15 Best 「photography art」 Books of 2024| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for photography art. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. The Americans
  2. Still Life (Go)
  3. Moment It Clicks, The: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters
  4. Light, Gesture, and Color (Voices That Matter)
  5. It's Not About the F-Stop (Voices That Matter)
  6. A World History of Photography: 5th Edition
  7. Understanding Exposure, Fourth Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
  8. Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits: Stories and Techniques from a Photographer's Photographer
  9. People Pictures: 30 Exercises for Creating Authentic Photographs
  10. Authentic Portraits: Searching for Soul, Significance, and Depth
Other 5 books
No.1
100

Armed with a camera and a fresh cache of film and bankrolled by a Guggenheim Foundation grant, Robert Frank crisscrossed the United States during 1955 and 1956. The photographs he brought back form a portrait of the country at the time and hint at its future. He saw the hope of the future in the faces of a couple at city hall in Reno, Nevada, and the despair of the present in a grimy roofscape. He saw the roiling racial tension, glamour, and beauty, and, perhaps because Frank himself was on the road, he was particularly attuned to Americans' love for cars. Funeral-goers lean against a shiny sedan, lovers kiss on a beach blanket in front of their parked car, young boys perch in the back seat at a drive-in movie. A sports car under a drop cloth is framed by two California palm trees; on the next page, a blanket is draped over a car accident victim's body in Arizona. Robert Frank's Americans reappear 40 years after they were initially published in this exquisite volume by Scalo. Each photograph (there are more than 80 of them) stands alone on a page, while the caption information is included at the back of the book, allowing viewers an unfettered look at the images. Jack Kerouac's original introduction, commissioned when the photographer showed the writer his work while sitting on a sidewalk one night outside of a party, provides the only accompanying text. Kerouac's words add narrative dimension to Frank's imagery while in turn the photographs themselves perfectly illustrate the writer's own work.

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No.2
100

Still Life (Go)

Ly, Doan
Chronicle Chroma

Still Life is a photographic celebration of the work of New York City–based florist, artist, and photographer Doan Ly and her studio, a.p. bio.Ly's stunning work elevates floral design to an art form. While photographs of her floral vignettes are reminiscent of old masters' still life paintings, her playful and innovative use of color and lighting are decidedly contemporary.This spectacular collection of Ly's own exquisite photographs of her still life creations is unlike any other floral design book. Still Life captures Ly's unique and inspiring aesthetic, which has drawn a dedicated following on social media. An engaging interview with Ly brings insight into her creative process and what compels her to continually explore the ethereal and poetic possibilities of her work. As Ly says, "I want to be caught off guard. I want to see anew. I want to experience a quiet moment that is larger than life. I want to learn something, but mostly, I want to share beauty and bring joy."AN ENTIRELY UNIQUE FLOWER BOOK: Sophisticated design and fashion-centric photography make this a distinctive volume of contemporary and botanical art.POPULAR AUTHOR: Doan Ly’s unique installations have been created for weddings, events, and museum exhibits. She and her photography have been featured in the New York Times T Magazine, Vogue, and many more print and online publications.GORGEOUS GIFT: Beautifully designed with full-color photographs, making this a memorable gift for any occasion, including Mother’s Day, birthdays, and graduation.Perfect for: Anyone interested in floral design, photography, artistic flower arrangement, and art books Mother's Day, holiday, graduation, or birthday gift for fashion-forward aesthetes

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No.3
100

Provides information on the techniques and equipment necessary to take great digital photographs.

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No.4
88

Jay Maisel, hailed as one of the most brilliant, gifted photographers of all time, is much more than that. He is a mentor, teacher, and trailblazer to many photographers, and a hero to those who feel Jay’s teaching has changed the way they see and create their own photography. He is a living legend whose work is studied around the world, and whose teaching style and presentation garner standing ovations and critical acclaim every time he takes the stage.Now, for the first time ever, Jay puts his amazing insights and learning moments from a lifetime behind the lens into a book that communicates the three most important aspects of street photography: light, gesture, and color. Each page unveils something new and challenges you to rethink everything you know about the bigger picture of photography. This isn’t a book about f-stops or ISOs. It’s about seeing. It’s about being surrounded by the ordinary and learning how to find the extraordinary. It’s about training your mind, and your eyes, to see and capture the world in a way that delights, engages, and captivates your viewers, and there is nobody that communicates this, visually or through the written word, like Jay Maisel.Light, Gesture & Color is the seminal work of one of the true photographic geniuses of our time, and it can be your key to opening another level of understanding, appreciation, wonder, and creativity as you learn to express yourself, and your view of the world, through your camera. If you’re ready to break through the barriers that have held your photography back and that have kept you from making the types of images you’ve always dreamed of, and you’re ready to learn what photography is really about, you’re holding the key in your hands at this very moment.

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No.5
83

Jay Maisel has been hailed as one of the most brilliant and gifted photographers of all time. But he is also much more than that&;he is a mentor, teacher, and trailblazer to many photographers, and a hero to those who feel Jay&;s teaching has changed the way they see and create their own photography. He is a living legend whose work is studied around the world, and whose teaching style and presentation garner standing ovations and critical acclaim every time he takes the stage.In his first educational book, Light, Gesture, and Color, Jay put his amazing insights and learning moments from a lifetime behind the lens into a book that communicated the three most important aspects of street photography: light, gesture, and color. Here, in It&;s Not About the F-Stop, Jay builds on that success to take you beyond the buttons and dials on your camera to continue to teach you how to &;see&; like a photographer, and how to capture the world around you in a way that delights, intrigues, and challenges the viewer. Each page unveils something new and inspires you to rethink everything you know about the bigger picture of photography. This isn&;t a book about f-stops or ISOs. It&;s about seeing. And nobody communicates this, visually or through the written word, like Jay Maisel.

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No.6
81

An up-to-date edition of the authoritative history of photography―widely embraced by both students and general readers Naomi Rosenblum's classic history of photography traces the evolution of this young art form chronologically and thematically. Exploring the diverse roles that photography has played in the communication of ideas, Rosenblum devotes special attention to topics such as portraiture, documentation, advertising, and photojournalism, and to the camera as a means of personal artistic expression. Her text is illustrated with nearly nine hundred images by photographers both celebrated and little known, arranged in stimulating juxtapositions that illuminate their visual power.This fifth edition of A World History of Photography is substantively revised and updated. The photography of the past several decades is reevaluated from a contemporary perspective, and international developments are covered in greater detail. The main strands of today's complex universe of digital image-making are masterfully summarized and placed in their historical context, and the careers of representative contemporary photographers are studied in depth.Thoughtfully written, carefully and abundantly illustrated, and provided with a full apparatus―including a chronology, glossary, and annotated bibliography―Rosenblum's volume remains the indispensable work on its subject.

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No.7
80

This newly revised edition of Bryan Peterson's most popular book demystifies the complex concepts of exposure in photography, allowing readers to capture the images they want.Understanding Exposure has taught generations of photographers how to shoot the images they want by demystifying the complex concepts of exposure in photography. In this newly updated edition, veteran photographer Bryan Peterson explains the fundamentals of light, aperture, and shutter speed and how they interact with and influence one another. With an emphasis on finding the right exposure even in tricky situations, Understanding Exposure shows you how to get (or lose) sharpness and contrast in images, freeze action, and take the best meter readings, while also exploring filters, flash, and light.With all new images, as well as an expanded section on flash, tips for using colored gels, and advice on shooting star trails, this revised edition will clarify exposure for photographers of all levels.

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No.9
79

Bestselling author/photographer Chris Orwig offers 30 photographic exercises to renew your passion for capturing the people in your world. This is not a traditional portrait photography book. The goal isn’t flattery, but connection and depth. Whether you are a student, busy parent, or seasoned pro photographer, these exercises provide an accessible framework for exploration and growth.With titles like: Be Quiet, Turn the Camera Around, and the Fabric of Family, each of the 30 exercises encourages you to have fun and experiment at your own pace. With step-by-step instructions and using natural light, you will explore everything from street, lifestyle, candid, and environmental shots. The projects are small artistic endeavors meant to change how you see and the pictures that you make. All that’s required is a camera, an intrepid attitude, curiosity, and some imagination.

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No.10
78

An honest and personal book about creating better portraits and becoming your best self.The most successful portraits take us well beyond the surface of how someone looks and show us the inner essence of who someone is. They reveal character, soul, and depth. They uncover hidden hopes and profound truths, revealing that authentic and deeply human light that shines within. And while technical expertise is undoubtedly important, it’s not the light, camera, or pose that creates a great portrait. It’s you, and it’s the connection you create with the subject that makes all the difference.In Authentic Portraits, photographer Chris Orwig teaches you that the secret to creating meaningful portraits is simple: curiosity, empathy, kindness, and soul…plus a bit of technique. While Chris spends significant time on the fundamentals of “getting the shot”—working with natural light, nailing focus, dialing in the correct exposure, effectively posing and directing the subject, intentionally composing the frame—he also passionately discusses the need for personal development, creative collaboration, and connection with the subject. Because who you are directly and deeply affects what you create, and it is only through cultivating your own inner light that you will be able to bring it out in your subjects.Filled with instruction, insight, and inspiration, Authentic Portraits is an honest and personal book about creating better frames. It’s also about becoming your best self. Take the journey, and you’ll learn to find your vision and voice, bring intention to your photography and your life, embrace mystery, and understand the importance of gratitude and empathy. Along the way, you will teach the camera to see in a way that replicates how you feel, and you’ll find you have all you need to create work of lasting significance.TABLE OF CONTENTSPart 1: The Foundation of Authentic Portraiture01: Authentic Portraits02: Beneath the Surface03: The Paradox of Portraiture04: Harmony and Discord05: Thread06: The SearchPart 2: The Art of Authentic Portraiture07: Light and Soul08: Invisible Light09: Defining and Cultivating Soul10: Silence11: Wabi SabiPart 3: Mastering Technique, Gear, and Light12: Finding the Perfect Portrait Lens13: Exposure Settings14: Seven Principles of Natural Light15: Working with Natural LightPart 4: The Sitter and the Subject16: Finding Subjects17: Finding and Approaching People You Want to Photograph18: Pre-Shoot Prep19: Preparing Yourself20: Photograph People, Not LabelsPart 5: Posing, Directing, and Connecting21: Defining Your Directorial Style22: Practical Posing Tips23: Connecting with the Subject24: Unlikely Inspiration for Connecting25: The Four-Step ApproachPart 6: Camera Work26: Composition27: This to ThatPart 7: Stepping Up Your Game28: The Other Side of the Lens29: Courage30: Inner Art31: Gratitude32: FAQ33: The Journey AheadThanksImage DetailsIndex

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No.11
78

It used to be that the only people that needed professional-looking headshots were actors and models, but now thanks to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and social media in general, headshots are hot! They've never been more in demand than they are today, and Peter Hurley's unique headshot style and trademark look have made him the most sought-after headshot photographer in the world today. Here's your chance to learn exactly how to create "the look" that everybody's after.This is bankable stuff! If you're not adding headshots to what you offer as a photographer, you're leaving a lot of money on the table. Peter knows first-hand the secrets to not only lighting your headshots like a pro (there's a whole chapter on that alone), but in this book he reveals, in the very same fashion that made him a famous name with photographers everywhere, how he gets authentic expressions and incredibly flattering positioning that will make your clients look better than they ever have in any photo―period!It's all here: he shows you his positioning techniques, his secrets for getting genuine smiles and images that look so natural you won't believe they're posed (but of course, they are), and you'll learn the very same techniques that Peter uses to create amazing headshots for everyone from execs at top Fortune 500 companies, to Silicon Valley startups, to actors and public figures who know all too well how important a great-looking headshot really is.Peter doesn't hold anything back. He reveals all his tricks of the trade, from his trademark lighting look, to how to create good-looking backgrounds on location, to positioning tricks you won't hear anywhere else, and it's all written in Peter's fun, quirky, inspiring style that lets you know, right from the beginning, you can do this, and you can do this big! These are the techniques that Peter has crafted from years in front of the lens, as a model for top brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Guess, and years behind the lens, giving him an insight few photographers will ever possess, and he's willing to share every bit of it―every trick, every technique, and every nuance―in this book that will pay for itself at your very next shoot. Yes, it's that good.

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No.12
78

In this sexy, bold, beautiful book, photographer Brian Smith tells the stories behind the photos and lessons learned in 30 years of photographing celebrities and people in all walks of life. A Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, Smith is the luckiest guy on the planet. He's told Bill Gates exactly what to do for an entire hour, exhibited at the Library of Congress, appeared on The X Factor, dined with the President and 3,000 of his closest friends, shared cupcakes with Anne Hathaway, and gotten drunk with George Clooney . . . all in the service of getting the perfect portrait.In this juicy guide to shooting professional portraits, Smith shares his insider tips on connecting with people, finding the perfect location, telling a great story through portraiture, getting just the right pose, capturing emotion and gestures, arranging unique group shots, and getting just the right light. Throughout, you'll stay inspired by the breathtaking images included of the famous and infamous-Venus and Serena Williams, Gene Hackman, Cindy Crawford, Donald Trump, Bill Gates, The Bee Gees, Antonio Banderas, Shaquille O'Neal, Anne Hathaway, Ben Stiller, Sylvester Stallone, and others.You might not be shooting the rich and famous yourself, but after reading Smith's tell-all guide, you'll know how to make every person who makes their way in front of your camera look and feel like a celebrity.

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No.13
77

Infuse your images with glowing, luminous lightFrom high-profile wedding and portrait photographer Elizabeth Messina comes this beautiful guide to shooting lush, romantic portraits exclusively in natural light. Whether you’re photographing children, weddings, maternity and boudoir, or portraits of any kind, The Luminous Portrait will inspire you with Elizabeth’s personal approach and award-wining images, sharing the art to making flattering portraits that appear “lit from within.”

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No.14
77

This best-selling classic, which the New York Times called “the classiest ‘how-to’ text on landscape color photography ever published,” captures the unique artistic vision of the late Galen Rowell, one of America’s greatest outdoor photographers. Here Rowell assembled eighty of his finest images, along with the stories behind them—what he was after and how he achieved it.The photographs (and the details of their creation) are arranged in eight exhibits according to visual themes, reflecting Rowell’s fascination with the infinitely varying qualities of light found in mountain landscapes. He explains how film and the human eye see differently, how he selected and composed the content of his work, how he worked with optical phenomena and natural light, and how equipment and adventure interact in the field.The engaging text also recounts Rowell’s development as a photographer, his philosophy and techniques for creating “dynamic landscapes,” and his adventures in remote, dangerous, and beautiful places—from California’s Yosemite Valley to almost-inaccessible peaks in China.

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No.15
77

This is an updated and newly revised edition of the classic book The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression. Originally published in 1994 and first revised in 2010, The Art of Photography has sold well over 100,000 copies and has firmly established itself as the most readable, understandable, and complete textbook on photography. Featuring nearly 200 beautiful photographs in both black-and-white and color, as well as numerous charts, graphs, and tables, this book presents the world of photography to beginner, intermediate, and advanced photographers who seek to make a personal statement through the medium of photography.Without talking down to anyone or talking over anyone's head, renowned photographer, teacher, and author Bruce Barnbaum presents how-to techniques for both traditional and digital approaches. In this newest edition of the book, Barnbaum has included many new images and has completely revised the text, with particular focus on two crucial chapters covering digital photography: he revised a chapter covering the digital zone system, and includes a brand-new chapter on image adjustments using digital tools. There is also a new chapter discussing the concepts of “art versus technique” and “traditional versus digital” approaches to photography. Throughout the book, Barnbaum goes well beyond the technical, as he delves deeply into the philosophical, expressive, and creative aspects of photography so often avoided in other books.Barnbaum is recognized as one of the world's finest landscape and architectural photographers, and for decades has been considered one of the best instructors in the field of photography. This latest incarnation of his textbook—which has evolved, grown, and been refined over the past 45 years—will prove to be an ongoing, invaluable photographic reference for years to come. It is truly the resource of choice for the thinking photographer.Topics include: Elements of Composition Visualization Light and Color Filters Black-and-White The Digital Zone System The Zone System for Film Printing and Presentation Exploding Photographic Myths Artistic Integrity Realism, Abstraction, and Art Creativity and Intuition A Personal Philosophy And much, much more…

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