Gear Up Like A Pro: Must-Have Accessories for Every Photo Shoot

Written by Jacqueline Tobin
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Published on December 9, 2024
must-have-photo-accessories
must-have-photo-accessories
Jacqueline Tobin
Adorama ALC

While a fancy camera might be a no-brainer for gifting the creator in your life, the right accessories and tools will elevate any shoot and make your gift recipient well-prepared. In this curated guide, we’ve gathered ten quality photo and video-related accessories designed to enhance performance, protect valuable equipment, and support every shoot—from in-studio to on-location. Explore everything from sturdy tripods and stylish backpacks to high-performance memory cards and powerful flashes, ensuring your gift hits the mark and helps your visionary capture their best images yet.

Profoto A2 The Little Big Off Camera Flash Head

Despite its compact size, the Profoto A2 Flash Head delivers an impressive 100Ws of flash output, making it an excellent choice for capturing portraits and live events on the go. Easy-to-adjust settings help achieve professional lighting effects, and it integrates seamlessly with other Profoto lights and modifiers via built-in AirX connectivity. Expect impressive results from the lightweight A2, which can literally fit in your jacket pocket.

Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE (Special Edition) R2 Manual HSS Battery-Powered All-In-One Outdoor Flash

Is anyone on your gift list looking for a powerful, reliable outdoor lighting solution? The Flashpoint XPLOR 600 Special Edition R2 won’t disappoint. The battery-powered flash provides 600Ws of high-speed sync (HSS) capability, delivering precise lighting even in bright conditions and fast-moving scenes. Its robust build and easy-to-use manual controls offer up to 450 full-power flashes on a single charge. It also integrates smoothly with other Flashpoint units, adding versatility for everyone. Yes, there’s plenty that’s special about it, and it’s a whole lot of light for the money!

OWC / Other World Computing Atlas Ultra 128GB SDXC UHS-II V90 Memory Card

Yes, maximizing both storage and speed is possible, especially with the high-speed V90 Memory Card. It handles high-resolution video recording seamlessly, ensures smooth, consistent performance even during intensive shoots, and boasts impressive read/write speeds (250MB/s write and 300MB/s read). This makes it great for storing large volumes of data, like fast-paced action photos or 6K videos. Plus, it’s bend, shock, X-ray resistant, dust-proof, and waterproof. In other words, it’s basically indestructible!

SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO UHS-II V60 SDXC Memory Card

Perhaps you are searching for that perfect stocking stuffer that photographers and videographers will appreciate. The SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB Memory Card offers the speed and durability needed to keep up! With a V60 rating, it is ideal for shooting 4K videos and high-resolution photos. Its fast read and write speeds make transferring files easy. Furthermore, it is built to withstand extreme temperatures, water, and shocks, ensuring reliability and hassle-free use. With 256GB of storage, there’s no need to constantly swap out cards.

Prograde Digital CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SDXC Dual-Slot USB 3.2 Gen 2 Card Reader

Speed and reliability? Yes, and yes! The ProGrade Digital CFExpress Dual-Slot Card Reader delivers blazingly fast read and write speeds. This is perfect for large file sizes generated by high-res cameras and 4K/8K video. With two slots—one for CFexpress Type B cards and one for UHS-II SDXC cards—transferring files from both card types simultaneously has never been smoother. This reader is ideal for those who use different cards for their gear, allowing them to streamline file transfers and save precious time.

Manfrotto Element MII Mobile Bluetooth 4-Section Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod, Black

Give the gift of versatility with the Manfrotto Element MII Mobile Bluetooth Carbon Fiber Tripod. The four-section tripod is ultra-light yet incredibly sturdy and handles DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones equally well. The Bluetooth remote feature is ideal for vlogging, taking selfies, or timed shots, and adjustable leg angles with a compact fold make it essential for travel photography or everyday shooting. An included Light plate is compatible with Arca-type and Manfrotto RC2 head attachments.

SmallRig AP-20 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head and Center Column

Surprise the creator in your life with this four-section Carbon Fiber Tripod that stands out and provides impressive support. The ball head and center column enable full 360-degree movement, allowing for easy adjustments for creative angles and smooth panning. Its quick-release system with twist-lock legs makes for a fast setup, and a high-load capacity works with various cameras and accessories. From photographing outdoor scenic and high-powered action shots to fun portraits, this tripod is handy without being heavy.

Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW III 28L Camera Backpack

With 28 liters of organized storage, the Lowepro ProTactic Backpack is the ultimate carry. It has dedicated compartments for a camera, multiple lenses, and a 16-inch laptop. Its rugged, weather-resistant exterior and customizable interior dividers keep equipment safe and accessible in any environment. Better yet, its eco-friendly materials are as kind to the planet as they are to your gear. This backpack is perfect for any photographer who needs to stay organized while effortlessly protecting their gear.

Pelican 1595TRVL Wheeled Waterproof Air Travel Case with Lid Organizer and Packing Cubes

The Pelican Air Travel Case offers top-notch protection that’s tough to beat—it’s waterproof, crushproof, and designed to keep everything safe, no matter where you take it. Inside, a lid organizer and packing cubes make it easy to keep your gear, electronics, and personal items neat and secure. Sturdy wheels and a retractable handle let you navigate busy airports or rough terrain without any hiccups.

Nanuk 908 Waterproof Hard Case with 2-Pocket Lid Organizer and Padded Divider

Need a carrying case that is as tough as it is practical? The Nanuk 908 Waterproof Hard Case, in bold yellow, is waterproof, dustproof, and impact-resistant, keeping your contents safe and dry even in the rainiest, muddiest situations. The padded divider and two-pocket lid organizer keep gear neat and separated. This eliminates the need to rummage through a whole lot of clutter. Plus, a lock-and-latch design means everything from camera and video gear to batteries, lenses, flash drives, hard drives, and more stays securely inside until you want to take it out.

In Closing

This gift guide highlights ten excellent accessories that enhance creativity, provide essential support, and protect photography equipment, whether the recipient works in the studio or in the field. Each item has been carefully selected to make a significant impact, from reliable memory cards and lightweight yet stable tripods to versatile backpacks and sturdy hard cases. Give the gift of inspiration with the tools they need to help capture unforgettable moments!

Gear up this holiday season with a bonus! Earn up to 5x points* Sitewide, now through 12/25/24. * Product exclusions apply, see details on the linked page.
Gear up this holiday season with a bonus! Earn up to 5x points* Sitewide, now through 12/25/24.
* Product exclusions apply; see details on the linked page.
Jacqueline Tobin Started her career in 1986 as an editor and writer at Photo District News right out of Cornell University. PDN’s publisher later handpicked Jacqueline to take over its sister publication, the 70-year-old photo brand Rangefinder, in 2011. There, she served as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years. During that time, she authored two successful photo business books—Wedding Photography Unveiled: Inspiration and Insight From 20 Top Photographers (Amphoto 2009) and The Luminous Portrait: Capture the Beauty of Natural Light for Glowing, Flattering Photographs (Amphoto 20012). From 2023-2024, she served as Managing Editor and Real Weddings Editor at World’s Best Wedding Photos, an invite-only, member directory of the most talented wedding photographers around the world. She also recently spoke at Tanya Smith’s The Mastery Summit: Art + Business for Portrait Photographers, with an online presentation on how to curate your portfolio for lasting brand success. These days, Jacqueline resides in NYC and continues to be a fierce supporter of photographers and the art form of photography.