adminTop 10 Best Father's Day Gifts for Photographers
Dads are infamously difficult to shop for. Does he really need another tie? The last one you bought him is probably still gathering dust in the closet. This year, get your dad a new camera gadget that he’ll love. If he’s a new or hobby photographer, odds are he’s still working on building up a solid gear kit. Whether he’s aiming to be the next Ansel Adams or just enjoys tinkering around with iPhone camera settings to take nice shots of the family, these photography gifts for Dad are the perfect surprise this Father’s Day. Best of all, they don’t break the bank!
Tripod / GorillaPod
This handy photography gadget not only stabilizes your camera, but positions it so you can be in your own shots as well. Tripods are a basic photography accessory, but GorillaPods are smaller and more versatile in that you can wrap them around tree limbs or collapse to fit on a table. The JOBY GorillaPod 1K Stand is lightweight but strong and durable, and extremely affordable!
Remote Camera Trigger
Remote triggers are useful for when you want to post in your own image without setting a timer and running. They’re also great for ultra-steady images where you can be hands free or when you’re doing long exposures at nighttime. The CamKix remote is easy to pair and compatible with a huge range of phones and tablets. There are also lots of options out there that pair with your specific camera brand.
50mm 1.8 lens
The “nifty fifty” is a cheap lens made of plastic, but it is sharp and you can shoot in lower lighting situations while achieving the kind of depth of field you see in some professional images. This is a great way for new photographers to immediately enhance their shots. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is a reliable choice for any beginning photographer.
Digital Picture Frame
The photographer in your life will probably be excited to display their shots. A digital picture frame is a fantastic way to show off their work and keep memories nearby at home or at the office. The 10-inch Skylight Frame has a modern appearance, uploads photos directly from email, and has an easy-to-use touchscreen.
On-Camera Light
These days all cameras do video, so an on-camera light is useful for lower lighting conditions such as events. With full color spectrum options, the Aputure Amaran MC RGBWW Mini offers incredible performance. It’s a super versatile and affordable option for any photographer.
On-Camera Flash
A mounted camera flash serves the same purpose as an on-camera light, but for photos. Built-in camera flashes aren’t always effective, so an additional flash will ensure your subject and their environment is well-lit. Check out the Godox Wireless 433MHz GN33 for an affordable option that’s compatible with most of the top camera brands.
On-Camera Microphone
An external microphone is more useful than using the built-in audio from your camera. With a professional mic, audio comes out a lot cleaner and more directional, instantly enhancing videos. The Rode VideoMic GO is small and lightweight, but delivers great performance for the price. It quickly takes your footage from home-shot to professional feeling.
Gimbal / Stabilizer
Some cameras come with built-in gyro stabilizers, but they can’t withstand as much bounciness as a real gimbal. Simply attach it to the camera and watch the shaky “found footage” element disappear from videos. It’s one of the more expensive gifts on this list, but totally worth it for intermediate photographers looking to take their shots to the next level. I recommend the DJI Ronin-SC, but you should shop around to find the right price and fit for your camera.
Camera Cage
Dads love their kids, but dads also know that kids tend to destroy things, especially expensive electronics. Protect your camera from clumsy fingers or accidental drops with a durable camera case. I highly recommend Tilta brand. It’s on the pricier side but trust me, you’ll thank me when your camera plummets off a countertop and survives to shoot another day. Be sure to shop around and find a compatible case for your camera model.
Adobe Photoshop
Everyone who has ever seen an edited image knows the phrase, “that’s been photoshopped.” That’s because it’s the best software out there for image editing, whether you’re a beginner or a professional. It’s the perfect way to adjust colors or fix small mistakes in a shot. Pricing starts at $9.99/month or $20.99/month depending on your needs, but they offer a 7-day free trial so be sure to take advantage and try it out first!