Zettl Photography - St. Louis Photographer» St. Louis

Considering I have an ever growing collection of photography books, it was no surprise that I was asked to give some advice about what a fellow photographer might want as a gift. I have photography books about every thing from the technical to artist portfolios, from street photography to high fashion.

As I was compiling the list, I thought about how it really was a list of books that all photographers should have on their shelves. I was going to make this a top 10 list but I decided that I would probably continue to add to it. So let’s call this Stephanie’s List of Favorite Photography Books. (Book Covers link directly to Amazon) I hope they are a source of inspiration and enlightenment to you.

My most recent purchase is a book of Vivian Maier’s work. Her story is exceptional and I encourage you read her story and view more of her work at www.vivianmaier.com Her work rivals any of the great street photographers of the twentieth century.

Vivian Maier: Street Photographer

While we’re on the topic of street photographers, no collection would be complete without a book by Henri Cartier- Bresson. This book was given to me by a cherished friend. What I love about it is that it contains a lot of the well know Cartier-Bresson images but also a lot of them that I had not seen before. It is a beautiful book.

Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Man, The Image & The World

Richard Avedon – If you don’t have one of his books on your shelves, you are missing out. Here is one of my favorite books by one of my favorite artists.

Avedon Fashion 1944-2000

A lot of my fashion work is influenced by the elegance of Norman Parkinson.

Norman Parkinson: A Very British Glamour

I am drawn to the photos of performers and musicians, which is why I love the work of Herman Leonard. (My B&W Jazz cover of St. Louis Bride Magazine was my homage to the artist)

Jazz

No collection is complete without the quiet humour of Elliot Erwitt. The man sees the world in ways I wish I could, always with a bit of mischievousness, always with a bit of a smile.

Personal Best

Nick Brandt is one of my favorite nature photographers. His warm black and white images of African animals are second to none. This book is large and properly highlights his beautiful and majestic images.

A Shadow Falls

Now on to the technical photography books… Let’s start with books on lighting.

This list wouldn’t be complete without a self serving plug for my own book on the Nikon Speedlight System. I’m really proud of this book. It provides a lot of great information and is visually appealing.

Nikon Speedlight Handbook

Another great lighting book is by the well known New Jersey Wedding and Portrait Photographer Neil van Niekerk. His Tangents blog and books have been very influential to my work as a wedding photographer. I highly recommend them. You will definitely have some ah-ha moments while reading them.

Off-Camera Flash

Joe McNally ‘s work with speedlights is extraordinary. His book falls in the same category.

The Hot Shoe Diaries

This list should give you a good start. I’ll continue to add to the list as I find more books I believe are valuable to our education and inspiration.

Hope you enjoy them!

xoxo

Stephanie