The internet is a treasure trove of information, but photography books are still a great way to learn about photography as well as draw inspiration from the work of leading photographers.

I'm a huge fan of art books and often recommend beginner photographers to look beyond photography and immerse themselves in art. This does not mean that I recommend not looking at pictures at all: that would be ridiculous. In this article, I will suggest some of my favorite books that I found very interesting, informative and/or inspiring - books I wouldn't hesitate to recommend, either to yourself or as a gift to another photographer.

1- Annie Leibovitz At Work


Taking a deep dive into Leibovitz's career, Annie Leibovitz At Work will tell you how she approached shooting different subjects, creating her work from start to finish, and gear. I found this book particularly useful in understanding how to approach different topics. I opened a new channel to connect with people I had previously been reluctant to portray as politicians.

2- Peter Lindbergh. On Fashion Photography

This is a great choice for the ones who want to get familiar with the late German fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh’s authentic work and style. The book is neatly divided into designers Lindbergh worked with which enables you to understand how he applied his artistic style with various clothes and designs.

3- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear


I'm a huge fan of Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the bestselling Eat Pray Love. It's not about photography, it's about art. This book changed my life by making me braver with art and creativity. This is probably the thing I recommend most to people outside of photography as well.

Contrary to what you might think, this is not a self-help book - Gilbert wrote Big Magic to help herself. It resonates with a lot of creative people simply because we all want to be braver, create for creativity, and not be afraid to make mistakes. In a way, this is a must-read, even if you think you know everything Gilbert has to say. I suggest reading this book to everyone who comes to my training sessions.

4- On Photography by Susan Sontag


On Photography is another thought-provoking book that makes you think about what photography is even about. Sontag argues that photography is a control mechanism we exert upon the world. Her argument against photography is based on the principle of seeing for the sake of seeing. This is a highly controversial book that is bound to spark discussions and make you re-think everything you believe about photography…

5- Light ― Science & Magic


Light - Science & Magic is my favorite book on light and the one I recommend to anyone who wants to learn about light. Speaking from my personal experience, the lighting was turned upside down by learning and applying the principles in this book. It delves into the essence of lighting and how we see, without ever mentioning "5 light settings for perfect photos". A true treat for the light-conscious photographer who wants to go above and beyond with his or her skills.

6. Helmut Newton. Legacy


Helmut Newton is one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. He created work that stood the test of time and sparked debates around controversial topics. Published by Taschen, a reputable publisher in the industry, Helmut Newton. Legacy is a collection of Newton’s work that spans 5 decades. Having revolutionized fashion photography forever, Helmut Newton was best known for blending genres and creating work that has cultural significance, subtle seduction, and interestingly, a sense of humor.