Now that we’re in the holiday season, you might be thinking about what you can get for your photographer friends or family. Or, maybe you need some ideas for yourself 
Although most cameras and lenses are pretty expensive (and might be out of “gift” range), there’s a lot of other photography stuff that any nature photographer would probably love to receive:
Tripod and/or head
If you’ve been reading PhotoNaturalist for any length of time, then you probably know I’m a big fan of tripods. Not only do they help you get sharper photos, but they also force you to consider your composition more carefully.
Here are a few tripods I recommend:
- Gitzo 1542T (read my review) – with RRS BH-30 ballhead
- Manfrotto 190XPROB with a 496RC2 head (great affordable tripod)
- Gitzo 2531 with a RRS BH-40 head
Kwik Camo (blind)
The purpose of a blind is to conceal you from wildlife, so you can get closer to them (so you’ll be able to fill more of the frame with your subject). It’s something that every wildlife photographer should have, and they come in all kinds of different configurations (some are actual structures that you set up, while others are just “tents” that you throw over yourself).
Well, one blind that I’ve been using for a few years now is the Kwik Camo. It’s basically just some camouflage fabric that you drape over yourself, and it has an opening for your camera lens (and a screen for your face).
Books
- Galen Rowell’s Inner Game of Outdoor Photography by Galen Rowell (read my review) – A book that should be on every nature photographer’s shelf!
- Photographically Speaking by David duChemin – An excellent book that I just finished reading. It’s all about learning the “language” of photography and understanding why certain images feel more powerful than others.
- The Camera by Ansel Adams – This book was written about film cameras, but many of the same concepts apply to digital. It’s a great book that talks about the fundamentals of photography (such as composition).
Camera Accessories
- Spudz Cleaning Cloth – Great for cleaning lenses and filters!
- Extension Tubes for Lenses – Great for close-up/macro photography!
- Rocket Air Blower – Great for cleaning camera sensors!
Recommended Gear
Also, don’t forget about our gear page, where we list all of the camera gear that we use and recommend.
What did I miss?
Is there anything else that you think makes a great holiday gift for a nature photographer? If so, please share with us by leaving a comment below. Thanks! 
And, I hope you have a great holiday season!!
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About the Author: Steve Berardi is a naturalist, photographer, software engineer, and founder of PhotoNaturalist. You can usually find him hiking in the beautiful mountains and deserts of southern California.
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