Photographer gift

A cash tip is the only gift that's really necessary.

It would be a nice gesture since she is doing it for free.

I would just give her a gift card or cash!

I'd say a cash tip is the best gift! Or maybe a nice bottle of wine/alcohol of their preference.

We gave ours a cash tip.

I found a cute cup that says " I shoot people " With a camera decal that I am going to give to my photographer and I will also give her a thank you card with a cash tip.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/658308930/i-shoot-people-engraved-photography?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=i+shoot+people+cup&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&frs=1&col=1

here is a link for the cup.

You'd normally give a professional a cash tip, but since she's a friend giving it to you as a gift I think a gift certificate or something personal would be appropriate.

No, it's not customary to get your photographer a gift because it's a professional relationship. The appropriate way to express thanks is with a financial tip. However, yours is a hybrid professional/personal relationship, so it might be awkward to tip her. I would give her a $200-$300 gift card to somewhere, like maybe a restaurant or a store you know she likes.

I don't think its customary to give gifts to professionals you hire, but it is customary to give gifts to friends who are participating in your wedding somehow.

Did you reach out to her to ask you to do photos, or did she offer? If you requested her participation, then I think a gift would be appropriate. However if she initiated the offered, then its her "gift" to you in lieu of another gift, and you don't need to respond by giving her a gift back. However, I think something small might be appreciated, and at the very least a thoughtful thank you card should be given in return.

If she's doing it for free, it can't hurt to do something. It doesn't have to be glamorous, but a gift would be really nice and make her feel appreciated.