Gift Ideas for the Photographer and Adventurer

Sometimes it is hard to know what to get these types unless your one of them. Here is a list of ideas of gifts you can give to the photographer or even the explorer/adventurer you know who loves to get out and see the world.

I have seen a few other lists like this, so check them out as well. Each gives different ideas for the person your shopping for. Bob Atkins has a list here, Ron Niebrugge has a list here, Blissfilly Domestic has a list here, and Richard Wong has a list here.

These are the ideas that I have come up with. Some of these ideas are expensive, but quite a few are under $50. The ideas are grouped by category and generally by cheap to expensive.

Clothing

We all need clothes to wear and we especially need the right kind of clothes to wear when we head outside to keep things safe and fun in all types of weather.

Socks – Warm socks will be appreciated every morning. REI makes their own version of smartwool socks that are top quality!

Footwear – Get them some good footwear. Specifically the kind that makes life outside easier and more fun! I frequently wear mine out and am looking for more. I love the Salomon Mens XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX.

Gore-Tex – Hats, gloves, jackets and pants will protect them from all the elements and allow the fun to be bearable all the time! Arcteryx makes some of the best stuff and I have never regretted buying something from them.

Goose down or synthetic jackets and pants are a great idea as well. Do you know how cold it can be in the summer early in the morning? Not to mention the winter time. Again Arcteryx makes great stuff, but so does Mountain Hardwear, and The North Face.

Non Camera Gear

Lots of the stuff I take out with me isn’t photo gear at all, but it keeps me going.

Headlight – I use one so often that I just keep one in my car, camera bag, and have a few extra that have all come into good use. I prefer Black Diamond Headlights because their quality and customer service is nothing less than amazing.

MSR Pocket Rocket Stove – This little stove is able to warm up food and water fast, and is small and efficient. I carried this and a small pot for more than 50 miles of day hikes last year.

Gloves – I listed this under clothing, but I will say it again. Good gloves are in my bag all year round and something I consider essential. My favorite are from Mountain Hardwear and Black Diamond.

Camera Gear

Get them that upgrade they have been wanting, but feel bad buying for themselves! The adventurer needs some of these things as well for documenting their journeys.

Bubble Level – I have one and your photographer probably does as well, but if he is like me he needs a second because he is always losing it. These are so nice for keeping pictures level on uneven terrain.

Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket Card Holder – This may be one of my favorite purchases over the last year. It easily holds ten memory cards and some business cards as well.

Memory Cards – This is a category where more is better no matter how much you have. These are cheap to expensive, and be sure to get the type they use!

Lens Baby – This is a cheaper lens that most people don’t usually consider but can add a new element to their photography.

Canon PowerShot G11 – We always need a convenient way to snap off some quick shots or make a video.

RRS Carbon Fiber Tripod -  This new tripod is now the gold standard for tripods from what I have seen. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these.

Books

Photo books and informational books are always inspirational. Buy for their subject of interest, but here are some examples.

Yosemite Once Removed: Portraits of the Backcountry – One of the better photo books I have seen recently.

Galen Rowell: A Retrospective – A classic book put out by the late Galen Rowell’s family.

The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior – Great information on a subject I love to see and photograph.

Get them a photo guide to a location they want to visit. Here are a few good ones:

• Photographing the Southwest: Volume 1–Southern Utah
• Photographing the Southwest: Volume 2–Arizona
• Photographing the Southwest: Volume 3–Colorado/New Mexico

Prints

Photographic prints complete the picture taking process. They are wonderful to get and receive!

A gift certificate to make prints of their own pictures will be priceless!

Get them a print from a photographer they admire, it will always be appreciated and inspiring. You could get one here! Our prints of the month are incredible offers.

A new adventure or photo trip

This is the idea that I as a photographer and avid adventurer would like the most!

Photo Workshop – Buy a spot in a photo workshop for them to attend.

Photo Tour – Order a place for them on a photo or adventure tour. These are great because they take care of all the logistics and planning for you.

Their Own Adventure – Give them the opportunity to go on their own photo adventure. Many of my favorite photo trips have been surprisingly low cost by staying within 3 hours of home, and lasting only a day or two. Most of these cost me less than $100. Hook them up with a chance to take one of these and they will definitely thank you!

What would you add to this list? Drop me a line or leave a comment!