My niece is SOOO hard to buy for. She just hasn't found her niche and tries a new activity every year but seems to get bored easily.
She applied for a school yearbook photography role and beat out quite a few kids to get it. She's got a lot going on at home and she really has a sensitive side. I can totally see this being an outlet for her. I'd love to give her something that would help foster this interest for more than 5 minutes. I'm thinking about maybe a really nice coffee table photography book but I want something that is artisitic but age appropriate/positive. I just don't know that she's ready for overly serious subject matter in any explicit way. She's really sensitive. I don't know much about photography.
HALP!
Re: Gift for a 12yo burgeoning photographer?
Along with Ashley's idea, maybe photography lessons to help hone her skill? I don't know what your budget is though.
Does she do any post processing? The basic version of Photoshop would be great.
She doesn't have to use it for coffee even though it's a coffee mug.
https://www.dealfind.com/products/hamilton/camera-lens-coffee-mug-ugc000005
If she already has a camera (assuming it's a DSLR) how about a cute camera bag? Jototes makes some really cute ones but there are several other major brands that do as well.
Otherwise I like the suggestions of: photography class, having her do a photo shoot for your family (that you pay her for), or some photo editing software.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0316117722/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1350674493sr=81pi=SL75