When I started my photography journey many years ago (I mean the one that really pushed me creatively, and forced me to take a deeper look into what I was doing with my camera.), I literally read everything I could get my hands on from my camera’s manual, to internet articles, and photography books for beginners!!
I had one goal, and that was to learn photography. Thankfully, there are no shortage of photography books for beginners out there in the world, I was able to fill my brain with all kinds of photography goodness.
***Wanna know what I am using to take pictures of my family? You can see everything I keep in my camera bag here!***
7 photography books for beginners
- Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson– I read this book so long ago (first edition) and I loved it so much, I read through it 4 or 5 times. I suggested it to everyone i thought might be interested.When I started researching for this post, this book came up so many times. I am clearly not the only one who loved this book. It’s easy to understand, and has lots of visual examples.
- Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Volumes 1, 2, & 3– I read everyone of these. They are also easy reads, and written in a way that makes everything easier to understand. I started by purchasing the 1st one, and ended up buying the next 2.
- The Beginner’s Photography Guide by Chris Gatcum– This book goes into way more than just how to use your camera. It talks about composition and lighting.It was given 5 stars and while it covers more than just the “how to” part of using your camera, it also covers everything you could need to know about your camera as a beginner.
- How to Photograph Absolutely Everything: Successful Pictures from your Digital Camera by Tom Ang– this book is written by a renowned professional photographer and talks about how to use your camera in “real words.” It goes over anything you would want to photograph, and how to make it happen!
- Betterphoto basics: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to taking Photos like a Pro– no need to read this book cover to cover, you can actually just flip through the book and grab tips here and there, and this book covers how to take better pictures with any camera!!
- Learn Manual Mode: momtographer’s crash course– My personal ebook for learning how to use your camera in manual mode. Loads of concrete examples, and of course, I’m always here to answer questions!
- BONUS– Free ebook– 10 photo projects for ANYONE with ANY camera– if you’re just looking for inspiration or a push to take pictures of your kids, grab this free ebook!!
Do you have a favorite beginner photography book that i didn’t mention?? I would love to hear what it is, leave me a comment below!
Just looking for a quick go-to guide.. Check out mom-tographer’s cheats!! print it out, stick it in your camera bag, and refer to it when you need to for inspiration, tips, and tricks!
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This was interesting and helpful. I’m used to just using my iphone to take photos so I liked this post. 🙂
Hubby going live this. We were just talking about looking for books along this line
Even though I’ve been taking pictures since 2007 it feels like there is always so much to learn. I like books that dumb it down into the simplest explanations with lots of examples, but at the same time I can’t help but feel like I learn more while shooting than reading. Thanks for compiling this list! Bookmarking!
Thanks for sharing this, I feel like I am not using my camera to its full capacity. I will check these out.
I pinned this for later, I really want to learn how to use my DSLR camera!
I have been searching for just this! I need to out my head don and finally get better with my camera!
Great list. I have a nice camera and have no idea how to use it and always use my phone instead. I recently got the motivation to learn how to properly use it. This list will definitely help me.
Thanks for sharing. Photography is not one of my strong suits and I’m constantly looking for ways to improve.
you’re welcome! thanks for reading. any one of these books would absolutely help you out!
you’re definitely the norm!! most people use their phones more than their big cameras. i see the value in both for sure. 🙂
hi, amy! you can’t go wrong with any of these. once you start learning you will be hooked!
great!! you’re in the right place. 🙂
I love Scott Kelby. I remember watching him on the Photoshop video podcast and learning so much. Great list of books btw.
Great list, I wrote a similar post recently. But it was geared to the creative side of photography.
I’m always looking to bump up my photography skills. This is a great list! Saving this for later. Thanks 🙂
We have two copies of Understanding Exposure on our house! Of course, I have yet to read it! Eeks!
I’m just starting to develop a love for photography so these books will be super helpful!
they really are great books, and such easy reads. i think you will really enjoy them.
isn’t it the best book?? i really have read it so many times, i love it that much!!
awesome, christine! you will learn so much from these books!
thank you, mike. i would like to check it out. would you like in the comments, please?
he really is awesome, isn’t he??