8 Books to Gift to Any Photographer on Your Holiday List

What do you buy for an advanced photographer who’s got a ton of gear? How about the beginner photog who is just getting started? A book! They are not only thoughtful but they’re thought-provoking. So, to help you find the perfect book for the photographer on your list, we’ve rounded up 8 timeless books that any photographer would love to receive.

Looking for a gift for a photographer that won't break the bank? Check out these books that are meaningful and beautiful. .

 


‘Tis the season. Gift the creative in your life something special – check out our curated holiday gifts


 

Photography Q&A ($29.99)

For years, editorial and commercial photographer Zack Arias has been a respected and trusted voice in the photography industry. Photography Q&A is built off of Zack’s Photography Q&A Tumblr blog, started back in 2012. In the book he answers over 100 questions that fielded from the blog, with questions ranging across all aspects of the photo industry: gear, marketing, street photography, vision, pricing, branding, light, models, work/life balance, technical advice, and much more.

The Photographer’s Eye ($25.99)

The Photographer’s Eye speaks to photographers everywhere. It 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.

The Decisive Moment ($125.00)

This new publication―the first and only reprint since the original 1952 edition―is a meticulous facsimile of the original book that launched the artist to international fame, with an additional booklet on the history of The Decisive Moment by Centre Pompidou curator Clément Chéroux.

The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes ($54.99)

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.

The Camera ($25.00) 

The Camera—the first volume in Ansel Adams’ celebrated series of books on photographic techniques—has taught generations of photographers how to harness the camera’s artistic potential. This handbook distills the knowledge gained through a lifetime in photography and remains as vital today as when it was first published.

Criticizing Photographs ($45.00)

Perfect for both advanced and beginner photographers, this book is organized around the major activities of criticism (describing, interpreting, evaluating, and theorizing), Criticizing Photographs provides a clear framework and vocabulary for students’ critical skill development.

Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits ($40.00)

Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits offers not only a gorgeous collection of both black-and-white and color portraits, but an engrossing look at the rarely seen art of a master photographer at work. With a foreword by New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

Need some other gift ideas this year? Check out some of our other Gift Guides or give a gift that inspires with a CreativeLive class!


‘Tis the season. Gift the creative in your life something special – check out our curated holiday gifts


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