by Hello folks Mihir this side and I have been playing with my camera for a long-long time and photography books, I must say have had a massive impact on my understanding of the art form and my own work and today I will share my top 5 best photography books that have helped me become the photographer I am today.
These books have not only changed my perspective on photography but have forever altered my brain chemistry and the way I look at my environment and surroundings.
If you’ve never picked up a photo book, I highly recommend doing so. Not only are they great for inspiration, but they allow you to see the world through the eyes of other photographers and allow you to think from a perspective different from yours.
Here are the top 5 photography books that have influenced me the most.
1. Interviews and Conversations by Henri Cartier-Bresson – The Best Photography Books of All Time
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This book is one of my first reads when it comes to photography. It compiles a series of interviews with the famous French photographer Henri Cartier who is also known as the godfather of street photography.
I might be biased because of my love for street photography, but Cartier-Bresson is a legend who shaped the genre. His insights into photography and his creative process have been invaluable. I can tell you one thing – this is one of the best photography books for beginners.
One of my favorite quotes from him that I to date take to be the most ultimate advice I can give to someone just starting out is, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”
His approach to finding compositional elements in the field and using them to tell a story is a technique I’ve tried to incorporate into my work. Reading this book front to back, several times, has been instrumental in my growth as a photographer.
2. Early Color by Saul Leiter
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The second book on my list and one of the best photography how to book is by none other that Saul Leiter. His work is all about using colors and textures to tell stories and his book Early Color completely changed my perspective on photography.
Initially, like most of the people out there I only knew him for his black-and-white work. But discovering his color photography in this book was a game changer. There is something just so unique about his perspective that you need to see it for yourself to understand what I am talking about.
His use of shadow and framing is so unique; he approaches color photography with a black-and-white mindset which I must say results in captivating and timeless images. Images that you can call – masterpiece
This book taught me how to play with colour and textures in my own work and has opened new doors for me to experiment and create.
3. The Suffering of Light by Alex Webb
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Alex Webb’s The Suffering of Light is a book I go back to time and again. When you see his pictures you know that you are seeing a master at work. The way he infuses different layers in his photos is just phenomenal.
His use of layering is what I would call – extraordinary, telling multiple stories within a single frame making this book one of the best photography books of all time.
His work in Cuba and other countries during critical historical moments is powerful and deeply moving. If you don’t know what I am talking about you can refer to this article by MagnumPhotos to get a better understanding about the importance of Alex’s Work.
Trying to incorporate his techniques into my photography has been challenging but at the same time rewarding as well.
Webb’s mastery of layering inspires me to think beyond a single subject and include more depth and context in my images which allows me to tell unique stories through my photos which I couldn’t have otherwise.
4. The Decisive Moment by Henri Cartier-Bresson
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Next on the list we have Cartier-Bresson’s The Decisive Moment, an iconic monograph that redefined photography for a hell lot of us out there, especially the street photographers.
I was fortunate enough to get a reprint of this book a few years back, and it was worth every penny. Well now, you can easily buy a copy of the book on amazon. I’ll share the link below.
His compositions are filled with geometry and leading lines that guide your eye through the frame and just on a side note – People also call him “The Godfather of Street Photography” and it’s a no brainer that this is one of the best street photography books ever written.
You must have seen those tiktoks and instagram reels telling you how you should incorporate geometry and leading lines in your photos. Well think of this book as something that will make you so good at it that you’ll never have to revisit those reels again.
I must admit that this book has changed the way I see the world, making me focus on shapes, lines, and the overall structure of a scene. It’s a classic that every photographer should study.
5. The Man in the Crowd: The Uneasy Streets of Garry Winogrand by Garry Winogrand
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I have one final book to share, which has had the biggest personal impact on my photography journey. The Man in the Crowd: The Uneasy Streets of Garry Winogrand has got some really really invaluable content in it.
This book has taught me so much just from looking at the photographs and reading about the photographer’s journey. When you look at Garry’s work it opens perspective, perspective that you would not have thought about on your own.
It’s my go-to reference when I need a dose of inspiration or guidance in my own work. If you find yourself in a state of photographer block, you know just the book to pick. This right here is one of the best book to learn photography from.
Conclusion
There you have it, the top 5 best books on photography that have shaped my perspective on photography. Each book has left a lasting impression on me, providing insights and inspiration that have improved my work in countless ways.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to pick up one or all of these books and see how they can impact your photography journey.
Also, if you do decide to buy any of the books please use my affiliate link as it helps me to bring more valuable content like this to you.
Nevertheless, I wish you to have a great photography career and journey ahead and I wish you all the luck. Peace out.
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