Books I've read (or am reading) and recommend
While not a photography book, the author does talk about the basics of design and if you can apply this to photography your images will be better than ever. I used this book as the basis for my online course called “Design & Creativity in Photography.”
This book is largely about the creative process. I’m a huge advocate for understanding the creative process and how it applies to your photographs. I’m not finished read it just yet but I am greatly enjoying it. I have been highlighting SO MUCH as I go along… 🙂
If you want to learn how to “SEE” this book is for you. I also had Ibarionex on the podcast in episode 42. He stresses the ability to make good images consistently and he also has some great exercises to help you along the way with each chapter.
This is probably one of my favorite “stand bys” as I have used it for years in my Advanced Dgital Photography class at the university. Sometimes Barr goes seemingly a bit off the deep end, but it’s always enlightening to understand his thoughts and he always has some commentary by the photographers too which is always a delight to read.
This is a very deep dive into what makes these photos work and the thoughts behind them from the photographers themselves. The author provides a brief introduction to each photographer and then has a series of questions that are perfectly insightful.
An Adobe Evangelist, Kost helps the reader create and complete a photographic project using Lightroom. I am drawn to her surreal application of shutter speed. This is a similar book to her Window Seat, where she photographed from airlines.
Paul Theroux is my most favorite travel writer of all time. I’m only showing the first book of his that I read so many years ago. It also brought the Nation of Croatia to my attention. I’ve read all of his travel books. They are perfect for getting a feel for what it means to be a traveler vs. a tourist!
Rick has published two books recently, this one and Photo Therapy. Plus, he came on the show and talked about them. They are excellent books for motivating you to not only get out there and shoot more, but to look at your work and find ways to stretch and improve.
This one is listed because I can’t help myself. I just love this books and Pillars of Hercules was the first Theroux book I read, and have read it twice, this is the latest I finished in early 2021. I’m just waiting for his next…
Books on the Short List
(I've not yet read these)
I am intrigued by this book’s approach. It starts with the invention of the photographic negative and the capability to produce a print over and over, and then considers various theories about photography that have shifted through the centuries.
The author says of this book, it’s “an orderly, clear, and simple analysis of the elements and principles upon which all art is built.” I’m really looking forward to understanding her perspective and applying these principles to photography.
Lately I’ve gotten into a lot of B&W photography. I’m thinking this book will help me see color photography a little differently. The author is known for his Bold and Graphic color compositions and I think it’ll be a great source of inspiration.
Recommendations from Podcast Listeners
Recommended by Patrick. The book description says it’ll help you “break bad habits” and “shatter common yet incorrect assumptions” that many of us make. Seems like a lot of us could use a little bit of that now and again. 🙂
Recommended by Kirk. This is a GREAT book and I’ve read it too. I absolutely loved learning what went in to creating some of my favorite photographs from Adams. Simply no better way to get a behind the scenes look at his process and his images.
Recommended by Terry. I always love a good book on exposure. This book should help you find the “right” exposure, even in tricky situations.
Michael Freeman also has a great book on exposure!
Recommended by Sara. This book simply looks amazing, but I think the cover image certainly helps! Photography is an adventure in and of itself, but here, Corey shares the stories behind the scenes as he photographs climbers, adventureres, skiers and more. It’s filled with photography tips, outdoor lessons, a bit on the business side of photography and lessons learned about human nature along the way. I think this will be on my short list very soon!