want to know the best travel photography books available so you can learn how to take the same instagram photos that make you drool?
you know the. lush landscaping with crystal clear waters cascading from a cliff into a heart-shaped pool.
You are reading: Best travel photography books
The ones that make you pull out your wish list and log into your favorite rate finder.
Many of the amazing photographers who take those photos are more than happy to share how they learned their skills.
The best ones have books with tips, tricks and complete lessons.
Or maybe you just like to collect them and use them as part of your wanderlust themed home décor.
Whatever your goals, our list of the best travel photography books will guide you to the ones worth your time, coffee table space, and instagram dreams.
best for travel photography books that teach
1. instagram destination: five incredible experiences perfect for mobile photography
The best book to learn travel photography is one that is straightforward with the skills you need to know in the exact destinations you will need them.
destination instagram: five amazing experiences perfect for mobile photography is a guide detailing how to get those amazing photos.
The first chapter is about the natural wonders that can be accessed from Page, Arizona. blake smith uses the page as a base of operations.
From there, you can easily get to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell in Page, Arizona.
In his first chapter, Smith reveals his secrets on how to capture his magic. all the details are covered, from how to get there to camera settings.
In chapter two, he takes you to Iceland for a lesson on how to get the famous turquoise color of its geothermal pools to perfection.
then off to the jungles of Costa Rica to study chapter three on tropical and underwater photography and composition.
chapter four focuses on the amalfi coast of southern italy and the island of capri, known for their color and strong visuals of mediterranean life.
Finally, chapter five takes us to the mystical Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail so that you too can perfectly photograph the misty mountains and ruins.
Throughout the book, Smith gives you travel insights and plants seeds of inspiration to make your Instagram shine.
2. Night Sky Photography: From First Principles to Professional Results
Photographer and teacher, Adam Woodworth wrote the best book to learn travel photography specifically for night shots.
night will give you a fine art feel that you can’t achieve with sunlight at any angle. but there are tricks you need to learn to get clear and bright results.
in night sky photography: from first principles to professional results, woodworth’s fantastic landscape photography is a testament to his skill.
aesthetics aside, however, night sky photography is a technical manual.
In his book, he shares his preferred methods and equipment so you can create your own dark works of art.
This book is ideal for those who have moderate experience with a camera and are ready to learn the art of astroscape photography.
3. light & how to photograph it: the professional approach to capturing all kinds of light
Travel photography books will tell you good lighting is essential for good photography.
in light & how to shoot it: the professional approach to capturing all kinds of light, photographer michael freeman shows you techniques for working with light.
The book is divided into three sections: Pursue, Wait, and Help. each section guides you step by step on how to use these actions in your travel photography.
Patience is the first quality that photographers must master and then wait for the right moment to get the best lit shots.
Finally, Freeman explains the tools he uses to make light work for him.
is more philosophical than a how-to manual and its goal is to change your relationship with light.
This book is good for photographers with moderate experience in how their camera settings work.
4. understanding color in photography: using color, composition, and exposure to create vivid photos
This is our choice for the best book to learn travel photography with a focus on how color can be used to take the most striking photos.
Peterson’s signature style uses the color of his surroundings to create bold photos and so can you.
Understanding Color in Photography: Using Color, Composition, and Exposure to Create Vivid Photos will explain award-winning photographer Bryan Peterson’s technique for using color to create travel photos that jump off the screen.
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He’ll tell you how to use light, exposure, external flash, and other tools to take advantage of the color around you and get the same vibrant results.
This book is good for all levels of photographic experience and for those who will be traveling to bright, prismatic places.
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5. how to photograph food
Books on travel photography don’t always address food. But part of what makes us want to go to different places is to explore the area food culture.
in how to photograph food, food photographer beata lubas convinces with her particular artistic style so you can create delicious food landscapes.
tell visual stories of the food you find while traveling using lubas techniques working with natural light.
Learn how to design the physical properties of entrees, appetizers, and desserts to add excitement to your food photography.
lubas included interviews with her peers so you can gain different perspectives and insights into the food photography community.
This book is good for all skill levels, but especially beginners.
6. underwater photography masterclass
underwater photography masterclass is the adventure travel photography book for divers who want to capture their interpretation of life under the sea.
marine biologist dr. alexander mustard teaches you the techniques to take great pictures of underwater creatures and plants.
dr. mustard shares his recommendations on scuba gear and cameras.
It will also help you overcome any lighting problems you may encounter in the deep, so your shots are always bright and interesting.
You’ll enjoy his stunning, award-winning photography while also learning about his workshop in a book.
Contains actionable, practical lessons for all levels, especially beginners, though readers should be familiar with some technical terms.
7. complete digital photography course: learn everything you need to know in 20 weeks
One of the best and most trusted travel photography books is Nita Patel’s Complete Classic Digital Photography Course: Learn Everything You Need to Know in 20 Weeks.
If you don’t have access or the time to take a photography class, this book is a great alternative.
is a course-based manual that transforms beginner skills into professional quality. tutorials and assignments encourage hands-on learning and engaged learning.
Work at your own pace, but within 20 weeks, you should master the techniques for creating professional-looking landscapes.
is also regularly updated to include the latest equipment. and would make a thoughtful gift for the travelers in your life.
This is good for beginners who need to learn how to use a camera and how to set up all the necessary elements to get amazing travel images.
8. national geographic photography basics: the ultimate beginners guide to the best photography
The original travel media company has also produced the best book to learn travel photography for beginners who dream of being as good as their photojournalists.
national geographic photography basics: the ultimate beginners guide to great photography is the ultimate manual for digital camera and smartphone users.
here joel sartore, a national geographic photographer, reveals his secrets to getting the perfect shot.
Learn how to frame, edit, and preserve your photographic creations, as well as camera basics.
Lessons are brief and contain basic information on focus, composition, and exposure.
satore also has specific tips for travel photography using his own as illustration. the tasks will help you put their techniques into practice.
This book is good for beginners and those who want to master using a smartphone as a travel camera.
best for travel photography coffee table books
sometimes you just want to leave photography to the professionals and amateurs and enjoy the view.
These best travel photography coffee table books already have the inspiring travel photos you want without the fuss.
and they sit beautifully in a small stack on your coffee table for all to enjoy.
9. destinations of your life: 225 of the most amazing places in the world
natgeo returns to the fray with its travel photography books and this tour of incredible destinations.
destinations of a lifetime: 225 of the most amazing places in the world will have you filling your travel bucket list fast.
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some of the highlights are off the beaten path, which makes it even more interesting.
It’s also a guide with real tips on travel, food and accommodation. She learns to travel like a National Geographic photojournalist with this wonderful book.
This book is good for people looking for travel inspiration and those who like to stay close to home.
Photographs of these spectacular places are enjoyable for everyone.
10. accidentally wes anderson
if you love the wacky worlds filmmaker wes anderson creates, you’ll accidentally love wes anderson full of anderson-esque destinations.
part adventure travel photography book and part ode to anderson’s whimsical sense of place, wes anderson accidentally takes you to 200 fabulous places around the world.
and the narratives are as unique as the photos.
Find inspiration here that will allow you to see the world through a more imaginative lens the next time you travel.
accidentally wes anderson is good for both travelers and anderson fans.
11. escape
fine art photographer gray malin’s escape is one of the best books on travel photography of exotic places from around the world.
malin’s talent lies in revealing what makes each place unique. Inside, you’ll find over 22 great sites in 11 countries.
You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how you captured such compelling shots. this book is page after page of pure travel inspiration.
just the simple and moving cover will make you smile. pull it out with your seasonal spring decor for an instant breath of fresh air in your living room.
This is a good book for luxury travelers and those who enjoy fine art photography.
12. prettycitynewyork: discovering the beautiful places in new york
beautiful citynew york: discovering the beautiful places of new york a decorative book, it is also the best book to learn city travel photography for instagram.
Instagram star siobhan ferguson takes you through one of the world’s most dynamic cities and reveals the little visual treasures it holds.
you may not even recognize new york city as it is presented on prettycitynewyork.
yet amidst the gleaming skyscrapers and busy streets lie the quaint little quiet spaces ready for your close-ups and a spot in your instagram feed.
ferguson shows you how to find them. This book is good for travelers drawn to urban landscapes and those who just love New York City.
13. location fashion: people, places, portraits
Travel photography books often intersect with other visual arts.
vogue on location: people, places, portraits shows you beautiful corners of the world through a fashion lens.
Famous for the fashion shoots from around the world that grace its glossy pages, vogue brings the best of them in a travel photography book.
This inspiring book is packed with fascinating travel stories and fascinating fashion photography.
People with a passion for fashion and travel will love this book. here is a good combination of both.
14. america the beautiful: a story in photographs
Produced by experts in National Geographic travel photography coffee table books, America the Beautiful: A Story in Photos presents the best of the United States.
From coast to coast, north to south, the places and people that infuse America with energy and beauty are featured in these pages.
See spectacular images of well-known national treasures, as well as inspiring portraits of everyday Americans.
and all presented in national geographic’s dramatic flair for visual storytelling.
This book is perfect for travelers who appreciate what can be found within our borders.
15. epic journeys: 245 adventures that will change your life
travel photography books don’t get much more inspiring than epic travel: 245 life-changing adventures.
no adventure is off limits, whether it’s whitewater rafting down some of the world’s greatest rivers or exploring volcanoes miles away from civilization.
Find your next adrenaline rush in this guide to the world filled with hundreds of vivid photos and little-known travel tips.
Review your top ten lists and essays and start planning the trip of a lifetime. This book is excellent for people who like to live life to the fullest.
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