This post is very subjective. That’s why I have deliberately avoided a title like “The best photography books” or “Top photography books”.
On the one hand, even my top or best list can and will change as I read more books. On the other hand, what I find the best or top might not coincide what you think is best. Hence, this list is just my favorite but I am sure you will find these books great reads as well.
Zen Camera: Creative Awakening with a Daily Practice in Photography
Zen Camera by David Ulrich is probably one of the most distinguished photography books. It’s not a how-to book. It’s more about why.
Zen Camera is as much about phylosophy as photography. But don’t be scared about this word. Reading Zen Camera will urge you not only to hit your shutter more often but also to think more.
Zen Camera is probably one of those must read books.
The Visual Toolbox: 60 Lessons for Stronger Photographs
This book by David duChemin is fantastic. It is easy to read, easy to understand and very practical.
You can immediately adopt the techniques and methods described in the book. You can get immediate and tangible results from this book. The Visual Toolbox is a self-learner’s dream come true.
The chapters are brief yet rich in information. Almost every chapter comes with an assignment. The book simply adopts to your pace.
The Ilex Introduction to Photography: Capture the moment every time, whatever camera you have
This books is targeted mostly towards beginners. It is concise, practical and well illustrated.
After more general topics, the book dedicates a chapter to common shooting situations like portraits, landscapes, food, etc.
Take Your Photography to the Next Level: From Inspiration to Image
This book by George Barr is a collection of fantastic essays on photography.
Along with specific techniques, you will learn more inner parts of photography. The books is lavishly illustrated and provides details behind each shot. It was a really good read and I think this book should be present in every aspiring photographer’s library.
Photography: The Key Concepts
This book by David Bates manages to accomplish a very difficult task. While it is a clearly introductory text, it’s also very comprehensive.
The books covers a lot of ground, both theory and practical aspects as well as the big picture of photography.
Just one thing, try to get the second edition as it is significantly improved.
Wide-Angle Photography: Capturing Landscape, Portrait, Street, and Architectural Photographs with Wide-Angle Lenses
I must admit, I love wide angle lenses but wide angle photography is challenging, especially when used in situations where normally longer lenses are called for. This is precisely where this book shines.
Trust me, you will fall in love with wide angle lenses after reading this book.
What about you?
Do you have a favorite photography book? Feel free to share.