For beginners, learning the ins and outs of photography can be overwhelming. That’s where photography books come in. We’ve compiled a list of the best photography books for beginners to bring you our top picks.
- Best Beginner Photography Books
- Best Beginner Digital Photography Books
- Best Book on Smart Phone Photography
- Best Books for Film Photography
- Best Photography Theory Books
- Frequently Asked Questions
Photography books for beginners are an excellent way to learn the basics of photography. They cover everything from camera settings and composition to lighting and editing. With so many options on the market, it’s essential to consider what you’re looking for in a photography book.
One critical factor to consider is the level of detail in the book. Some books may cover more technical aspects, while others may focus more on the creative aspects of photography. Additionally, the author’s experience and credentials can impact the book’s quality and usefulness.
Best Books on Photography for Beginners
The Beginner’s Photography Guide
If you’re a beginner in photography and want to learn how to get the most out of your digital camera, The Beginner’s Photography Guide is a great choice.
This guidebook is the ultimate manual for beginners who want to learn the basics of photography. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to use your digital camera, covering everything from choosing the right settings to understanding the exposure triangle.
The language used in the book is easy to understand, making it accessible to beginners who may not be familiar with technical jargon. The illustrations are also beautiful and help to explain concepts in a visual way.
However, some information in the book may be outdated, especially when it comes to technology. Overall, if you’re looking to learn the basics of photography, The Beginner’s Photography Guide is a great resource to have.
Getting Started in Photography: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Taking Great Pictures
We highly recommend Getting Started in Photography: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Taking Great Pictures for anyone who is new to photography and wants to learn how to take great pictures.
The book provides practical advice that helps beginners get the most out of the sea of information on photography. It demystifies photography for beginners and explains everything really clearly. The book is written in an easy to follow and captivating style, making it an enjoyable read.
Overall, Getting Started in Photography: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Taking Great Pictures is an excellent book for beginners who want to learn how to take great pictures. It is well-written and provides practical advice that is easy to follow. We highly recommend it to anyone who is new to photography and wants to learn the basics.
National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Great Photography
If you are looking for a comprehensive beginner’s guide to photography, National Geographic Photo Basics is a great choice.
In the first few chapters, the book covers the basics of photography, including camera settings, exposure, and composition. It then moves on to more advanced topics, such as lighting, color, and post-processing. The book is filled with stunning photographs that demonstrate the concepts being taught, making it easy to understand even for those with no prior photography experience.
The writing is clear and concise, and the book is well-organized, making it easy to find the information you need. Overall, National Geographic Photo Basics is a great choice for anyone looking to learn the basics of photography. It is easy to understand and filled with beautiful photographs that will inspire you to take your own stunning shots.
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
We highly recommend Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera for beginners who want to improve their photography skills.
Understanding Exposure is a comprehensive guide to photography that covers everything from the basics of exposure to advanced techniques for capturing stunning photos. The author, Bryan Peterson, is a professional photographer and an experienced instructor, making this book an excellent resource for beginners.
The book is well-organized, with clear and concise explanations of technical concepts like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The author uses plenty of visual examples to illustrate these concepts, making it easier for readers to understand and apply them in their own photography.
One of the strengths of this book is that it’s suitable for all levels of photographers. Whether you’re just starting out or you have some experience, you’ll find plenty of useful information and tips to help you improve your photography skills. However, the book may feel a bit outdated for some readers, as it was originally published in 1990 but has been updated several times since then.
Overall, Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera is an excellent resource for beginners who want to improve their photography skills. With clear explanations and plenty of visual examples, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to take better photos.
Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs
If you’re a beginner looking for a photography book that’s easy to understand, Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs is for you. It teaches you the fundamentals of photography and provides practical tips that you can use to improve your skills.
This book is a great starting point for those who want to learn the basics of photography. It covers everything from composition to lighting, and it provides practical tips that you can use to improve your skills. The book is easy to read and understand, making it perfect for beginners who are just starting out.
The book is divided into four sections: Composition, Exposure, Light, and Seeing. Each section covers a different aspect of photography and provides practical tips that you can use to improve your skills. The book also includes iconic photographs by photography masters, which serve as examples of the concepts discussed in the book.
The author, Henry Carroll, is a photographer and writer who has been teaching photography for over ten years. His writing style is engaging and easy to read, making this book an enjoyable read. Overall, if you’re a beginner looking for a photography book that’s easy to understand, this book is a great choice.
Ansel Adams: The Camera
If you’re a beginner looking to learn photography, Ansel Adams: The Camera is a great book to start with. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how cameras and lenses work, regardless of image capture technology.
This book covers everything from basic camera functions to advanced techniques, making it a great resource for beginners. While some of the information may seem outdated, the fundamentals of photography remain the same. It’s a great reference for learning how to control your camera in manual mode and getting the most out of your photography.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to photography, Ansel Adams: The Camera is a great choice. It’s a classic book from one of the greatest landscape photographers of all time and provides a solid foundation for beginners to build upon.
The Art of Photography: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression
If you’re a beginner looking to learn more about photography, The Art of Photography: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression is a great choice.
This book is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about the art of photography. The author offers a personal approach that is engaging and informative. The book is well-written and comprehensive, making it a valuable addition to any beginner’s library.
Overall, we highly recommend The Art of Photography: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression to anyone looking to learn more about photography. It’s a valuable resource that offers a unique perspective on the art of photography.
Best Digital Photography Book for Beginners
Digital Photography Complete Course: Learn Everything You Need to Know in 20 Weeks (DK Complete Courses)
If you are a beginner looking to learn everything about digital photography, then Digital Photography Complete Course is for you.
This book is a great resource for beginners who want to learn digital photography. It covers everything from the basics of working with your camera to advanced techniques. The book is divided into 20 chapters, each covering a different aspect of photography.
The book is written in an easy-to-follow format with practical exercises and explanations, making it perfect for those who are new to photography. It is also beautifully illustrated with great examples, making it easier for readers to understand the concepts.
Overall, if you are a beginner digital photographer, this book is a great resource that covers everything you need to know.
Stunning Digital Photography
If you’re a beginner in digital photography, Stunning Digital Photography is a great book to start with. It’s easy to read and understand, and it covers the basics of photography, including composition, lighting, and exposure.
Stunning Digital Photography is a comprehensive guide for beginner photographers. The book covers everything from the basics of camera settings to more advanced techniques like composition and lighting. The author provides plenty of examples and exercises to help you practice what you learn, and the book is well-organized and easy to follow.
One of the best things about this book is that it’s updated regularly to reflect changes in technology and techniques. The author provides access to online resources, including video tutorials, to supplement the book. This makes it easy to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in photography.
Overall, if you’re a beginner in photography, Stunning Digital Photography is a great book to start with. It’s easy to read and understand, and it covers the basics of photography in a comprehensive and accessible way.
The Digital Photography Book: The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros’!
If you’re a photographer looking to improve your digital photography skills, The Digital Photography Book is definitely worth considering.
This book is great for beginner photographers who want to learn the basics of digital photography. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow along, and the book covers a wide range of topics from gear to technique. The writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making it a pleasure to read.
Overall, we would recommend The Digital Photography Book for beginners who want to learn the basics of digital photography in an easy-to-understand and engaging way.
Best Smart Phone Photography Book for Beginners
Smart Phone Smart Photography: Simple techniques for taking incredible pictures with iPhone and Android
We recommend Smart Phone Smart Photography, as it is a great resource for beginners looking to improve their iPhone and Android photography skills.
The book provides easy-to-follow techniques that can be applied to any smartphone camera, and includes beautiful photos to inspire and guide readers. The short chapters cover a range of topics, from composition and lighting to editing and sharing photos. The format is easy to read and understand, making it a great resource for beginners.
Overall, Smart Phone Smart Photography: Simple techniques for taking incredible pictures with iPhone and Android is a great resource for beginners looking to improve their smartphone photography skills.
Best Film Photography Books for Beginners
Old School Photography: 100 Things You Must Know to Take Fantastic Film Photos
If you’re a beginner looking to learn film photography, Old School Photography is a great place to start.
This book is a comprehensive guide for beginners looking to explore the world of film photography. The practical tips provided in the book are easy to follow and will help you take fantastic photos in no time.
The layout of the book is well-designed, with beautiful images that illustrate the tips provided. It’s clear that a lot of thought and effort went into the book’s design, making it easy to read and follow.
Kai Wong, the author of the book, is a popular photography YouTuber with a large following. His expertise in the field is evident in the book, and his tips are practical and easy to understand.
Overall, if you’re a beginner looking to learn film photography, this book is a great starting point. The practical tips provided in the book, combined with the well-designed layout and beautiful images, make it a must-read for anyone interested in film photography.
The Film Photography Handbook: Rediscovering Photography in 35mm, Medium, and Large Format
If you’re looking to rediscover photography in 35mm, medium, and large format, then The Film Photography Handbook might be the right choice for you.
The Film Photography Handbook is a technical book that goes through the history of each element of photography, such as the different types of film cameras, the evolution of lenses, and the development of film. It also covers everything from choosing a camera to developing film, and provides a comprehensive introduction to film photography.
The book strikes a great balance between covering almost every area of film photography and going just far in depth to answer the important questions. One can tell the author is passionate about film photography and has a wealth of knowledge on the subject.
However, some readers may find the book too technical, and it does not cover color photography in depth. Additionally, while the book provides a comprehensive introduction to film photography, it does not offer much instruction on taking better pictures on film.
Best Photography Theory Books
On Photography
On Photography is a great choice for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the history and cultural significance of photography. The audiobook is well-narrated and provides an engaging discussion of the topic.
In the book, Sontag questions the validity of the photographic image and explores the ways in which photography has been used to objectify and depersonalize our relation to the world. She also provides an in-depth analysis of some of the most important photographers of the past century.
While the book is more focused on the theoretical aspects of photography, it still offers valuable insights for beginners who are interested in understanding the broader context of the art form. However, those who are looking for a more technical guide to photography may want to consider other options.
Overall, “On Photography” is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history and cultural significance of photography.
Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography
If you are looking for a philosophical journey through the mind of an author seeking a real picture of his mother, then Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography is for you.
Camera Lucida is a book that explores the nature of photography and its relationship to the real world. The author, Roland Barthes, reflects on the meaning of photographs and how they affect us emotionally. He also shares his own personal experiences with photography and how it has shaped his worldview.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part is a philosophical essay on photography, and the second part is a personal reflection on a photograph of Barthes’s mother. While the first part can challenging to read, it offers a unique perspective that is both insightful and thought-provoking.
The second part of the book is more personal and emotional, as Barthes reflects on his own experiences with photography and how it has affected his life. This section is beautifully written and offers a moving tribute to his mother.
Overall, Camera Lucida is a book that will make you think deeply about the nature of photography and its relationship to the world around us. It is a challenging read, but one that is well worth the effort for anyone interested in the subject.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best photography books for beginners?
There are many great photography books for beginners. Some of the best include:
- “The Beginner’s Photography Guide” by Chris Gatcum
- “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson
- “Digital Photography Complete Course” by David Taylor
These books cover the basics of photography, including exposure, composition, and lighting.
What are some good photography books for inspiration?
If you’re looking for inspiration, there are many great photography books to choose from. Some of our favorites include “Humans of New York” by Brandon Stanton, “The Americans” by Robert Frank, and “Magnum Contact Sheets” by Kristen Lubben. These books showcase the work of some of the world’s best photographers and can help you develop your own style.
What are some essential tips for starting to learn photography?
If you’re just starting to learn photography, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind. First, you want to learn the basics of exposure, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Then, you’ll want to practice composition by experimenting with different angles and perspectives. After that, be sure to study the work of other photographers to learn from their techniques. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes – it’s all part of the learning process!
Related: Balancing in Photography: Tips for Perfectly Balanced Shots
Last Updated on January 28, 2024