We love photography books here on the Clickin Moms blog and, according to your response to Sarah’s 19 Must Read Books for Photographers, you do too! We thought it would be fun to compile another list of books for photographers that the CM Team particularly loves. Now just to try not to spend too much on Amazon!
book suggestions for photographers
*image by Jodi Arego
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
This best-selling book of essays and assignments is an inspirational read for anyone who has struggled with creative blocks or gotten into an artistic rut. Though not specifically geared to photography, Julia Cameron’s series of Artist’s Way books are lyrical musings on the artistic life geared to help artists overcome the many mental and lifestyle obstacles that can come your way. Her books go beyond just inspirational, and provide practical tools to help your daily work flow and uncover your creative path.
Beyond Snapshots by Rachel Devine and Peta Mazey
Learning how to take your camera off auto mode can be difficult but Rachel and Peta have created a book to help you do so. This book is broken up well into small section and written in a way that is very easy to read and follow. Reading this book will get you started in the right direction to capturing beautiful moments in your life.
Exposure Solutions by Bryan Peterson
Many of us have read Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure and here he’s back to expand on difficult exposing situations. Throughout the book he discusses the challenges that come with aperture choices, capturing motion, and more and how to get the look you want in those situations.
Fine Art Wedding Photography by Jose Villa and Jeff Kent
A captivating book full of stunning images created by Jose Villa. In it, he discusses his approach to wedding photography. From his cameras and lenses, to composition and how to use light, he shares how he makes some of his more well-known images. Beautiful imagery aside, the thought processes behind his work make this a great read for any photographer, wedding or otherwise.
Focus on Food Photography for Bloggers by Matt Armendariz
Your camera settings, location, lighting, etc are just as important in food photography as they are when photographing people. Matt is one of the best food photographers out there and this fabulous book is a great way to get inside his head and understand why he does what he does when he shoots.
The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina
A wonderful discussion on light, covering a range of genres and techniques. Predominantly directed at film shooters, but still very applicable to those shooting in digital. Includes settings for all images.
Personal Best by Elliott Erwitt
This book consists of a collection of photos that Erwitt put together himself of what he considers to be his best work, mostly consisting of photos shot solely for himself and not part of a job. It’s inspiring to see what one of the great photographers calls his best.
A Photographer’s Life: 1990-2005 by Annie Leibovitz
A very personal project from Annie Leibovitz. She is open and honest with every aspect of her life – sharing how she’s mixed the documentation of those closest to her along with professional assignments and portraits. This book is packed with honest, emotive and real images from Annie’s collection.
Photographically Speaking by David duChemin
Do you understand why you like a particular image? In this book, duChemin discusses the importance of understanding a photo and why you may like it. With this understanding comes the knowledge to create the images you wish to create by using the elements around you to execute your vision.
Photographing Shadow and Light by Joey L
Joey L is a genius when it comes to lighting and the opportunity to learn a few of his methods and thoughts behind an image is inspiring. This book takes us behind the scenes of a few select shoots where Joey discusses his process for the gorgeous images gracing the pages. Particularly inspiring is his work where he used one artificial light source.
The Practice of Contemplative Photography by Andy Karr & Michael Wood
An inspiring and thought provoking read covering planning and visualization, and also including plenty of visual demonstrations of the techniques that are covered. The option to complete assignments is also there for those that wish to put the information into practice.
Vivian Maier: Street Photographer by John Maloof
A visually inspiring collection of black and white imagery, documenting the life of Vivian Maier through her lens. Maiers works are presented as full page spreads, with little need for verbal commentary as the images speak for themselves.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
“Creative work is…a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.” In this short and powerful book, Steven Pressfield shows us how to identify the inner barriers to creativity, and gives us advice on how to defeat Resistance, the “enemy within” that keeps us from doing our work. If you are in a rut, lacking inspiration, experiencing self-doubt or procrastinating about a project, this
book is the perfect kick in the pants.
A Year of Mornings by Maria Alexandra Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes
A Year of Mornings collects 236 images always taken before 10 am without discussion between the two women from this uniquely 21st-century artistic collaboration. The intimacy of these photographs discarded clothing, a view of a snowy day from the window, a tablecloth combined with their striking similarities in color and composition defies the reality of their long-distance collaboration. While clearly kindred spirits, the two women have met in person only once. Their friendship is maintained solely online, sustained by a shared love for moments of serenity, solitude, and peacefulness. The annotated photographs in A Year of Mornings radiate an aura of sweetness and light the promise of a new day.
And there you have it, just a few of our current favorite books!
a giveaway!
Would you like to win a few of the books mentioned above? We have one copy of Focus on Food Photography for Bloggers by Matt Armendariz, The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina, Photographing Shadow and Light by Joey L, and A Year of Mornings by Maria Alexandra Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes to give away to one random winner! Simply comment below telling us what your favorite photography or creative book is by next Wednesday, March 13th at noon EST to enter to win. We will announce the winner back here on this post Wednesday afternoon!
giveaway update!
Congratulations to Ruth who said, “Ooooo, I’d love to win one of these! And my fav creative book (ok actually cookery book but hey) for inspiration is What Katie Ate. The photo’s are just truly stunning.”! You are the lucky random winner and I will email you on how to obtain your new books!
Right now my favorite is David Busch’s D7000. It’s my camera bible and helping me learn my camera. And I am loving Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure.
I really like Chasing the Light by Ibarionex Perello. Still working my way through it, but it’s really opened my eyes to finding light and how to see light.
And I just started looking through Photographing childhood by LaNola Stone. Some very creative stuff she does. A really different book than I was expecting (was thinking along the lines of Mamarazzi and Beyond Snapshots), but in a really good way. I’m sure a lot of creative CMs would love this book.
Annie Leibovitz “At Work”. Love seeing how someone as amazing as her finds creative notion- how the shot came about and the experience behind the photos.
Understanding Exposure has been the best book I’ve read so far. It really helped me understand how to use my camera. Now I’d like to focus more on the books that talk about the creative aspect of photography. I would LOVE to win this! Thanks for doing this giveaway!
I have not read anything in a while but the book that was most influential to me was understanding exposure when I was JSO 🙂
I love the book Vision and Voice by David duChemin – Its a great visual way to experience Lightroom.
I’m enjoying Picture Perfect Practice. Working through it right now with a group of CMs on Facebook. Great practical compositional concepts.
I enjoyed Elevate the Every Day by Tracey Clark.
I am reading Picture Perfect Practice right now and really loving it. Thanks for all of these great suggestions!
Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure was what got me shooting manual once and for all! It was enjoyable and clear.
What a great list! I already have a few I have my eye on!
Oh! I would love to read any of these books. Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway! I’ve really only read photography books on my bookshelf already- More Joy of Photography and The New Joy of Photography.
Oooh awesome list. Thank you! I love Expressive Photography…just for looking at the pictures even…they are fun and inspirational.
I am just starting out with photography and this prize would be a dream come true. Just started reading Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure and am loving it!
Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure is all marked up and has been loaned out repeatedly. Love it !
I’m a newbie at all this, but my favorite is my camera bible by David Busch. He is great at explaining things at a beginner’s level.
Oh what an amazing giveaway!!! I think my favorite has been understanding exposure.
I’ve totally been meaning to get Elizabeth Messina’s book! I am /such/ a fan!
Great list! I’m currently going through Picture Perfect Practice, and enjoying it! I also loved Understanding Exposure, and Visual Poetry. 🙂
While not being technical books I loved “Eight girls taking pictures” by Whitney Otto about the lives and struggles of 8 female photographers of the 20th century. And “Miss Peregine’s Home of Peculiar Children” was also a great novel interlinked with gorgeous imagery. So, not only a read for photographers.
Ooooo, I’d love to win one of these! And my fav creative book (ok actually cookery book but hey) for inspiration is What Katie Ate. The photo’s are just truly stunning.
I don’t have a favorite, but I have a very long TBR list that just keeps growing!
I love “Expressive Photography” by the Shutter Sisters (edited by Tracy Clark)
My favorite is Understanding Exposure – it was my first photography book and helped me switch to manual mode.
Such a wonderful giveaway! Expressive Photography by the Shutter Sisters (mentioned above) is a book that brought photography back to life for me a couple of years ago. I frequently pull it out for inspiration.
I love the beyond snapshots book! Thank for an opportunity to win! xo
I love “La photo d’enfants” by Lisa Tichané !
I’m new to all this photography stuff. I have yet to read a book but am going to purchase Beyond Snapshots that you mentioned above. Right now, I’m just looking forward to receiving my first copy of Click! 🙂
This is awesome! Just today, before this blog post, I had looked up the old blog post with Sarah’s recommendations and ordered the Light Science and Magic book — I’m hoping it’s going to be my favorite!!
They all look amazing! I love the beyond snapshots!
I am working my way through Photographically Speaking, and People Pictures. I lvoe them both!
At the moment it’s Picture Perfect Practice by Roberto Valenzuela. I’ve been carrying it around with me for the past couple of weeks and doing the creative exercises he suggests- I feel like it’s helping me become a better photographer!
If you get Exposure Solutions by Bryan Peterson on iBooks, it comes with videos.
My latest read is the Mastering Lighting Guide, but I started my digital journey with Understanding Exposure about six years ago. Whenever I see it at a Goodwill or thrift, I pick it up so I have extra copies to pass along to new photogs.
My favorite is Visual Poetry by Chris Orwig… so, so good!! 🙂 Would love to win any of the books listed… thanks for compiling this list for us as well!
The books you are giving away were the exact ones I clicked on first to look at! Understanding exposure is an excellent book. I’m still learning and will continue to learn and would love a copy of a new book!!
I am fascinated with Vivian Maier. I would love to read her book. Also, a year of mornings would be interesting. 🙂
Love Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure.
I’ve been eyeing The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina and Fine Art Wedding Photography by Jose Villa and Jeff Kent. They have such beautiful style and I’d love to learn a thing or two from Jose! Thanks for the giveaway!
I am loving Picture People right now…
I love picture perfect practice. There are so many great exercises
I love a book by one of the above authors, Within The Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision by David duChemin, an excellent book with lots of pratical exercises to help you along the way
Right now I am going through Beyond Snapshots and learning so much!
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is definitely my favorite. It really helped me out when I was just beginning.
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson was the most useful photography book I’ve read thus far.
Great giveaway, we could all use inspiration. I love a few of the above and also Visual Poetry and also a little different is…Bloom. This book is so beautiful. She is such a creative person who allows us into her worls through breathtaking photos. It will make you cry. It will make your heart swell and you will never forget it. Fingers crosses, pick me pick me (with sugar on top)
Great list! I just picked up the Vivian Maeir book this morning, and Elizabeth Messina’s is gorgeous!
When I first started out trying to shoot in manual, I bought Understanding Exposure. I did not understand one word of it. I knew I was in trouble. At the time, I had a Canon Rebel xti. One day at a discount bookstore, I stumbled across “The Canon Rebel xti for Dummies”. Did that book ever change things for me. If it had not been for that book explained in such simple language, I would have never gotten to where I am today. It talked about the exposure triangle, white balance, basically everything a beginner needs to know and how it related to my specific camera. From there I did read (and grasp) Understanding Exposure – which is awesome and many other favorites like Mammarazi, The Photographer’s Eye, etc. However, if it had not been for “The Dummies” book, I would not have been able to understand any of those. So that is why it has got to be my favorite photography book of all time.
‘Understanding Exposure’ definitely helped me understand my camera. Reading ‘The Art of Self-Portraiture’ by Anna Gay at the moment, and it’s inspiring me to try and put myself in front of the lens a little more often.
Thanks for the book suggestions list – have bookmarked for future reference!
Tasha
Ooh ooh another is Mamarazzi (totally what we are right!) Great creative book.
Bryan Peterson explains things in a good way. I really enjoyed and found helpful “Understanding Exposure”.
So excited to read more of these! Thanks for the suggestions.
i have Beyond Snapshots by Rachel Devine and Peta Mazey and i love it, i lern so much
I have the Beyond Snapshots by Rachel Devine and Peta Mazey book, and LOVE it! I would love to get a copy of the Fine Art Wedding Photography by Jose Villa and Jeff Kent and also A Year of Mornings by Maria Alexandra Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes !!
Loved reading all the book suggestions (and building a wish list on amazon).
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson has been very helpful, but I have to admit it really made perfect sense for me until AFTER I took Lynne’s Shooting 101 Workshop 🙂
My favorite so far is between Jose Villas and Elizabeth Messina. If I had to choose it would probably go to Jose Villas! But they are both incredible.
Oh! I’m going to add these books to my to-be-read list!
I have The Luminous Portrait and love it! One of my favorites. 🙂
Tack Sharp by James Brandon is my most recent fav. It’s changed the way I shoot!
Thanks for all these suggestions!
I have The Luminous Portrait. I am absolutely in love with this book! So many other wonderful books listed here. I can’t wait to check some of them out!
Beyond Snapshots by Rachel Devine would be my recommendation. I am definitely going to add these books to my to do list!
My favorite is “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson. It really helped me to understand the basics of shooting in manual.
Beyond Snapshots I got off of Amazon and was the inspiration to take my camera off automatic and onto manuel, and with this journey I found Clickin Moms. I can’t express how much I have come to love this site.
Mamarazzi!
Understanding Exposure was my first photography book and helped me TONS! I would love to read some of the others suggested in the list and in the comments. The Luminous Portrait looks particularly intriguing!
I have the luminous portrait ,there is so many I would love!thank you for this giveaway!)
I recently ordered Expressive Photography – The Shutter Sister’s Guide to Shooting from the Heart! It’s been very informative!
There are so many great recommendations in that list! I can’t wait to check some of them out. I think I’d have to go with Understanding Exposure as my favorite so far since it really got me started on understanding how to shoot in manual.
I have Artist’s Way and it definitely makes you think! I will say Understanding Exposure would be the favorite though.
I loved Beyond Snapshots! Understanding Exposure was also very helpful to me 🙂
The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina is my favorite. I have this book and love it!
I just checked out Vivan Maier: Street Photography from the library, and it is fast becoming my favorite!
I also used a “for dummies” book at first. I’m currently reading through beyond snapshots and enjoying it immensely.
I really love Understanding Exposure.
My current favorite photography book is Photographers Eye. I would love to win more, and improve my skills and knowledge even more. 🙂
I am reading “photographically speaking” now and loving. Will be adding a few of these to my future reading list.
Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography books and Photographic Composition, A Visual Guide are ones I own. I have checked out a few others from the library as well. But, that first one, The Artist’s Way looks like something I would LOVE!!
Love Beyond Snapshots and Vivian Maier: Street Photographer! Will be adding these others to my long list of reads. Thanks for the recos!
Understanding Exposure is a great book that has helped me so much! For a more general book about creativity and art, I like The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.
I was so happy to see that other bought the “dummies” book. While I have read a ton of books that I helped me improve my photographs, that was the first book that was able to teach me what all of those buttons meant in a way I could understand. For me, I never would have been able to get the pictures I take now without first figuring out my camera.
I love photography books!! I don’t think I have a favorite, but Beyond Snapshots helped me a lot when I was first starting!
I love Neil Van Niekerk’s flash books-on and off camera flash
So many of the above books are just sitting in my amazon cart, waiting to be purchased. I enjoyed Learning to see Creatively by Bryan Peterson.
What a great list of books! I’m thoroughly enjoying “The Photographer’s Eye” right now, although I’ll admit I haven’t got real far yet…it’s not a light read!
I adore Luminous Portrait! But an odd photography relayed novel that is art inspired, odd and a real talk about book was mrs Peregines Peculiar Children …. The photos in it are fascinating and it was based on odd photos the author found.
Oh thank you for this list!! I’m off to the library!! My fave photography book (ok the only one I’ve read – I’m a newbie) is Mamarazzi. My favourite creative book is ‘The Creative Family’ by Amanda Soule of Soulemama fame. It is a wonderful wonderful book full pf ideas to nurture the creative side in all of us.
Picture Perfect Practice is another one that I love and would highly recommend!
The fundamentals in Understanding Exposure are great!
One of the most beautiful books I have seen is “Joseph” by Brian Wildsmith. He wrote the story 9adapted from the bible) and did all the illustrations in the book. The images are stunning.
I learned alot from Understanding Exposure when I was starting out. Love it. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I love fine art wedding photography , the luminous portrait and food photography.
What a great giveaway!
I love Chasing the Light by Ibarionex Perello.
I recently got so much inspiration from ‘The Life & Love of Trees’, not an instructional book but a gorgeous coffee table book full of tree photography and information- food for the soul.
So cool! Thanks for the great list. I am such a sucker for a really well-written photography book!
I don’t know that I can pick a favorite, though….
– I have read and reread N. Van Niekirk’s _On Camera Flash_. What a tremendous book!
– Duchemin’s _Photographically Speaking_ rocked my world.
– At the moment, Meola’s _Art of Boudoir_ has me pretty much entranced. Zowie.
– But my favorite books might be the two surveys I have of Disfarmer’s work. His images speak to me in the same way Vivian Maier’s work speaks to me. I cannot get enough of either of them.
~Love~ this list. Thanks for this and keep ’em coming. <3
I love “Understanding Exposure”.
I hope I can enter without having a favourite photography book 🙂 I am saving up to start with Understanding Exposure and Mamarazzi. I have heard so many great things about them!
I enjoyed Nicole Hill Gerulat’s photo 101 textbook. Helped me understand the basics of exposure.
Understanding Exposure 🙂
A Year of Mornings is just so profoundly beautiful.
Just when I thought that my book list couldn’t get anyyyyyyyyyyyyy longer. hahaha
Bottom of Da Boot by Kael Alford is a very moving body of work. I had the privilege to see some of this work displayed at the High Museum in Atlanta this past fall and it was gorgeous. The book was available during the exhibition and was beautiful as well.
A Year of Mornings by Vettese and Congdon Barnes is a book that I really want to look at.
Lastly I can not recommend enough the beautiful yet poignant portraits in Comfort Women by Jan Banning (janbanning.com).
Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite photography books are both by Chris Orwig. Visual Poetry, and People Pictures. They are more about the “soul” of photography than anything else–he gets into the technical stuff a little bit, but his ideas about approaching people to take their portraits really opened up my mind to trying new things. They both have assignments to complete, too, and they are fun assignments that you actually want to do!
F i l m I s N o t D e a d
Inspirational book makes you rethink why are you shooting digital.
I have really been wanting to get that book by Joey L, too.
What a fantastic giveaway.
My favorite photography book is Picture Perfect Practice. Whenever I am feeling unispired or flat. I grab that book and do an exercise or two. Has me going again!
Just started reading Picture Perfect and am loving it!!!
Understanding Exposure.
Jose Villa’s Fine Art Wedding Photography. The images and information in it are just amazing!!
Understanding Exposure
I would also say Understanding Exposure.
Beyond Snapshots above is awesome, but also just got Mamarazzi by Stacy Wasmuth and LOVE IT! It hits just about every topic and is filled with amazing and inspirational images. Highly recommend it.
Understanding exposure was such a help to me. I would love something more on the creative side to add to my collection!
My favorite book on photography is Understanding Photography; a field guide. By Bryan Peterson! Would love to win those other books mentioned here! 🙂
One of my favorite photography books is “Working Cats” by Terry Deroy Gruber.
Understanding Exposure. A classic, but always a great resource.
Another one here for “Understanding Exposure”. It brings it all together for you in a simple way. I recommend it all the time.
Thanks for the list of books 🙂
Thanks for the give away!
I am just starting Photographically Speaking and so far I really like it!
I do accept as true with all of the concepts you have introduced on your post. They are very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are too brief for newbies. Could you please lengthen them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
i’ve got my summer reading list started!
Plate to Pixel is one of my favorite books on food photography with tons of easy to apply tips and instructions. This is another great list- off to shop! 😀
Understanding Exposure & Mamarazzi
Shutter Sisters is a great one!
I’ve got to say I’ve used the National Geographic field guide for photography for awhile! It’s great for quickly looking up basics – but I definitely need to expand my library!
I love love love Picture Perfect Practice. Great book!
Plate to Pixel has been a favorite of mine, in addition to a few in your list. The information is so practical and applicable, which I think is lacking in so many photography books. Thanks for the giveaway!
Perfect Picture Practice, Im working my way through it now and starting to see things differently
Understanding Exposure was my go-to for a long time 🙂 These look awesome and I’ll definitely be checking them out 🙂
Understanding Exposure was very helpful to me, I learned so much just from that book!
Canon Rebel T1i/500D: From Snapshots to Great Shots by Jeff Revell USED to be my favorite but I’ve outgrown it and I’m looking for a new favorite photography book.
THANKS for the opportunity!!!
Beyond Snapshots was a HUGE help for me, I was so sick of the technical jargon in other how-tos and the language and instruction Rachel and Peta give was so casual and simple to understand. I STILL refrence it regularly and recommend it often. Besides, Peta Mazey is my fave photog of all!
I agree about Chris Orwig’s People Pictures-he really pushes you to shoot from the heart and really SEE people-Shutter Sisters does the same and I really love all the lovely photos throughout. I really want to read A Year of Mornings. Great post!
I really haven’t had a chance to read any photography/creative books, so I can’t say my favorite but I would love to read these books…they sound amazing!
The Digital Photography books by Scott Kelby. I like that he shows different photos and different photos and what settings he used to get them. I also own Beyond Snapshots but haven’t had a chance to really get into it quite yet!
Great list! I have really enjoyed Understanding Exposure.
Understanding Exposure – Bryan Peterson & The Digital Photography Book – Scott Kelby
Focus on food photography looks delicious. Would love to have that. This is a great list of books.
I don’t have too many photography books yet I’ve been reading Picture Perfect and I’m really enjoying it. Photographically Speaking by David duChemin has been in on my wish list for awhile now so that may get bumped to the top now! 🙂
Understanding Exposure.
I can’t wait to get going on this list….if I can ever get away from this blog and forum 😉
Understanding Exposure. It was extremely helpful in my transition to manual.
Elevate the Everyday!
Thanks for the giveaway!! Great List!
My fave is Elevate the Everyday! Wow! I would love to wine A Year of Mornings especially.
I love the luminous portrait!!!
My favorites aren’t on here, although I really like anything by Bryan Peterson. My favorite books are the little Digital Photography Book series by Scott Kelby. You don’t glean a lot of the ‘technical terms’ but he very simply explains how to get the shot.
I refer to these so often because as I study the different aspects of photography, ie composition, lighting, etc, my head can start spinning with all this new info. But as I go through his books, I see how he puts those ideas and tools into action, and see the results. Then it all clicks for me. (pun intended)
So many to choose from! I’d have to say Picture Perfect Practice.
Love Scott Kelby’s series.
Anything by Scott Kelby. He is so simplistic in his explainations. His example images always help me instantly understand what he is trying to get across.
awesome giveaway!! I really like Picture Perfect Practice.
I am a book addict, photo books are no exception, so I love this giveaway. The War of Art is one of my favorite books on creativity ever, and I have done The Artist’s Way 3 times since it was first introduced to me in college waaaay back in the 90’s. A new favorite photo book that I think is hugely inspiring is People Pictures by Chris Orwig. Gorgeous images and terrific exercises. I hope I win this one!!
I would have to say my favorite book was Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. When I first bought my camera I read this book like a text book, made notes, did the exercises and withing 2 weeks I actually had a firm grasp on how to shoot in manual and DOF, it was a priceless book to me.
I also own understanding exposure. It was so helpful when I was starting out. Thanks for the list of books… I’m on bed rest, so I’ve been looking for some good reads! And thanks for the chance to win!!
Your Baby in Pictures: The New Parents’ Guide to Photographing Your Baby’s First Year by Me Rah Koh. It really gave me that push I needed to capture my son from day 1. I’m so so glad I got it before he was born, as now I have some shots I never would have gotten without the suggestions in that book.
I love Elevate the Everyday but the Shutter Sisters 🙂 Thank you. 🙂
The book that has been most helpful to me and helped me have so many ah ha moments is… Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Seriously SO many good books!! I’ve read many of them, but found a few new ones from this post too 🙂 The Luminous Portrait & A Year of Mornings have been on my wishlist far too long now, would love a chance to win. Thank you!!
I love Understanding Exposure and Beyond Snapshots!
You’ve got SO many good books there and lots of new ones i’ve not heard of before. I have my fingers crossed! My favourite creative photography book would have to be The Photographers Eye by Michael Freeman.
I love all of Scott Kelby’s books.
Vivian Maier: street photographer. I love her work.
I love all of my photography books that are on my shelf and have not been read!!! okay – ‘Expressive Photography’ is my fav. 😉
The photographer’s eye. Love Michael Freeman’s books!
Not exactly a photography book, but I love the interior design pictures in Domino
Envisioning Family by Tamara Lackey, Purple Cow (for marketing) by Seth Godwin and Understanding Exposure
I loved ‘a Day in the World’. So inspirational to see photos from all across the world taken the same day.
I working on starting a library.
I loved the book : Bloom by Kelle Hampton. While it is not technicallly a photography book, Her pictures are awesome, and I think are a big part of why the story is so great.
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson
I love to read and I love photography. So there is no clear winner for me.
I would love to win a book. I love learning and studying about photography. I like Scott Kelby’s books.
Available Light by Don Marr and Portraits by Steve McCurry are my two favorites. I have several, but I keep coming back to those two!
Picture Perfect Practice by Roberto Valenzuela!
Right now I am stuck on Beyond Snapshots…Loving every minute it!.
I am currently reading “Understanding Exposure” and “Wedding Photographer’s Planner”. I love reading these books because there is soo much information!!
Understanding Exposure–such a fundamental book, that I feel every person starting out should read it. There were so many “Aha!” moments while reading it, that I literally raced outside to practice what I had read. I go back to this book often to get re-inspired.
A photographers life. Love to read the journey, it’s not often a straight line.
I have enjoyed Scott Kelby’s CS5 and Lightroom 3 books.
Plate to pixel was great for learning food photography!
I love to photograph food. Would love any book to learn from!
I have read and re-read Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure in my first year of learning photography. The book, Photographically Speaking, mentioned above sounds like one I would like to read so I may just have to visit Amazon.com soon.
My favorite!? That’s tough. “People Pictures”. Although I have to admit, I’m not finished yet.
Julia Cameron’s Artist’s Way changed my life! She opened up my creative block to writing and lead to my discovery of photography! I would really love to learn more about the mechanics of lighting or other photography skills!
I am a beginning photographer….Scott Kelby’s books have been very helpful to me.
I like Understanding Exposure.
‘Beyond Snapshots’ helped take daily photos of my daughter from alright to canvas worthy. Love it!
The best book i have read along my journey in terms of setting off lightbulbs was Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.
My favorite so far is actually about learning photoshop – “Adobe Photoshop CS6 Classroom in a Book”. It has been invaluable in my creative journey.
Visual poetry by Chris orwig
What an amazing list of books.. would love a chance to win! I am a beginning photographer and love to research and read so this would be perfect for me!
Thanks clickin moms… what an amazing resource that you have put together for people like me!
Jennifer Hawkins Photography
I like Roberto Valenzuela’s book “Picture Perfect Practice!”
Beyond Snapshots! Thanks for entering me 🙂
I love Plate to Pixel!
I love Picture Perfect Practice….
I think I would enjoy Beyond Snapshots by Rachel Devine and Peta Mazey or The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Both seem practical but a good next step. I’ve taken many pictures off of auto mode, and even kind of know what I’m doing, but I’d always love to read up a little more about it…and also give it to my friend (after I read through it) who isn’t aspiring to be professional, but just bought a new slr and would possibly enjoy learning more about it in what seems to be like an easier read. I like the other because I did get in a rut, and while I’m hoping to get out of that soon, I would find it an interesting read.
I enjoyed Available Light by Don Marr–thought it was quite helpful. But I’d love some new books! Thanks!
Understanding Exposure! Just beginning my journey, and it’s been a fantastic foundational piece in addition to some of Scott Kelby’s.
Hi,
Definitely the 3rd edition of understanding exposure! this book has everything to start you of in photography, I also like Kelby’s books – digital photography boxed set he is amazing, and for beginning – digital photography for dummies :)but ohh boy there is a lot of books out there if I like them I buy!!
Understanding exposure for technical books I was reading it one day and it all just “clicked”. I haven’t been off of manual since.
I LOVE “the War of Art” Great read!!!!
I love that you listed “The Artist’s Way” here! Most people only think of it as a writer’s book, but I have used it for writing AND photography. I have also used it for LIFE! What a great tool full of great ideas.
Unfortunately I haven’t really looked at many photography books, but a few noted above definitely look like what I’d be interested at browsing through, trying out and even showing the kids! I’d love this wonderful opportunity to build my library; my hubby has a few books already, these would be an awesome start to mine 😀
I really like Understanding Exposure! And Click magazine (even though it isn’t a book…it’s awesome reading material!)
It would be great to win some new books! Hmmm, I have only read “Understanding Exposure” before, so I guess that would have to be my favourite, lol! I am currently reading “Mamarazzi”, but my fave thing to read right now by far is my “Click” magazine!!!
Sometimes I get so wrapped up on what I’m going to do to the picture after I take it, I forget the wonder OF taking it. Will be looking for some of these books on my own. dh
I haven’t had the opportunity to read any photography books except Understanding Exposure and a few of Brian Peterson’s other books. I actually read my old BO PDFs for inspiration and creativity.
I haven’t read any of the above books, but the book Art and Fear really spoke to me when I read it a million years ago. http://www.amazon.com/Art-Fear-Observations-Rewards-Artmaking/dp/0961454733
Which reminds me, I should probably read it again.
“The Artists Way”!!! but thanks for the suggestions for some new titles to check out!
I am absolutely in love with ‘Understanding Exposure’! Scramble to get the kids in bed at night so I can have some downtime with my newest love…a book 🙂 Thank you for such a great post…it’s given me so many more ideas for my next read! 😉
I love The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina!! Gorgeous book!!!
I love ‘A Day in the world’ and I love showing it to my kids. Truly inspiring from both a photography perspective and to help keep life in perspective.
I haven’t read any of these books but exposure solutions looks the most interesting to me right now!
I haven’t read any of the above mentioned books. My book suggestion is “Captured by the Light” by David Ziser.
I have “Beyond Snapshots,” and it’s filled w/ inspiration!
I have ‘beyond snapshots’ and absolutely love it! Very inspiring and easy to understand 🙂
Oh my! This came at the perfect timing! I have been looking to build my photography library! I haven’t read many, but I would love to read Photographically Speaking! Thanks for the giveaway!
Just spent the day with 15 unbelievably talented CM Moms. Being the least experienced was intimidating and inspiring. Boy could I use these books to help me learn and catch up with these amazingly creative ladies. Thanks!
Understanding Exposure!!
50 photographs by jessica lange
yes the actress 50 beautiful black and white images with her lecia
it is a beitiful book and collection
nice and big beautiful paper its a sensory book
would love to read the above mentioed books!!!:))
I would.love to get my hands on Photographong Shadows and Light by Joey L!! Although that’s a great list.
I have and enjoy Fine Art Wedding Photography by Jose Villa and Jeff Kent.
Light Science & Magic is my fav photography book. Seems like there are some great ones on this list though!
Yay! My favorite book is the Photographer’s Eye. It’s wonderful!
I really loved “Beyond Snapshots” by Rachel Devine and Peta Mazey. Although I already know how to use my camera in manual mode there was something about their writing style combined with their images that made the book worth any review of topics I may have received.
I loved understanding exposure it really helped me get exposure
I’m a starting hobbyist photographer and all these books seem like a great start for someone like me… I specially like ”the luminous portrait” it seems like a great source for someone that would like to take a good portrait pictures and I specially loving taking pictures of people 🙂 this book will definitely help me with that
Liked Understanding Exposure. Haven’t read too many photography books. I would love to get my hands on some listed above though!
Love “beyond snapshots”
I love cooking and photographing my food! I’ve learned so much and come along way self taught amongst bloggers, articles, etc. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have my first first book on ‘FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY’. That would be just awesome!
Reading and enjoying Picture Perfect Practice at the moment.
I am in the middle of Understanding Exposure right now and enjoying it.
I have read Understanding Exposure and loved it! I gained a lot of information to help me in my photography. I would love to get my hands on some of these great books. 🙂
Magnum Contact Sheets. It is so incredibly interesting for me to see the photos that didn’t make the cut and gain insight into the thought process behind the artists choice of a particular image.
i have and love A Year of Mornings. i also love Where Children Sleep. i’d love to win the food photography book and others. and i reserved Erwitt’s book from the library! 😉
I too have “Beyond Snapshots”. Great book. I’m a beginner looking for inspiration.
I haven’t read too many photography books, but I do like Understanding Exposure.
What a great list! This is definitely going to put a dent in my amazon budget. 🙂 As far as my fav photo book right now, I’d have to say Visual Poetry by Chris Orwig. I love Chris’s authentic delivery. This is a terrific book for pushing your creativity.
Your Baby in Pictures by Me Ra Koh
I haven’t read many books, I love checking out info online, like here! Would love to read the Focus on Food Photography for Bloggers book
I would love any of these! Thanks for the opportunity!
I love Annie Leibovitz’s Annie Leibovitz at Work.
I have “The luminous portrait” and read it from time to time to get inspired! Thanks for the opportunity!
I really like People Pictures by Chris Orwig! 🙂
Understanding Exposure and whichever Scott Kelby book that corresponds to your version of Photoshop!!
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.
I haven’t had tonns of opportunity (or time!) to catch up on reading many photography books, but the one that I really learned a lot from was Understanding Exposure. 🙂
Understanding exposure. Love it. So helpful.
Sorry to be a CM groupie, but can I call out a CM eLearning book?
I bought Michelle Blacks “It’s Your Atmosphere” and it has changed my outlook and helped me in so many ways. LOVE it!
Film Is Not Dead, Jon Canlas
My favorite photography books are the ones that were published I think in the ’80s. They were the “Day in the Life” coffee table books where photographers from around the country would photograph the same day. The one I remember most was “Day in the Life of America.” They would have a time line on each page so you knew what time of day the photo was taken. So fascinating to me at the time.
I love anything from Ansel Adams. Classic and still relevant instruction on exposure.
For me so far the best book is Understanding Exposure, it helped me a lot to master manual settings!
Fine Art Wedding Photography looks like a good read!
One book that has helped me out a great deal in getting my business started and learning more about wedding photography is Michelle Turner’s book “The Wedding Photography Field Guide”. I highly recommend it to any aspiring wedding photographers!
I found this book very helpful in understanding light,
Chasing the Light: Improving Your Photography with Available Light (Voices That Matter)
Ibarionex Perello
Peterson’s Understanding Exposure was a great book for me.
What an excellent question! YEARS ago I ordered a set of books, still have them, and many of the pictures in them are astounding: Life Library of Photography.
My favorite so far is Understanding Exposure.
I really can’t say that I have a favorite photography book yet. I love books but since becoming more passionate about my own photography nine months ago, I haven’t read a lot of “books” I have taken classes here, read many breakouts and looked at pictures online. I have read Peterson’s Understanding Exposure and Kelby’s LR and PSE books but these are not books I find inspirational. I love “Click” but that is a magazine however as far as non-digital reading material goes it is my favorite thus far. Thanks for the book share!! I will be taking this list to the library and hoping to win!!!
My favorite photo book is Chasing the light: Improving Your Photography with Available Light, by Ibarionex Perello. Wonderful pictures and a source of inspiration!
I have not found a favorite yet. I like to pull helpful information out of every book I read. But I do think I may have to pick up beyond snapshot and the fine art wedding photography.
Understanding Exposure has helped me so much in getting out of Auto. I find myself going back to it often.
The war of art is a great read and helps to get through those creative blocks and fears.
I don’t really have a favorite right now as I’m just getting into photography as a bona fide hobby. (i have taken a couple classes though.) But I love Ansel Adams. He is a big inspiration to me.
The Passionate Photographer by Steve Simon is one of my faves.
The FIND guide by Jonathan Canlas opened my eyes to the joy of film.
I also don’t have a favorite, but I recently heard about a book called “Picture, Perfect, Practice” that sounds really interesting. I just put a whole bunch of these on my Amazon wish list! Thanks!
I haven’t read to many books yet, but I did enjoy Understanding Exposure…I have been wanting to go through it again.
One of my favorite books is The hot shoe diaries by the wonderful,incredible Joe McNally. Thank you for the chance to win!
My favorite book is “India” by Raghu Rai .. He has put together years of work through his journey for over two decades.. It presents the real India
In this list… Luminous Portrait, Beyond Snapshots and the War of Art are the ones I would love to read 🙂
My favorite at the moment is Humanity by Geoff Blackwell. Thank you for putting this list together. <3
I don’t have a favorite 🙁 clearly I need to win!!! :). Thank-you for this wonderful list!
Love “The Art of Photography” from Bruce Barbaum and “People Pictures” from Chris Orwig. Very inspiring!
I have an old Time/Life series on photography which I love, a coffee table book of Helen Levitt which is genius, and The Find Guide was very helpful. I already spend too much money on Amazon so this would be a welcome win 🙂
Sally Mann – ‘Immediate Family’
No favorites yet as I am reading everything I can get my hands on to take timeless pictures that will always be relevant.
My favorite photography book is Pure Vegan. Obviously it isn’t really a photography book, it’s a cookbook but the images in it are stunning and food is the hardest thing for me to photgraph so I am in awe of it.
Understanding Exposure is great, of course, so helpful. This list also looks like it has a lot of winners. I need to bookmark all of these!
Understanding exposure is a great one.
There were two books that I learnt so much from. The first one I picked up, when I wanted to get more serious about taking photos of my kids, was Mamarazzi. I couldn’t put that one down! The other one, the one that I learnt SO MUCH from, was Understanding Exposure. I now totally understand why so many people talk about that book.
I have loved various books. The one that I keep going back to is Understanding Exposure….I go back and read it and discover all sorts of different things about photography & my camera as I grow in my photographic journey.
The book that I am currently reading and really enjoy is The Photographer’s Eye by Michael Freeman.
I love anything by David duChemin. Not only does he have the skills, but his approach to photography is wonderful!
My mom Life photography library. I love those book when i took my first photography class in high school. I was shooting with a Canon AE1
Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure was amazing.
I really enjoy looking through on this internet site, it has great posts. “And all the winds go sighing, For sweet things dying.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
Great book recommendations, thank you! I can’t wait to pick a few!
I own the Artist’s Way and Photographically Speaking-both wonderful books and full of great ideas and inspiration. In addition to the great books that you mentioned, I love Chris Orwig’s book Visual Poetry. Chris has a very approachable style and is a natural teacher. His book makes me want to run out and make pictures! For pure visual pleasure I love Nick Brandt’s On This Earth: Photographs from East Africa. I would love to win The Luminous Portrait or Photographing Shadow and Light. Both look amazing!
My favorite book is The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina.
As a huge Audrey fan – one of my favorite books is “Natural Enlightenment Photography” Lots of eye candy for me.
Thanks a lot for the blog post. . Really Great.