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Photography Books Worth Reading
It’s been a while since I’ve written about photography books. I spend so much time reading photography blogs online that it becomes second nature to seek the information you want online first, forget paper. I’ve recently taken up learning from dead trees in the form of pop science and photography books.
Inspired by Joe Szymanski’s post on the top 5 books for photographers, I went to the library last week and got a stack of new books to read. Sadly, I could only get one of the books oout of the five he recommends.
However, some random browsing and a recommendation from the Strobist made up for it and I got three solid books to take home. The rest I’ve put on reserve when they come in.
Secrets of Lighting on Location
This is an amazing book. Krist gives you a quick refresher to outline the basics without bogging you down. After that, he goes into intricate detail on intermediate and advanced lighting concepts. I can easily see why many photographers call this book their lighting bible. One thing to keep in mind if you’re considering picking it up is that the entire book is written for film photographers. If you know your stuff even vaguely though, you’ll have no problem translating the instructions to your digital camera and newer strobes.
The Negative
This is technically the second book in the Ansel Adams Photography Series, but I’ve decided to start with it anyways. So far it’s tough going. It’s a very technical book and it’s pretty dry at times. That being said, there’s some incredibly useful information in here. For example, I’m learning about the Zone System for the first time. I just have to stay awake long enough to absorb it.
Photojournalism: The Professionals’ Approach
I’ve only barely cracked the cover on this one, so there’s not much I can say. I’m both attracted to and repulsed by photojournalism but my knowledge of the field is sparse at best. I’ve taken this book out partially to determine if it’s a field that I’m interested in and partially to broaden my overall understanding of photography.
After Dark
Okay, I lied. This one’s not a photography book. But it’s so good! I’m a massive Murakami fan, so I can’t help mnyself. He writes what I can only describe as incredibly beautiful dreamscapes. These simple, emotional stories containing elements of the fantastic beyond comprehension. It reminds me of the feeling you experience when you’re dreaming. You don’t really question why you’re a pirate captain bent on stealing Queen Elizabeth’s favourite knickers, you just know you have to get the damn panties!
What photography books are you interested in? Got a favourite book to recommend? Leave a comment and let me know!
damon Said,
June 25, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
A book that covers all the basics in an easy to understand way is Understanding Exposure
by Bryan Peterson.
It’s good for the beginner and also for those who aren’t still beginners but sometimes need a quick refresher on some of the concepts.
It also provides plenty of good demo photographs.
Andrew Ferguson Said,
June 26, 2007 @ 12:21 am
Ooh, thanks Damon!
I’ve seen that one on the shelves at Chapters, but I hadn’t actually picked it up and looked at it yet.
Do you own a copy of it or have you just grabbed it from the library?
photographyVoter.com Said,
June 26, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Photography Books Worth Reading…
It’s been a while since I’ve written about photography books. I spend so much time reading photography blogs online that it becomes second nature to seek the information you want online first, forget paper. I’ve recently taken up learning from de…
Ed Z Said,
June 27, 2007 @ 6:27 am
good list! - now I’m curious about that “after dark” book… might have to check it out!
Firda Said,
June 27, 2007 @ 8:31 am
I love Photo Idea Index by Jim Krause. It might be pretty basic but it’ll sure to give you ideas during one of those dry spells. Other favourites are Photography of Natural Things and Photographing The World Around You, both by Freeman Patterson and both are quite inspiring.
I picked up The Negative by Ansel Adam last week. Still have yet to read it but it looks interesting.
damon Said,
June 27, 2007 @ 11:32 pm
Andrew,
Yeah, I own a copy. I bought after reading many good reviews about it. The first person I saw writing about it was Donncha over at inphotos.org.
It only cost AU$30 from memory.
ps. Thanks for visiting my photoblog :)
Andrew Ferguson Said,
June 28, 2007 @ 12:09 am
*AU$ to CDN$ conversion*
Ooh, that’s not bad :)
I check out the website of pretty much everyone who comments. If you consider it worthwhile to read what I have to say and repsond, I consider it worth the time to see what you have to say.
This goes double if what you’ve got to say is useful or interesting. I don’t always comment though, I just really liked those photos.
Mark English Said,
September 22, 2007 @ 12:16 am
With Andrew’s permission, I thought that reader’s of Bryan Peterson’s books (”Understanding exposure”, “Learning to See Creatively”, and “Beyond Portraiture”) might be interested to know that Bryan will be coming to Vancouver for an all-day workshop in February next year. Bryan is an excellent speaker and perhaps one of the best and most creative instructors working today. More information on my web-site at www.pacificlight.ca.