I've been thinking about this detail a lot.
I love this specific scene in 'With Friends Like These'. The whole talk between David and Max definitely feels like one you'd have with a mentor figure or just someone who you look up to, but more so, someone who's been there for you more than certain people in your life should've been. (Cough,, cough,, Max's parents)
The gift of the camera to Max is so sweet. I like to personally think that Max picked up photography as a fun, comforting hobby for himself since, for one, it reminds him of camp when he's not able to be there, and two, it's an activity he choose himself, not his parents choosing a random ass activity for him so they can send him away. No, he genuinely finds enjoyment in it.