Creative Techniques for Photographing Children by Vik Orenstein (Writer’s Digest Books)
Vik’s photos of her clients’ kids capture what every parent wants—natural, unique, and fun expressions. Follow her guidelines if you want to take pictures that show off the charming, adorable side of the children you photograph.
Edge of the Earth, Corner of the Sky by Art Wolfe, forewords by Robert Redford and John H. Adams, essays by Art Davidson (Wildlands Press) As you improve your photographic skill over the years, you’ll find that it takes more and more to impress you. This is the book that causes even the most advanced master photographers to hold their breath. Be sure you’re sitting down when you look at this incredibly beautiful coffee table—style collection of Art’s artwork.
Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs by Ansel Adams (Bulfinch Press)
One of my favorites from the master. In this work, Ansel shares stories that illustrate his technique, philosophy, and experiences as he photographed. A great read.
Eye to Eye by Frans Lanting (Taschen)
Big, beautiful, mind-blowing … these are the words I use to describe Frans Lanting’s amazing collection of wildlife photographs in his book Eye to Eye. Frans has a way of getting intimate close-ups and exciting environmental portraits with every subject he photographs. With amazing imagery, well-printed in a gorgeous coffee-table book, this work will not fail to inspire you.
Fine Art Nature Photography: Advanced Techniques and the Creative Process and Fine Art Flower Photography both by Tony Sweet (Stackpole Books)
These two books deliver more punch per square inch than any other I’ve come across. If natural landscapes or flowers are your thing, these two books must find their way to your bookshelf.
How to Wow: Photoshop for Photography by Ben Willmore and Jack Davis (Peachpit Press)
This book is a gold mine of Photoshop techniques. If you have ever wondered “How did they do that?” read this book. It contains a plethora of recipes—step-by-step instructions on how to create certain effects in Photoshop.
John Shaw’s Closeups in Nature by John Shaw (Amphoto Books)
John’s books played a huge role in my development as a photographer. His photography is awe-inspiring, and his writing is excellent. Who could ask for more?
The Joy of Digital Photography by Jeff Wignall (A Lark Photography Book)
This big, beautiful book is a jam-packed introduction to digital photography. Jeff explores the reasons we love shooting digitally and shares expert techniques on light, design, working with various subjects, and more.
Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography, Revised Edition by Bryan Peterson (Amphoto Books)
This is the book to read if you want to learn how to be more artistic (yes, artistic talent can be learned). The first edition has been a best-seller for over a decade. This revised edition brings everything up to date and shows you how to find your own creative vision.
Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging by Peter K. Burian (Sybex, Inc.)
The term “digital photography” usually refers to the art of making digital pictures with a digital camera, while “digital imaging” envelops a wider sphere, including such topics as scanning. If you would like to learn more about both of these worlds—digital shooting and scanning film—check out Peter’s excellent book.
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera, Revised Edition by Bryan Peterson (Amphoto Books) This is the book to read if you want to learn more about the technical side of photography. Do you feel comfortable with topics such as composition but less sure when it comes to shutter speed, aperture, and ISO? Then this is the book for you. The original edition was a classic; this revised edition is even better.
Outdoor Photographer
Werner Publishing Corporation
ph: 800-283-4410
www.outdoorphotographer.com
For many years, Outdoor Photographer has been one of the better photography magazines. Nature, landscape, and wildlife photographers enjoy the articles and columns by great photographers/writers like Frans Lanting, Bill Neill, and others. One year of this magazine can take you light-years ahead in photographic understanding. Highly recommended!
Petersen’s Photographic
Primedia Magazines, Inc.
www.photographic.com
This magazine features great articles and extensive reports on what’s hot in the world of photographic equipment and accessories. This is a good place for information regarding cameras, workshops, schools, contests, and seminars.
Popular Photography
Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc.
One of the most widely read photography magazines, Popular Photography provides extensive guidance on what to buy and how to take the best possible pictures. This is a great magazine to turn to if you’re wondering what kind of camera to buy.
Practical Photography
Emap Magazines
Each issue of this outstanding British magazine is a book! I have never seen so much great content poured into a print magazine. The price tag is high, but the material is so excellent that I make a habit of picking one up from the local bookstore every month.
Shutterbug
Primedia Magazines, Inc.
www.shutterbug.net
Shutterbug offers excellent in-depth equipment reviews, interviews, how-to articles, and up-to-the-minute announcements on new products. With an editor like George Schaub and writers like Peter Burian, the team at Shutterbug produces outstanding photography-related content each month.