The 20 Best Photography Books of All Time

Jessi Gowan
PHLEARN Magazine
Published in
14 min readApr 30, 2019

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The Internet is a veritable treasure trove of inspiration for photographers. Everywhere you look, from Pinterest to Instagram, you’ll find images that spark your creativity and get you reaching for your camera.

But even in today’s technologically-driven world, there’s still no true substitute for picking up a book and getting lost in the pages. There’s something about holding information in your hands that makes it feel more meaningful — the tactile sensation of turning the pages is almost as satisfying as pressing down your shutter and hearing that familiar ‘snap.’

Photography has changed a lot over the years. There are always new concepts to learn, creative techniques to explore — and there’s no better way to do it than by picking up an inspiring book. A great photography book generally includes a combination of three important elements: well-curated images, interesting and informative text and a valuable message. It’s the way they all come together that makes for a truly spectacular collection you’ll want to read again and again.

Our collection of the 20 best photography books out there will give you a great place to start as you delve into the world of reading about your favorite medium.

1. The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital

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