Photo by Ilker C CATAK via iStock
When I first realized as a kid that I loved photography and that I was actually pretty good at it, I would go to the library (remember those?) and check out photography books. I would read beginner photography books, books on specific advanced photography subjects, the photo annuals from decades past, and even some of the more current photography magazines both from here and overseas.
Fast forward to today, with the digital revolution being in our past and computerized cameras and complex programs allowing processing that we could only dream of once upon a time, and guess what? I still read books covering subjects from photography for beginners to advanced digital imaging methods.
For me, it’s a little bit recreation and a little bit wanting to be able to recommend the most useful beginner photography books and books on more advanced subjects to people who ask me. So, here are three great beginner photography books you can get right now, plus a few helpful photography gadgets I like.
Table of Contents:
Three Great Beginner Photography Books:
These beginner photography books are all available on Amazon right now. They are soft cover, physical books, and a couple of them can be found as Kindle books. Either way, they represent some of the best photography books you can find at the moment, in my opinion, at least!
The Beginner's Photography Guide: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Manual for Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera
The first of our beginner photography books is The Beginner's Photography Guide: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Manual for Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera. It comes as a paperback (softcover), hardcover, Kindle book, and a spiral bound book.
It’s 192 pages full of checklists, guides at a glance, comparison illustrations of what settings do, and lots of ideas for taking your photography up to the next level.
This beginner photography book is usable by owners of DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and all levels of cameras, from entry-level to advanced.
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Taking Photos Like a Pro
Available on Kindle or as a softcover book, BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Taking Photos Like a Pro is a guide that’s 240 pages of valuable instruction.
One of the nice things about this book is that if you just randomly open the book to any page, you right away see a helpful photography tip. Besides being one of the best beginner photography books, it also works for photographers more comfortable with advanced photography ideas.
DSLR Photography for Beginners
Next on our beginner photography books list is this fine book - DSLR Photography for Beginners.
It’s available as a paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook. Its title says DSLR, but it also works for mirrorless cameras and superzooms.
The 130 pages include excellent instruction, written in an easy-to-understand way, avoiding the super techy discussions often found in photography textbooks.
Bonus Book: National Geographic Photo Basics
I included National Geographic Photo Basics, a 256-page softcover book, because I love the National Geographic series of instructional books.
It’s a great book that explains the basics, from choosing a camera and gear to understanding focus, exposure, composition, and lighting. Beautifully illustrated as only a Nat Geo product could be.
Learn More:
Three Great Photography Gadgets:
And now, gadgets!
I find that no matter how fancy or basic the camera, there are some small, inexpensive accessories that can make your photography workflow easier and maybe even more fun. Their utility will be handy as you read more and more photography books and acquire more skills, too.
OctoPad Camera Mount
The OctoPad Camera Mount is one of the best gadgets I’ve ever found for steadying a camera and lens.
When a tripod is unavailable or too big and cumbersome, the OctoPad is a great solution as a tripod alternative. Small, lightweight, and inexpensive, this gadget even works on surfaces angled up to 45 degrees.
Sutefoto RGB Video Lights
Sometimes you need a little help with lighting to get the best shot. The Sutefoto RGB Video Light is battery-powered and can also add color as a special effect. Since it’s an LED continuous light, it is useful for video recording as well.
4 Pack K9 Optical Crystal Photography Prism Set
Photography gadgets can be a lot of fun. A case in point is this K9 Optical Crystal Prism Set which has four pieces and can be used for image manipulation, special effects, or as a teaching tool about optics and light.
These beginner photography books and fun and useful gadgets can help you out as a beginner photographer or if you’re more advanced. In addition to being useful and fun, these are also surprisingly affordable.
Becoming a better photographer isn’t about gear, of course (though it can help). Instead, focus your attention on learning new skills and practicing those skills - a lot. The books I outlined above can help you chart a course for becoming a more skilled photographer. And the gear I discussed will help you put those skills into practice!
Learn More:
- 5 Essential Beginner Photography Tips
- Meet a New Kind of Tripod
- Common Beginner Photography Mistakes