Gift Guide For the Creative Dad | Cameras, Filters, Tech Bags, & More

A comprehensive list of the gear used (and wanted!) by the everyday creative dad; whether they take photos or videos of the family's precious memories.

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Life As a Creative Dad

Before having kids, I had a bulky full-frame DSLR camera system with many large-aperture primes and zoom lenses. I aimed to get the best image quality and maximize that sweet bokeh. Mmm, bokeh. I had my sights on winning wedding photography awards and having my work featured in magazines.

After my sons were born, my priorities shifted. I removed my large full-frame cameras in favor of more compact APS-C mirrorless cameras. I focused less on image quality and more on finding tools that would allow me to document my children more efficiently. I realized I don't need to land magazine covers or win fancy awards; being able to document my family is all I need.

The truth is, you don't have to travel to unique locations to create. Beauty is everywhere. You have to take the time to see it. Here is a list of my favorite tools, accessories, and resources for creating and documenting as a photographer dad. I'm sure the photographer dad in your life will love them too.

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1. Cameras

The ultimate dad camera is the Fujifilm X100V. Trust me, this is pretty much agreed up across the entire internet. Its small size and fantastic image quality make it the perfect companion for family snapshots, your next photographic masterpiece, and everything in between. Plus, the beautiful retro design will instantly turn you into a "cool dad" — at least, that's what I like to tell myself. Although it's rather complicated to come by one these days, given that backorders are heavily apparent, it remains a testament to Fujifilm's dedication to quality products that stand the tales of time.

Although this camera is now discontinued, if you're looking for something equally as beautiful and performance-driven, the latest X100VI camera is its new successor and totally blows expectations out of the water.

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X100VI APS-C Digital Rangefinder Camera - Silver

$1599

The Fujifilm X100VI isn’t just a camera—it’s a cult classic, cherished by photographers for its timeless design and unmatched image quality. With its fixed 23mm f/2 lens and 40MP X-Trans sensor, the X100VI combines simplicity, creativity, and performance in a compact, travel-friendly body. This is a camera that inspires you to slow down and fall in love with the art of photography all over again.

Photographers adore the X100 series because it bridges the gap between analog nostalgia and cutting-edge technology. Its classic manual dials and rangefinder-inspired design harken back to the golden age of film, while features like in-camera Film Simulations, a built-in ND filter, and AI-powered autofocus ensure it’s ready for modern storytelling. Whether you’re wandering through bustling city streets or capturing everyday moments, the X100VI delivers images with stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and that signature Fujifilm look.

While I identify myself as a stills photographer, witnessing a child go from cooing like a baby to babbling as a toddler made me rethink what I need for quality video. Photographs cannot preserve sounds like silly conversations, funny pronunciations of words, and laughs that will melt your heart. That's where the Fujifilm X-S20 comes in as my hybrid camera of choice. Compact, ergonomic, and offers just the right video features to ensure your memories are preserved with high-quality audio and video.

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X-S20 APS-C Mirrorless Camera - Body Only

$1299

The Fujifilm X-S20 strikes the perfect balance between portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for creators looking to elevate their photo and video game. Featuring a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and the latest X-Processor 5, the X-S20 delivers stunning image quality and fast, reliable performance.

Its 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) ensures sharp handheld photos and smooth, stable video, while its 6.2K video recording capability and Full HD slow motion at up to 240fps add creative flexibility. Designed for hybrid creators, the X-S20 is great for those who want more than a smartphone can offer, with features that are easy to use and highly portable.

The X-S20’s fully articulating touchscreen and long-lasting battery life make it an ideal companion for travel, vlogging, or everyday shooting. Paired with Fujifilm’s legendary color science and Film Simulations, it’s a camera that inspires creativity in both beginners and enthusiasts alike.

To round out the cameras, let's discuss the Instax EVO. This hybrid camera is part point-and-shoot, part instant film camera, and part photo printer. In this digital era, we must pass the tradition of physical photo prints to the next generation. This camera lets you do so without worrying about inks, color calibration, or print labs.

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Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera - Black

$199

Some only see the ordinary. Not you. And neither does the new INSTAX MINI EVO™ Hybrid Instant Camera. Instead, this innovative, analog-style camera brings what you love to life. Every angle, in all the colors, with all the creative options. With 10 lens effects and 10 film effect options, you can create the exact vision you have in mind. Experiment with vivid colors, go retro, add softness to the focus, or lose the color. Adjust the exposure, alter the white balance, turn the flash on or off, even select Macro Mode when the mood calls for a close-up. It’s your shot, and there are 100 ways to capture it. Got a print-worthy memory? The INSTAX MINI EVO camera prints instant photos at 600 DPI for stunning image quality. Select INSTAX-Rich Mode for a bright and immersive look, or INSTAX-Natural Mode for a cool and classic look. Either way, you can capture it all, then print what you love as a 2” x 3” INSTAX MINI instant photo. Want to share life’s beautiful moments on social media? With the free, downloadable INSTAX MINI EVO App you can turn your Smartphone into your very own print gallery. Every single image you print on the INSTAX MINI EVO camera can be saved in a handy digital format on your Smartphone, ideal for sharing and posting. And we’re just getting started. The INSTAX MINI EVO camera has much to offer. Turn the film dial to select your film effect, twist the lens dial to set your lens effect, and then pull the print lever to print your photo. There’s even a built-in selfie mirror to take a selfie. After all, creativity is paramount. That’s why the INSTAX MINI EVO camera brings endless possibilities to your fingertips. Get ready for a unique hands-on photography experience with the sleek and luxurious INSTAX MINI EVO Hybrid Instant Camera!

*Only available for purchase in the US

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2. Lenses

When I'm not using the fixed 23mm f/2 lens on my Fujifilm X100 cameras, I reach for two different lenses to document my kid's daily shenanigans — the Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4 and the Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4. These lenses strike the perfect balance of sharpness, low light capability, and shallow depth of field. Their fast autofocus keeps up with bubbles, belly laughs, and bike rides. I like using the 18mm lens to document intimate scenes, storytelling, and general-purpose video. And the 33mm is great for candid moments, portraits, and those little details you don't want to forget.

XF 23mm F2 R WR Lens - Black / Lens Only

$449.95

Designed as a compact, walk-around prime, the black XF 23mm f/2 R WR from FUJIFILM is a versatile 35mm-equivalent lens characterized by its f/2 maximum aperture that strikes and ideal balance between portability and speed. The optical design features two aspherical elements to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations in order to produce greater sharpness and accurate rendering. A Super EBC coating is also used to control flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in bright and backlit conditions. Complementing the optics is a stepping motor, along with an internal focusing design, which provides quick and especially quiet focusing performance. Additionally, the lens is weather-sealed to suit working in inclement conditions.

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XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR Lens

$999.95

Get up close and wide open with Fujifilm’s versatile new prime lens – the high-quality, portable, and weather-resistant FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR. With a focal length equivalent to 27mm, it’s the perfect choice for sprawling landscapes, the sights and sounds of the street, and everything else in between. Be ready for any creative outburst with lightning-fast autofocus, a wide F1.4 aperture, and weather resistance to allow for continued operation in dusty, moist, and freezing conditions. XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR is ready to be a constant companion, wherever your adventures take you, capable of extracting every last bit of detail from any X Series mirrorless camera.

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XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR

$799.95

XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR brings together decades of precision engineering, cutting edge technology, and carefully refined manufacturing processes to usher in a new era of optical brilliance and performance for FUJIFILM X Series cameras and lenses. Weighing just 360g (0.79lb) and measuring only 73.5mm (2.89in) in length, XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR blends advanced design with a history of optical excellence to give any image maker a perfect all-around lens that combines incredible performance with lightning-fast autofocus to draw the most out of any image, regardless of it being made today or far off into the future.

But what about when it doesn't make sense to bring a camera? Well, I like to supercharge the camera I have on me at all times — my phone — with some Moment lenses. Having the wide, telephoto, and macro lenses allows me to add some creativity to an otherwise dull mobile phone shot.

Wide 18mm Mobile Lens - M-Series

$99$150

The Moment Wide 18mm Lens is an attachable phone lens that captures more of every scene.

Its 18mm focal length is ideal for landscapes, architecture, group shots, interior photography, street scenes, and vlogging, giving each shot greater depth and a wider range.

Unlike typical ultra-wide phone lenses that produce distorted images, this lens delivers a beautifully broad yet natural perspective. Its expansive 100-degree field of view captures up to 2x more of your subject, all while maintaining edge-to-edge clarity in bright and low-light conditions over your phone’s ultra-wide lens.

Note: This lens requires a Moment Camera Case (purchased separately) with a T-Series or M-Series lens mount. T-Series is built for newer phones like the iPhone 14, while M-Series is ideal for older phones like the iPhone 13 and earlier.

Tele 58mm Mobile Lens - M-Series

$99$150

The Tele 58mm Lens is an attachable phone lens that brings you 2x closer to your subject.

With a 58mm focal length, it’s perfect for standout portraits, stunning landscapes, or cinematic videos. It creates greater depth and character in your shots by sharpening your subject and producing a soft, bokeh background—rivaling big-camera results.

This #1 best-selling mobile lens stands out for its versatility and premium clarity, outperforming your phone’s built-in 2x or 5x zoom lens. And with Moment’s lifetime warranty, it’s simply the best tele lens for your phone.

Note: This lens requires a Moment Camera Case (purchased separately) with a T-Series or M-Series lens mount. T-Series is built for newer phones like the iPhone 14, while M-Series is ideal for older phones like the iPhone 13 and earlier.

Macro 10x Mobile Lens - T-Series

$150

The Macro 10X Mobile Lens is an attachable phone lens that transforms tiny details into stunning, life-sized shots from just an inch away.

Perfect for capturing plants, textures, and the smallest living subjects, it gives you vibrant colors, sharp focus, and a soft, natural bokeh that your phone's built-in Macro can't match.

Designed with premium glass for edge-to-edge clarity and backed by Moment’s lifetime warranty.

Note: This lens requires a Moment Camera Case (purchased separately) with a T-Series or M-Series lens mount. T-Series is built for newer phones like the iPhone 14, while M-Series is ideal for older phones like the iPhone 13 and earlier.

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3. Bags

My dad's backpack of choice is the Brevite Jumper. The side zipper access allows me to quickly grab my camera when I need to snap a photo and then stow it away when I'm back on the move. Thanks to the laptop compartment and padded camera inserts, I use this backpack for family outings, travel, and when I'm getting work done at a coffee shop or on a shoot.

Jumper Photo Backpack - Triple Black

$169.99

The Jumper Backpack is simple, minimal vibe on the outside. Camera protection on the inside. Its minimal design on the outside is perfect for city exploration. While it’s organizational options on the inside makes it easy to carry any combinations of a dslr, single lens, drone, or small tripod. With a dedicated sleeve for your laptop and enough space to fit some clothes, this is our new go-to day pack. The design is super pared back. No extra bells or whistles. And with 10 super fun colors, we might need one for every day of the week!

Now, onto the Moment Fanny Slings. These bags changed my life. I have to carry a lot of stuff with my two boys: my keys, wallet, glasses, medication, hand sanitizer, and the occasional monster truck or fruit snack packet.

All these things PLUS my Fujifilm X100V fit inside the 2L fanny sling. This means I'll always have my camera, even if I don't want it exposed in the open. I can document and create, and when it's time for dad duty, I swing the pack behind my back and get to work carrying toddlers and wiping tushies.

The 1L Mini Fanny Sling is the perfect companion for those days I want to travel lighter. It fits all my essentials: a point-and-shoot film camera and an extra roll of film. Amazing! I've even personalized my slings with photography-related pins to make them my own.

Fanny Sling 2L - Olive

$35$70

This is our daily, go-to fanny sling. It’s comfortable, adjustable, and fits your daily carry from wallets to keys to phones, and even a 35mm camera. The seven different adjustment points mean the pack can expand for tall people, shrink for small people, cinch down for minimal carry, or expand up to 4 inches to fit a windbreaker. We use recycled materials with a double waterproof coating so the pack can handle the weather, while still feeling comfortable against your body. Reverse coil zippers also help to protect your gear during a rainstorm. The end result is a versatile pack you can wear for hours with a variety of gear and size combinations.

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Everything Sling 1L - Olive

$40

Meet your new favorite travel buddy. Our new MTW Mini Fanny Sling is the 1L version of our best-selling 2L Fanny Sling. It’s super low profile, comfortable, and adjustable. Great for film cameras, point and shoots, or large phones, the mini sling is an easy way to keep your valuables secure and close at hand. With a low profile strap, you can wear it over or under a shirt, and as a hip pack or a sling. We use premium recycled materials with a double waterproof coating to keep things safe during travel, while a reverse coil YKK zipper handles the opening and closing duties. The end result is simple organization in a small package, perfect for your next mission, wherever it may be.

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4. Leather Camera Straps

I'm obsessed with the straps from Clever Supply Co. They match perfectly with the Fujifilm X100V and X-S20 and are both versatile and beautiful to look at. I can easily switch from wrist strap to neck strap depending on my needs, thanks to the integration of the peak design anchor link system. I can immediately go from street photography mode with the wrist strap to Dadographer mode.

The Anchor Wrist Strap is perfect for safely toting your Fujifilm camera without the bulk of an entire camera strap. The Skinny Anchor Wrist Strap is an excellent complement to the little point-and-shoot cameras. And the Minimal Anchor Strap is fantastic for slinging your camera at your side when carrying a toddler or attending to other dad duties.

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5. Film

My favorite part of analog film is the delayed gratification. The gap in time allows me to forget what happened. Forget the photos I was trying to get. I am ecstatic when I get the email from my lab and am genuinely surprised when reviewing the scans.

My favorite shots tend to be the ones I don't clearly remember but end up being some of my most cherished photographs of my kids. The out-of-focus charm. Their expressions. The motion blur. It triggers my memory to hear their laughter and the pitter-patter of their little feet running around.

My favorite film stocks are Kodak Portra 400 for those natural tones, Lomography 400 for just the right amount of film punch, and Ilford HP5 for that stark contrast and timeless grain.

Professional Portra 400 Color Negative Film 35mm

$74.99$79.99

At true ISO 400 speed, this Portra 35mm film delivers spectacular skin tones plus exceptional color saturation over a wide range of lighting conditions. For years, professionals have preferred Kodak Professional Portra films because of their consistently smooth, natural reproduction of the full range of skin tones. Portra 400 is the ideal choice for portrait and fashion photography, as well as nature, travel, and outdoor shoots, where the action is fast or the lighting can't be controlled. Learn the differences between Kodak's popular film stocks against Fujifilm's colors here.

*Note: Opened consumable items (film or film cameras) are not refundable. To learn more click here

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6. Camera Essentials

My favorite camera accessory right now is Moment's CineBloom diffusion filters. They create a hazy glow around light sources and soften contrasting edges in your image. I always have the 5% on my X100V for a subtle look that works fabulous day and night. The 10% will fade the shadows, contrast, and saturation for day shots. And at night, it gives a moderate dreamy look to light sources. And for those who want a full-on wistful and nostalgic effect, look no further than the 20% CineBloom filter.

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CineBloom Diffusion Filters - 10% / 67mm

$90

Want to make your photos and videos look more cinematic and less digital? CineBloom Diffusion Filters soften harsh details, bloom highlights, and create a dreamy, film-like glow—without messing up your image quality.

These filters are great for smoothing skin tones, softening sharp edges, and adding a subtle glow to light sources. Available in 5%, 10%, and 20% strengths, you can choose a light touch of diffusion or go all-in for a bold, vintage look.

Designed to be super easy to use, they screw onto your camera lens and can even stack underneath an ND or VND filter for more creative control. Whether you’re shooting a short film, portraits, or everyday moments, CineBloom instantly makes your footage feel more professional.

SanDisk is the only brand I trust for both my client work and my personal family memories. The 128GB 170 MB/s strikes the perfect balance of speed, reliability, and affordability. I can never have enough of these, and I'm sure the photographer dad in your life can always use a spare.

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7. Time

Dad's life is busy. So, I'm always looking for ways to get my time back so I can spend less time editing and more time creating and spending time with my family. Presets and LUTs are a great way to reduce that creative mental load regarding photo editing and color grading. If you're looking for a versatile preset pack tailor-made for Fujifilm cameras, check out the "Home-Faded Film" preset pack made by your favorite photographer dad (me!). But if that doesn't fit your aesthetic, I'm sure you'll find something among the great selection in the Preset Shop.

And let's not forget about self-care. Sometimes, I must step away and recharge my body, mind, and creative soul. One of my favorite ways to do this is to order some late-night takeout after the kids are asleep and binge a Moment lesson or two. My favorites are Colin and Samir's course on YouTube Storytelling, Willem's Film Photography Course, and Sisi Liu's Street Stories.

Home - Faded Film

$22$30

A timeless preset pack for lifestyle photographers .
Whether you're photographing your family at home, a portrait of a friend, weddings, or your next adventure, this pack is perfect for those who want to create timeless photographs as you document life.
01. Subtle Fade Overly faded images can look flat, but these have just the right amount. 02. Bold Colors Elevated, not transformed. For preserving memories of how you saw them. 03. No Worms Get crisp Fujifilm edits in Lightroom without the dreaded “wormy artifacts”.
**Important: All purchases are final in consideration of the creator’s hard work. To learn more, click here .

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YouTube Storytelling: How To Make Videos that People Share with Colin & Samir

$99

Wanna learn how to find your audience and get people to share your videos?

Colin and Samir have developed a proven method for making videos that people care about. Whether you’re shooting a doc or a Youtube video, this class is going to give you the skills and resources to tell a compelling--and potentially viral--story. Learn to write a hit script, storyboard your ideas, and give your videos purpose. This is everything you should do before you turn your camera on.

*Now includes bonus episodes!


**Important: All lesson purchases are final in consideration of the creator's hard work. To learn more, click here.

Your Journey into Film Photography with Willem Verbeeck

$50$99

Curious about learning how to shoot on film? Want to start without breaking the bank? Willem has you covered.

From the gear to proper exposure to the differences in film stock… you’ll learn everything you need to shoot your first roll. Willem is one of the fastest rising film photographers and he shows you all of his tricks in this two-hour lesson. If you want to try shooting film affordably, this lesson is for you.

Now includes bonus episode!

**Important: All lesson purchases are final in consideration of the creator's hard work. To learn more, click here.

Street Stories with Sissi Lu

$50$75

Begin to understand the power of storytelling through film photography with Sissi Lu. In this lesson, Sissi offers her unique perspective on film photography as she teaches you how to translate emotions into photographs. Follow her through the streets of New York City and learn how she approaches her subjects, engages with them & captures their stories in a visually beautiful way.

Early bird pricing until March 4th!

**Important: All lesson purchases are final in consideration of the creator's hard work. To learn more, click here.

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8. Unique Gifts

And for the photographer dad who has everything and doesn't require gear, accessories, or lessons, how about some photography-themed gifts? My favorites are the "alternate universe" film apparel from Shoot Film Co. and Film Canister Pint Glass from Photogenic Supply Co. But don't stop there; these two shops have many unique photography-themed gifts that any gearhead will appreciate displaying in their office/studio or rocking on their next dad outing.

Self-portrait with my Fujifilm camera.
Self-portrait with my Fujifilm camera.

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