The Best Black Friday & Cyber Weekend Deals for Photographers & Videographers in 2025 | Cameras, Computers & Gear!

November 28, 2025

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are actually two of my favorite days of the year. And not necessarily because of the shoppings deals, but because it’s typically the first weekend I get to relax after the busy fall photography season and Thanksgiving holiday stress. I plan to sit on the couch sipping hot chocolate, watching a holiday movie and browsing online for deals on items that I needed to buy for my business anyway. I love saving money any way that I can, so if there’s a camera or lens that I’ve been eyeing for a while, I always hold off until Cyber Weekend. There are a ton of incredible deals on Amazon & B&H Photo this year, so I figured I’d share all of the products I’ve been eyeing over the last few months. And if you’re looking for gift ideas for the photographer or videographer in your life, this may spark a few ideas for you!

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

1. SONY A7 IV MIRRORLESS CAMERA

I recently had the opportunity to try out this camera (you can read my full blog post about it here) and I immediately missed it when it wasn’t in my possession anymore. The thing I love about Sony cameras is how small and compact they are, including the lenses. They are also perfect for photographer/videographer hybrid shooters. As someone who considers themselves a photographer, and not necessarily a videographer, the incredible autofocus of the Sony A7 IV made video creation SO EASY. I found myself wondering if maybe I could be a videographer and that maybe it isn’t quite as intimidating as I’ve been letting myself believe. It also has dual card slots, in-body image stabilization, 4K video up to 60 fps, live streaming functionality, a 33 MP full-frame sensor, and super fun color profiles you can experiment with. It’s majorly on sale this year through B&H Photo for $1998. It’s usually $2698! There’s also a bundle deal that includes a 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens for only $2198. Not to mention, it comes with a backpack, a memory card, and an extra battery! I’ve seriously been considering this deal for myself… We’ll see if I finally take the leap into the Sony world! If you’re on the hunt for something more like a point-and-shoot/vlog camera that is a bit more affordable, the Sony ZV-1F is $100 off on Amazon too!

WHERE TO BUY

SONY A7 IV

B&H Photo

SONY ZV-1F

Amazon

2. GO PRO HERO 13 CREATOR KIT

I always bring a Go Pro with me on my travels because they are SO super small and inconspicuous. They are way easier than using a giant video camera and are great for all weather conditions. They are quick to turn on so you never miss a moment, which has come in handy more times than I can count. I’ve used them for my YouTube channel, Cameras & Cats, for years. I have the Go Pro Hero 9 and I’m so ready for an upgrade. The Go Pro Hero 13 has up to 5.3K at 60 fps (insane!), 27 MP still photos, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, and of course, a waterproof and rugged body for travel and action videos. Amazon is offering a Creator Kit, which includes everything you need for on-the-go content creation. I’m just absolutely amazed by what these tiny little cameras can do. I still remember my first Go Pro, and the first thing I said when I opened the box was, “It’s so tiny!!” As someone who is used to dragging giant DSLR cameras around with me, it’s always a nice break when I get to spend a day out and about with just my Go Pro.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

3. APPLE AIRPODS MAX WIRELESS OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

I just recently heard about the Apple Airpods Max headphones, and I need them ASAP. I love my AirPods, but I lose them constantly. My husband upgraded to the AirPods Pro Max with noise cancellation and I’ve been jealous ever since. The noise cancellation is a game-changer. You can experience music without the outside world interfering, and they are perfect for drowning out the airplane noises when you’re flying. Honestly, I much prefer over-ear headphones than in-ear Airpods, because I find my ears start to hurt after a little while. The Apple AirPods headphones come in a bunch of cute colors too. I kind of love the light purple ones personally! They are $120 off on Amazon for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. You can find them here!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

4. APPLE IPAD 11-INCH WITH A16 CHIP

Not even joking, the Ipad I use is from 2013. I’ve been considering upgrading for a LONG time. For me, I actually use my iPad as a third screen when I’m working/editing photos. I haven’t upgraded yet because I don’t actually store any files on it, but it has to stay plugged in at all times because the battery is shot. So yes, it’s time for a new iPad for me, and I’m definitely floating the idea of this 11-inch iPad because it’s $75 off, which means it’s only $274. It’s probably about time to move on to a new iPad for me…

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

5. WD 14TB DESKTOP EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

It’s kind of a bummer that every year I have to spend money on a new external hard drive because I fill them so quickly. But what’s not a bummer, is that they tend to go down in price every year. Somehow, you can get this 14 TB WD Hard drive for $169 at B&H Photo. 14 TB!!!! Umm, I’ll definitely be buying this, no questions asked. AND it’s USB 3.2 which means it’s super fast and that is SO important for photographers and videographers while editing. There’s also a Seagate 28 TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive that’s $100 off too! So it depends on your budget and how much space you think you need, but I’ve had great experiences with both WD and Seagate drives.

WHERE TO BUY

WD 14 TB USB 3.2 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

B&H Photo

SEAGATE 28 TB USB 3.0 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

B&H Photo

6. SIGMA 24-70MM F/2.8 DG DN II ART LENS (SONY E)

When I was testing out the Sony A7 IV I mentioned above, I was using the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art Lens. It’s super small and light for a 28-70mm zoom lens, yet it still holds up to lenses like the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L II lens. You can check out tons of sample photos I took with the Sigma f/2.8 lens here. I always recommend zoom lenses, especially if you’re just starting out and you want ONE lens that is multi-purpose and can handle any sort of lighting scenario. The fact that it is f/2.8 means it’s great for low light, especially if you’re shooting indoor events or weddings. I used the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L lens as my main lens for over a decade. I just recently upgraded to the Canon RF 28-70 f/2.0, which is an INCREDIBLE lens (you can read a full review of it here), but is HUGE and weighs a million pounds. This Sigma zoom lens is just so light and easy to work with, which is a major factor for me. I’m not even lying, the Canon RF lens I just mentioned is so gigantic, I can barely hold it up for an extended period of time. If you’re wanting to get into professional photography and/or videography, Sony is really the way to go if you’re a small person or just want lightweight but high performance gear. However, if you are a Canon shooter, I highly recommend the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 which is $300 off on B&H Photo for Black Friday/Cyber Weekend too!

WHERE TO BUY

SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II ART LENS

B&H Photo

CANON RF 24-70MM F/2.8 LENS

B&H Photo

7. FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI LINK 2 SMARTPHONE PRINTER BUNDLE

I already have an Instax Square printer that I use all the time to print photos out for my wedding clients, but I want the Instax Mini printer too! It’s only $80 on Amazon for Black Friday which is such a good deal. I use my Instax Square printer ALL THE TIME. You can literally print any photo you want from your phone and turn it into a little polaroid. It’s so much fun and is a great way to share photos with family and friends. No one has time to send photos to Walgreens anymore and go pick them up, so just save yourself the hassle and enjoy printing them yourself into adorable little prints you can hang on your fridge. :)

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

8. CANON EOS R6 MARK II

Ok, so if we’re talking about the one thing I really, really, really want this year, it’s the Canon R6 Mark II. I currently shoot with the Canon EOS R as my main mirrorless camera, and I love it, but there are a few things it’s missing that I could seriously benefit from. The R6 Mark II has dual card slots, in-body image stabilization and 4K video up to 60 fps. It also has better battery life and a more refined grip and body. And who knows, maybe I’ll really go for it and just upgrade to the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. That’s the dream, though it is significantly more expensive. The benefits with the R5 Mark II are higher resolution images, up to 8K video, more advanced autofocus, and a more pro-level photography game. The good news is that they are both on sale this year, with the R6 Mark II on sale for $1999 ($300 off) and the R5 Mark II at $3899 ($500 off)!!!

WHERE TO BUY

CANON EOS R6 MARK II

B&H Photo

Amazon

CANON EOS R5 MARK II

B&H Photo

9. APPLE 2025 MACBOOK AIR 15-INCH LAPTOP WITH M4 CHIP

Is it even Black Friday without a good Macbook deal? If you’re looking for a lightweight travel laptop that’s super fast with lots of storage, the 256 GB 15-inch Macbook Air is on sale for $949 on Amazon. In today’s world, I feel like getting a high-performing laptop under $1000 is kind of a miracle, so I’d take advantage of this deal while you can if you’re on the hunt for a Macbook Air. If you’re looking for a Macbook Pro, B&H Photo has a pretty sweet deal going on with the Macbook Pro 14-inch M4 at $1749.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

10. POLAROID NOW GENERATION 3 INSTANT CAMERA

I recently received a Polaroid Now and I absolutely love it. I’m used to using vintage Polaroid cameras but now that I have a newer version that’s just as fun, I can safely store my vintage cameras away so they don’t get damaged at photo shoots. The Polaroid Now camera can take Polaroid i-Type or 600 film, which is nice because i-Type film is more affordable than 600 film. It comes in tons of different colors and is super cute. Not to mention, it’s only $100 this year on B&H Photo, which is truly the most perfect gift for any photographer. Polaroid cameras are special and will immediately make the holidays more fun for everyone. Just take turns passing the camera around and watch the photos come to life! I’m obsessed with Polaroid photos. I can’t help it! Oh, and don’t forget to pick up some film!

WHERE TO BUY

POLAROID NOW GENERATION 3 INSTANT CAMERA

B&H Photo

Amazon

I-TYPE FILM

B&H Photo

Amazon

HONORABLE MENTIONS

SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD on Amazon for $179.99

Canon EOS R100 with RF 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 Lens Kit on Amazon for $499

DJI RS 4 Gimbal Stabilizer on B&H Photo for $459

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera on B&H Photo for $83.95

ONA (The Clifton) Leather Camera Backpack on B&H Photo for $374.25

I hope this guide helped you comb through some of the deals going on this year! The holidays are always so crazy and stressful, but make sure to take some time for yourself and maybe even buy yourself a little something. We all work so hard ALL year long, and then we have to spend our money buying presents for everyone else?! Just remember to reward yourself in some way too. Whether that’s just spending a day on the couch snuggling with your pets, or finally sorting through some old photographs on your hard drive. For me, January/February is my time to slow down and recuperate from the long year, so I’ve got my eye on that prize. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by! Check out my full 2025 Gift Guide for more ideas here! Or you can see lots more 2025 Cyber Weekend camera & film recommendations on my Amazon Storefront or B&H Storefront. Happy Holidays!

<3 Myles Katherine

SONY A7 IV REAL WORLD REVIEW BY A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER WITH SAMPLE PHOTOS | Is it Worth the Cost and Hype?

November 25, 2025

Here we go, the Sony A7 IV. I honestly can’t believe I’m reviewing this camera right now because I’m typically a Canon girl through and through. But the Sony A7 IV has been on my radar for a while now, so when I had the opportunity to test it out, you better believe I took it! The Sony A7 IV is known for its incredible video and autofocus, but it also takes beautiful photos. When you add in the long battery life, dual card slots, in-body image stabilization and a 33 MP full-frame sensor, it’s hard to deny this camera. I’m a full-time photographer, not a videographer, but I definitely loved switching between the photo and video modes because it was just so user-friendly and intuitive. I mainly use a Canon 5D Mark IV and a Canon EOS R, so I’m used to video that is a bit clunky with slow, unreliable autofocus. I’ve just never really had a camera that was video-forward, but the Sony A7 IV made me question if the reason I haven’t been shooting video is because I just didn’t have the right tools!

As a photographer who shoots all kinds of photographs from portraits to weddings to landscapes to food to fashion, I need a camera that is a workhorse with reliability. I need an amazing lens selection, a sturdy camera body, a long battery life, and super sharp images. When it comes to choosing a camera, there are really 5 categories I’m judging to determine whether a camera is for me — Functionality, Portablity, Durability, Clarity and Creativity. These might differ from photographer to photographer, but I’ve learned over the years what matters most to me and my business. I’m simply not a technically minded person. Of course the features of a camera matter to me, but I’m more interested in the originality and quality of my work, along with the ease of use that a cameras allows for. I shoot quickly and I take a LOT of images. I’m always working towards creating photographs that are entirely unique, creative, and original. I want to create photographs that wow my clients. I just prefer to be real with my camera reviews and share what I truly think about shooting in the real world, in a real location, with real people. Was the camera easy to use or was it confusing and glitchy? Did it handle low light well? Were the images tack sharp? Did the battery last through the shoot? Would it survive a fall if I dropped it on the concrete floor of a studio? Does it have options for creative modes? These are the things that matter to me. So if you’re wondering if the Sony A7 IV can keep up in the real world and create truly stunning photographs that will make your work stand out, you should keep reading. :)

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

FUNCTIONALITY (RATING: 4.5/5)

When I picked up the Sony A7 IV for the first time, I immediately noticed how intuitive the buttons and menu screen felt as I worked my way around it. I suppose I had always imagined myself being completely confused by a new camera brand because I’m so used to Canon cameras. However, I quickly got used to adjusting the ISO, aperture, exposure compensation and more. There are 3 custom buttons that you can assign different settings to so that you can access them quickly, like white balance, ISO, shutter speed, etc. So, depending on how you shoot, you can make everything you need super accessible. This is definitely a plus for me, especially when I’m working a wedding and need to change settings fast.

Another nice feature is having options when it comes to the touch screen. I like using the “touch to focus” option so that I can choose exactly where I want the camera to focus if I’m shooting a large group of people at a wedding or am trying to hone in on one person and catch a candid moment during cocktail hour. I absolutely hate “touch shutter” so I avoid that option at all costs. My Canon EOS R would always accidentally slip into the touch shutter mode because the button was super easy to hit with your nose if you decided to shoot through the viewfinder. It drove me crazy. But luckily the mode is tucked within the menu on the Sony A7 IV so it doesn’t accidentally change on you.

And of course, the 5-axis in-body stabilization (IBIS) is a huge upgrade for me. It’s somehow the first time I’ve ever used a professional camera with in-body image stabilization and it is definitely something I could get used to. Since I’ve never had it before, I just never missed it, but at any sort of wedding or event where I’m moving around, it would come in handy, for sure.

The fact that the A7 IV also has dual card slots is a major plus. It’s another one of those things that you don’t miss until you have it. After having them with my 5D Mark IV, it just lowered my stress levels so much when working for clients. You can record your images or video to two cards at the same time so you always have a backup of your work. There’s really nothing more important than having that safety net for a high-paying gig.

One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was the battery life. I ended up using the Sony A7 IV much more than I expected to at my most recent wedding at Mankin Mansion in Richmond, Virginia, but the battery lasted the entire 6 hour wedding day and had about 17% battery left when I got home. I did notice that once it got to about 11% battery, it died really quickly after that.

The A7 IV worked like a dream in low light and I managed to make it through the whole wedding without feeling the need to add a flash. The native ISO range is 100-51,200 expandable from 50-204,800 ISO. Some cameras say they have these wide ISO ranges but then struggle with autofocus in low light but I didn’t find that to be an issue with the A7 IV.

PORTABILITY (RATING: 5/5)

To some photographers, portability might not matter, but for me it’s a giant factor. I’m not a very large person and professional cameras can be super bulky and heavy. I often come home from a wedding feeling like I got hit by a truck because I lugged 2 DSLR’s with huge lenses around along with a camera bag stuffed with film cameras. Anywhere that I can cut weight from my bag matters. I loved how lightweight the A7 IV was, and I think it was one of the reasons I kept grabbing it from my backpack and choosing to use it over my other cameras. I was using the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 II Art Lens which is a lovely zoom lens with a wide aperture but is surprisingly small and light for the power that it has. I’m used to the gigantic Canon RF 28-70 f/2.0 lens (you can read more about this amazing lens here!) which is incredible but weighs a million pounds and looks a little odd on my Canon EOS R. The Sigma f/2.8 lens is even smaller than my Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, which is the comparable lens by Canon. The A7 IV hand grip size also just feels right to me when it comes to my hand size. The Canon 5D Mark IV is much bulkier and feels much larger in my hand. In terms of portability, the Sony A7 IV really passes the test for me.

DURABILITY (RATING: 3.75/5)

I have a tendency to drop my cameras, mostly because I’m constantly switching between different ones. I often get tangled in straps and a camera ends up flying onto the sidewalk. It’s sad, but true! I’ve dropped every single one of my Canon cameras and have yet to officially break one. Luckily, I did not drop the Sony A7 IV but it did feel a bit more breakable to me than the Canon 5D Mark IV or Canon 6D that I’m used to. The Canon EOS R is also a mirrorless camera similar to the Sony A7 IV and it feels fragile in the same way, with the articulating back screen and sharper edges. I have a theory that these companies purposefully make these cameras more fragile these days because they want you to break it so that you have to buy another one… similar to iPhones… what do you think? If you’ve dropped your Sony A7 IV, let me know in the comments if you experienced any major malfunctions afterwards! I’m rating it a 3/5 just based on my intuition and experience with durable cameras. My Canon 5D Mark II and 5D Mark IV seem to truly be built to last, and it’s another one of the reasons I tend to gravitate towards Canon and DSLR’s.

CLARITY (RATING: 4.2/5)

Obviously, the clarity and overall sharpness of the images is extremely important to me. I need to know if I can blow up the images I take and hang them on a wall without them looking digitized or unnatural. If one of my wedding couples ever decides to make an oversized print to hang over their couch, I want to know that it still looks epic. While the image stabilization definitely helps to keep your images sharp and clean, I didn’t find the images to look quite as natural as the images I create with my Canon cameras. When zooming in on large groups of people, there is a bit of a “digitized” look that sort of flattens faces and makes it seem a little too “fake”, in my opinion. However, I’m talking really zooming in, like on a group of 20 people and focusing in on one face. It doesn’t make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things, and your clients would probably never notice, it’s just something that stuck out to me when going through the photos after the wedding photographed. However, I was pleasantly surprised by look of the images overall, as I remember Sony images to look more digital than most cameras just a few years ago. I think they’ve really improved on making the images as beautiful as Canon or Nikon. The color tones seem to have been improved as well, as the greens look vibrant, but natural, and the skin tones are lovely and natural as well.

The one thing that really threw me off though was the viewfinder. I tend to look through the viewfinder most of the time to take photos, instead of using the LCD touch screen. This is probably more of the old-school photographer in me, but the images looked like they were going to be awful. The quality of the image in the electronic viewfinder just isn’t the best, and I’m used to DSLR viewfinders that show you the real scene that your eyes are seeing through a mirror/prism. That would take some getting used to for me.

However, the benefit of using a mirrorless camera with a digital viewfinder is that you’re seeing exactly what the white balance/color tone/depth of field and exposure will look like when you import it into your computer. It just is a lower resolution version of it. I’m just used to seeing the scene as it stands before me, but again, I guess I’m just old school…

Overall though, after importing the photos into my computer, the images were sharp and beautiful. I find the Sony A7 IV to actually be a bit more reliable in light handling and autofocus than my 5D Mark IV and EOS R, which really does make a difference during a photo shoot. I can see myself loving the consistency and in-body image stabilization after a while though, as it would relieve some of the stress that comes along with things like weddings and corporate events where your clients expects images that don’t differ from each other too much.

CREATIVITY (RATING: 3/5)

This is probably the most important category to me. Can I create images that are timeless, show-stopping, unique, eye-catching, breathtaking, magical? I don’t want images that are digitally “perfect.” I don’t want them to look digital, at all, actually. I prefer photographs that look natural, film-like, cinematic, and just generally pretty. I will say this, the photos I took with the Sony A7 IV surprised me. They didn’t look that different than my Canon 5D Mark IV, and the camera overall is considerably smaller and faster when it comes to autofocus and convenience. I truly enjoyed shooting with it!

Sadly though, the Sony A7 IV does not have a built-in multiple exposure function. And if it did, I probably would seriously consider using a Sony camera as my main work camera. It’s a necessity for me to have a multiple exposure function, though I understand that this feature isn’t important to everyone. For me though, it is a dealbreaker. I wish it wasn’t! Of course, you can always layer images in photoshop after your shoot and create multiple exposures on your own, but I often have so many photos to edit that I just don’t have time to play around in PhotoShop. I used to do that when I first started my business, because it does allow for more control with your multiple exposures, but I prefer to create them on the spot. I also find it to be sort of a fun challenge, to use my surroundings in that moment to create something interesting.

The other thing I noticed is the way the Sony A7 IV handled sunlight when I tried to get some lovely backlighting behind the bride. While it was probably handling the sunlight “correctly” and minimizing sun flare, maintaining detail in the shadows and not blowing out the scene, I found it to be a bit flat and boring. In that moment, I ended up switching back to my Canon cameras to capture the images the way I’m used to. There is something about the way Canon captures sunlight that is so lovely and magical.

If Sony can let go of some of the “perfection” and lean into creativity, I think I’d end up with a Sony in my camera bag. I did like that it had some creative options built into the camera like black and white, sepia, etc., which allows beginner photographers to have fun and experiment, but I didn’t find any of them to be personally exciting in any way. I’d still rather shoot the image flat and edit it in Lightroom myself.

OVERALL SCORE - 87/100

There are so many things I truly enjoyed about this camera. The small, lightweight body, the fast and accurate autofocus, the in-body image stabilization, the reliable light-handling when photographing large groups of people, and the overall color tone of the images. Not to mention, features like the dual card slots, custom function buttons, long battery life, and low-light functionality can really change the game when it comes to wedding and event photography. I’m pleasantly surprised by the beauty and natural aesthetic of the images right out of the camera, without editing or using a picture profile. It also was just super fun to mess with the video and I can see why so many videographers choose this camera. If you’re a hybrid photographer/videographer, or you’re a videographer that wants the option of taking beautiful photos, then this camera would be perfect for you. While it definitely bums me out that it doesn’t have a multiple exposure function, I still loved having this camera in my bag for a few weeks. I knew that I could rely on it for a lot of high-stress photography moments, like a wedding, and I found myself continuously reaching for it over some of my other cameras. It’s an amazing camera that offers so much value for the price. It has everything you need for running a successful photography business, or for filming for a YouTube channel, or for traveling and photographing landscapes, nature, people, etc. I’d even say that the Sony A7 IV was even better than I expected and it makes me want to try out some of their other products, for sure. It was fun being a Sony girl for a hot minute! I’ve included tons of sample photos below so you can decide if this camera is for you!

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A7 IV CAMERA

B&H Photo

SIGMA 24-70MM F/2.8 DG DN II ART LENS (SONY E)

B&H Photo

I hope this post helps you decide if the Sony A7 IV is for you! It’s truly an amazing camera! And it’s actually on sale through B&H Photo this year for Black Friday/Cyber Monday! You can find the deal here. I’ve included a ton of sample photos below. There are no filters on these images, but I have made minor adjustments to exposures, shadows, highlights, and color temperature to fit my personal style. There is no sharpness or clarity enhancements, curve adjustments, or color grading. If you have more specific questions about the editing, please feel free to ask!

If you found this post helpful in any way, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

15 Unique Gifts for Photographers in 2025 | Holiday Gift Guide and Ideas for Photography Lovers

November 10, 2025

I can’t believe it’s already here - it’s Gift Guide time! The holidays are swiftly approaching (help!) and I don’t know about you, but I always have a seriously difficult time trying to figure out what to buy everyone in my life. But there is one thing I do know, and that’s what I would love to have gifted to me as a photographer. So, I’m hoping that imparting some of my wisdom in the photography world will help you make the perfect gift choice for the photography lover in your life! All of these gift ideas are meant for photographers but can definitely apply to videographers and artists alike. Just because they consider themselves to belong in one specific category of art doesn’t mean they couldn’t use the creative tools on this list to enhance their artwork. So, without further ado, here are 15 Unique Gifts for Photographers in 2025!

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

1. HOLGA GCFN OR DIANA F+

I will always put a Holga or a Diana F+ in a gift guide, because I think a toy camera is a perfect way to challenge the artist in your life in a cute and creative way. These cameras are funky, adorable, colorful and so much fun to use. Just remember to pick up some 120 film to go with it! I recommend Kodak Portra 400 or Kodak Gold 200 to start with. :) I have a full blog post all about the Holga GCFN here or the Diana F+ here if you want to read more about them! There is also a cute little 35 mm Holga BC camera if you know the photographer in your life prefers 35 mm.

WHERE TO BUY

HOLGA GCFN ON AMAZOn

HOLGA GCFN ON B&H PHOTO

DIANA F+ ON B&H PHOTO

2. HANDMADE CAMERA STRAP (ETSY)

There was one Christmas when my mom bought me a handmade camera strap with cats on it, and it has become my all-time favorite strap. I keep it on my Nikon FE2 camera and it just makes me smile every time I pick up my camera. It’s also such a great idea to support an artist on Etsy by buying one of their handmade camera strap like this one. Think of something your photographer friend likes, whether it’s cats, dogs, avocados, etc, and see if you have find one on Etsy!

WHERE TO BUY

EtSY HANDMADE CAMeRA STRAPS

3. HARLOWE CREATIVE ACCESSORIES

I recently learned about this company while I was in NYC at the BILD Expo with B&H Photo. This company makes so many fun and creative accessories to help inspire photographers. Personally, I’d go for the Harlowe Gobo and Lens FX Creator Kit (unique filters for creating interesting photos) or the Harlowe Mini II Bi-Color LED Light Standard Kit (a portable lighting kit that is super small and can go anywhere with you).

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo - Harlowe Gobo and Lens FX Creator Kit

B&H Photo - Harlowe Mini II Bi-Color LED Light Standard Kit

4. LIGHT PAINTING WAND

There are so many uses for a light wand. You could create shapes while using a slow shutter speed, or you can use it in the studio to create colorful lighting scenarios. Instead of buying an expensive studio light with gels to change the color, you can just use a light wand like this one that has endless color options!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

5. FILM SCANNER

It’s on my list this year to get myself a new 35 mm film scanner. I currently use an Epson Perfection V750, which is great for scanning 120 film, but I’d love to have a designated 35 mm film scanner like this one. It’s way faster and easier to manage, and takes up less space on my desk. Plus, this Kodak one lets you scan 35 mm, 120, and 110 film and slides so you can restore those old film photos your parents might have taken back in the day!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

6. POLAROID GO OR POLAROID NOW & FILM

I actually just picked up a Polaroid Now camera and I love it. It’s super simple to use and works a little better than my vintage Polaroid 600 cameras. Plus, it takes both 600 film and i-Type film (which is a little cheaper). Not to mention, it’s incredibly cute sitting up on your shelf. Every photographer should have a polaroid camera, it’s just a right of passage!

WHERE TO BUY

Polaroid Now ON AMAZON

POLAROID NOW I-TYPE FILM ON AMAZON

Polaroid Go ON AMAZON

POLAROID GO FILM ON AMAZON

POLAROID NOW GIFT SET ON POLAROID.COM

POLAROID GO GIFT SET ON POLAROID.COM

7. NEEWER RING LIGHT

I bring a ring light with me everywhere if I’m traveling for work. It’s a heck of a lot easier than carrying around a studio lighting kit, and is the perfect fill light if you’re working in a space that isn’t quite bright enough. Plus, it’s great for capturing makeup and glam looks, and creates a nice even lighting over your subject. I’ll often throw a white sheet over it to diffuse the lighting even more, especially for video. But it’s nice because you can also change the color temperature and brightness! Not to mention, they are super affordable!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H PHOTO

8. INSTANT FILM PRINTER - INSTAX MINI LINK

These days, we take so many photos on our iPhones but we never print them! This little printer is perfect because you can create little mini polaroids with photos from your iPhone. It’s perfect because the prints are great for giving to friends and family and look so cute in a scrapbook or hanging on the fridge. I print polaroids all the time because it’s just a nice way to keep the memories alive instead of letting your photos disappear on your hard drive.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H PHOTO

9. 35 MM & 120 FILM ROLLS

If the photographer in your life shoots film, then 35 mm is your safest best. But if you know for a fact that they’re into 120 film (medium format), then definitely help them out and buy a few rolls! Film is expensive for photographers to buy constantly but is a great gift! A roll of 35 mm film costs anywhere from $5-20, and 120 film is usually $8-20. You can’t go wrong with Kodak Portra 400 in 35 mm or 120, or Kodak Gold 200 in 35 mm or 120. You can also read more on my blog. I have a post about 5 Unique Films To Make Your Photos More Interesting or The Best Color Film For 35 mm Cameras.

WHERE TO BUY

Kodak Portra 400 35 mm film ON B&H PHOTO

Kodak Portra 400 120 film on B&H Photo

KODAK GOLD 200 35 MM FILM ON AMAZON

KODAK GOLD 200 120 FILM ON B&H PHOTO

10. LEATHER OR VEGAN LEATHER CAMERA BAG

I just got a new camera bag last Christmas and it was a game changer. I’d been using the same ratty camera bag for over a decade, to the point that the zipper was broken and the fabric was tearing apart! There are finally some nice looking camera bags out there now. I personally love the brand Ona, but there are tons of other brands out there too, especially on Amazon. Here are a bunch that I’d recommend!

ONA THE CAPRI II CAMERA BAG IN ANTIQUE COGNAC LEATHER ON B&H PHOTO

VEGAN LEATHER CAMERA BACKPACK ON AMAZON

GILLIS LONDON GILLIS LONDON TRAFALGAR CAMERA BACKPACK

CWATCUN CANVAS CAMERA BACKPACK

CCWATCUN CAMERA BAG, RETRO CAMERA CROSSBODY CASE

JAEP CAMERA BACKPACK - WEATHER RESISTANT WAXED MEMORY CANVAS

LARGE CAPACITY PHOTOGRAPHY CANVAS CAMERA BACKPACK

VINTAGE CANVAS DSLR/SLR CAMERA BAG

11. VINTAGE CAMERA

Etsy is sort of a secret when it comes to shopping for vintage cameras. Instead of scouring through thrift stores to find a working camera, you can just browse through Etsy and find a seller that specializes in vintage cameras. I just bought a Ricoh 500GX on Etsy and I’m obsessed with it. You can check out my blog post about 10 Film Cameras I Recommend for Beginners if you’re looking for ideas. But the Canon AE-1 , Pentax K1000, Nikon FE or Nikon FE2 are great options! I always shop for vintage cameras on Etsy, KEH Camera, and eBay.

WHERE TO BUY

VINTAGE CANON AE-1 PROGRAM CAMERA ON ETSY

PENTAX K1000 ON KEH CAMERA

VINTAGE NIKON FE ON KEH CAMERA

VINTAGE NIKON FE2 ON EBAY

12. LIGHTROOM OR PHOTOSHOP SUBSCRIPTION

If the photographer in your life is just starting out, they probably haven’t officially invested in an editing program yet. Or if they have, I’m sure they’d appreciate a few extra months on their subscription that they wouldn’t have to pay for! Lightroom and Photoshop are sort of the standard for photo-editing, and are incredibly user-friendly and fun to experiment with. I’ve been using Lightroom and Photoshop together throughout my entire photography career for all of my editing!

WHERE TO BUY

LIGHTROOM ON Amazon

LIGHTROOM ON B&H Photo

PHOTOSHOP ON AMAZON

PHOTOSHOP ON B&H PHOTO

LIGHTROOM AND PHOTOSHOP PACKAGE ON AMAZON

13. PORTABLE LED PANEL

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a videographer, a portable LED panel is a great option. I’m not even a videographer and I’d love to have one of these! Sometimes the lighting just sucks and you need a little help. If the photographer in your life is a traveler, this one on Amazon is a great option because it includes a carrying case and lightweight stands. Or, if they tend to be in particularly rugged conditions, I’d recommend this kit from B&H Photo.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

14. BACKBLAZE SUBSCRIPTION

I’ve convinced pretty much everyone in my life to purchase Backblaze. It’s essentially a cloud back-up service, but it backs up your entire computer and all of your hard drives. So, I never have to worry if my client’s photos are going to disappear if my house burns down. And you’re able to access your files from anywhere. For example, if you accidentally forget to drag a folder onto your computer for editing, you can just download it from your backblaze account and keep editing!

WHERE TO BUY

Get a free 14-day trial on Backblaze!

15. NEW CAMERA!

And of course, who wouldn’t want a new camera! Depending on which brand they prefer, here are a few great options that are new this year from each brand under $2000! I also have a full blog post with more detailed camera descriptions if you’d like to read more - Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2025 Under $2500 | The Best Mirrorless Cameras on the Market.

WHERE TO BUY

Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera with RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Nikon Z5 II WITH 24-50MM F/4-6.3 LENS

Panasonic Lumix S5 II WITH 20-60MM F/3.5-5.6 LENS

Sony A6700 WITH 18-135MM LENS

Fujifilm X100VI

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I hope this list helps you come up with a few gift ideas for the photographer or creative in your life. Or if you’re a photographer yourself, I hope this list reminds you to invest in your business and believe in yourself! I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2012 and it all started with my first Canon 5D Mark II. It truly only takes one amazing camera and one amazing artist to create a successful business.

If you’re looking for even more gift ideas, you can check out my previous gift guides here and here!

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing. Find out more here!

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine