10 best books for the beginner photographer

The beginner can get basic material on photography from books. We decided to list the best titles worthy of attention for anyone who has bought a camera. When selecting participants for the ranking, certain criteria were taken into account, to which quality literature corresponds.

Rating of the best books for the beginning photographer

Best books for the novice photographer by Russian authors

Russian writers and photographers as well as their foreign colleagues talk about banal beginner mistakes, the structure of the art market, the search for one’s own style. Let’s find out which prints deserve special attention.

a. Lapin, Photography as..

Rating: 5.0

Alexander Lapin’s book is praised not only by art critics, designers, and photographers, but also by ordinary people who are simply passionate about beautiful pictures. It’s a fascinating read. There’s something new for everyone. Pleased with perfectly chosen illustrations, high quality book production.

This is a good gift for someone who has just bought a camera and understands that photography will not be a passing fad, but a serious way to make money. There are no dry terms in the book, no complicated academic exposition. Everything is clear. Reviews of Lapin’s work are only positive.

Advantages

• many favorable reviews;
• An understandable style of presentation;
• Covers many useful topics;
• written in a fascinating way;
• Lots of beautiful photos as examples.

Disadvantages

• no.

Conversations on photographic craftsmanship, L. Dyko

Rating: 4.9

Continues the rating with a book written more than 40 years ago by Ludmila Dyko, PhD in Art History. The publication will teach amateur photographers the light and compositional construction of the picture, help find the subject and theme. The book is written as a conversation. It gives an insight into photography as art. Each section is supported by photo-examples. It’s interesting to read about parsing your own pictures.

Every photography school recommends the book for reading. It may seem simple or even mediocre to some. Other novice photographers note that they were able to develop their abilities, their work became much better. And all this thanks to the book by L. Dyko.

Advantages

• The book contains many years of experience of the author;
• Recognized by many professionals;
• A must-read for photography school students;
• Allows you to develop skills and find your style.

Shortcomings

• There are no serious disadvantages.

Creative Photography, S. Morozov

Rating: 4.8

The third place of the rating belongs to the work of the historian, honored worker of the RSFSR. This book is the authors’ summarized work on photography theory over a long. It is written in an accessible and lively language. During the reading, one can feel Morozov’s deep interest and passion for the topic.

The publication includes rich illustrated material. From it you can learn about the formation of genres, the connection between photography and painting, and society’s attitude to this art form. Certainly the book lacks a description of the features of modern photomontage. But even without this, Morozov’s work has always been considered a real treasure for every amateur and professional photographer.

Advantages

• The author’s solid reputation;
• The book is recommended by professionals;
• Contains experienced several experienced photographers;
• Accessible and lively language;
• Lots of illustrations.

Shortcomings

• no.

Golden Section in Painting, Fedor Kovalev

Rating: 4.7

The following book differs from the others in the rating by its accessible and fascinating presentation of the laws of composition. Readers will learn about the role of the Golden Ratio and methods of constructing it.

Judging by the reviews, the given recommendations are very useful for photographers when creating a full-fledged picture story. The book is actively used by teachers in photography schools, art institutes and colleges. Kovalev’s work has been tested by time. It will be understandable for both beginner and professional photographers.

Advantages

• reads interesting and fascinating;
• informative information for everyone;
• will come in handy in practice;
• Used by teachers in art schools.

Disadvantages

• no.

d. Chernyshev, How People See

Rating: 4.6

Chernyshev’s book is read with pleasure not only by fans of the lecturer’s work, but also by all beginner photographers. It is “devoured” in literally 2-3 hours. The author’s work includes interesting stories about painting and photography, and she provides a self-study that allows everyone to find and develop the ability to see. Thus Chernyshev makes it clear to his readers that creative thinking is inherent in absolutely everyone.

According to reviews, for a book with so many pages (over 250) there is little new information here. But enjoys the interesting beautiful illustrations, the original thoughts of the author. With this publication, many have learned to look around, analyze and fantasize.

Advantages

• Inspirational photography;
• Lots of beautiful pictures;
• Contains fascinating stories;
• Teaches you how to see a story and analyze.

Disadvantages

• Little new information for this length of pages.

The best books for the beginning photographer by foreign authors

Every aspiring photographer should become familiar with the work of foreign photographers who have reflected their years of experience in print editions. They are what we will talk about in the second nomination.

Brian Peterson, In Search of the Frame

Rating: 5.0

The nomination opens with a book by a famous photographer that covers such topics as choice of equipment, compositional fundamentals, and “Photoshop” software. All of these sections will be of interest to absolutely every beginner. It is useful to learn how the same image can be transformed from different angles.

This publication helps you acquire and develop your creativity. There are many ideas, detailed non-technical aspects of the art of photography. The book has been called “inspiring and informative”. It is easy to understand and teaches to see beauty through the lens of the camera. The owners of the book don’t regret purchasing it and recommend everyone to read it to get charged with positive energy and start creating.

Advantages

• A huge amount of approving opinions;
• Inspiration for new pictures;
• Will teach you the basics of composition:
• There are rules for working in Photoshop.

Flaws

• no.

Scott Kelby, Digital Photography

Rating: 4.9

The book “Digital Photography” comes in 4 volumes and is designed for beginners who have decided to get seriously acquainted with the basics and intricacies of creating high-quality photos. They advise to begin reading from the first edition. It reflects the main information on the types of photography, tips on choosing the technique. Each section is backed up with photos by Scott Kelby.

There’s not much information in the book as such. But it is not so bad for a beginner. The author devotes special attention to working in Photoshop. If you buy the book for your collection, you’ll have to pay a tidy sum for it. That’s why most people prefer to study it electronically.

Advantages

• accessibility and comprehensibility;
• The author’s original photographs;
• lots of practical advice;
• Tips on choosing techniques and working in Photoshop.

Flaws

• The book is expensive if you buy a hard copy.

Michael Freeman, The Photographer’s View

Rating: 4.8

The book by Michael Freeman will tell why some photos are popular and are considered to be works of art, and why other pictures are not so successful. Author touches on the rules of composition, talks about the idea, layered meanings. It’s important to think with your head before you press the button.

From the reviews, it is clear that many readers liked Freeman’s “Dao of Digital Photography” better. This publication will appeal to those who want to reflect on types of art, philosophize, and learn how in-demand photographers earn. In any case, the work of British journalist deserves attention. Not for nothing, Freeman is recognized as a professional of the highest level.

Advantages

• Written by a recognized professional;
• Will teach the rules of composition;
• Will talk about how to make money from photography.

Flaws

• Little practice, many philosophical topics.

Lighting in photography. The Light Bible, Phil Hunter, Stephen Beaver

Rating: 4.7

A resource for beginners will be a book about the peculiarities of lighting, the influence of different nuances on the final result, and light control. This publication covers types of studio equipment, on-camera flash, and portrait techniques. Of all the books on lighting, this is the best choice for the novice photographer.

“The Bible of Light” will tell you how to work with color filters, shoot moving objects. Experienced photographers’ opinions on the content are divided. The book’s merits include a presentation of the fundamental physical laws that determine the behavior of light, a large number of examples with illustrations, diagrams, and explanations. Among the disadvantages stand out the lack of information about the psychology of communicating with models.

Advantages

• a large number of examples with illustrations;
• An easy-to-understand explanation of the rules of composition;
• Lots of information on studio equipment;
• considered one of the best books on the play of light.

Flaws

• ambiguous reviews;
• Lacks rules for communicating with the model.

50 Effective Techniques for Taking Pictures with a Digital Camera, Kevin L. Moss

Rating: 4.6

Top of the list is a book about working with digital technology. Material covers fifty different techniques for any level of photographer. The author’s work helps you understand camera construction, learn about the types of lenses and tripods. Moss gives tips on shooting portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. This is the best choice for those who have just bought a digital camera and professionals who have decided to replace the film device with modern equipment.

Opinions about the book are mixed. Some people found the author’s photos unimpressive and the information sparse. There are also positive reviews that note a lot of important information for the beginner.

Advantages

• A lot of useful information for the novice photographer;
• Tips for shooting different genres;
• information on the operation of the camera;
• 50 examples of work.

Flaws

• The pictures offered are not to everyone’s liking;
• ambiguous reviews.