14 Best Photography Books You Should Read

Although Photography is all about learning various aspects practically. You cannot avoid the importance of grabbing many essential facts with the help of books. So, in this regard, we’ll introduce you to some of the best photography books that have been regarded as helpful assets for many photographers.

The list will cover not only the basic & advanced techniques of being a professional photographer. It will also cover some items to make you inspired to be a successful entrepreneur as well. 

Best Photography Books for Beginners

There are many great photography books available that can help photographers of all levels improve their skills and gain inspiration. Here are some books that are highly recommended:

1. The Digital Photography Book – Part 1

Want to know what’s the best photography book ever? Scott Kelby wrote his best-seller book for beginner photographers. The Digital Photography Book is so, comes in multiple versions. And we are talking about part one.

You will find this award-winning book in different languages. It will introduce you to the world of photography from the core. Besides, it is diligently arranged and written in very simple and perceivable words.

2. Complete Guide to Digital Photography

Ian Ferrell wrote Complete Guide to Digital Photography for both beginners and amateurs. From shooting to post-production editing, this book will teach you all about photography.

The best part of this book is the writing style that Ferrell followed. You won’t feel bored reading this book and so, you will easily complete it understanding all the sectors. Additionally, you will get a bonus chapter where the writer describes how to choose the appropriate camera.

3. Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs

Yes, the book title says Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs. So, you must read it to learn how great and successful photographers start their work. Henry Carroll is the writer of this bestseller photography book.

This book comes with a practical guide to photography and everything related. But the best part of this book contains tips from the 50 best photographers around the world. So, you will learn anything that most people may not know about.

4. Complete Digital Photography

If you are interested in being a wise photographer, you must learn base photography details. Complete Digital Photography by Ben Long will help you learn them all. It will take you to a deep knowledge of the fine arts of photography.

With a very easy-to-understand style of language, the writer wrote it for beginners and amateurs. Ben Long is eventually a well-known photographer and so, you will get all the practical tips in this book.

5. Langford’s Basic Photography: The guide for serious photographers

Yes, this book is not for the so-called photographers who don’t think that photography is the most difficult type of art. Indeed, it is for serious photographers. Michael Langford, a renowned photographer wrote this book for professionals.

This book will help you from the beginning to the core. You will learn how to choose the best lens, camera, lens, and other accessories. Also, it will tell you about the right angle, light setup, exposure measurements, and many other things similar.

6. Understanding Exposure (Fourth Edition)

If you have difficulties understanding exposure as a beginner photographer, maybe Bryan Peterson can help you. His book, Understanding Exposure is all about the exposure measurements of the camera. You will get the whole concept of exposure clear in this book.

Undoubtedly, exposure is one of the most critical facts of photography. And understanding it completely is a little bit difficult. That’s why this book is so popular. Indeed, it already has 350,000 copies sold. Hope you understand why you shouldn’t miss it.

7. Camera: A History of Photography from Daguerreotype to Digital

A real and professional photographer is always interested in learning about the history of photography. If you are also in, Camera: A History of Photography from Daguerreotype to Digital is your must-try. Todd Gustavson collected all the details of the history of cameras and photography to complete this book.

This award-winning book will expose how machines are developed over time. And you will learn the core functions of the camera in this book. History may not teach you photography but you will get answers to many photography-related questions.

8. On Photography

Susan Sontag wrote a classic book about photography named On Photography. This book was published in 1977 and still, it is considered the most evergreen photography book ever. Eventually, it is one of the most-read books in this section.

You will learn about the basic role of a photographer and his duty. At the same time, this book will show you the history of photography, the revolution in camera technology, and photography in different circumstances.

9. LIFE Guide to Digital Photography

LIFE Guide to Digital Photography by Joe McNally is another must-read for all professional photographers. It has multiple chapters regarding the basic functions of photography. It is written in easy-to-read text language and has already been translated into different languages.

In this book, the writer explains how to use the functions of a camera to their best. You will learn about finding the best angles, and ways to set the functions to get the best shoot. Eventually, there are numerous photos with details in this book.

10. One Face 50 Ways: The Portrait Photography Idea Book

Imogen Dyer and Mark Wilkinson had their combined masterpiece. The Portrait Photography Idea Book will simply tell you about how to capture one face in 50 different ways. Sounds interesting, right? Well, it is a must-read for all model photographers and even videographers.

It is a practical guide where the writers explain how to take the best shoot at a simple thing. Eventually, it will tell you everything about the camera settings in different situations. So, you shouldn’t miss it anyway.

11. The Art of Photography

“The Art of Photography” by Bruce Barnbaum is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of photography, from the technical basics to the artistic and creative aspects of the medium. The book is filled with beautiful images that showcase the author’s skills and his ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on the creative process of making photographs. Barnbaum stresses the importance of developing a personal vision and style and provides numerous examples and exercises that can help photographers explore their unique vision.

12. The Photographer’s Eye

Michael Freeman’s “The Photographer’s Eye” is a classic guide to visual design and composition in photography. The book focuses on the principles of composition and how they can be applied to create visually compelling images. It also covers the basic principles of visual design, including balance, symmetry, and pattern.

Throughout the book, Freeman provides numerous examples of photographs that illustrate his points and demonstrate effective composition. The writer also filled with helpful diagrams and illustrations that help to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.

13. The Moment It Clicks

The book is structured around the idea of the “moment it clicks” – that magical moment when everything comes together and the perfect shot is captured. Joe McNally uses his own experiences and anecdotes to illustrate this concept, drawing on his extensive career in photojournalism, commercial photography, and portrait work.

One of the strengths of “The Moment It Clicks” is McNally’s engaging and conversational writing style. He is an excellent storyteller, and his passion for photography shines through on every page. The book is both inspiring and practical, offering readers a wealth of ideas and techniques to improve their photography.

14. The Photographer’s Playbook

Now, we come up with an inspiring and informative book for anyone interested in photography, whether you are a beginner or a professional. Edited by Jason Fulford and Gregory Halpern, “The Photographer’s Playbook: 307 Assignments and Ideas” features contributions from over 300 photographers, artists, and educators who share their expertise and insights on various aspects of photography.

The book also includes interviews with photographers, essays on various topics related to photography, and a section on photographic techniques and tools. This makes it a valuable resource not only for photographers looking for new ideas and challenges but also for anyone interested in the art and craft of photography.

To Conclude