Best Gifts for Nature Photographers
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide for 2025
(What They Actually Want)
I've got you covered!
"Looking for the perfect gift for the nature and landscape photographer in your life?
Whether it’s a breathtaking photography book, a versatile backpack, or a transformative course, this list has something for everyone. And hey, if you are the photographer, treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care!"
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Portfolio 35
by the Natural History Museum
book
A perennial favorite among nature photographers, the WPY annual portfolio returns with its 2025 collection of global award-winners. Expect jaw-dropping wildlife moments, cutting-edge storytelling, and the highest standard of documentary nature photography. This volume makes a brilliant gift for photographers of all levels who want to see what’s possible when patience, timing, and passion collide in the field.
Artistic Inspirations
Surround them with beauty for endless creative sparks
Tiny Nature
by Jamie Rosencrans
book
Perfect for macro-curious photographers or anyone who loves small wonders, Tiny Nature celebrates the patterns, creatures, and details hiding in plain sight. Rosencrans pairs approachable macrophotography with naturalist insights that spark curiosity. Beautifully printed and easy to enjoy, it’s the kind of book that nudges photographers to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the magic at their feet.
Beauty of the Netherlands
by Albert Dros
book
Discover the atmospheric landscapes of the Netherlands through the eyes of award-winning photographer Albert Dros. This 2025 large-format release combines dramatic skies, soft coastal light, and striking compositions with premium printing that highlights every detail. From mist-wrapped windmills to luminous waterways, this book offers rich inspiration for landscape photographers who love expressive light and mood
Reverence
by Paul Nicklen
book
This limited-edition masterpiece from Paul Nicklen and Hemeria Publishing is a love letter to wild places and the species that depend on them. Printed to museum standards, Reverence blends fine-art photography with powerful conservation storytelling. For nature photographers who value emotional depth and environmental connection, this book brings both—wrapped in exquisite craftsmanship and thoughtful curation.
Close to Calm
by Nigel Danson
book
Nigel Danson’s newest 2025 release offers a beautifully quiet visual experience. With its signed editions, gentle essays, and polished sequencing, Close to Calm invites readers into nature as a sanctuary. Danson’s signature style—soft light, moody landscapes, and deeply personal reflection—makes this book a meaningful gift for any landscape photographer seeking inspiration rooted in emotion and presence.
Taking Refuge: Oregon Coast
by Susan Dimock
book
An intimate independent release from fine-art photographer Susan Dimock, Taking Refuge blends contemplative essays with beautifully observed landscapes of the Oregon Coast. It’s soulful, place-driven, and ideal for nature photographers who appreciate quieter storytelling—where emotion, ecology, and artistry all intertwine. A standout choice for supporting a small creator with a powerful voice.
Natural Landscape Volume Five
by Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)
book
Capture your audience with one of the most respected annual compilations of landscape imagery. This 220-page large-format hardcover features over 140 photographers from around the world, paired with essays on the eyewitness tradition of photography. The 2025 edition, printed to museum standards with FSC-certified paper and soy-based inks, is a premium gift for any serious nature or landscape photographer who values craft, community, and artistic depth.
The Photographs: Iconic Images from National Geographic
book
This updated 2025 edition gathers NatGeo’s most recognizable and influential photographs into one timeless volume. Spanning wildlife, landscapes, cultures, and exploration, the book showcases decades of world-class imagery and storytelling. A perfect mainstream gift—reliable, stunning, and evergreen—for any photographer who loves a good dose of wonder.
Still The Art of Noticing
by Mary Jo Hoffman
book
Every single day for more than a decade, Mary Jo Hoffman has photographed something found in nature — no subject too small or ordinary. In Still, she gathers 275 of those luminous images alongside essays that explore how daily observation transforms both art and awareness. The result is a stunning celebration of the quiet beauty in noticing. A meaningful gift for anyone drawn to slow living, nature journaling, or finding creativity through everyday connection.
LifeWorks in Photography
by Clyde Butcher
book
A sweeping retrospective from landscape-photography legend Clyde Butcher, LifeWorks in Photography showcases decades of panoramic back-lit wetlands, pristine wilderness vistas, and masterful black-and-white imagery. With generous large-format printing and a scope that spans from Florida’s Everglades to Alaska’s Arctic tundra, the book is a powerful gift for landscape photographers who value craft, legacy, and photographic storytelling.
Yosemite Widlife
by Beth Pratt & Robb Hirsch
book
The first comprehensive book in over a century dedicated to Yosemite’s wild inhabitants, Yosemite Wildlife pairs Beth Pratt’s lively storytelling with Robb Hirsch’s decades of patient field photography. It celebrates the park’s 150+ species, from black bears to tiny alpine amphibians, alongside archival material and conservation insights. A stunning, image-rich tribute to Yosemite’s living landscape, this book is perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone inspired by the wild heart of America’s most beloved national park.
All the Wood's a Stage
by Simon Baxter
book
Simon Baxter’s All the Wood’s a Stage is a heartfelt celebration of Britain’s forests, co-created with Joe Cornish. Through evocative woodland imagery and reflective essays, the book explores how light, texture, and time reveal the quiet character of trees and place. Beautifully printed in the UK with sustainable materials, it’s a meaningful gift for photographers and nature lovers drawn to the artistry and patience of working in woodlands.
If your curiosity runs deeper, explore my curated Naturalist Books collection on Amazon. It includes modern classics like The Forest Unseen and Braiding Sweetgrass, field favorites such as The Sibley Guide to Birds and Habitats of the World, and beautifully illustrated works by Julia Rothman. You’ll find books on ecology, botany, wildlife, and creative inspiration — all chosen to nurture a thoughtful connection with nature.
Favorites for the Nature Lover
Practical Accessories
In Nature Anatomy, Julia Rothman combines playful illustrations with accessible lessons on everything from clouds to animal tracks. It’s a delightful read for visual learners and curious explorers who want to rediscover the natural world with wonder.
Nature Anatomy
Educational fun
Created by illustrator Julia Rothman, this guided journal blends her signature art with gentle prompts that inspire you to observe and sketch the world around you. It’s perfect for anyone eager to slow down, notice more, and build a mindful connection with nature.
Nature Anatomy Notebook
Practical Accessories
Written by biologists Nathaniel T. Wheelwright and Bernd Heinrich, this five-year nature journal helps you track patterns in wildlife, weather, and seasonal change. Thoughtful and beautifully structured, it’s ideal for hikers, naturalists, and photographers alike.
The Naturalist’s Notebook
Practical Accessories
Nurturing Nature
For the Budding Naturalist
Winter Workflow
by Eric Bennett
Video Tutorial
Eric Bennett’s Winter Workflow focuses exclusively on the challenges and beauty of processing winter scenes. Through several full start-to-finish edits, he teaches how to deal with tricky snow tones, restore contrast without creating crunch, manage color casts, and maintain a clean, natural aesthetic. The course emphasizes subtlety, painterly light, and dependable steps for achieving crisp, elegant winter photographs. Perfect for photographers wanting to level-up their winter post-processing with clarity and confidence.
Educational Gems
Feed their passion with knowledge and skills
Lightroom for Landscapes
by Albert Dros
Video Tutorial
Albert Dros’ comprehensive Lightroom course walks through his full workflow—from import and organization to global adjustments, color work, masking, and finishing touches. He demonstrates how to build a clean, structured editing process using Lightroom’s modern tools, with an emphasis on color theory, contrast control, and developing a consistent style. Clear, detailed, and beginner-friendly, it’s ideal for anyone wanting a repeatable editing approach created for today’s version of Lightroom.
Rethink Landscape
by David Kingham
video Tutorial
David Kingham’s Rethink Landscape is a modular Lightroom/ACR editing system built around a deliberate 7-step process for crafting expressive, intentional landscape edits. The toolkit includes 100+ development presets, brushes, and masks designed to guide photographers through consistent steps—shaping light, refining color, controlling detail, and building mood without cookie-cutter effects. This system replaces guesswork with a flexible roadmap you can customize to your own vision.
Lightroom for Wildlife Photography
by Ray Hennessy
video Tutorial
Ray Hennessy’s Lightroom course is designed specifically for wildlife and bird photographers. He walks through culling efficiently, evaluating sharpness, managing large volumes of images, and building a clean organizational approach tailored to wildlife work. In the editing modules, he demonstrates how to balance detail, noise reduction, color, exposure, and selective masking to create natural, polished wildlife images without overprocessing. A strong match for anyone photographing birds, mammals, or fast-moving subjects.
Consider the recipient's lifestyle and daily routines. Practical gifts often have a longer-lasting impact and are appreciated for their utility.
practicality
Sentimental gifts evoke emotions and create lasting memories, making them meaningful and memorable for the recipient.
Sentimental Value
Tailoring the gift to the recipient's individual tastes, preferences, and interests adds a thoughtful and personal touch
Personalization
Selecting the Perfect Gift
- 2026 12-Month Calendar by Mike Mezeul II
- 2026 Cades Cove Calendar by Bill Lea (Smokies Life)
- 2026 Oregon Calendar by Photo Cascadia
- 2026 Washington Evergreen Calendar by Photo Cascadia
- 2026 Calendar by Clyde Butcher
- 2026 Colorado Calendar by Shanda Akin
- 2026 Firefly Experience Calendar by Radim Schreiber
- 2026 Ansel Adams Wall Calendar: Authorized Edition
A Year of Natural Wonders: 2026 Nature Photography Calendars
calendar
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Portfolio 35
by the Natural History Museum
book
A perennial favorite among nature photographers, the WPY annual portfolio returns with its 2025 collection of global award-winners. Expect jaw-dropping wildlife moments, cutting-edge storytelling, and the highest standard of documentary nature photography. This volume makes a brilliant gift for photographers of all levels who want to see what’s possible when patience, timing, and passion collide in the field.
Tiny Nature
by Jamie Rosencrans
book
Perfect for beginners, macro-curious photographers, or anyone who loves small wonders, Tiny Nature celebrates the patterns, creatures, and details hiding in plain sight. Rosencrans pairs approachable macrophotography with naturalist insights that spark curiosity. Beautifully printed and easy to enjoy, it’s the kind of book that nudges photographers to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the magic at their feet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Portfolio 35
by the Natural History Museum
book
A perennial favorite among nature photographers, the WPY annual portfolio returns with its 2025 collection of global award-winners. Expect jaw-dropping wildlife moments, cutting-edge storytelling, and the highest standard of documentary nature photography. This volume makes a brilliant gift for photographers of all levels who want to see what’s possible when patience, timing, and passion collide in the field.
Tiny Nature
by Jamie Rosencrans
book
Perfect for beginners, macro-curious photographers, or anyone who loves small wonders, Tiny Nature celebrates the patterns, creatures, and details hiding in plain sight. Rosencrans pairs approachable macrophotography with naturalist insights that spark curiosity. Beautifully printed and easy to enjoy, it’s the kind of book that nudges photographers to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the magic at their feet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Portfolio 35
by the Natural History Museum
book
A perennial favorite among nature photographers, the WPY annual portfolio returns with its 2025 collection of global award-winners. Expect jaw-dropping wildlife moments, cutting-edge storytelling, and the highest standard of documentary nature photography. This volume makes a brilliant gift for photographers of all levels who want to see what’s possible when patience, timing, and passion collide in the field.
Tiny Nature
by Jamie Rosencrans
book
Perfect for beginners, macro-curious photographers, or anyone who loves small wonders, Tiny Nature celebrates the patterns, creatures, and details hiding in plain sight. Rosencrans pairs approachable macrophotography with naturalist insights that spark curiosity. Beautifully printed and easy to enjoy, it’s the kind of book that nudges photographers to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the magic at their feet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Portfolio 35
by the Natural History Museum
book
A perennial favorite among nature photographers, the WPY annual portfolio returns with its 2025 collection of global award-winners. Expect jaw-dropping wildlife moments, cutting-edge storytelling, and the highest standard of documentary nature photography. This volume makes a brilliant gift for photographers of all levels who want to see what’s possible when patience, timing, and passion collide in the field.
Tiny Nature
by Jamie Rosencrans
book
Perfect for beginners, macro-curious photographers, or anyone who loves small wonders, Tiny Nature celebrates the patterns, creatures, and details hiding in plain sight. Rosencrans pairs approachable macrophotography with naturalist insights that spark curiosity. Beautifully printed and easy to enjoy, it’s the kind of book that nudges photographers to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the magic at their feet.
Nature Photographers Network
community platform
NPN remains one of the strongest community hubs for nature photographers seeking thoughtful critique, growth-minded discussion, and a quieter alternative to social media. Members gain access to image critiques, educational articles, themed challenges, ask me anything sessions, and a supportive network of photographers who genuinely want to improve together. It’s a wonderful gift for photographers who crave a connection rooted in learning, not algorithms.
A Sense of Community
a feast for the eyes and food for thought
Nature Photo Collective
Educational Platform
Nature Photo Collective offers an annual membership featuring a steady stream of classes from a wide mix of respected photographers. Members gain access to an extensive library covering editing, field skills, creativity, storytelling, and project-based learning. With new material released regularly, it’s a resource-rich platform for photographers who enjoy self-paced education across many styles.
Elements Photography Magazine
digital magazine
A beautifully crafted digital magazine dedicated to premier landscape photography. ELEMENTS delivers monthly deep-dives featuring world-class photographers, thoughtful essays, interviews, and over 100 pages of imagery and education. It’s clutter-free, ad-free, and perfect for photographers who love long-form inspiration.
Outdoor Photographer is under new ownership, and it's rebuilding with a renewed commitment to high-quality storytelling and fairly paid creative contributors. Each issue offers field guides, location features, gear insights, and nature-focused articles that cater to photographers across experience levels. Supporting the magazine now helps ensure a future for trusted outdoor photography journalism.
Outdoor Photographer
Print & Digital Magazine
Lenswork
The Works
Lenswork remains a treasure for photographers who appreciate fine-art thinking. A membership unlocks access to more than 1,700 “Here’s a Thought!” episodes, hundreds of in-depth interviews, and exclusive editions like Lenswork Print and Tablet. Ideal for photographers who value the craft and philosophy behind the image.
Launched in 2024 by Jason Bradley and team, Wild Eyes brings together wildlife, underwater, and conservation photography in a beautifully visual storytelling platform. Each issue blends expert articles, powerful imagery, and thoughtful perspective, giving photographers fresh inspiration from some of the most dedicated naturalists working today.
Wild Eyes Magazine
digital Magazine
Adams’ foundational series remains one of the best technical and artistic deep dives ever written. Even with today’s digital workflow, his explanations of exposure, tonal control, visualization, and printmaking translate directly to modern editing. Considered required reading for photographers who want depth and discipline.
The Ansel Adams Trilogy — The Camera, The Negative, The Print
A modern classic. Tal merges philosophy, creativity, and personal voice in a way few have matched. It’s not a how-to book, it’s a why-we-create book — the kind that reshapes the way photographers think about art, nature, meaning, and their own imagery. Often recommended right alongside Rowell and Adams.
More Than a Rock — Guy Tal
A cornerstone of modern landscape photography. Rowell blends adventure, artistry, and fieldcraft with an unmatched ability to explain how light shapes a photograph. It’s part philosophy, part instruction, and part visual memoir — timeless, inspiring, and still referenced by professionals today.
Mountain Light — Galen Rowell
Landscape Photography Classics
I’ve never met a photographer who didn’t get this Patagonia Black Hole Duffle Bag and love it. It’s oddly simple yet endlessly functional, easy to lug around, and holds everything you need while still being compact when empty. The weather-resistant fabric, sturdy zippers, and reinforced straps make it a reliable, long-term investment for nature and landscape photographers who travel often. Whether it’s stashed in a trunk or tossed in an overhead bin, this duffel can take a beating and still look good doing it.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffle Bag
Travel & Organization
Cadence Travel Capsules make a fantastic gift for nature photographers who are always on the go. These compact, modular containers are designed to carry small amounts of liquids, gels, or other essentials, all while being eco-friendly. I love that I can bring my favorite products from home in refillable, travel-sized capsules — no more buying mini versions or going without what I actually like. Their leakproof, magnetic design keeps everything organized, secure, and TSA-compliant, making them a smart, sustainable way to simplify packing for every trip.
Cadence Travel Capsules
Travel & Organization
Keeping your camera pack organized is effortless with these little Travelon packing cubes. I use them inside my camera backpack to separate gear and accessories so everything has its place. The mesh tops let me see what’s inside instantly, and the structured sides help protect cables, filters, batteries, and other delicate items. They’re simple, sturdy, and exactly what every traveling photographer needs to stay organized in the field.
Travelon Packing Organizer Cubes
Travel & Organization
Gearing Up for Travel
fuel their photography adventure with practical travel gear
The Parallelle Traveler Bag is a stylish, ultra-functional organizer ideal for cosmetics and toiletries, tailored to meet the needs of on-the-go travelers and outdoor photographers. Made from durable vegan and waterproof leather, it features adjustable dividers and multiple pockets, allowing for flexible organization. Its foldable design provides full visibility and effortless access to all contents, perfect for camping, hotel stays, or even sleeping in the car. Simply unzip, and everything is ready to go without needing to unpack. It seriously makes unpacking and packing during travel a breeze. And it’s perfect for campgrounds! This bag is amazing!
The Parallelle Traveler Bag
Magic Toiletry Bag
I’ve filled up my water bottle in some pretty sketchy places, and let’s face it, sometimes the water tastes terrible. Instead of relying on constantly purchasing bottled water, I can use the Brita's Premium Filtered Water Bottle and fill up at hotels, gas stations, or public fountains. The internal filter keeps everything tasting clean and fresh. It’s a practical, eco-friendly gift for photographers who spend long days outside, and it’s sturdy enough to handle being clipped onto a backpack.
Note: If your person is someone who will be filling up directly from the river or creek, consider the LifeStraw Go Bottle.
Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle
Travel Essential
The Zippo HeatBank keeps your hands warm and your devices charged during long winter sessions. Rechargeable, compact, and far more reliable than disposable warmers, it’s a small tool that makes a big impact. Perfect for landscape and wildlife photographers who work through early mornings and freezing nights, it’s one of those practical gifts that quickly becomes an essential part of every field kit — and it doubles as a backup power bank.
Zippo HeatBank 9s
cold-weather tech
The Shimoda Explore V2 Collection is a versatile travel and landscape adventure camera bag system designed for both men and women. From airport to alpine, it offers a refined, durable solution for photographers on the move. I’ve found Shimoda to be the perfect balance of aesthetics, fit, and function, and it’s the bag I trust to be my sidekick on every adventure.
The newest addition, women’s Capture-Clip–compatible shoulder straps, makes it even better for photographers who prefer to keep their camera close and hands-free. The Women’s Shimoda Explore V2 30L pack is the photography bag I trust most in every season.
For a great alternative, F-Stop Gear also makes excellent, durable camera backpacks.
Shimoda Camera Backpacks
camera backpack
Heated vests and gloves are one of those upgrades you don’t know you need until you have them, and then you’ll never go back. Lightweight, rechargeable, and designed for outdoor creators, Ororo Heated Vests and Heated Gloves keep you focused on the light instead of the chill. They’re a perfect gift for photographers who shoot through sunrise frost or winter storms — a thoughtful, practical comfort we rarely buy for ourselves but always appreciate.
Ororo Heated Vest or Gloves
cold-weather tech marvel
Field Comfort & Warmth
Gear that keeps them cozy so they can focus on photography
I'm often hiking with trekking poles, using them to navigate riverbeds or cross creeks, but things get tricky when I’m juggling poles and a tripod. Stick Stashers are one of those small but brilliant tools that make a big difference in the field. These magnetic clips attach to your backpack and quickly hold trekking poles securely in place when you need your hands free for photography. They’re lightweight, reliable, and a clever way to keep your poles out of the way but always within reach — a simple solution every hiking photographer will appreciate.
Stick Stashers Magnetic Trekking Pole Holders
hiking accessory
Handcrafted by small-business owner Courtney Wilson, these Wildson hoods come in various styles but share one purpose — to keep photographers warm and comfortable in cold conditions. They’re wind-resistant, cinch securely in place, and built for long hours outdoors. The independent neck tube can stand alone from the hood, helping regulate temperature when hiking or photographing in changing weather. With optional satin lining to protect hair and a range of fabrics and colors, this small-batch gem is as practical as it is beautiful. I went with the satin-lined sherpa hood to keep my hair safe and myself toasty in the field.
Wildson Winter Hoods
One Hood to rule them all
Can't decide on a specific gift? Opt for a gift card, and let the nature photographer in your life choose the perfect item to add to their gear bag. I know this may seem like a copout of a gift, but sometimes it's one of the greatest acts of kindness you can give a photographer. Photography gear is expensive, and it's challenging to know what someone will need or want to purchase next. The year that each of my family members gave me a B&H gift card afforded me the opportunity to purchase the lens I had on my wishlist.
If you still want to accompany your gift card with a small physical gift, then you can always include items like a rocket air blaster, Zeiss Lens Wipes, SD cards, or extra camera batteries for their camera.
Another failsafe option is to give an REI gift card and perhaps pair your purchase with a microfiber cloth, hiking socks, or even a new headlamp. I don’t know any photographers who haven’t put an REI gift card to good use. Quality gear is outrageously expensive but worth the investment to keep us warm and dry.
Gift Cards
Always a hit
A rugged external drive like the LaCie Rugged Mini or Crucial X10 Pro is the best peace-of-mind gift for any photographer. These drives protect files against shocks, dust, and drops while delivering fast, reliable backups in the field. It’s one of those unglamorous but absolutely essential tools that ensures your work is safe wherever you travel.
Storage Essential
The SmallRig Folding Tool Set is an all-in-one field repair kit for photographers. With industry-standard hex keys, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, and built-in screw storage, it handles everything from tightening tripod legs to adjusting L-brackets. The folding design is compact, glove-friendly, and made for those “good thing I packed this” moments.
SmallRig Folding Tool Set
Multi-tool Must have
The Anker PowerCore+ delivers reliable, high-speed charging for cameras, laptops, and phones. With a large battery capacity and fast USB-C output, it’s ideal for photographers who spend full days in the field or on the road. Lightweight and powerful, it’s the perfect safety net for keeping creative tools running when outlets are scarce.
Anker Portable Power Charger
Portable Power Source
Power & Preparedness
Dependable gear that keeps photographers Charged and Ready
External Hard Drives
The Matador Global Travel Adapter is a must-have for photographers who travel internationally or just want one charger that works anywhere. With multiple plug configurations and USB-C compatibility, it keeps your devices powered whether you’re editing in a hotel or charging batteries in an airport lounge. Compact, durable, and built to last, it’s one of those “buy once and forget it” essentials that simplifies every trip.
Matador Global Travel Adapter
Universal Adapter
When it seems they have it all, consider a heartfelt gesture. If the landscape photographer in your life's gear bag is full, why not make a meaningful impact? Opt for a donation in their name to one of their cherished parks or conservation causes. It's a thoughtful way to celebrate their passion for photography and contribute to the preservation of the places they love. After all, some gifts are more about the heart than the gear.
give back
A Gift for the Photographer Who Has Everything?
Are any of these items sponsored? No.
But there are a few affiliate links where I can make a small commission.
Is this list biased? Sure, I’m not Oprah or Julie Andrews, but these are a few of my favorite things. It’s my perspective of quality items that either deliver a feast of inspiration or that will make measurable impacts on someone’s photographic journey or both! There is no shortage of artists in the world. And I know there is so much more yet to be discovered. With that in mind, I would be happy if you send me your favorite items.