Gift Guide for photographers and creators!
By 1133 Studios
Do you have a shutterbug or content creator in your family, but not really sure what to get them? Don't worry. We’ve curated this list to help alleviate the pressure of finding the perfect gift. From stocking stuffers to full fledged professional equipment we’ve got something here for all budgets that is sure to bring a smile and utility to the creator in your life. But don’t lose this list. Bookmark it. Who knows? It may come in handy 6 months from now for a graduation or birthday present!
Camera Cleaning Kit (Under $10)
First on our list is a cleaning kit. These little kits are extremely helpful and come with plenty of accessories. Dusters, bulb air blasters, wipes and cleaning cloths. Another plus is they often come in a reusable portable pouch that keeps everything compact and organized. This is sure to keep your giftee’s camera and lens in peak performance.
Memory cards ($10+)
Simple, useful, and essential. You can’t take a photo or record a video without one. I have plenty of these laying around all over the place just in case I forgot to bring one with me: office, car, bedroom, backpack, and my wallet. Don’t let a memory slip just because your memory slipped. *badum tss*… Just click the link below.
Battery pack ($20+)
Running out of juice can suck. Especially when there isn’t a wall plug anywhere nearby. This makes this gift a no-brainer. Photographer or not these always come in handy, and they are super affordable. I’ve linked a combo pack below that will be sure to save your giftee’s day at least once.
Bluetooth speaker ($30+)
What does a photographer need a bluetooth speaker for? To set the mood during a photoshoot! I often ask my clients if they have a music preference before we get started to help them feel more comfortable during a session. Some rules when selecting a speaker: choose something that can take a beating, is loud, and has great battery life. There are tons of speakers on the market, but I’ve linked the one I personally use in my studio and on-location.
Ring light ($40+)
This has been THE hot product of 2021 for content creators. With the explosion of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, ring lights have been the go-to lighting solution for influencers and amateurs alike. They are compact, portable, and super simple to use. Often times this accessory is ready to use right out of the box. I’ve linked a ring light below that includes a phone holder, color changing LEDs, adjustable brightness, and a 40-inch tripod. Get ready for some content.
Logitech MX Master mouse ($50+)
A simple piece of tech that we all use everyday, but don’t really put much thought into. At least normal people don’t. But creatives? This is a crucial decision. Ergonomics, features, rechargeable, macros, a ton of extra buttons. These all describe the MX Master. It is my personal choice for content creation and photo editing. There are 3 generations of this mouse, but the 1st generation is still my go-to as it is price conscious and carries most of the features of the 2nd and 3rd iteration. The 2 scroll wheels, high precision laser, and 8 programmable macros make this mouse a productivity powerhouse.
Camera backpack ($60+)
Camera equipment can be expensive, and a good camera backpack will have the necessary padding and protective exterior to keep the precious cargo inside safe. Other things that make camera bags stand out from normal bags are: modular interiors, ridiculous amounts of pockets and zippers, a laptop sleeve, exterior straps for tripods, and plenty of airflow and padding. Below I’ve linked a backpack that checks all the boxes and more.
Solid state drive ($80+)
SSD for short, this powerful tool provides extra storage for creators on-the-go. Compared to traditional hard drives, solid state drives are substantially more reliable, are much smaller in size, and have blazing fast read and write speeds. With the holiday season upon us, you can find great deals on these compact storage savers. I personally recommend offerings from Samsung or SanDisk as these are the ones I trust to store client files and contracts.
instant film camera ($100+)
Does the photographer in your life have a vintage flare to their style? Then you can’t go wrong with an instant film camera. Before digital became the standard, film ruled the world. Then one day film disappeared. Somehow in the past few years it started making a comeback. With convenient features like autofocus, a built-in 35mm lens, and a self-timer, this little retro-inspired camera is at the top of my instant film camera list.
1133 studios gift card ($various)
We all need help creating content, and sometimes that means hiring another expert to help. Think about this: who helps heal a sick doctor back to health? Another doctor. This is a great opportunity to let your giftee be in the spotlight for once. 1133 Studios gift cards can be used towards a headshot for their new website or profile, a portrait session to showcase behind the scenes looks of them at work, or a just-for-fun session that they will truly enjoy and appreciate.