by Photography is a powerful medium that allows us to connect with the world around us. In my experience, one of the most impactful genres is animal photography and today I’ll share my top 6 best animal photography books that I think everyone interested in animal photography must read.
Taking photos of the various animal species walking earth can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It’s a way to tell the stories of these incredible creatures our planet is filled with and share their experiences with the rest of the world. The Oxytocin rush that you get after clicking that perfect photo is worth all the hassle.
When I think about my favourite animal photography books, one that immediately comes to mind is National Geographic The Photo Ark: One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals by Joel Sartore.
This book is one of my favourites because of its captivating and lush photography, plus it also delivers a powerful message about the importance of saving endangered species. So we will start our list with my favourite (Yes I am being a little biassed 🙂 )
1- National Geographic The Photo Ark: – One of The Best Animal Photography Books of All Time
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When I picked up this animal photography book by Joel Sartore, I noticed his attention to detail and the hard work he has put behind in documenting every species in captivity all around the world.
When you see his studio portraits for yourself, you’ll notice how unique his work is. He presents each animal against plain backgrounds allowing us to fully appreciate their individuality and features.
You’ll get the opportunity to see everything from tiny insects to massive mammals in one book. It is a powerful reminder of the diversity of wildlife and it also helps you know the animal you are planning to take pictures of.
The book doesn’t just impress visually; it also provokes thought with the prose of Douglas Chadwick and a foreword from Harrison Ford. This combination emphasizes the urgency of conserving all species on our planet.
If you are someone like me who is passionate about wildlife and conservation, The Photo Ark is a book that I must say you’ll want to add to your collection for both its stunning photography and inspiring message.
2- Animal Kingdom: A Collection of Portraits by Randal Ford
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I found this animal photography book by Randal Ford to be captivating with its striking studio portraits of various animals.
Ford’s approach is a little different from that of Joel’s and captures the beauty, power, and even humour of 150 different species, showcasing each animal’s unique personality.
From a lion cub with a punk-style mohawk to a curious duckling, the range of creatures that Ford has featured is diverse and I must say truly engaging. I was oftentimes left in awe with his work and I could not help but wonder how vast and diverse our planet is.
One thing that really struck me about this book was the way Ford brings out the emotional depth in his animal subjects as if he was talking to them in real time when taking the photos.
His photos provide a sense of intimacy and connection as though these animals are revealing their innermost thoughts.
I can say this with confidence that for any animal lover or photography enthusiast, this book is a delightful addition to your collection that will bring you joy every time you pick it up.
3: New on Earth: Baby Animals in the Wild by Suzi Eszterhas
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Upon going through the New on Earth book I realised that Suzi Eszterhas has an incredible talent for capturing the intimate moments of baby animals in the wild which makes this animal photography book truly special.
She travelled the globe for her work, you’ll get to see the pictures of tiger cubs in India to bear cubs in Alaska.
In her photos she reveals the tender, delicate beginnings of these animals’ lives. Which in itself is such a joy to see plus a great source of inspiration for all the wildlife photographers as well.
What I loved most is the way she spends extensive time with each animal family, providing a deep understanding of their behaviours and relationships. This truly does reflects her dedication and the hard work she has put behind the book
Not only does this book offer stunning visuals, but it also supports conservation efforts—30% of the proceeds go to the Wildlife Conservation Network. A real just cause, I must admit.
If you’re someone who enjoys seeing wildlife through a different lens and cares about preserving these species, New on Earth is an excellent addition to your collection.
4: National Geographic Photo Ark Wonders: Celebrating Diversity in the Animal Kingdom by Joel Sartore
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Yep, another book by Joel Sartore. In this stunning installment of the Photo Ark series, Joel continues his quest to document the diversity of the world’s animals bringing us a collection of animal photography books like no other.
This book by Sartore is divided into four chapters—Pattern, Shape, Extra, and Personality—Sartore’s photographs showcase fascinating pairings, revealing surprising similarities between different species.
When going through the pages of this book, you’ll find that the detail and clarity of each image are remarkable. They provide an intimate look at each animal’s unique features. Recently I got a copy of the book from a book sale and I will be lying if I said it was anything but a bargain.
What I appreciate most about this book is how it goes beyond just showcasing animals; it also provides scientifically accurate captions that highlight distinctive features of each creature.
It’s a perfect book for animal lovers who want to deepen their appreciation of wildlife and be inspired by the incredible diversity of the animal kingdom.
This is a must-have addition to any collection, particularly for those who treasure National Geographic’s previous works.
5: Zoology: Inside the Secret World of Animals by DK and Smithsonian Institution
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Next on the list we have this visual encyclopedia that takes you on a captivating journey through the animal kingdom, offering up-close details of creatures from jellyfish to polar bears.
I bought this book for a friend of mine (Liveena) and she loved its unique head-to-toe approach, providing intricate views of special features like parrot flight feathers and moth antennae. Liveena told me that “the dramatic wildlife photography is stunning and brings readers closer to the world’s most fascinating animals”.
Further she added that “the book also dives into the social lives of animals, exploring how they communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates.”
With this book you’ll learn how evolution has helped these creatures adapt to their environments. This is an extraordinary resource for anyone interested in the diversity of the animal world and its stunning inhabitants.
6: Birds: Photographs by Tim Flach, with contributions from Richard O. Prum
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Tim Flach’s Birds: Photographs is a visual celebration of the colourful and intricate world of birds. This book showcases these creatures’ grace, intelligence, and humour through breathtaking photography. My friend Liveena, who also happens to be an aspiring wildlife photographer, found the images not only inspiring but also an excellent reference for learning how to capture such vivid moments.
Not only her but my niece was also mesmerised by the stunning images of birds of paradise and brightly coloured parrots, while what I appreciated the most was the informative commentary by ornithologist Richard O. Prum.
Even my colleague, a professional photographer, mentioned how the book challenged him to explore new techniques and perspectives. It’s truly a beautiful and engaging book that brings the magic of the avian world into your home, perfect for bird and nature lovers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these top 6 best animal photography books offer a wealth of inspiration, education, and breathtaking imagery for anyone interested in the art of capturing the beauty of wildlife.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a budding photographer you will find that these books showcase the diversity and wonder of the animal kingdom in ways that will expand your perspective and appreciation.
If I were in your shoes, I would start with Joel Sartore’s National Geographic The Photo Ark for its impactful photography and strong conservation message.
If you want to delve further into the world of photography, I recommend checking out my other blog post on the best photography books. This will give you a broader understanding of the medium and inspire you to capture your own stunning images. Happy photographing!