20 Best Gifts for Food Photographers in 2024

A good tripod is so important. We use the Manfrotto 055 Tripod Legs and Manfrotto 405 Geared Tripod Head.

 A tethering cable attaches to your camera and computer so the images show up on screen as you shoot. This helps you get the shot right in camera and make adjustments as you shoot. I recommend Tether Tools’ cables as well as the Tethering Support Kit to protect your camera port. Look up the camera model to determine the camera’s port type to select the correct cable. 

The Tether Table Aero attaches to a tripod to create a portable tethering platform. We love how much space this saves while shooting in our small home studio. It comes with a handy carrying case for shooting on the go which works great for restaurant shoots. We use it with this Vanguard Tripod along with the Aero SecureStrap and Aero Cup Holder. We also use the Tether Tools Battery Pack and StrapMoore to power our laptop while shooting. You can purchase these items and more bundled in the Pro Tethering Kit.

Artificial light allows you to have consistent, high quality light, despite the conditions outside. Continuous lighting is ideal so you can use it for both photography and video. We use the Aputure 300d Mark 2. If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, the Amaran 200d is our top recommendation. We pair our light with this light stand and this softbox.

Tether Tools Rock Solid Arms and Clamps are so helpful for positioning your gear exactly where you need it. You can use them to secure a tablet, lighting equipment, props or even your camera in an optimal position. We use and love the Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm with the Rock Solid Master Clamp and Frio Grasp.

An external hard drive is super valuable for photographers to back up their work. The Samsung 2TB is our favorite.

An external camera microphone is a great gift for a video creator. We use this one that’s under $50. Plug the microphone into your camera or phone for clear audio of your cooking process or voice. 

This portable gimbal video camera is perfect for shooting high quality video on the go. We love our Osmo Pocket 3 for shooting travel, restaurant content and vlog style content.

This magnetic suction phone grip attaches to your MagSafe phone case and allows you to mount your phone to mirrors, windows or other surfaces for hands free selfie and video content creation. I like that this one uses magnet instead of being attached to your phone at all times.

It’s not easy to find the perfect linens for food photography and this set of 4 cloth napkins is my absolute favorite. The color and designs are neutral and really versatile for most recipes and the linen fabric is flowy so it is easy to manipulate for photos.  

A round marble board is so versatile for food photography. The one I reach for most is this gorgeous marble and wood board from World Market.

Every food photographer and stylist needs a handheld steamer! From steaming linens to melting cheese and chocolate, a steamer is a versatile tool for food photography shoots.  

I’ve been obsessed with Dazzle Dry nail polish ever since I discovered it. Keeping fresh, unchipped nails for my photos and videos has always been so hard for me and press-ons and gel manicures destroy my nails. Dazzle Dry is nail polish that dries (like do the dishes dries) in exactly 5 minutes. It’s a game changer! Grab a mini kit or full system as a gift if your photographer doubles as a hand model. Livin’ La Vida Yoga is my go-to neutral pink.

I got this book by Delores Custer when I started as a food stylist assistant and it is such a comprehensive guide to styling all types of food. This is useful whether you’re starting out or a seasoned food photographer or stylist.