9 iconic photo books every photographer should own
Of all the photo books I’ve bought, there are a couple that sticks out. These are my favorite photography books for you or to gift a photography friend.
If I could only buy or recommend one photo book that every photographer should own, it has to be the iconic photo book called The Americans by Robert Frank.
‘The Americans’ paved the way for all street and documentary photography.
For 30+ years, The New York Times Magazine has exemplified photography's diverse potential and this book delves into photography's essence and its role in magazines and culture.
This book showcases commissioned photographs in reportage, portraiture, style, and conceptual categories, accompanied by tear sheets to explore image-text dynamics.
This is another timeless classic photo book. Have you ever wondered how professional documentary and street photographers work a scene?
This book gives you an inside look into how some of the world’s greatest street and documentary photographers, like Henri Cartier- Bresson, Alec Soth, and Elliott Erwitt work a scene.
Jamel Shabazz, a prominent NYC photographer, has documented the city's communities for 40+ years. Born in Brooklyn, he began capturing street encounters in the late 1970s, reflecting cultural shifts. His portraits highlight self-expression through fashion and pose, emphasizing "honor and dignity." The book, was awarded the Gordon Parks Foundation / Steidl Book Prize.
In 1964, Elliott Erwitt captured Castro and Che Guevara for Newsweek. Decades later, he returned to photograph landscapes and people. The book showcases iconic images, including portraits of Castro and Havana's architecture. Erwitt's anecdotes and Gates' foreword offer historical insight into a changing nation.
"Immediate Family" by Sally Mann is a photography book that offers an intimate portrayal of her own family life. Mann captures the everyday moments and complexities of her children's childhood in rural Virginia and her work has sparked discussions about the boundaries of art, ethics, and the portrayal of children.
"Elliot Erwitt: Personal Best" is a compilation of Elliott Erwitt's iconic photographs from his extensive career. Through candid and humorous imagery, the book captures diverse human emotions and everyday scenes. It provides a window into Erwitt's artistic perspective, showcasing his storytelling skills and his unique ability to find beauty in the ordinary.
"Road to Seeing" is Dan Winters' photographic journey, sharing insights, growth, and experiences. It delves into his approach to subjects, the importance of keen observation, and the evolution of his unique style. While offering practical advice, the book also provides a window into Winters' creative process, showcasing his development as a photographer.
This book showcases Diane Arbus’ daring lens, capturing the unconventional and marginalized with raw emotion. Through her lens, humanity's diverse forms are portrayed, challenging norms. This iconic work remains a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. It’s truly a masterpiece and one of my favorite photography books.
Top 3 photography courses for the visual learner
Alec Soth is a legendary photographer and together with Magnum Photos, he has developed a 5-hour photography course on the art of photography. Do yourself a favor and study this class.
If you’re into street photography this class is a must-see. You get 5 hours of material with one of the most iconic and accomplished photographers alive, in Joel Meyerowitz.
Another iconic photographer, Steve McCurry - famously known for his portraits of the green-eyed ‘Afghan girl’. In his class, he teaches how he has developed his style and shooting technique.
The books who inspired some of great photographers of our time
These photo books I’m recommending are a mix of photo stories, essays, how-to’s, biographies, and contact sheets from some of the most accomplished street photographers, documentary photographers, portrait photographers, photojournalists, and fashion photographers.
This list is compiled by my personal preferences of which book left the biggest impression on me and from conversations with other professional photographers. Go here for photography courses.
My updated photo equipment list
I’m always asked about the cameras, lenses, and accessories I’m using, so here’s the list.