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Top Photography Books: A Comprehensive Review
Published: February 19, 2024
Discover the best photography books with our detailed review and find the perfect addition to your collection. Get expert insights and recommendations today!
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Are you interested in photography and looking for some guidance on how to improve your skills? Look no further! In this comprehensive review, we will take an in-depth look at the top photography books available today. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, these books are sure to provide valuable insights and tips to help you take your photography to the next level. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of photography books!
Overall Score: 9/10
The Digital Photography Complete Course: Learn Everything You Need to Know in 20 Weeks (DK Complete Courses) is a comprehensive book designed to teach beginners and intermediate photographers the essentials of digital photography. Packed with information, it covers everything from understanding your camera to advanced techniques such as framing, lighting, and lens selection. The book is easy to understand, with a 20-week course structure and quizzes at the end of each 'week' to test your knowledge. It's a fantastic resource for anyone looking to improve their photography skills and is highly recommended by users of all skill levels.
Key Features
- Comprehensive 20-week digital photography course
- Covers camera basics, advanced techniques, and more
- Easy-to-understand with quizzes to test knowledge
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 8.00Lx1.13Wx9.50H
Pros
- Comprehensive and easy-to-understand
- Perfect for beginners and intermediate photographers
- Quizzes for testing knowledge
Cons
- May not cover very advanced photography techniques
The Digital Photography Complete Course is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their photography skills. With its comprehensive content, easy-to-understand approach, and quizzes to test knowledge, it’s perfect for beginners and intermediate photographers. While it may not cover very advanced techniques, it provides a solid foundation for building photography skills. Overall, it’s highly recommended for anyone wanting to enhance their digital photography abilities.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Beginner's Photography Guide is an ultimate step-by-step manual for getting the most from your digital camera. It's an excellent book for any new photographer. The book is laid out in a logical sequential manner with simple instructions, perfect for absolute beginners to digital photography. With clear, precise descriptions and useful illustrations, it also helps experienced photographers translate their pre-digital photo knowledge into setting up and using digital cameras effectively.
Key Features
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 7.69Lx0.52Wx9.19H
Pros
- Laid out in a logical sequential manner with simple instructions
- Clear, precise descriptions and useful illustrations
Cons
- Glitch with delivery for some customers
- Spanish chapter order is somewhat strange
The Beginner’s Photography Guide is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced photographers. With its logical layout and clear instructions, it’s perfect for learning how to get the most out of your digital camera. Despite some minor issues experienced by a few customers, the overwhelmingly positive reviews speak to the quality and effectiveness of this book.
Overall Score: 9/10
An enjoyable beginner's guide to photography with comprehensive content.
Key Features
- Packed with useful information
- Colorful and engaging layout
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 7.61Lx0.70Wx9.71H
Pros
- Comprehensive content for beginners
- Engaging and visually appealing layout
Cons
- Lack of detailed photo information in captions
The National Geographic Photo Basics book is a valuable addition to the library of any aspiring photographer. The visually engaging layout, comprehensive content, and effective delivery make it an ideal resource for beginners. Despite a minor flaw in the photo details, the book provides an enjoyable and educational journey into the world of photography.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Photography 101: Pocket Guide is a handy reference tool for both beginners and experienced photographers. It provides essential exposure basics, camera settings, lens info, composition tips, and shooting scenarios. The compact size makes it easy to carry in your camera bag, and it includes a notes section for jotting down settings. Customers have praised its convenience and helpful information, making it a great tool for improving photography skills.
Key Features
- Quick reference guide for photography
- Compact size for easy carrying
- Includes a notes section for jotting down settings
Specifications
- Dimension: 3.50Lx0.50Wx5.25H
Pros
- Convenient and compact
- Includes helpful information for beginners and experienced photographers
- Useful notes section for jotting down settings
Cons
- May not be very complete for experienced photographers
The Photography 101: Pocket Guide is a valuable tool for photographers at any skill level. Its compact size and useful information make it a convenient reference for everyday use. While it may not be comprehensive for experienced photographers, it serves as a great reminder and resource for beginners and those looking to brush up on their skills.
Overall Score: 9/10
This book is an excellent guide for beginners in photography. It provides essential information on various aspects of photography, including compositional concepts, technical aspects, and practical tips. The author's straightforward approach, use of real-life examples, and stunning photographs make it an easy and enjoyable read. While the book is tailored towards beginners, even intermediate amateur photographers have found it incredibly helpful in improving their skills. Readers will gain a solid understanding of photography concepts and techniques that will enhance the quality of their photographs, whether using a phone or DSLR camera.
Key Features
- Approachable and simple guide for photography enthusiasts
- Covers compositional concepts, technical aspects, and practical tips
- Includes stunning photographs to illustrate concepts
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.60Lx0.60Wx7.80H
- Customer Rating: 4.6/5
Pros
- Approachable and simple to understand for beginners
- Real-life examples and stunning photographs enhance learning
- Covers essential photography concepts and techniques
Cons
- Font color may be difficult to read for some readers
This book is an indispensable resource for photography enthusiasts, providing a solid foundation in photography principles and techniques. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your skills, ‘Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs’ offers valuable insights and practical advice. Beginners will find the book especially beneficial, as it demystifies photography and encourages creative expression through stunning imagery.
Overall Score: 8/10
A History of Photography in 50 Cameras is a beautifully written and produced book that delves into the history of cameras and photography. It captures the evolution of camera technology and its impact on art. The author showcases a plethora of cameras, providing historical context and highlighting the photographers who utilized them. The book is perfect for camera enthusiasts and those fascinated by the intertwined narratives of man and machine.
Key Features
- Offers in-depth insights into 50 different cameras and their history
- Provides historical context and information about renowned photographers
- Contains beautifully photographed examples of historical cameras
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.75Lx0.63Wx9.00H
Pros
- Beautifully written and produced book
- Includes insightful historical context and information
- Perfect for camera enthusiasts and photography lovers
Cons
- Some customers experienced poor packaging from Amazon
- One review alleged potential plagiarism
A History of Photography in 50 Cameras is a must-read for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in the evolution of camera technology. The book provides a captivating journey through the history of photography, offering valuable insights into the development of cameras and the impact they have had on art and society.
Overall Score: 9/10
This beginner's guide by Marc Newton is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand resource for new photographers. It covers camera basics, composition, and post-production, with practical tasks to reinforce learning. Readers appreciate the clear, engaging writing and helpful illustrations.
Key Features
- Comprehensive beginner's guide
- Covers camera basics, composition, and post-production
- Engaging writing and helpful illustrations
Specifications
- Dimension: 7.75Lx0.75Wx10.25H
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of photography basics
- Engaging and easy-to-understand writing
- Practical tasks for hands-on learning
Cons
- Mainly focused on DSLR cameras
The School of Photography Beginner’s Guide offers a fantastic resource for new photographers, with clear explanations and practical tasks that make learning both fun and effective. While it primarily focuses on DSLR cameras, the engaging writing style and helpful content make it a valuable addition for beginners and even intermediate photographers.
Overall Score: 8/10
Find Your Frame: A Street Photography Masterclass is a comprehensive guide to the art of street photography. The book provides insights, tips, and a creative approach to mastering the craft, complemented by a collection of inspiring and attention-grabbing street photographs. It is suitable for beginners and experienced photographers seeking inspiration and valuable advice on street photography.
Key Features
Specifications
- Dimension: 6.00Lx0.50Wx7.75H
Pros
- Comprehensive guide to street photography
- Valuable insights and tips for photographers
- Inspirational collection of street photographs
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers
Cons
- Some readers found it more of a 'how to' guide than a masterclass
Find Your Frame: A Street Photography Masterclass is an excellent resource for photographers looking to enhance their skills and creativity in street photography. While some readers found it more of a ‘how to’ guide rather than a masterclass, the book offers valuable insights, tips, and inspiration for photographers at all levels. With a comprehensive collection of stunning street photographs, this book is a great addition to any photographer’s library.
Overall Score: 8/10
The iPhone Photography Book is a comprehensive guide to maximizing the camera technology in your iPhone. This book provides valuable tips and tricks for iPhone photography, including simple instructions and useful information about iPhone photos. It covers various functions of the iPhone in easy-to-understand instructions to help users make the most out of its features. However, some readers found the humor to be stale and the opening of each chapter to have stream-of-consciousness rambling.
Key Features
Specifications
- Dimension: 6.00Lx0.50Wx9.00H
Pros
- Great tips to maximize i Phone camera technology
- Explains everything well for i Phone photography
Cons
- Stale humor and unnecessary rambling in the beginning
The iPhone Photography Book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their iPhone photography skills. Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as unnecessary humor and rambling, the book offers valuable insights and instructions for capturing great photos with an iPhone.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Photography Storytelling Workshop is a comprehensive guide for photographers looking to elevate their work from mere images to compelling visual stories. With a customer rating of 4.7/5, the book offers practical insights and step-by-step instructions, making it ideal for both amateurs and experienced photographers. The book covers every aspect of photography, from the concept to the final delivery, and includes exercises and examples to help readers hone their storytelling skills. While some readers found it a bit too focused on digital photography, others praised its valuable advice and informative content. Its beautiful imagery, tangible format, and actionable tips make it a must-have for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level.
Key Features
- Practical and well-structured content
- Step-by-step instructions and examples
- Comprehensive coverage of photography aspects
- Includes exercises to develop storytelling skills
Specifications
- Dimension: 6.75Lx0.80Wx9.00H
Pros
- Practical insights and actionable tips
- Comprehensive coverage of photography aspects
- Beautiful imagery and tangible format
Cons
- Slightly focused on digital photography
- Some readers found it less suitable for film photography enthusiasts
The Photography Storytelling Workshop offers invaluable guidance and practical advice for photographers of all levels. Its comprehensive coverage, actionable tips, and beautiful imagery make it a valuable asset for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills through photography. While it may lean slightly towards digital photography, the book’s tangible format and step-by-step instructions make it a must-have resource for aspiring visual storytellers.
Photography Books Buyer's GuideTypes of Photography Books
- Instructional Books: These books provide step-by-step guidance on various photography techniques, such as composition, lighting, and editing.
- Inspiration Books: These books showcase stunning photographs to inspire and motivate aspiring photographers.
- Camera-Specific Books: These books focus on a specific type or brand of camera, providing detailed instructions on its features and functions.
- Specialized Technique Books: These books delve into specific photography genres like portrait, landscape, wildlife, and macro photography.
Considerations Before Buying
- Skill Level: Determine if the book caters to beginner, intermediate, or advanced photographers.
- Interest: Choose a book that aligns with your specific photography interests or goals.
- Format: Decide between physical books, e-books, or online courses based on your learning preferences.
- Reviews: Read reviews from trusted sources to gauge the book's quality and usefulness.
Where to Buy
- Local Bookstores: Check out your nearest bookstore for a wide selection of photography books.
- Online Retailers: Explore online platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Barnes & Noble for an extensive range of options.
- Secondhand Markets: Consider purchasing used books from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or local book fairs to save money.
Additional Tips
- Utilize Libraries: Borrow photography books from your local library to preview before making a purchase.
- Join Photography Communities: Engage with fellow photographers to gather recommendations and insights on valuable photography books.
- Attend Workshops and Events: Participate in photography workshops and events where you can explore different books and receive direct recommendations from professionals.
Caring for Your Photography Books
- Proper Storage: Store your books in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and sunlight damage.
- Handling Care: Avoid excessive bending, folding, or marking on the pages to maintain the book's condition.
- Cleaning: Gently dust off the covers and pages using a soft brush or cloth to keep your books clean and pristine.
Conclusion
- Selecting the right photography book can significantly enhance your skills and knowledge in the field. Consider your specific needs, research thoroughly, and make an informed decision to maximize the benefits of your chosen photography books.
Frequently Asked Questions about Top Photography Books: A Comprehensive Review
There are many different types of photography books available, including ones that focus on specific techniques, genres, or famous photographers. You can also find books on editing, composition, and using different types of cameras.
Photography books can offer valuable tips, techniques, and advice from experienced photographers. They can also provide insight into different styles and approaches, as well as inspiration for your own work.
Yes, there are plenty of photography books geared towards beginners. These books often cover the basics of using a camera, understanding light and composition, and getting started with editing software. They can be a great way to learn the fundamentals of photography.
Many photography books feature examples of famous photographs from history, as well as iconic images from well-known photographers. Studying these images can help you understand different styles, techniques, and the impact of photography on the world.
Absolutely! You can find photography books that focus on specific genres, such as landscape, portrait, wildlife, or street photography. These books can provide in-depth guidance and tips for mastering a particular style of photography.
