This new year you could become the photographer you’ve always dreamed you could be! Whether you want to be “instafamous” for your epic travel photos, launch that online business or just take better photos of your food. Reach for the stars, literally, have a go at astro-photography, or fine tune your existing skills with exposure, whatever your focus, these 10 books will help you scratch “become an awesome photographer” off your New Year’s resolutions list!
Fashion & lifestyle photography : succeed in the commercial world and become a stand-out photographer / Dixie Dixon.
“Based on the talks Dixie Dixon, a Nikon Brand Ambassador, has given to crowds at major US trade shows, she reveals how to succeed in this exciting marketplace. From finding your vision, to building your dream team, this book will provide you with the essential gear and know-how to capture the looks of the media world that leap off the page or screen.” (Adapted Syndetics summary)
Lonely Planet’s guide to travel photography / Richard I’Anson.
“Written by internationally renowned travel photographer Richard I’Anson, he shares his wealth of experience and knowledge about travel photography in photorecentthis jargon-free guide to taking better photographs. Thoroughly updated and refreshed with advice, information and instructions on how to take amazing travel photographs using the latest digital cameras. It also includes tips on how to get great results from smartphones, DSLR cameras, drones and GoPro action cameras.” (Syndetics summary)
Food photography : a beginner’s guide to creating appetizing images / Corinna Gisseman.
“Whether you want to create great food images for your blog or break into the world of commercial food photography, Food Photography is the perfect place to start your journey. Corinna Gissemann, a professional food photographer, walks you through everything you need to know, starting with a primer on equipment and exposure, followed by a detailed explanation of the extremely important roles that light, composition, and styling play in food photography.” ( Adapted Syndetics summary)
The five-minute fix : 200 tips for improving your photography and growing your business / Dale Benfield.
“Unlike many books for “beginners,” Dale takes photographers from the beginning stages and continues nurturing them into starting a business and becoming a professional. His approach of providing a lot of bite-sized chunks of information on photography techniques, business, and marketing in one book is truly unique. For the photographer who wants both business and photography knowledge, this single book takes the place of two!” (Adapted Syndetics summary)
Complete photography : the all-new guide to getting the best possible photos from any camera / Chris Gatcum.
“Whether you’re a complete beginner, a casual snapper or a seasoned photographer, there is a lot to be learned from this extensive photography guide. Take the guesswork out of your photography and understand not just what to do with your camera, but how and why this affects the photos you take. Whether you own an SLR, film camera or a compact digital camera, learn how to take the best photos possible.” (Adapted Syndetics summary)
The art of astrophotography / Ian Morison, Jodrell Bank, University of Manchester.
“Join astronomer and columnist Ian Morison as he provides the essential foundations of how to produce beautiful astronomical images. From images of the Moon and planets, to the constellations, star clusters and nebulae, journey through a series of worked examples and short project walk-throughs, detailing the equipment needed, starting with a DSLR, camera and tripod, and increasing in complexity as the book progresses.” (Syndetics summary)
The smartphone photography guide : shoot, edit, experiment, share / Peter Cope.
“Smartphones have put powerful cameras, literally, in our pockets and encouraged us to document our lives in ever-increasing detail. But do we realize their full potential? Instructive, inspirational and updated with all the latest on VR, selfies, and the best apps, become the best photographer you can be! Suitable for all general smartphone users, compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows phones.” (Adapted Syndetics summary)
Photography exposure / David Präkel.
“Offering a detailed guide to using exposure for expressive purposes, this is an invaluable reference tool to all students and practitioners of photography.The second edition includes new images, as well as all new case studies and practical assignments – using examples from a range of international artists. The book has also been updated and restructured to take into account the technical innovations since it first published in 2009.” (Adapted Syndetics summary)
One face, fifty ways : the portrait photography ideas book / Imogen Dyer & Mark Wilkinson.
“Whichever side of the camera you like to be on, this book will show you how – with some simple camera techniques and inexpensive items of wardrobe – you can revolutionize your portfolio. You won’t need to spend a fortune on props, studios or equipment; learn how to create an exciting, varied portfolio of fresh portrait photography.” (Adapted Syndetics summary)
The practical illustrated encyclopedia of digital photography : step-by-step guide to taking great photographs / Steve Luck.
“Expert advice from starting out to advanced computer techniques, with practice assignments and 1000 photographs.” (Syndetics summary)