Top Photography Gifts for Dad This Father’s Day

What do you get the man who once climbed halfway into a bush to get the “perfect angle” of a squirrel?

You’ll find out in a second.

But first, this post is for everyone who has a photography-loving dad or who is the photography-loving dad and lowkey wants to send this post to someone “by accident”. Go ahead and accidently hit that share button.

Below: a mix of practical, meaningful, and creatively weird photography gifts for Dad. Because camera nerds deserve better than another grill spatula.

Let me tell you a quick story first.

My dad wasn’t a photographer.

But he did have a lot of hobbies, though honestly, most of them looked a lot like work.

Gardening, hours behind the saw in the garage, building things from wood. Always using his hands.

Always bringing something into the world that wasn’t there before, and then suddenly…was.

Just like an artist.

That was my dad, a creator, and a man of many talents. I still remember sweeping up the sawdust of his creations.

He passed in 2010. And it’s strange. I don’t have a ton of photos of us together. I didn’t have a camera then.

OK, that’s not true.

I had a Sony Cybershot point and shoot, but the photography bug had not kicked in yet. I only got it out when I was on vacation.

And this one time.

My parents were visiting me. Yes, Ironically, in this photo, my dad has a camera with a Speedlite on it in his hand. So who knows, maybe he did have a little photographer in him.

Both of my parents passed in 2010. Shortly after, I purchased my first DSLR and started carrying it everywhere.

Maybe that’s why I became a photographer. Maybe I wanted to freeze time because I couldn’t rewind it.

Which brings me to this: If the dad in your life loves photography, and you’ve got a chance to honor that. And not with a coffee mug that looks like a $2000 camera lens (Okay, maybe with that too.)

Then… you should. (By the way, as an Amazon Associate, if you buy that coffee mug, I earn coffee change.)

By the end of this post, you’ll walk away with real, thoughtful Father’s Day gift ideas for dads who take photos seriously… or just seriously love taking them.

OK, enough of me babbling, you want photography gift ideas for Dad, and I’m here to deliver.

Photography Gear Dads Actually Want (but won’t buy themselves)

Some dads will research gear for months and still never hit “buy.” So do it for them. Check their Amazon wish list. But if they don’t ever use that like me, here are some ideas.

A Legit Camera Strap Upgrade

The default brand camera strap isn’t very amazing. Look into Peak Design Slide Lite (affiliate link – yes, I might earn coffee money) or Hardgraft’s leather camera straps.

Or, and hear me out. A camera strap from Etsy with squirrels on it.

Yes, squirrels. Because what do you get the man who once climbed into a bush to photograph one?

You get him a strap that commemorates the moment damn it. It’s style, comfort, and personal mythology all in one.

Look, don’t overlook this gift idea. Camera straps come in all shapes and forms, including wrist straps, sling straps, retro leather harnesses, and yes, theme styled ones.

A new camera strap is a perfect Father’s Day gift. It adds comfort, convenience, and style. All things dads tend to put off… until their neck starts complaining.

Fast SD Cards

Yes, kind of boring, but an essential photography gift. Something like the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB (affiliate link – I like coffee). If your dad shoots bursts or videos, they need a fast memory card. Fast cards offer significant improvement in read and write speeds.

A Portable Light for Portraits or Macro Photography

Try the Lume Cube Panel Mini (affiliate link). It fits in a pocket, doesn’t overheat, and adds just enough fill light to make flower photos or portraits pop. Especially great for Dads on the go who like to travel light…with light.

For Photography Dads Who Already have Everything (or say they do)

Spoiler: they don’t.

A Photo Book Voucher

Sites like Printique, Blurb, or Mixbook let him turn his work into a real printed book. Many digital photographers don’t print their work enough. Trust me on this, it’s important! You’re not just giving him a book. You’re giving him a moment of reflection as a gift. What could be bigger?

Camera Sensor Cleaning Kit or Voucher

This is like the photography version of socks: useful, unglamorous, but secretly appreciated. The Altura Photo Professional Camera Cleaning Kit for APS-C DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras (affiliate link) has everything you need. Or get it done professionally if your dad gets nervous near the camera sensor. Not going to like, my hands are shaky.

Photography Course or Workshop

Local in-person classes/workshops (check Meetup) OR something online like MasterClass with Annie Leibovitz or Magnum Learn courses. Even if some of the classes are overpriced, they are inspiring. Make sure to pick a class that would resonate with the type of photography your dad does. Bonus points if you take it with him.

Quirky, Creative Gifts for the Sentimental Photography Dad

Photography isn’t always about gear. Sometimes it’s about the feelings we try not to talk about out loud.

A Personalized Photo Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of photo prompts (“where you proposed to mom,” “the street he taught you to ride a bike,” “the ice-cream shop you frequented every summer,” “the lake you caught your first fish”) and let him shoot a memory map.

Framed Print of His Photo

Not one you took. One Dad took. Sneak onto his Instagram, photo catalog, or wherever you have access, and print something on archival paper, frame it like it belongs in a gallery. Because it does. Tip: Use a high-res file, not a small compressed file, if possible.

A Photo + Story Book from the Family

Ask each family member to write one memory involving him and a camera. Or just something he captured. Print it in a little book, magazine, with a caption, etc. It’s better than a tie. Way better.

Example: My daughter might remember me getting out the camera, setting it up, and photographing us having epic superhero battles. As the people who lived these memories age, the photos age with them, becoming more and more special.

Gifts that Turn into Experiences

This might be a little more expensive, but not as much as a new lens. Maybe. Either way, the only thing better than a new lens is making more memories with the one you’ve got.

Road Trip Map to Photograph Cool Places

Build a Google map with pins of nearby waterfalls, historic buildings, ghost towns, whatever fits his vibe. Pair it with gas money, one-night in a hotel, and a sandwich.

Subscription to LensCulture or Similar Subscription-Based Platforms

High-art nerd mode unlocked. Don’t ask for a review. I’ve only looked in from the outside. But, if your Dad might be interested in participating in photography competitions or professional critiques, a subscription with LensCulture affords 5 free competition entries.

Tickets to a Photo Exhibit or Local Art Museum

Especially if he never goes alone. Yeah, your going too. Bonus: you get to spend time together. Bring snacks.

For the Photography Dad who Shoots Film (and never shuts up about it)

We love him. Even when he starts talking about grain structure again. I’m kidding. Sort of. Not about the love part. Anyway, here are some gift ideas for Film Dad.

Rolls of Portra 400 or Kodak Gold 200

Don’t know what any of that means? Doesn’t matter. He does, and film is expensive. No film = No Fun. Kodak Gold 200 and Portra 400 (affiliate links) are pretty common and popular color film.

A Film Lab Gift Card

Maybe you already know where he gets his film developed. If not, look for ones that do high-quality scans, like The Darkroom or Indie Film Lab.

A Vintage Camera Tee or Enamel Pin

I found this “Vintage Shoot More 35mm Film” t-shirt on Amazon in about 10 seconds (affiliate link- yes, coffee change keeps this blog alive). Etsy also has some gems. It’s niche, it’s specific, it’s weirdly perfect.

Cheap but Meaningful (because love isn’t about budget)

Sometimes a $20 gift beats a $200 one.

DIY Photo Frame with Handwritten Caption

Print a shot he took. Add your own words underneath. Maybe it’s a joke, maybe it’s heartfelt. Just make it personal.

Coffee + Camera Walk

Invite him out early. Bring coffee. Bring a camera. Make it about the moment, spending time together, and taking photos. Spending time like this together is worth more than you know.

Print the 5 most-liked Photos from his Instagram and Write the Best Heartfelt Comment that Photo Received on the Back

Weird? Maybe. The idea is to do something small and personal that says: Hey Dad, people saw this and it mattered. Even if it’s just five likes and a fire emoji from someone named @photo_dude420. Bonus points if you include one of your favorite photos that got zero likes.

Last Thoughts on Photography Gifts for Dad This Father’s Day

Maybe your dad’s not perfect. Maybe you’re not either. But photography has this quiet way of helping us see people with more kindness than memory sometimes allows.

So if your dad or father figure or mentor or whatever dad like person came into your life loves photography, give him something that says: I see that. I see you.

Happy Father’s Day.

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💬 Go Ahead, Tell Us About Your Dad or any Weird and Unique Photography Gift Ideas

Tell us about your Dad in the comments below. If you have some unique Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Dads Who Love Photography please share them below.