Are you an amateur looking to start your journey learning photography at the right place, an enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge on the subject, an experienced photographer looking to take your photography to an even whole new level, or a professional photographer with a never fed hunger for more? Whichever you are, today is your day!

I have put up a list of 13 of the most popular, highly-ranked, bestseller photography books out there that will path the way for you to take your photography to a whole new, much higher level!

• Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition) by Bryan Peterson

  Description

  For serious amateur photographers who already shoot perfectly focused, accurately exposed images but want to be more creative with a camera, here’s the book to consult. More than seventy techniques, both popular and less-familiar approaches, are covered in detail, including advanced exposure, bounced flash and candlelight, infrared, multiple images, soft-focus effects, unusual vantage points, zooming, and other carefully chosen ways to enhance photographs. The A-Z format make sit easy for readers to find a specific technique, and each one is explained in jargon-free language. Top Tips for each technique help readers achieve superb results, even on the first attempt.

   

• The Digital Photography Book [Paperback] by Scott Kelby
  

  Review

  “Kelby’s laid-back writing style is perfect for those looking for fascinating insights without getting caught up in technical detail. An essential series for anyone wanting to take professional looking images.” Laurence Howell, Short List

  Description

  Scott Kelby, the man who changed the “digital darkroom” forever with his groundbreaking, #1 bestselling, award-winning book The Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers, now tackles the most important side of digital photography–how to take pro-quality shots using the same tricks today’s top digital pros use (and it’s easier than you’d think).

  This entire book is written with a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: “If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, ‘Hey, how do I get this flower to be in focus, but I want the background out of focus?’ I wouldn’t stand there and give you a lecture about aperture, exposure, and depth of field. In real life, I’d just say, ‘Get out your telephoto lens, set your f/stop to f/2.8, focus on the flower, and fire away.’ You d say, ‘OK,’ and you’d get the shot. That’s what this book is all about. A book of you and I shooting, and I answer the questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I’ve learned just like I would with a friend, without all the technical explanations and without all the techno-photo-speak.”

  This isn’t a book of theory—it isn’t full of confusing jargon and detailed concepts: this is a book of which button to push, which setting to use, when to use them, and nearly two hundred of the most closely guarded photographic “tricks of the trade” to get you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos with your digital camera every time you press the shutter button.

  Here’s another thing that makes this book different: each page covers just one trick, just one single concept that makes your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you’ll learn another pro setting, another pro tool, another pro trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. There’s never been a book like it, and if you’re tired of taking shots that look “OK,” and if you’re tired of looking in photography magazines and thinking, “Why don’t my shots look like that?” then this is the book for you.

   

• The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2

  Description

  Scott Kelby, author of the groundbreaking bestseller “The Digital Photography Book, Vol. 1” is back with an entirely new book that picks up right where Vol. 1 left off. It’s more of that “Ah ha—so that’s how they do it,” straight-to-the-point, skip the techno jargon; packed with stuff you can really use today, that made Vol. 1 the world’s bestselling book on digital photography.

  In Volume 2, Scott adds entirely new chapters packed with Plain English tips on using flash, shooting close up photography, travel photography, shooting people, and even how to build a studio from scratch, where he demystifies the process so anyone can start taking pro-quality portraits today! Plus, he’s got full chapters on his most requested topics, including loads of tips for landscape photographers, wedding photographers, and there’s an entire chapter devoted to sharing some of the pro’s secrets for making your photos look more professional, no matter what you’re shooting.

  This book truly has a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: “If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, ‘When I use my flash, the background behind the person I’m shooting turns black. How do I fix that?’ I wouldn’t give you a lecture on flash ratios, or start a discussion on flash synchronization and rear curtain sync. I’d just say “Lower your shutter speed to 1/60 of a second. That should do it” Well, that’s what this book is all about: you and I out shooting where I answer questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I’ve learned just like I would with a friend—without all the technical explanations and techie photo speak.”

  Each page covers a single concept on how to make your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you’ll learn another pro setting, tool, or trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. If you’re tired of taking shots that look “okay,” and if you’re tired of looking in photography magazines and thinking, “Why don’t my shots look like that?” then this is the book for you.

  This isn’t a book of theory—full of confusing jargon and detailed concepts. This is a book on which button to push, which setting to use, and when to use it. With nearly another 200 of the most closely guarded photographic “tricks of the trade,” this book gets you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos every time.

   

• The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes [Paperback] by Joe McNally
  

  Description

  When it comes to photography, it’s all about the light.

  After spending more than thirty years behind the lens—working for National Geographic, Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated—Joe McNally knows about light. He knows how to talk about it, shape it, color it, control it, and direct it. Most importantly, he knows how to create it…using small hot shoe flashes.

  In The Hot Shoe Diaries, Joe brings you behind the scenes to candidly share his lighting solutions for a ton of great images. Using Nikon Speedlights, Joe lets you in on his uncensored thought process—often funny, sometimes serious, always fascinating—to demonstrate how he makes his pictures with these small flashes. Whether he’s photographing a gymnast on the Great Wall, an alligator in a swamp, or a fire truck careening through Times Square, Joe uses these flashes to create great light that makes his pictures sing.

   

• The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography (Amphoto Guide Series) [Paperback] by Jim Miotke

  Description

  Digital cameras are the hot new tech toy-but many of the millions of people who are buying the cameras aren’t getting the most out of their new purchase. Mysterious icons, strange jargon, a dizzying array of imaging software and hardware…stumbling blocks quickly become tools to create great pictures with The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography. This practical, lesson-based workbook gives readers a step-by-step tutorial in getting bright, crisp, beautiful pictures from their digital cameras every time. Learn about exposure, file formats and quality settings, low-light photography, digital filters and white balance, composition and lens choice, manipulating images, printing, and much more, all in a handy, bring-along format. Everyone who has a digital camera-or who is thinking about getting one-needs The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography!

   

• Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting [Paperback] by Fil Hunter

  Review

  ‘This is the first book I have seen on photographic lighting that is worth using as a text. Light-Science and Magic is about principles, not cheap tricks or the authors’ portfolio. Thanks.’—Pete Christman, Savannah College of Art and Design.

  ‘An excellent guide to high-quality studio-style lighting, even on location.’—John Alderson, Booklist.
  –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

  Description

  An amazing (and some would say magical) resource on photographic lighting that has been talked about in the community and recommended for years. This highly respected guide has been thoroughly updated and revised for content and design – it is now produced in full color! It introduces a logical theory of photographic lighting so if you are starting out in photography you will learn how to predict results before setting up lights. This is not primarily a how-to book with only set examples for you to copy. Rather, Light: Science and Magic provides you with a comprehensive theory of the nature and principles of light to allow you to use lighting to express your own creativity.

  Numerous photographs and illustrations provide clear examples of the theories, while sidebars highlight special lighting questions. Expanded chapters on available light in portraiture, as well as new information on digital equipment and terminology make this a must have update!

  *New four color art package with contemporary lighting examples
  *Based on the behaviour of light
  *Theory book for serious photographers

   

• The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos [Paperback] by Michael Freeman

  Review

  “Beautifully presented with genrous and helpful color illustrations, this book is a very affordable addition to the library of the serious photographer.”
  -Candian Camera (Feb. 08)

  Description

  Design is the single most important factor in creating a successful photograph. The ability to see the potential for a strong picture and then organize the graphic elements into an effective, compelling composition has always been one of the key skills in making photographs.
  Digital photography has brought a new, exciting aspect to design – first because the instant feedback from a digital camera allows immediate appraisal and improvement; and second because image-editing tools make it possible to alter and enhance the design after the shutter has been pressed. This has had a profound effect on the way digital photographers take pictures.
  The Photographer’s Eye shows how anyone can develop the ability to see and shoot great digital photographs. The book explores all the traditional approaches to composition and design, but crucially, it also addresses the new digital technique of shooting in the knowledge that a picture will later be edited, manipulated, or montaged to result in a final image that may be very different from the one seen in the viewfinder.

  Features
  *Covers both traditional in-camera composition and the new opportunities for picture-making made possible by digital imaging editing
  *Shows how to explore situations and locations in order to find the best possible photographic possibilities
  *Uses clear examples from real photographic assignments, with schematic illustrations of how and why the pictures work

   

• Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition) [Paperback] by Bryan Peterson

  Description

  Almost everyone can “see” in the conventional sense, but developing photographic vision takes practice. Learning to See Creatively helps photographers visualize their work, and the world, in a whole new light.

  Now totally rewritten, revised, and expanded, this best-selling guide takes a radical approach to creativity. It explains how it is not some gift only for the “chosen few” but actually a skill that can be learned and applied. Using inventive photos from his own stunning portfolio, author and veteran photographer Bryan Peterson deconstructs creativity for photographers. He details the basic techniques that went into not only taking a particular photo, but also provides insights on how to improve upon it—helping readers avoid the visual pitfalls and technical dead ends that can lead to dull, uninventive photographs.

  This revised edition features the latest information on digital photography and digital imaging software, as well as an all-new section on color as a design element. Learning to See Creatively is the definitive reference for any photographers looking for a fresh perspective on their work.

  * New edition of a best-selling title
  * Updated to include digital
  * All new artwork, and a totally revised and expanded text
  * All-new section on color as a design element
  * Written by one of Amphoto’s bestselling authors

   

• Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories [Paperback] Glen Johnson

  Description

  Capture unforgettable moments of that special day

  Professional wedding photographer Glen Johnson knows there’s a huge difference between being able to take good pictures and being a good wedding photographer. In this exquisite, full-color book, Glen dispenses sage advice and solutions for taking impressive digital wedding images — posed or candid, in any weather, in any setting, at any locale. You will also learn the secrets of creating a successful digital wedding photography business, and much more. Whether you’re an aspiring professional or an amateur who wants to improve your skills at digital wedding photography, this book will help you succeed.

  Discover what makes wedding photography a unique specialty
  * Find out how to make people feel relaxed and comfortable while you’re shooting
  * Explore ways to capture the emotion as well as the moment
  * Understand different photographic styles and adapt to your client’s wishes
  * Prepare for all types of lighting situations
  * Learn appropriate etiquette for shooting in dressing rooms and during the ceremony
  * Know what to take when traveling abroad
  * Set up the perfect digital studio to process your images
  * Find out how to price your work realistically
  * See why your business skills may be more important than your photographic talent

   

• Photography (10th Edition) [Paperback] by Barbara London, John Upton, and Jim Stone

  Amazon.com Review

  A picture tells a thousand stories, but the one it doesn’t tell is how the shot was made. Barbara London and John Upton’s Photography is an all-inclusive look at the craft of photography. This book will help any amateur move up a few notches, and it serves as a refresher course for professionals as well. The sixth edition of this classic work (the first was published in 1976) includes a companion Web site with interactive activities, Web resources, and a learning archive. Amply illustrated with at least one photograph or diagram on almost every page, Photography is the one reference work every student of photography must have–even those who will never set foot in a classroom. –Brenda Pittsley –This text refers to an alternate Paperback
  edition.

  Description

  For introductory and advanced courses in Photography.

   

  The London, Upton, Stone series has helped over 1,000,000 photography students capture their potential. And Photography, 10e is the most comprehensive, up-to-date resource for today’s photography students. No other text teaches students the skills they need to use the medium confidently and effectively, while emphasizing both technique, visual awareness, and the latest technologies. This is the text that students will want to keep for years to come.

   

• Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision [Paperback] by David duChemin

  Review

  “If the book simply stayed right there in the realm of how-to, go-to advice, it would be a wonderful book indeed. But it crosses the line from useful to inspire because David opens up much more than his camera bag. He opens his considerable heart and mind, both of which belong to a masterful storyteller driven by an acute sympathy for the human condition, coupled with an intense curiosity and respect for both the differences and the sameness of the world.”
  -Joe McNally, photographer, author of The Hot Shoe Diaries and The Moment It Clicks

  “David does something here that few have ever done—he not only shows his absolutely captivating images, he shows the thought process behind those images, as well as how to start capturing the types of images we all long to take. People will be talking about this book for years to come. It’s that good!”
  -Scott Kelby, photographer, author, President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals

  Description

  Within the Frame is a book about finding and expressing your photographic vision, specifically where people, places, and cultures are concerned. A personal book full of real-world wisdom and incredible images, author David duChemin (of pixelatedimage.com) shows you both the how and the why of finding, chasing, and expressing your vision with a camera to your eye. Vision leads to passion, and passion is a cornerstone of great photography. With it, photographs draw the eye in and create an emotional experience. Without it, a photograph is often not worth—and can’t capture—a viewer’s attention.

  Both instructional and inspirational, Within the Frame helps you on your photographic journey to make better images of the places and people you love, whether they are around the world or in your own backyard. duChemin covers how to tell stories, and the technology and tools we have at our disposal in order to tell those narratives. Most importantly, he stresses the crucial theme of vision when it comes to photographing people, places, and cultures—and he helps you cultivate and find your own vision, and then fit it within the frame.

   

• Complete Digital Photography, Fifth Edition [Paperback] by Ben Long

  Description

  As digital cameras and image editing software become more technologically advanced and affordable, photography has become more popular and accessible to photographers of all ages and skill sets. While these advances have helped beginning photographers take better pictures, these same photographers often don’t have the technical skills required to take great photos. “Complete Digital Photography, Fifth Edition” guides you through every aspect of digital photography, from shooting through postproduction and printing, to help you master the theory and technical skills required of a great photographer. In an easy-to-understand format, you’ll uncover the fundamental photographic knowledge you need to solve common dilemmas and challenges and advance your photographs to a new level. You’ll learn everything from how a camera works and how to choose the camera that’s right for you, through shooting, image editing, output, and workflow. You’ll also explore the basics of artistry in photography, including finding a subject, composition, lighting, and more. This fifth edition features both new material and a revised and more user-friendly organizational structure. Tutorials and exercises throughout the book will help you practice the techniques presented in each chapter.

   

• The Adobe Photoshop CS4 Book for Digital Photographers [Paperback] by Scott Kelby

  Description

  ARE YOU READY FOR AN AMAZING NEW VERSION OF THE PHOTOSHOP BOOK THAT BREAKS ALL THE RULES?
  Scott Kelby, the best-selling Photoshop author in the world today, once again takes this book to a whole new level as he uncovers the latest, most important, and most exciting new Adobe Photoshop CS4 techniques for digital photographers. This major update to his award-winning, record-breaking book does something for digital photographers that’s never been done before—it cuts through the bull and shows you exactly “how to do it.” It’s not a bunch of theory; it doesn’t challenge you to come up with your own settings or figure it out on your own. Instead, Scott shows you step-by-step the exact techniques used by today’s cutting-edge digital photographers, and best of all, he shows you flat-out exactly which settings to use, when to use them, and why. That’s why the previous editions of this book are widely used as the official study guide in photography courses at colleges and universities around the world.

  LEARN HOW THE PROS DO IT
  Each year Scott trains thousands of professional photographers how to use Photoshop, and almost without exception they have the same questions, the same problems, and the same challenges—and that’s exactly what he covers in this book. You’ll learn:

  • The sharpening techniques the pros really use.
  • The pros’ tricks for fixing the most common digital photo problems fast!
  • The step-by-step setup for getting what comes out of your printer to match exactly what you see onscreen.
  • A whole chapter on how to process HDR (High Dynamic Range) images.
  • How to master new CS4 interface and workflow features.
  • How to color correct any photo without breaking a sweat.
  • How to process RAW digital camera images (plus how to take advantage of all the new Camera Raw features in CS4!).
  • How to add real automation to your work.
  • How to show your work like a pro!
  • A host of shortcuts, workarounds, and slick “insider” tricks to send your productivity through the roof!

  Plus, Scott included a special bonus chapter with his own CS4 workflow, from start to finish. If you’re a digital photographer, and you’re ready to learn the “tricks of the trade”—the same ones that today’s leading pros use to correct, edit, sharpen, retouch, and present their work—then you’re holding the book that will do just that.

   

Feel free to recommend any other books that you’ve read and think are worth a mention!