26 Books Every Photographer Should Own

Below is a list of more than two dozen photography books that would make a good collection for any photographer. We have included some rare books that would be desirable, along with their cheaper alternative.

A well-rounded general photo library would have variety of genres represented to provide visual stimulation and inspiration for any type of photographer and to provide a broad range of the interpretations and practice of photography. It is extremely hard to say what type of library is appropriate for any one photographer, as each individual is drawn to different aspects of photography. This list is meant to be inclusive of photography books that would be of value/interest to any visually motivated person.

Photo How-To:

The Camera, The Negative and The Print together make up The Ansel Adams Photography Series. These books are considered some of the most important photography "How-to" books. Written by the master photographer Ansel Adams, they cover a wide range of essential information about the craft of photography.

Joe McNally is one of the most sought-after assignment photographers, working for a vast variety of publications including Sports Illustrated, National Geographic and many more. It provides an inside look into the creation of powerful images. He shares inside knowledge and tricks on everything from equipment to inspiration and so much more. It's filled with incredible images.

Photojournalism:

Henri Cartier-Bresson is one of the most famous photojournalists of all time who was constantly in search of what he referred to as "The decisive moment." He documented the world for four decades by setting up a frame and waiting for the moment when all elements combined into a powerful image (where visual and human-interest meet). His original print book The Decisive Moment sells for more than $500 a piece, and some collector's versions sell in the thousands. The retrospective on his work, however, will provide a photographer with the most important examples to appreciate and gain inspiration from.

Photojournalist Sebastiao Salgado is renowned for his ability to document the poor and the suffering citizens of the world. His striking portraits are visually compelling and give people who are currently toiling a voice. His images include sulfur miners, dam builders assembly-line workers, and many more.

This book is a look behind the scenes look at William Albert Allard's life. Readers learn of his beginnings, influences, and the stories behind many of his most famous photographic essays. He emphasized emotion and was incredible at humanizing his subjects.

Eugene Smith is one of the biggest "heroes" of photojournalism who pursued countless important photographic essays. His work appeared in dozens of important publications including Life Magazine and Newsweek, and helped shaped the way America viewed itself during the mid-century. This book is a collection of his greatest work and also includes some previously unpublished pieces. You might also consider W. Eugene Smith Photographs 1934-1975 as another collection of his work.

Robert Capa, founder of the Magnum photo agency and prolific photojournalist, has been called the man who "invented war photography." This book contains many important pieces of war photography history, and includes his coverage of the Spanish Civil War, Chinese resistance to Japanese invasion, D-day, and liberation of concentration camps. If you are looking for a less expensive collection of his work, you might consider "Robert Capa: the Definitive Collection", which is more of a retrospective on his photographic career.

Mary Ellen Mark is an acclaimed photographer, known often for her provocative documentary photography. Her work often focuses on intense emotion and eccentric subject matter. This book is no exception. Here, you experience the life of the women in Ward 81, a security ward in an Oregon institution.