind the lens.

Ten Best Gifts for Beginner Photographers Under $25.

1) Smartphone Lens Kit ~ This lens kit from Amazon includes so many lenses you won’t need a fancy camera: wide-angle, macro, fisheye, telephoto, Kaleidoscope, and starburst. Plus, four color lenses.

2) Inspirational Books and Courses – Learning From the Best

A well-rounded education in photography includes learning from experts and absorbing knowledge through books and courses. Inspirational photography books like “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson provide valuable insights into the technical aspects of photography while encouraging creativity. “Read This if You Want to Take Good Photographs of People” by Henry Carroll offers practical advice and inspiration for budding photographers.

Here are three more helpful books that make the perfect gift for beginner photographers.

Lonely Planet’s Guide to Travel Photography

Digital Photography Complete Course: Learn Everything You Need to Know in 20 Weeks

National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Great Photography

Online courses and workshops offer structured learning opportunities and are often taught by industry professionals. Platforms like Skillshare and MasterClass provide access to various photography courses, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced editing. These resources are invaluable gifts for beginner photographers looking to refine their skills and expand their knowledge.

By exploring photography books and courses, novice photographers can draw inspiration from accomplished professionals. These resources foster a deeper understanding of the art form, encouraging continuous growth and exploration. Learning from the best in the field helps photographers develop their unique voice and approach.

3) Selfie Stick.

4) SD card.

5) SD card holder with clip-on.

6) Tripod Mount for cell phone.

I know it’s a bit frivolous, but how fun would having a tripod mount for your cellphone be?

7) JOBY GripTight Universal Phone Holder with Small Tripod for Smartphone.

8) Pocket-sized quick reference cards.

9) And we all need caffeine, especially while editing. Check out this cute mug.

10) Mini photography studio, anyone?

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Best Gifts for Beginner Photographers Under $50.

Joby Freehold Universal Kit securely holds your phone anywhere you wish to shoot your creative images. It also comes with wrapping legs, so you can wrap it around pretty much anything and even hang it to get that crazy angle shot.

Joby GorillaPod Stand ~ I love this stand that allows me to secure my DSLR to any surface and holds devices up to six pounds.

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Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack for your precious equipment ~ Never miss a photo-op, even on the water.

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Everyone needs a little personality and style, and that strap that comes with a new camera is well, boring. The perfect addition to their beginner photography gear, a denim strap that fits any DSLR…simple, yet stylish and comfortable.

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The Lens Ball.

Creativity isn’t just for the pros or expensive camera equipment. This looks professional, but the lens ball is also created for beginners. You can use it with your smartphone camera, too.

gifts for beginner photographer

GorillaPod Mobile Rig ~ This gadget is a must for YouTubers and Vloggers. The rig adds two arms to the cell phone mount for a microphone and lighting.

Or a lens filter kit.

Five Gifts for Beginner Photographers Under $100

1) GorillaPod Pro Stand ~ Grip it, wrap it, and stand it. It is made for Mirrorless Cameras and other accessories up to six pounds.

2) Instantly share your moments on screen with a digital photo frame.

3) Add more storage with an external hard drive.

4) The perfect gift for teen photogs is the wireless instant photo printer, which prints photos directly from the smartphone.

5) Or better yet, a Polaroid camera.

It is time to make your wish list.

Let me help. Print this up, fold it, and sneak it in the novel they are reading or in their stack of mail. It’s a subtle hint, right? Oh, and let me know what you would add to this list for beginner photographers.

Choosing the right gifts for beginner photographers can have a lasting impact on their creative journey. Each item, from powerful cameras and lenses to essential accessories and educational resources, plays a vital role in nurturing their passion and honing their skills. With the right tools and guidance, photography enthusiasts can capture stunning images like pros.

Whether shopping for a gift for a friend or looking to treat yourself, these recommendations offer valuable insights into building a comprehensive photography kit. Encourage others to explore the world through a camera lens, and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow photography lovers.