18 Best Books to Learn Photography

This best selling manual for any novice photographer is easy to follow and contains a step-by-step layout. Handy camera setting checklists for each technique make it a quick reference guide for photographers with no prior knowledge. Get the most out of your digital camera by learning the basics of camera operation and beyond.

This independent photography course helps you build your photography skills step-by-step through every aspect of digital photography. Using a combination of tutorials, demonstrations, and practical assignments, you’ll learn to use your camera to it’s full capabilities. You’ll work at your own pace and explore a wide range of photography genres along the way. This detailed guide can be used for learning and continued reference throughout your photography experience.

In a series of short lessons, Photo Basics will teach you the fundamentals of photography and how to put them to work every day. Lessons range from choosing your camera and gear to understanding focus, exposure, composition, and lighting. Throughout the book you’ll find pro tips, behind-the-camera stories, and quick assignments. This fun and informative yet practical guide will help you take great pictures.

Get this guide and avoid the frustration and confusion that can lead you to lose interest in photography. You’ll gain a solid foundation of photographic knowledge and create better images with confidence. This book is comprehensive and contains advanced topics explained at a beginner's level for a clear understanding of photography.

Take control of your camera with this guide for getting started capturing the kind of photos you’ve been after. Getting Started in Photography gives you a path to follow rather than a list of concepts, making you a better photographer faster. With a user friendly writing style for all levels of experience, you can’t beat this book to help you get started.

This top selling book covers the latest technologies in the world of DSLR cameras and photography. It will help you take your skills to the next level. Written by one of the most recognizable authors in digital photography, it offers a foundation and expanded content for continued growth. It’s easy to read and the full-color format brings the information to life.   

If you want to take breathtaking photography without spending a ton of money on cameras and lenses, Picture (Im)perfect is the place to start. It offers clear, easy to follow tips to unleash you full creative potential. No matter what equipment you have, this book has something for you. The author teaches that it doesn’t matter if you don’t have the best camera, you only need ideas and practice.

If you feel stuck in “auto” mode and can’t capture great photos even though you know you have a great camera, Photography Demystified will change that for you. The proven methods explained in this book will help beginning photographers, camera buffs, and photo enthusiasts alike. If you struggle with understanding photography concepts, exposure, and your camera manual, look no further than this guide for the help you need.

This bestselling book isn’t a book of theory. You won’t find confusing jargon or detailed concepts inside. The author teaches as if you are out on a shoot together. You’ll learn which button to push, which setting to use, and when to use it. Each page offers the simple “tricks of the trade” for a different photography concept. This book is part 1 of a series you can use to develop your skills in the simplest ways possible.

Packed with photography techniques, tips, and advice for beginners and intermediates, this book will help you improve your images. Middleton explains camera functions and effects in a simple, visual, and easy to read format. The basic principles of photography are just as important today with the news DSLR cameras, maybe even more. This book will teach you how to avoid just switching to “auto” and take control of your photography.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed as a beginner with your new camera’s manual. This book will help you make sense of your DSLR camera and start taking beautiful photographs. Learn about lenses, filters, functions and more and even use this book as a guide to purchasing your first camera. 

Read this book if you want to take amazing photographs without spending a ton of money on a camera. Use your phone for brilliant images using the easy-to-follow advice in How to Rule at Photography. With simple and effective instructional content, learn how to pose for a portrait, get the best lighting, and edit pictures like a pro.

This book was written for absolute beginners but it’s helpful for any level of experience. Learn to compose great photos, master indoor and outdoor lighting, and master 20 popular subjects. Miotke believes that if you can press a button, you can take great pictures. The simplicity of that belief is revealed in the teaching technique covered in this guide.

If your child is interested in exploring the world of photography, the National Geographic Kids Guide to Photography is the place to start. It’s a fun and fact-filled guide with all the essentials. With visual explanations and tips from expert photographers, it’s an easy to understand and engaging guide for any child who is ready to learn.

Even if you’ve never picked up a camera, this guide will help you take incredible photos with the ease of a professional. Learning photography can be complicated and expensive. This author experienced that frustration as a beginner and has set out to make learning simple, inexpensive, and effective for others. The material is presented in a fun to read manner and encourages new photographers to adventure beyond “auto focus” and get creative. 

In this bird photography guide, Smith shares the fun and excitement of getting a great shot of wildlife. Learn how to choose the best equipment for photographing birds, tips for locating and approaching birds, and the artistic composition techniques best applied to bird photography. This book provides valuable photography information while encouraging you to get outside and explore the world we live in.

This all in one, compact photography book fits in your camera bag and holds an abundance of easy-to-understand tips from professional photographers. Master the art of photography and create stunning pictures. Hobbyists and pros alike will be able to take away something new from this amazingly thorough book.

Aspiring digital photographers should grab their copy of their book for jargon-free yet highly practical learning. The author covers all the basics and explains different ways to approach a subject, how to develop projects, image manipulation, and more. Build your skill from beginner to confident with this must-have guide.