The Best Photography Books

If you love a photographer, then you'll want to print a copy of this list. These are the most wished for books on Amazon. This means there is probably a book or two on this list your photographer would love. Save yourself some time by using this list as a shopping list. Your photographer will love you for it.

1. National Geographic Image Collection by National Geographic, Michelle Anne Delaney, Maura Mulvihill (5.0 out of 5 stars)

Behind National Geographic's worldwide reputation as a powerhouse of photography lies one of the finest, most extensive, and most unique graphic resources on Earth: the National Geographic Image Collection. For the first time ever, readers will plumb the fascinating depths of this immense archive from the earliest photographs collected in the late 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today.

2. The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3 by Scott Kelby (4.3 out of 5 stars)

This book truly has a brilliant premise, and here's how Scott describes it: "If you and I were out on a shoot and you asked me, 'Hey Scott, I want the light for this portrait to look really soft and flattering. How far back should I put this softbox?' I wouldn't give you a lecture about lighting ratios, or flash modifiers. In real life, I'd just turn to you and say, 'Move it in as close to your subject as you possibly can, without it actually showing up in the shot.'

3. VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography by David duChemin (4.9 out of 5 stars)

A book for any photographer who's ever felt compelled to combine their craft with the world of commerce and make the transition to becoming a vocational photographer. More like a sketchbook of ideas and wisdom than it is a system to get rich quick on photography, VisionMongers takes a look at the changing landscape of professional photography and the various journeys that can be taken to get there.

4. Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision by David duChemin (4.8 out of 5 stars)

A book about finding and expressing your photographic vision, specifically where people, places, and cultures are concerned. A personal book full of real-world wisdom and incredible images, author David duChemin (of pixelatedimage.com) shows you both the how and the why of finding, chasing, and expressing your vision with a camera to your eye.

5. The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman (4.6 out of 5 stars)

Design is the single most important factor in creating a successful photograph. The ability to see the potential for a strong picture and then organize the graphic elements into an effective, compelling composition has always been one of the key skills in making photographs.

6. The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2 by Scott Kelby (4.6 out of 5 stars)

In Volume 2, Scott adds entirely new chapters packed with Plain English tips on using flash, shooting close up photography, travel photography, shooting people, and even how to build a studio from scratch, where he demystifies the process so anyone can start taking pro-quality portraits today! Plus, he's got full chapters on his most requested topics.

7. The Moment It Clicks: Photography Secrets From One of the World's Top Shooters by Joe McNally (4.2 out of 5 stars)

Joe McNally, one of the world's top pro digital photographers, breaks new ground by doing something no photography book has ever done-blending the rich, stunning images and elegant layout of a coffee-table book with the invaluable training, no-nonsense insights, and photography secrets usually found only in those rare, best-of-breed educational books.

There are 3 more fantastic books on BestSLRCamera.org. So make sure you head over there to get the complete list. I'm sure you'll find something your photographer will love. And guess who gets the credit... you.

"I just love it. How did you know?"