Analogue Photography Gift Guide 2024

This Analogue Photography Gift Guide will give you some ideas about what to get the film photographer in your life. So, read on and get them (or yourself) something they’ll love!

Are you looking for a gift for the analogue photographer in your life? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here is our Analogue Photography Gift Guide. We have lots of ideas to help you choose the perfect gift for film photographers. Whether it’s something to get a beginner started, some inspiration for the longtime film shooter, or finding a new technique for the experimental photographer to try.

We’ll talk you through some different options, both large and small. So, read our Analogue Photography Gift Guide.

Film Photography Stocking Fillers

Whatever stage the film photographer in your life is at, here are a few ideas for their stockings this holiday!

Stickers

Everyone loves Stickers and we’ve got a few for you to choose from. Pick one of our Parallax logo or a pack by the Camberwell Illustration students.

Books and Zines

A Café Royal Books zine is always a great gift! They come out regularly and in small editions. So, perfect to collect. Another good option is one of the Photofile series. Small introductions to a range of iconic photographers.

Camera Straps

We have a range of Camera Straps to choose from. Always a welcome addition for any photographer!

Gifts For A Film Photographer Beginner

It may seem like an obvious start to an Analogue Photography Gift Guide. But, if you’re just starting out shooting film, you can’t go wrong with more film! We have plenty to choose from. A roll of Kodak Colorplus is a good place to start if they’ve already got themselves a camera.

Reusable Cameras

Disposable cameras are always fun, although they aren’t great for the environment. So, we’d recommend a Reusable Camera. They are simple point-and-shoots, but you can keep using them after that first roll. Make sure you pick up a roll of film to go in the camera. We have a range of them in stock and they make great presents!

Photography Manual

It’s good to have some pointers when you first start taking photos on film. The Analogue Photography Reference Manual For Shooting Film is perfect for getting to know your camera and learning some basic technical information. We would also recommend the Read This If You Want To Take Great Photographs series. They have a nice selection of images and give simple explanations of various photographic techniques. There are three books in the series and all are great gifts for film photographers.

Instant Film

Everyone loves instant film! And Fuji Instax Mini is a great place to start. Pick up an Instax Mini Camera and start them on a film-loving journey. Or, if they already shoot Instax then get them some film with some fun frames like the Fuji Instax Mini Instant Film.Instant Film

Gifts For An Experienced Film Photographer

Do you know a photographer who’s been shooting film for a while? Not sure where to start with a gift? We have some ideas for you. From medium format pro films to some inspirational classic photo books. So, read on for that perfect gift for a film photographer.

Try A New Film

Pick up a Long Weekend Camera Bag to store their camera while they are out and about. Another fun option is the new colour film from Harman Photo, Phoenix 200, now available in 35mm and 120. So, you can get them something a bit different to load in their camera.

Home Developing

Once you’ve been shooting for a while the next step is developing your own film. Paterson does a range of tanks to get you started. You can also pick up an Ilford Simplicity Starter Pack so they have the chemistry to develop their first couple of rolls.

Photobooks

You can’t go wrong with a Classic Photobook. Beautiful objects in themselves and great inspirations. Stephen Shore’s Uncommon Places and Nan Goldin’s The Ballad of Sexual Dependency have iconic images of America. Have a look at the newer publications we have in, like Alec Soth’s Advice For Young Artists. Or pick up something different, to get them thinking, from our Theory section.

Gifts For Experimental Photographers

Looking for something beyond standard film? Why not try some Polaroids or a kit to start with an alternative process? There are also some great books to take their photography further.

Alternative Processes

Cyanotype is a simple process to start with if you want to try something new. Pick up some Cyanotype Chemicals and give them our How To Make Cyanotype instructions.

If they already develop their own film, try out Zone Imaging Pyro Developer. It will give them razor-sharp and extremely fine-grained negatives. 

Alternative Cameras

Want to get a camera that will create a different look? Look no further than a Polaroid Camera! Not only can you have fun with instant results and that classic Polaroid look, but you can also take it a step further and try emulsion lifts.

Another option is a LomoApparat Wide Angle camera,  totally experimental, incredibly wide and super easy to use.

Experimental Books

Full of great information Experimental Photography: A Handbook of Techniques has lots to keep an experimental photographer busy.

We would also highly recommend picking up a publication from our Self Published section. These are all produced by photographers and artists themselves. And 100% of the price goes back to the artist. So not only do you get some unique art, but you are also supporting the artist.

We hope that our Analogue Photography Gift Guide has given you some helpful ideas on what to get for your favourite film photographer! If you’re really stuck then get them some Stickers or a Café Royal Books zine. Both are perfect stocking fillers!

Explore and read more News, Guides, Community, Film Reviews, Opportunities, and Film Developing Times.