Photography Books to Read (73 books)

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Here is a list of photographs books that are worth reading. Some are more critical theory, while others are more inspirational.

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1	Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography by Roland Barthes 3.99 avg rating — 80,849 ratings score: 894, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	On Photography by Susan Sontag 3.86 avg rating — 59,853 ratings score: 692, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	I Give My Eyes... by Brian H. Peterson 4.33 avg rating — 15 ratings score: 600, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Looking at Mexico / Mexico Looks Back: English/ Spanish by Janet Sternburg (Goodreads Author) 4.71 avg rating — 7 ratings score: 599, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Crisis of the Real: Writings on Photography, 1974-1989 by Andy Grundberg 4.04 avg rating — 51 ratings score: 385, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs by Sally Mann 4.07 avg rating — 8,673 ratings score: 297, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	The Education of a Photographer by Charles H. Traub 4.10 avg rating — 140 ratings score: 295, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	How to Set Up Photography Lighting for a Home Studio by Amber Richards (Goodreads Author) 3.70 avg rating — 175 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	I've Been Walking by Janet Sternburg (Goodreads Author) (Artist) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 2 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	The Ongoing Moment by Geoff Dyer (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 2,192 ratings score: 197, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	Believing is Seeing: Observations on the Mysteries of Photography by Errol Morris 4.11 avg rating — 1,011 ratings score: 194, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	Appalachian Wilderness: The Great Smoky Mountains by Eliot Porter (Photographer) 3.91 avg rating — 92 ratings score: 190, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	Photography At The Dock: Essays on Photographic History, Institutions, and Practices (Volume 4) (Media and Society) by Abigail Solomon-Godeau 4.26 avg rating — 27 ratings score: 186, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Classic Essays on Photography by Alan Trachtenberg (Editor) 3.86 avg rating — 184 ratings score: 184, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Inside the Photograph: Writings on Twentieth-Century Photography by Peter C. Bunnell 4.30 avg rating — 10 ratings score: 179, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Looking at Photographs: 100 Pictures from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art by John Szarkowski 4.29 avg rating — 519 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Fotografía de alta calidad. Las técnicas y métodos definitivos. CS6 by José María Mellado 4.50 avg rating — 16 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Tod Papageorge: Core Curriculum: Writings on Photography by Tod Papageorge 4.11 avg rating — 72 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Lightroom 4 Quickstart by Serge Ramelli 3.67 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Explorer's Guide to Wildlife Adventures by J.Z. Hunt (Goodreads Author) 3.85 avg rating — 47 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	tak... Chernobyl Photo Log by Hyun Kyu Seo 3.83 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Photography: The Key Concepts by David Bate 3.91 avg rating — 184 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Journal of Light: The Visual Diary of a Florida Nature Photographer by John Moran 4.29 avg rating — 17 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	The Unseen Anzac: How an Enigmatic Explorer Created Australia's World War I Photographs by Jeff Maynard 2.50 avg rating — 2 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Dark Skies: Rare Phenomena in America's Public Lands Photography Book by Jeff Pfaller (Goodreads Author) 4.75 avg rating — 4 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	The Secret Life of a Weight-Obsessed Woman: Wisdom to Live the Life You Crave by Iris Ruth Pastor (Goodreads Author) 4.75 avg rating — 63 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Tattle Tales: Tattoo Stories and Portraits by Brandy Isadora (Goodreads Author) 4.79 avg rating — 19 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Human Robots and Holy Mechanics: Reclaiming Our Souls in a Machine World by David T. Kyle 4.99 avg rating — 198 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Karkhana: A Studio in Rajasthan by Waswo X. Waswo (Goodreads Author) 4.96 avg rating — 23 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	How to Start a Pet Photography Business by Kyle Richards (Goodreads Author) 3.76 avg rating — 21 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	HDR Basics: How to make amazing HDR photos! by Serge Ramelli 4.50 avg rating — 2 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Snakes by J.Z. Hunt (Goodreads Author) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 6 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	there is no eye: John Cohen Photographs by John Cohen 4.08 avg rating — 25 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Nightmares in the Sky: Gargoyles and Grotesques by Stephen King (Goodreads Author) (Text) 3.99 avg rating — 3,545 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	A World History of Photography by Naomi Rosenblum 4.19 avg rating — 1,470 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Annie Leibovitz at Work by Annie Leibovitz 4.13 avg rating — 5,538 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Art of Black & White with Photoshop: A Comprehensive Course on Professional Black and White Photography! by Serge Ramelli 4.15 avg rating — 13 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Eudora Welty: Photographs by Eudora Welty (Photographer) 4.44 avg rating — 370 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	The Yosemite by John Muir 4.02 avg rating — 1,691 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	At the Edge of the Light: Thoughts on Photography & Photographers, Talent & Genius by David Travis really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 22 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	It's What I Do: A Photographer's Life of Love and War by Lynsey Addario 4.35 avg rating — 13,850 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Photoshop for Photographers: Complete Photoshop training for Photographers by Serge Ramelli 3.87 avg rating — 15 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Face of an Island by Edith M. Dabbs 3.33 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	John Muir: Nature's Visionary by Gretel Ehrlich 4.22 avg rating — 96 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	The Mind's Eye: Writings on Photography and Photographers by Henri Cartier-Bresson 4.14 avg rating — 2,491 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	HDR Masterclass: High dynamic range made easy by Serge Ramelli 3.89 avg rating — 9 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	Cabbagetown: Photographs By Oraien E. Catledge by Oraien Catledge 4.67 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Lightroom CC Complete Training: Learn the Entire Photographers Workflow in the new Lightroom CC by Serge Ramelli 4.24 avg rating — 29 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis by Timothy Egan (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 10,406 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	Complete Guide to Digital Photography by Ian Farrell 3.99 avg rating — 127 ratings score: 94, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America by James Allen (Collector) 4.64 avg rating — 666 ratings score: 94, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	How to Sell Your Photographs and Illustrations by Barbara Elliot really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 93, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Oraien Catledge: Photographs by Constance Lewis (Editor) 4.75 avg rating — 4 ratings score: 93, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Instant Connections: Essays and Interviews on Photography by Jason Landry (Goodreads Author) 3.62 avg rating — 8 ratings score: 92, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	The Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography like a Pro by Mike Stensvold 3.35 avg rating — 26 ratings score: 92, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Picturing Frederick Douglass: An Illustrated Biography of the Nineteenth Century's Most Photographed American by John Stauffer 4.49 avg rating — 81 ratings score: 92, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	Photography Changes Everything by Merry A. Foresta (Foreword) 4.08 avg rating — 143 ratings score: 91, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	A History of Photography in Fifty Cameras by Michael Pritchard 4.21 avg rating — 90 ratings score: 91, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	A Box of Photographs by Roger Grenier liked it 3.00 avg rating — 25 ratings score: 90, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Photographs not taken: A collection of photographers' essays by Will Steacy (Editor) 3.90 avg rating — 263 ratings score: 89, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Appalachian Portraits by Shelby Lee Adams (Author, Photographer) 4.49 avg rating — 37 ratings score: 89, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	In Celebration of a Legacy: The Traditional Arts of the Lower Chattahoochee Valley by George Mitchell (Goodreads Author) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 2 ratings score: 88, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	Ponce Deleon : An Intimate Portrait of Atlanta's Most Famous Avenue by George Mitchell (Goodreads Author) 4.69 avg rating — 13 ratings score: 87, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Mississippi Hill Country Blues 1967 (American Made Music Series) by George Mitchell (Goodreads Author) 4.62 avg rating — 13 ratings score: 86, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	Between the Eyes: Essays On Photography And Politics by John Berger 4.20 avg rating — 304 ratings score: 85, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	Yessir, I've Been Here a Long Time: The Faces and Words of Americans Who Have Lived a Century by George Mitchell (Goodreads Author) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 4 ratings score: 85, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Thoughts on Landscape: Collected Writings and Interviews by Frank Gohlke 4.14 avg rating — 42 ratings score: 84, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Athens Potluck by Jason Thrasher it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 7 ratings score: 84, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	Photography Degree Zero: Reflections on Roland Barthes’s “Camera Lucida” by Geoffrey Batchen (Editor) 3.88 avg rating — 41 ratings score: 83, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	Folk Visions and Voices: Traditional Music and Song in North Georgia by Art Rosenbaum 4.60 avg rating — 5 ratings score: 83, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	Island Time: An Illustrated History of St. Simons Island, Georgia by Jingle Davis 4.64 avg rating — 22 ratings score: 82, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	Clyde Butcher: Nature's Places of Spiritual Sanctuary Photographs from 1961 to 1999 by Clyde Butcher (Photographer) 4.38 avg rating — 8 ratings score: 81, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	Apalachicola River -- An American Treasure by Clyde Butcher (Photographer) 4.36 avg rating — 11 ratings score: 80, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars