Books

I have noticed that there are alot of photography books on the market... and its kinda hit or miss to get a good one.

Is there a section of this site that has book reviews... or a list of 'must have' type books?

Thanks

Just off the top of my head most photographers I know have John Shaw's series, Galen Rowell's Mountain Light, Vision's, and Inner Game books, also Charles Campbell's: The Backpacker's Photography Handbook. One that was recently talked about here was Tim Fitzhariss's: Audubon Landscape Photography. These are just the one's which most of my photographer friends and I have liked. There are quite a few good how-to books out there you just have to decide who's opinions you want to read. This is a short list I could go over to my bookshelf and take a look but it's 11:30 on New Years Eve and I am getting looks from my guests!

Happy New Years!

Kevin, look under "Articles and Reviews" and scroll down to May, June, July and August 2006. There you will find Nature Photography Book Reviews by Paul W. Faust.

Worthwhile to investigate.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Kevin,

I'm not sure what level or type of books you are looking for but I highly recommend Michael Freeman's books: "Mastering Color Digital Photography" and "Mastering Black & White Digital Photography". Some of the workflows are dated as this was before CS3 and lightroom, but the ideas are sound and everything is very clearly explained.

I just got his latest book:
"The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos" and it is a great book to get you thinking about composition (both in your images and when looking at other peoples') with some nice real world examples.

Chers.
Alex

Hi, can anyone give an opinion for a digital camera book for a beginner?? I now own the Nikon D40 and have been real pleased with it so far. I am looking into getting the Lamplight expanded version but would also like some other books to go along with it.
Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Bonnie ><>

If you live near a Barnes&Noble I would suggest going to their Computer/Camera section and review the books on hand. They have all the latest and greatest. This way you'll find out which one fits your needs and you won't waste $$$$$$$$.

Bonnie,

I can be hard to recommend a beginner book without a little more information about what you'd like guidance in. But, generally, I've found very few that deal with all aspects of photography to be very worthwhile. Books that deal spefically with composition, technique, light, etc are usually a better bet.

I think Don's suggestion is a good one and frankly use this site's archives, regional forums and check out Luminous Landscape's site for tips and such. You can gleen a ton of information from everyone here.

I also have found that two photo magazines (both from the UK) are well put together and helped clarify ideas and techniques for me. Practical Photography and Digital Camera Magazine are both worth the somewhat expensive newstand price.

Cheers,
Alex

I have just finished reading John Shaw's Closeups in Nature.... It was a very good book and I learned alot...now wheither I will remember it all, thats another story. I enjoy macro photography and I am now looking for another macro photography book. I enjoy being able to show flora or fauna in a different light... one that most folks dont take the time to look at as they are walking by.

I will check out the section of the site that you recomended. I would consider myself a serious amature. I have a decent eye for compostition but no real techinical knowlege..... Most everyone has been saying that my photos need more DOF..... well until I read his book... I had no idea of how to acheive that. Now I do.

I just need time to hone those new skills.... I am currently shooting with a D80 and various Tamron and Sigma lenses.

Thanks to all that have helped me on my photographic journey. I may not post much... but I assure you I am reading alot and learning.

Bonnie,

I purchased Digital Photography for Dummies (Dummies series book) & I have found it to be usefull. I purchased it at Bell & Howell. Good luck

Rich

Kevin & Bonnie,

I meant to mention that if you know the book that you want, you may be able to have your public library either order it or they may be able to borrow it from another library.

I do know that they do not usually have current books, but it is worth the try.

Rich

John Shaw's books provide the best practical explanations of photography I have seen anywhere. Granted, he is focussed on nature photography, but he cuts through a lot of the theory and says what you need to know to get started in a way that you can actually think about in the field.

Beyond that, it really depends on what your interests are. Some books tend to get more technical, some more specialized and some more photographic. I like the suggestion someone made above - go to Border's or Barnes and Noble's photography and computer sections and just start picking up books. Read through them and if you find one that you really like and are picking up ideas from, purchase it. In some sense, you are the best judge of the best book for you. If you are reading it and it just doesn't interest/inspire you or make sense, put it back. And raid your public library - it is a good way of "test-driving" a lot of books quickly.

Bonnie - Try Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson