Top Ten Gift Ideas for Night Photographers

Night photography is one passion it's hard to have too many accessories for. While a lot of those accessories are high-priced or hard for the uninitiated to choose, there are plenty of photography goodies that nighttime camera users of any skill level would be happy to have. Here are some ideas for what to give your favorite night photographer.

1) Film
Even photographers loyal to certain brands are usually open to experimenting, so it's hard to go wrong giving film. If you buy color film, choose slide film for more reliable results. Tungsten balanced films at lower ISO speeds are also generally preferred. For color, try Fuji 64T, Fuji Provia 100F, Kodak Ektachrome or 64T, Kodak Elite Chrome 100 Extra Color. For black and white, pick up some Fuji Acros or Kodak TMAX 100.

2) A tripod
Because of the long exposure times, a good tripod is essential for night photography. The lightweight Velbon Max i 343E is a good model, but it's rather short and can only hold smaller gear. Other good buys are the standard-height Bogen 3021 and the shorter Bogen 3001, both available for less than $130. While you don't want to invest hundreds of dollars into a tripod unless you know exactly what the photographer wants, stay away from the cheap aluminum models.

3) Lens filters
Night photographers shoot in a variety of light sources, so color correcting lens filters come in handy. Some commonly used ones are the 80B or 81B blue filters to reduce the warm tones of tungsten lighting, FL-B filter to correct the greenish cast caused by fluorescent lighting and the 40 magenta for shooting in sodium vapor light. There are also special effects filters that can be fun for the photographer who already has the basics. Filters typically run between $20 and $40. Before buying one, though, make sure it will fit the photographer's lens (52mm, 55mm, etc.)

4) Work light
Many night photographers find LED lights in red, which are long-lasting and inconspicuous, ideal to work by. Other good choices are the Maglight and mini Maglight flashlights, the newer of which are equipped with LED lights. A spelunker light that straps onto the head or clips onto a hat makes a practical gifts for night photographers who appreciate convenience.

5) Timer
Long nighttime exposures usually need to be timed reliably. While a good quality impact- and water-resistant stopwatch with a second hand will work, a specially designed timer will be easier to use in low light. Choose one that can be set to vibrate rather than beep, so it won't attract attention. The Polder 212-00 timer, with both audible and vibrating alarms and an alarm light makes an affordable gift at $15.

6) A bubble level
A small bubble level that can be attached to the camera helps the photographer avoid taking tilted pictures. The level should have a bubble for each axis-front-to-back and side-to-side. Kaidan makes camera bubble levels for around $40, but there are other brands that work just as well.

7) Photography vest
A well-designed accessory vest is invaluable for both night and daytime photography. Some of the best on the market are those from L.L.Rue Enterprises, Vested Interest (both around $200) and Domke (around $120). There are others, but if you decide to give a vest, choose a fairly high quality model designed specifically for photographers or you may end up giving something the recipient can't really use.

8) Work clothes
For photographers who work near traffic, reflective clothing or reflective items to wear over clothing (leg- and armbands, belts, sashes, and shoe patches) make a useful gifts. Brightly colored reflective safety vests aren't very good for carrying accessories, but they do have one advantage besides visibility. As some photographers have noticed, the "official" appearance of these vests helps someone walking around at night with a camera look a little less suspicious. For photographers who do light painting outdoors, on the other hand, pick up some warm black clothing. Photographer's gloves make another great gift for those working outdoors in low temperatures. Lowepro's are the best known, but most thin, windproof gloves with rubber grips will work.

9) Light painting gadgets
Anything that gives off or reflects light makes a fun gift for a light painting artist. Calumet's Hose Master is the professional's light source of choice, but these lights cost several hundred dollars. For a more wallet-friendly gift, look for disco rope, glow sticks, Glo Poi, Jugglo juggling balls, the wearable lights used in nightclubs, or colored theatrical gels that can go over the flash.

10) Note taking material
For taking notes on locations and camera settings, Mead's Fat Li'l Notebook is a favorite with many. A small reading light, such as the Spine Lite from Zelco which sells for around $20, lets the photographer write using an inconspicuous amount of light.