Photography Books

Photography Books

Any good artist will tell you to “study the masters, practice the basics and then forget everything you’ve learned.” The same is true of photography. When first getting interested in photography it is important to find a good book for inspiration. A good photography book may talk about the basics like how to set up a camera and where to look for good subjects to photograph. It is also important to realize that not everything can be learned by reading a book. Find an artist to study and try to emulate their style. This may involve picking up books of their photographs compiled or searching endlessly in local art stores or on the internet to find a favorite artist. A couple famous photographers would be Annie Leibovitz and Art Wolfe. Search for photographers, find some you like, find out their inspiration and their idols and study how the masters have perfected their craft. A book on the history of photography such as Susan Sontag’s On Photography may be a good place to begin. The point is to not only study being a photographer but live being a photographer. Take pictures for the sheer joy of capturing the moment.

Photography Book Stores

Online photography books are everywhere. Not just for sale but for free! Peruse random websites and find those teenagers on myspace who can’t put their camera down. They are practicing the art just as much as any other photographer. Yes, many pictures you find on such social sites may seem narcissistic but many teenagers have not been spoiled by being disciplined in this art. As for the actual online photography book retailers, these books can be found on Amazon.com as well as many smaller online stores. Search for one in the local area, it may bring up places that have never caught the savvy shopper’s eye before.

Latest Photography Book

Many new photography books will feature many popular subjects. Anne Geddes is famous for photographing chubby little babies in cute frilly outfits or in various cute situations. Some serious photographers will shun such ‘pop’ photography but all artists tend to have a niche and eventually go with what makes them happy. Don’t write off a photographer just because they take pictures of subjects that don’t entice. Sometimes more can be learned from studying the less desirable aspects of a particular art rather than shying away. Take in everything. Even if it’s just pictures of city skylines there is something to be learned from viewing such a book.