Basic Photography Book Recommendations?

[Photo-John]

I just had a friend e-mail and ask for a beginner photography book recommendation. I didn't really have one for him since I (gasp) don't really look at photo how-to books very often. Then I had the brilliant idea of starting a thread where people can list books and authors that have helped them learn about photography. He just bought his first digital SLR so he's interested in a book that will help him learn about using a DSLR. But I'd like people to list whatever books and authors have helped them learn the photography basics. If a book helped you, please list it here. If we start to get a nice list going we can make this a permanent sticky thread

Thanks!

[pafindr]

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson

[drg]

You cannot go wrong with any of the National Geographic Photo Guides. I am linking to my review of the latest such book in my collection from the Goodreads database. There are, I believe, one or two more recent editions.


National Geographic: The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography by Bob Martin


My review


rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fine entry in the long list of National Geographic photography Guides.

Martin, the author and his fellow contributors, write clearly about each topic they explore, if not always as thoroughly as might be desired. The book is not labeled as a 'pro guide' of course, so some shallower detail is perfectly acceptable. A little more even topical coverage is all that is required for this to be five star guide.

With subjects not previously covered by most guides, this is for me an unusual book to have added to the library. Detailed and thoughtful chapters on Point and Shoot photography, not just snapshots, and using a Cell phone camera are both winning selections for all photographers.

The beginner will find some topics advanced enough they may need to refer to another work, such as calibration and printing topics, and some old hands and pros may flip over certain topics as not having anything new to offer. There are a lot of tips and techniques scattered through the book that still may interest all levels of readers.

A note: The tips and technique side notes has become a very commonplace form in technical works of all types in recent book publishing history. I would like to see these chestnuts have an appropriate separate index or content listing so they can be easily referenced/found. Just having them in an appropriate chapter or section is not enough.

Great example photography that is a hallmark of NG publications and some that is inspiring too!

The book concludes with various reference material including addresses, listings of resources, and web links of interest to photographers.

Well worth your investment and time if you are not already in possession of one of the NG Guides or are looking for a general reference for a broad,(if shallow in places as mentioned) range of information about making photos.


___________________________

I pick up a new and latest version of these NG guides every few years and then pass it along to some aspiring photographer. The one above is one of the better ones I have seen for a few years.

If you are a very advanced/professional photographer one of the Pro Guides can be very handy. You may know 95% of the info with your eyes closed (not a good idea as it is harder to frame a photograph) however there will be some little tidbit or another that makes the book worthwhile. One I continue to recommend is:


Pro Digital Photographer's Handbook by Michael Freeman




Both of these cover a broad spectrum of material from composition and exposure, to subject selection, to considerations unique to each type of photography, to equipment and printing.

There are lots of specialized books on every facet of photography but I believe any photographer can benefit from having a 'handbook' tucked away somewhere, even if it is on that top shelf over the desk. Plus they are a great source to 'settle' arguments in the middle of winter or during a rain delay!!

[mjs1973]

I also recommend "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson

One of the first how-to books I picked up when I got into photography is called "The Basic Book of Photography" by Tom & Michele Grimm. It was originally written back in the film days, but has been updated to cover digital as well.

If you want to skip all of the technical stuff, and just want to know the how, not the why, Scott Kelby's "The Digital Photography Book" series are pretty good. Volume 1 covers most of the basic of landscape, sports, travel, people, flowers etc. Volume 2 picks up where volume one left off and covers some tips for some of the same topics, but also gets into flash, and lighting more. Volume 3 picks up where volume 2 left off. I'm not exactly sure what it covers since I don't have that one. I do know that it is a continuation of the other two. Again, these are very basic and tell you how to do things, but doesn't really explain the why. For example, if you want to know how to get a blurry BG, he says to set your lens to a low number and fire away. OK, that may be a little over-simplified, buy you get the point. He also has some suggestions for gear in the books.

Lets not forget the manual! That is the first place I would start.

[eatstickyrice]

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan Peterson

[JamesV]

I agree with the same books that Mike mentioned.

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson

The first and second book from Scott Kelby.

You can also look for a specific book for the model of camera that you have. This is a more detailed and bigger version of the manual. I picked mine up as it was on sale plus a discount.

These are the only ones that I have but always looking for others.

James

[opus]

Would you have any recommendations for a good beginner book for kids? I'd like to get one for a 12-yr old with his first camera (a P&S). His camera doesn't do a lot, so maybe the book would be more about composition & how to see.

[mjs1973]

Would you have any recommendations for a good beginner book for kids? I'd like to get one for a 12-yr old with his first camera (a P&S). His camera doesn't do a lot, so maybe the book would be more about composition & how to see.

Kelly,

I did a search on Amazon for "kids photography book" and here are the first two that popped up.

The Kids' Guide to Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Save, Play with & Print Your Digital Photos

National Geographic: Photography Guide For Kids

I don't know anything about them, but it might be a good place to start. I do think the Scott Kelby books I mentioned above would be good for kids but they are geared towards beginners with a DSLR.

As far as a book on composition and learning how to see I would say take a look at Photography and the Art of Seeing: A Visual Perception Workshop for Film and Digital Photography by Freeman Patterson. I wouldn't consider this a kids book, or a beginners book, but it has some great things in it.

[Grandpaw]

You ask for books on basic photography but I have found the Magic Lantern book and DVD that covers my camera and all it's functions very helpful. To me one of the most important things to know is how your camera works and what all the buttons and dials do. The Magic Lantern DVD that I purchased just covers the Nikon D80 and how everything on it works and gives you suggestions on which settings to use. There might be an edition for his particular make and model that would be available, Jeff

[straightarm]

A couple of these date from the film ear, but the basic principles still apply:

The35mm Handbook by Michael Freeman

The35mm Photographer's Handbook by Julian Clader & John Garrett

and a cautious recommendation, as it's hard to read; Photography and the art of Seeing by Freeman Patterson

[WesternGuy]

Photo-John, if your friend is just starting out in digital photography, I would recommend he look at Digital Photography for Dummies. This will cover just about all he will want to know and then some. HTH

Cheers,

WesternGuy