Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Who doesn’t love books? They are an excellent way to spend some time relaxing or learning something new.
Photography is a fascinating world, and there are many great books out there that can teach you everything from the basics to how to get started on your own photography business.
This blog post will introduce you to 10 of the best photography books available today, so get ready!
The Photographer’s Eye by Michael Freeman
This photography book, The Photographer’s Eye, is all about using the visual elements of photography to create beautiful compositions. Michael Freeman takes you through in clear, easy-to-understand language how different types of photographs are achieved and what makes them work or not work as well.
It’s a great first book for photographers looking to improve their skills and understand composition techniques that will give you more control over your images.
Michael Freeman is a freelance photographer, writer, and educator who has worked for National Geographic magazine.
The Photographer’s Eye is full of examples from Michael Freeman and other photographers around the world to show you how they use these techniques in their work. It even goes into a little about what equipment you’ll need to create great images!
This book will give you all the information that beginners or hobbyists would want to know about composition and some advanced concepts for those looking to take photography seriously.
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson
Bryan Peterson has been teaching photography since 1976 and is currently the director of a large east coast school for aspiring photographers.
This book will teach you about all your camera’s functions, from aperture to shutter speed, in an easy-to-understand manner that’s great for beginners! When it comes time to take a picture in manual mode after reading this book, those settings won’t seem quite intimidating anymore.
If you’re looking for more advanced lessons beyond just exposure, such as how different lenses affect your images or what types of cameras are best suited for specific jobs – check out Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Digital Photography: An Outdoorsman’s Guide. But if you’ve never used a DSLR before and want one book to start with, you should definitely start with this one.
This book is an excellent introduction to photography. It features updated content, including new tips on color management and digital workflow techniques that are sure to interest any photographer!
The author details how light works, which is an essential aspect of everything from understanding exposure times to creating beautiful photographs. The second half of the book discusses composition – both still life compositions (a picture in which all elements are stationary) and moving image pictures such as video or animation. This section includes different types of shots you can take: portraits, landscapes, street scenes…addresses many aspects not covered by other books on the market.
On Being a Photographer by David duChemin
This book is a memoir of the author’s life as a photographer. It includes discussions on photography, personal beliefs, philosophies, what it means to him to be an artist in general, and how he became himself. He discusses why he does something and how he implements it in practical terms – everything from managing light outdoors with natural illumination to creating digital workflows indoors using artificial lighting.
This photography book appeals more so to photographers who have higher levels of skill than beginners would want or need because duChemin spends much time talking about technical aspects rather than how-to information that might interest those just starting out with their camera for the first time; however they could still glean some insights into what makes someone like David DuChemin, an expert at his craft.
A Sense of Place by John Szarkowski
A Sense of Place is a book about photography and art history by John Szarkowski, the director of photography at MOMA, for over 20 years. In it, he discusses his love affair with Light and Space art in particular.
It also includes essays on topics like conceptualism, rock n’ roll photographs, and photojournalism tied into how they affect society through various mediums such as music or film.
He also talks about his time spent working alongside other photographers such as Dan Weiner, Jim Marshall, Richard Avedon, among others, to name a few. Together these artists offer varied perspectives that allow for insight from within their own work and those around them. So, you can get an idea of what it’s like in their world.
This photography book is an exciting read that also has many practical tips for amateurs and professionals alike. It really sets out how ideas can be executed in various ways, proving to the reader there’s more than one way to approach photography.
However, it does take some time to get through. He details each artist with examples from their work which will appeal to those who enjoy this type of thing. One downside may be that not all photographers will appreciate his voice-over style of writing. But if you’re looking for alternative perspectives on art history, then I’d recommend giving this a try anyway!
Ansel Adams at 100, edited by Nancy Newhall and Beaumont Newhall
Ansel Adams at 100 is a collection of essays by some of the most acclaimed photographers, curators, and art historians in America.
Ansel Adams is a photographer who has made an incredible impact on photography as we know it today. He was one of the first to experiment with new photographic techniques like panoramic shots, close-ups, and high contrast printing which have since been adopted across all genres.
In this photography book, you’ll also find descriptions from his contemporaries, such as Willard Van Dyke and Edward Weston, about how Ansel influenced their work too. There are 100 images included that span over six decades through the 1930s until he died in 1984, including previously unpublished photographs taken in Yosemite National Park (which Ansel considered his spiritual home).
This book will not only be a valuable resource to admire the work of one of photography’s greats but will inspire you too. The book is written by an art historian with over 25 years experience in writing about art and architecture. It explores Ansel Adams’ life, technique, motivations, and impact on other photographers.
Seeing in the Dark, edited by Deborah Bright and Richard Koci Hernandez
Seeing in the Dark is a collection of essays, poems, and interviews about the use of photography to illuminate aspects of our world that would otherwise be invisible. The contributors include some very diverse voices: African American photographers; Canadian aboriginal students who are returning to their roots as they reclaim their culture’s traditional way of seeing to preserve it for future generations; Native Americans fighting uranium mining on tribal lands since 1974.
I found it most interesting that these essays and poems were about the photographers’ visual work and how photography has been used to document social justice movements. Deborah Bright is an art historian with over 25 years of experience in writing about art criticism. Richard Koci Hârnandez is a photographer turned filmmaker whose work has appeared everywhere from Rolling Stone Magazine to National Geographic.
The contributors include some very diverse voices: African American photographers; Canadian aboriginal students who are returning to their roots as they reclaim their culture’s traditional way of seeing to preserve it for future generations; Native Americans who have been fighting uranium mining on tribal lands since 1974.
We share a common understanding that there is often more truth seen in an “unseen world” than with one visible eye alone.
A World History of Photography by Naomi Rosenblum
This photography book by Naomi Rosenblum offers a comprehensive look at the history of photography from its beginnings to the present day. Focusing on three required fields—documentary, art, and fashion; Warhol’s Factory in New York City; and Paris during the first half of the 20th century–the book examines how various photographers have shaped an industry that now consumes much of our visual world.
The five chapters by photojournalists include stories about David Douglas Duncan’s coverage of World War II in Europe, Robert Capa’s work for Life Magazine among soldiers fighting Franco during Spain’s Civil War, Sebastião Salgado’s images taken with National Geographic photographer John Launois depicting life in different regions around the globe as part of his ongoing project photographing Earth’s peoples of all kinds, and Richard Avedon’s fashion photography.
Compiled by a curator board, the book features photographs from each era that show how photography has expanded to tell stories in many forms.
The Luminous Landscape by Michael Freeman and David Vestal
The book is a classic. It’s an intro for photographers to the world of natural light, and it includes interviews with some of the most influential post-war landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Eliot Porter, Minor White, and many others.
The most exciting part of this book is the gear section. Fourteen chapters are dedicated to the equipment landscape photographers use and what they need for a successful shoot. The book also includes interviews with some of the most influential post-war landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Eliot Porter, Minor White, and many others.
This is another classic that I never stop recommending because it covers every practical aspect you want to know to take great night photographs – from moon photography (what settings should be used) all the way through astrophotography fundamentals. It will answer your questions about how exposure works at night and why specific lenses work better than others.
Photographers on Photography, Edited by Linda Connor
This is a collection of essays by photographers who have shared their stories. Some are personal, some offer technical advice, and others tell tales from the world’s most dangerous photojournalists.
The author shares his experiences through pictures and words in this visually stunning book that will help you find your own voice as an artist or photographer – no matter what genre or style you work in.
He does not shy away from complex topics, including addiction, mental illness, poverty, death, and suicide, making for such compelling reading. It also includes a grading system to evaluate images on a composition based on how they create tension using ideas like balance, contrast, and harmony – so, it’s both educational (in terms of color theory) and practical too because it shows them how to improve their photography.
The author starts by showing the reader how to create an entire website using WordPress and then takes it into some advanced topics like SEO, blogging about your work, and keeping up with social media trends for photographers in this day and age.
This photography book has been my bible when I’m out on shoots or just reviewing images after a shoot – there are so many great tips that will help you get better results every time you take a photo. It’s also refreshing because she doesn’t show any hesitation when sharing her opinions (while still being respectful) which is something I struggle with myself sometimes!
The advice in this book is invaluable not only as an educator but for self-improvement, too. If you are in the business of taking photos for a living and want to take your work to that next level, this is one book you should have.
This was the first photography book I ever bought when I started getting serious with photography – it’s split into categories like how to photograph people, landscapes, or food, so there’s something in here for everybody. It also has some great tips on composition too which were really useful at the time!
I’m not going to lie, this is an expensive book, but it’s worth every penny if you’re looking for more specialized advice from professionals in their respective fields (i.e., product photographers) about how they do what they do best.
The Art of Photography by Bruce Barnbaum
This is one of the best books for beginners to understand how light and composition works. It’s not too technical, and it has a good mix of writing and images throughout the book, so you can get your head wrapped around what photographers are talking about when they talk about “composition” or “lens flare.””
It also covers all kinds of photographic genres from street photography to portraiture, landscapes, architecture – everything! I would recommend this as an addition to anyone who wants a general overview of different types of styles in photography that might be new territory for them.
Frequently Asked Questions: Books on Photography
What book should every photographer have?
The Art of Photography by Bruce Barnbaum. This is one of the best books for beginners to understand how light and composition works. It’s not too technical, and it has a good mix of writing and images throughout the book, so you can get your head wrapped around what photographers are talking about when they talk about “composition” or “lens flare.”
It also covers all kinds of photographic genres from street photography to portraiture, landscapes, architecture – everything! I would recommend this as an addition to anyone who wants a general overview of different types of styles in photography that might be new territory for them.
This classic text provides insight into the mind (and methods) behind many great photographs you see. It’s written by one of the most influential photographers in history, and there are no photos. The goal is to make you think about how Cartier-Bresson sees a photograph, not just take snapshots like he did.
This book has been around for a while. But it’s still as relevant today as when it was first published. For those wanting to know what photography will look like shortly, this text provides an interesting perspective on emerging trends. If you’ve always wanted to get into digital art, then this is also worth checking out!
A must-have if you’re interested in learning more about documentary photography or street photography without having extensive experience with either genre yet – especially if thinking of finding your own personal style. This book can be applied to your photography in various ways, like experimenting with different formats or pushing yourself to see what you can capture.
This book is vital for any photographer who wants to understand how photography has developed over the years. This text also contains some really excellent illustrations that help illustrate key concepts – such as camera perspectives, lighting effects, and more!
These are my personal favorites out of all the books on this list because they provide practical advice for photographing people in both professional settings and your everyday life. The author shares their experience of shooting portraits from various angles, which will create visual interest while still capturing the personality behind them!
Photography is about taking control over every aspect, including composition, focus point, and about everything in-between.
With practical advice from a professional photographer, this book offers beginner and intermediate photographers the tools they need to compose their own shots like a pro – without breaking the bank on expensive gear!
Whether you’re just starting out or have been shooting for years, this is one that every camera bag should have. Definitely worth checking out if you want your photography skills to go up by ten notches.
Which is the best photography book for beginners?
“The Art of Photography” by Bruce Barnbaum is a classic that has been thoroughly revised to include more digital imaging techniques and tips for getting great results in difficult situations.
This starts as an introduction to fundamentals before moving on into advanced topics like Photoshop technique and working with models.
It’s not easy reading – but it’s worth tackling if you want your work to go from amateurish snapshots taken with a point-and-shoot camera all the way up to professional quality images captured with expensive equipment or complicated lighting setups.
Do photography books help?
It’s not a crystal ball, but books can help you learn about the principles and techniques of photography to make better photographs.
The best way to use them is by reading as many different ones as possible to understand the photographic language so that when you’re looking at photos or trying to make some yourself, you’ll know what they mean.
You need a bit more skill than just pressing buttons on your camera, which is why we’ve recommended these books.
Conclusion: Books To Help Create Stunning Digital Photography
Reading a variety of books will help you to better understand the language in photography. You’ll need more skill than just pressing buttons on your camera, so these recommended books will provide insight.
Photographers of all levels can learn from the many instructional books available for photography.
Books on photography help amateur and professional photographers alike learn new skills. Books come in all shapes and sizes, for everyone from beginners to professionals. Find inspiration with photographers and readers today.
