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Buying Photography for Others: A Guide to Gifting a Photography Print
Buying a gift for someone isn't always easy. You want to find something thoughtful, something they'll genuinely love, and ideally something that won't end up forgotten in a cupboard a few months later.
That's one of the reasons I love the idea of gifting photography.
A photograph can capture a feeling, a memory or a place that means something to someone. It can become part of their home, remind them of a favourite holiday or simply bring a little beauty into their everyday life.
But buying art for someone else can feel a little daunting. What if you choose the wrong image? What if it doesn't suit their home? And how do you know what size to buy?
Here's my guide to choosing a photography print as a gift, with a few things to consider before you make your choice.
Why give photography as a gift?
There's something special about giving someone an artwork they've never seen before but might come to love for years.
Unlike many traditional gifts, a photography print doesn't have to be purely practical. It can be personal, decorative and meaningful all at once.
Perhaps the person you're buying for loves the ocean, enjoys exploring New Zealand or is happiest surrounded by nature. Maybe they're moving into a new home, celebrating a wedding or looking for ways to make their space feel more like them.
Photography gives you an opportunity to choose something that reflects their interests without needing to know their exact clothing size, favourite fragrance or preferred brand.
And because a print can become part of someone's home, it's a gift they may enjoy long after the occasion has passed.
1. Think about the person, not just the photograph
The best place to start is with the person you're buying for.
Before browsing through photographs, think about what they love and the kind of person they are.
Do they love the ocean?
A coastal photograph might be a lovely choice for someone who spends their weekends at the beach, loves swimming or surfing, or simply feels happiest near the water.
Are they drawn to nature and the outdoors?
A landscape photograph can bring a sense of the outdoors into their home, even when they're spending most of their time inside.
Do they prefer a calm, minimal space?
An aerial photograph with interesting shapes, textures and subtle colours might suit someone who appreciates simple interiors and understated design.
Do they have a special connection to a place?
This is where photography can become particularly meaningful. A photograph of a place they love, or a landscape that reminds them of a memorable trip, can carry a little more significance than something chosen purely for its appearance.
You don't necessarily need to find a photograph of a place they've visited. Sometimes it's enough to choose an image that captures the feeling of somewhere they'd love to be.
2. Choosing art for different occasions
Photography prints can work for all sorts of occasions. The key is thinking about what the occasion means and choosing something that feels appropriate.
Birthdays
For a birthday, I'd start with the person's interests rather than their age.
A coastal print could be perfect for someone who loves the beach, while an abstract aerial photograph might suit someone who appreciates design or contemporary interiors.
It's also a lovely way to give something a little different from the usual birthday gifts.
Weddings and anniversaries
Art can be a thoughtful gift for a couple beginning a new chapter together.
Consider their shared interests, the places they've travelled or the kind of home they're creating together. A photograph of a beautiful landscape can be a lasting addition to a space they're making their own.
If you know their home style, you can choose something that complements it without trying to match every detail.
Housewarmings
Moving into a new home often means looking at blank walls and deciding how to make a space feel personal.
A photography print can help turn an empty wall into something more inviting. It's especially useful when you know the recipient enjoys nature or has a particular connection to the outdoors.
If you're unsure about their style, choose an image with a relatively versatile palette and avoid guessing too much about their existing décor.
Christmas
Photography can make a thoughtful Christmas gift for someone who appreciates art, nature or New Zealand landscapes.
It can also be a nice alternative to buying lots of smaller things that may not get used.
One practical tip: if you're buying for Christmas, leave enough time for printing, delivery and framing if required. It's always worth checking current production and shipping estimates before ordering.
Thank-you gifts and special milestones
You don't always need a big occasion to give someone art.
A print can be a lovely way to thank someone, celebrate a new job or mark a milestone. Sometimes a thoughtful gift chosen because it reminds you of someone is more meaningful than one given because the calendar says you should.
3. How to choose the right photograph
Once you have an idea of the person and the occasion, it's time to think about the image itself.
I tend to think about three things: the subject, the colours and the feeling the photograph creates.
Choose a subject they'll enjoy living with
A photograph can look beautiful on a website, but it's worth imagining whether the recipient would enjoy seeing it every day.
Coastal scenes, landscapes and aerial photographs can all make interesting pieces of wall art. A photograph doesn't need to be a traditional scenic view, either. Sometimes the patterns and shapes in a landscape are what make an image stand out.
Consider their home without overthinking it
If you know the recipient's home, think about the colours and general style of their space.
Blues and coastal imagery might suit a relaxed interior, while neutral landscapes can work well in a room with natural materials and understated colours.
But don't worry about matching everything perfectly. Art can also introduce a new colour or become a focal point in a room.
If you haven't seen their home, choosing a photograph that reflects their personality is often a safer starting point than trying to guess their décor.
Think about the feeling
This is probably my favourite consideration.
Does the image feel peaceful, dramatic, playful or abstract? Does it remind you of the person you're buying for?
Sometimes the photograph that makes you think of someone is the right choice, even if you can't explain exactly why.
4. What size photography print should you buy?
Size can be one of the trickiest parts of buying art for someone else, particularly if you don't know where they'll hang it.
My prints are available in four sizes:
A4: 21 × 30 cm — a smaller option for shelves, compact spaces or a gallery wall.
A3: 30 × 42 cm — a versatile size for smaller walls or grouped artwork.
A2: 42 × 60 cm — a more substantial piece that can stand on its own.
A1: 60 × 84 cm — a larger statement print for a more spacious wall.
These measurements refer to the print itself, rather than the overall size of a framed piece.
If you're unsure, consider where the recipient might display it. A smaller print can be easier to incorporate into an existing space, while a larger piece can make a real statement.
You could also discreetly ask a friend or family member for advice, particularly if you're buying for a couple or someone who has recently moved house.
5. Should you buy a framed or unframed print?
Framing can make a gift feel complete, but it's worth considering whether the recipient would prefer to choose their own frame.
My photography prints are sold unframed, which gives the person receiving the gift the freedom to select a frame that suits their home.
This can be particularly helpful if you're unsure about their interior style or if they already have a collection of framed artwork.
If you'd like to make the gift feel a little more personal, you could include a handwritten card explaining why you chose the image.
It's a small gesture, but it helps turn the print into a gift with a story behind it.
6. What if you don't know their taste?
This is probably the biggest concern when buying art for someone else.
You might love a dramatic coastline, but the recipient prefers soft colours and simple shapes. Or perhaps you know they love the ocean but have no idea what their home looks like.
Here are a few ways to make the decision easier.
Start with their interests. Choose a subject that connects with something you know they love.
Look at their existing belongings. If you've visited their home, notice whether they're drawn to nature, colour, minimalism or bold design.
Ask someone close to them. A partner, sibling or friend may know what would suit their space.
Choose something you can explain. A photograph with a personal story behind your choice can make the gift feel more considered.
Don't guess too precisely. If you don't know their style, choose something that reflects their personality rather than trying to predict every detail of their home.
And remember, you're choosing a gift because you want someone to enjoy it. It doesn't have to be a perfect match for every wall in their house.
7. A few practical things to check before ordering
Before purchasing a photography print as a gift, there are a few practical details worth checking.
Delivery times: If the gift is for a particular date, check the current processing and shipping estimates and allow some extra time.
Print dimensions: Make sure you understand the actual print size, particularly if you're planning to buy a frame separately.
Presentation: Think about how you'd like to give the gift. A handwritten note explaining your choice can make it more personal.
Budget: Decide what you'd like to spend before browsing. A thoughtful gift doesn't have to be the biggest or most expensive option.
The recipient's preferences: If you know they love choosing their own décor, an unframed print may be ideal. If you're uncertain, asking a trusted person for advice can help.
8. Choosing a gift from Jessica Leigh
My photography is inspired by the landscapes and aerial perspectives that make New Zealand such a beautiful place to explore.
From coastal scenes to the patterns and textures of the ocean, I love the way photography can show us something familiar from a different perspective.
When choosing a print as a gift, I'd encourage you to browse with the recipient in mind. Think about the places they love, the colours they're drawn to and the feeling you'd like the photograph to bring into their home.
You might be drawn to a coastal image for someone who loves the beach, or an aerial photograph for someone who appreciates the unusual patterns and shapes found in nature.
You can explore my collection of photography prints at Jessica Leigh and choose an image that feels right for the person you're buying for.
A gift that can become part of someone's home
I think one of the nicest things about giving art is that it can become part of someone's everyday life.
A photograph might remind them of a favourite place, bring a little calm to a busy room or simply be something beautiful to look at as they go about their day.
You don't need to know everything about art to choose a meaningful print. Start with the person, think about what they love and choose an image that makes you think of them.
And if you're buying photography as a gift, I hope this guide has helped make the process feel a little easier.
Sometimes the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that show you've taken the time to find something that feels just right.
