Photography Books of Interest

Photography Books and References of Interest

We often see Beginners ask for reading material. The usual one or two books are recommended and then a few dayr or month later, the same question is asked. Time for a sticky - a forum post that doesn't float away into the mist following forum interactions.

This begins as a simple list - if you are interested, submit reviews and further suggestions of books.

Bryan Peterson is well known in the photography books and video circles. One book that I encountered today at the shop was

Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

Ananda's Comment: The book I flipped through was of fairly in terms of paper size, not very thick, paperback. I like Bryan Peterson's Adorama You Keep Shooting videos but this book did not grab my attention - but then, I'm not a beginner and I was fascinated by the another book today.

Creative EVIL Photography by Haje Jan Kamps

Ananda's Comment: From the title, I thought the book might be a bit shallow but it's quite readable and gives you some ideas of the cultural difference between EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) and DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras in the actual use and enjoyment.

Composition: From Snapshots to Great Shots by Laurie Excell et al

Ananda's Comment: This was the book that proved interesting to me - the pictures of landscape were not so much illustrative demo shots as worthwhile shots in themselves, without being part of a teaching book. At the end of each chapter is a challenge assignment if you are so inclined - it crossed my mind that I should make a cheat sheet of how I could interpret the current scene I would be looking at. Recommended.

Portrait and Candid Photography Photo Workshop by Erin Manning

Ananda's Comment: I've thumbed through Portrait articles and books - I don't see myself as professionally interested (i.e. income generating) but more, could I do the family scene better and my street photos better. This book strikes a nice balance of explaining photographic technique but also the rationale behind the photo.

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