a list of recommended photography books and inspirational business books
flipping through the pages of a book can be very inspiring for creative souls. Flipping the cover reveals new insights, moments of self-reflection, motivation, and helpful advice that can be applied to our own aspirations no matter how distant or niche the topic.
It’s not just about the story, plot, chapters, and writing style, but how the words and images connect to our own experiences and ideas. you can read a book over and over again to discover something new each time, or join a book club only to find that everyone has a different opinion about a particular novel.
You are reading: Creative photoshoot with books
Like photography, that’s the beauty of books. all can be interpreted in various ways and will take on a unique meaning for each reader.
Taking some time to sit down and read can be rewarding for those who tend to feel overwhelmed or take on too much work. reading is one of the first things we stop when endless to-do lists fill our days, but allocating just thirty minutes to drink tea and read a few pages is enough to reset those creative thoughts and get your mind focused on the positive again .
For photographers and creative business owners or artists, I’ve put together a list of 11 books I recommend to rekindle that creative spark.
I have personally read each book at different stages of my own creative career and you will find out why in the description and review.
*please note that each link below is an affiliate link to the stores where you can purchase each book. booktopia for australians, amazon for international orders 😊
01: the personal mba, josh kaufmann
I had heard so many amazing things about this book, but was always hesitant to buy it, thinking it would be another business book that promises too much and delivers too little. wow i was wrong personal mba has been written to ensure that everything you need to know is delivered in short, crisp sections, each providing little lightning bolts of information!
Having run my own business for over 16 years, I recently purchased this book while building a second business. he wanted to give me outside information to launch myself and start with fresh eyes instead of repeating the same steps I’ve been doing for so long. I devoured this book on a recent flight after buying it at the airport and couldn’t resist jotting down notes as I read because it really provides so many enlightening moments on every page.
josh has created a reference who can sit at his desk and act as a mentor. Most helpful to me were the sales and marketing sections that offer information that most entrepreneurs and artists can apply to their work, especially if they sell prints, services, or products.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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02: the heart of photography, david duchemin
Having followed david on social media and seen him work on amazing projects around the world, create impressive collections of work that really speak volumes and also how he recovered from a horrible fall and spent months in bed, I can’t speak superior of its books and teaching material.
The heart of photography focuses on those important questions we should ask ourselves as photographers. Have you ever stopped to wonder why you’re taking a picture a certain way?
This book is beautifully written and presented. each question takes a detailed look at the creatives inner thoughts, possibilities and concepts to work on.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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03: Photographers in Photography: How Masters See, Think and Shoot by Henry Carroll
Sometimes a book that covers a number of ideas and concepts in smaller, shorter chapters works best. Instead of having to hack your way through a gigantic novel, a book like this is the perfect layout for quick breaks and quick doses of inspiration.
Incorporating a mix of quotes, interviews and insights into the work of 50 photographers, it’s an inspiring look at the industry and how those inside it operate and think.
I’ve included two henry carroll books on this list because they’re perfect for picking me up and giving me that much-needed boost of motivation.
While this book aims to share “how the masters see, think and shoot”, just educate yourself knowing that this is a small cross-section of photographers when the entire industry has a wide variety of talent. I encourage anyone who enjoys this book to also continue reading through other interviews, researching artists and photographers who inspire you.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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04: the path of the artist, julia cameron
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a brilliant book presented as a course with challenges, tasks, steps and daily routines. if you don’t want to follow the structure, you can also read particular sections over and over again.
written by julia cameron, described by the new york times as “the queen of change”, this is a book that can have a surprising impact on your creative process. By suggesting things like going on a date with an artist to inspire you, creating daily habits that help you unleash your ideas, and sparking a flow of creativity, the book takes you on a journey of self-discovery.
A support workbook is available, or you can commit to following the program through the hardcover or paperback versions.
This book will relate to any creativity, you don’t have to be a writer or a photographer, every step and insight can be applied to all forms of creative expression.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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05: ansel adams, the negative
a true masterpiece that encompasses cinema and exhibition, both natural and artificial lighting and the photographic techniques of one of the most iconic photographers, ansel adams.
His work has inspired many photographers and this manual offers a glimpse into his creative process. With work so simple yet so amazing, the way Ansel Adams captures landscapes makes me want to look at each image and look a little further than most.
There’s something some photographers exude that’s so special it can’t really be taught, but giving yourself the opportunity to learn a little about what’s behind the images can help you discover your own hidden talents.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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06: great magic, elizabeth gilbert
from the author of eat, pray, love, ‘great magic’ focuses on the mysteries of inspiration and inner creativity. This book is ideal for creatives looking for their something, their spark, or their purpose. It has rave reviews!
I first read this book about five years ago, shortly after it was released. honestly, at that point i struggled to finish the first chapter. I just didn’t feel it and found it a bit cheesy. but after rereading it since then, I know that maybe that reaction had to do with my own creative approach at the time. the second reading was a more positive experience.
It’s one of those books where you can get what you want. champions creativity, provides industry insights, explores the spiritual connection of creatives, and can be that pep talk we all need sometimes.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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07: mind your own business, ilana griffo
If you’re looking for a roadmap to work on to launch or improve your business, this book is a great help. sharing everything you need to know when starting from scratch, helps eliminate guesswork, and provides real-world examples and steps to take action.
written by ilana griffo, this book is one of the rare business books that, like the personal mba, delivers what it promises. you’re learning from someone who has learned his lessons the hard way, turned his own business into a full-time career, and shares what really works.
As with most business workbooks, it’s essential to have an idea before you begin to get the most out of your content. Before you flip through the pages, start brainstorming your own creative business ideas, dreams, and goals, and then use a manual like this one to turn them into reality.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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08: finn beales photo storytelling workshop
Written as a workshop, revealing career information along with tips and techniques for creating beautiful images and telling a story, this book should be on every photographer’s shelf.
I loved how Finn not only writes about how he takes great photos for instagram, but how we can use photography as a visual medium to express the full depth of a story. to create collections of work that document, not just capture a moment or a scene.
There are exercises in the book that you can complete, or you can do what I did and just slowly navigate through the sections for inspiration. From storytelling to session planning, preparation, editing and presentation, read and see how it inspires your own images.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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09: lonely planet travel photography guide – richard i’anson
As a former lonely planet contributor (read my story here), I’m someone who would love to have an entire shelf full of lp guides. I’ve always loved reading how the authors describe each destination and following their recommendations for local experiences, adventures, and places to stay.
In recent years, lonely planet has started to publish more collaborative guides on various topics, one of them being travel photography. If you’ve ever imagined your photo on the cover of a guidebook, the Lonely Planet Travel Photography Guide will be all the inspiration you need to get out there and start taking photos.
covers the basics of photography and everything you might encounter while shooting in the field, as well as information on your workflow once you’re home from a trip. Plus, for fellow travel junkies, the images will be worth their shelf space all on their own.
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10: a photographer’s eye, a graphic guide by michael freeman
I firmly believe that every photographer should spend time learning composition and the technical elements to frame a subject or scene. You don’t need to study textbooks, graduate from college with a degree in photography, or know the precise settings, but using books like this to see what can be incorporated into your own work is really helpful.
a well organized book that works through the various methods and concepts we are faced with when composing a photograph. From the simple techniques of using shadows and working with leading lines to more complex graphic ideas on how to capture something that draws the viewer in, this book is a wonderful insight into the mind of a photographer.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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11: read this if you want to take good photos, henry carroll
It’s straight to the point, sharp, smart, and quite inspiring if you’re looking for a quick jolt of motivation.
Like Henry’s other book on this list, it’s written in a way that’s easy to digest. you don’t need hours to dive into every word, heck, it’s even fun to just scroll and open on any random page to see what you get.
is packed with simple tips and tricks for creating stunning photos. I love how it’s not distracted by flowery language or messy descriptions. bold text highlights important points and you can take from it what you want.
See Also: Top 5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Best Books | Book Analysis
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extra tip: when in rome – chasing la dolce vita, penelope green
I wanted to include this book for any like-minded dreamers like me who work in a creative field. Ever since I studied journalism, I envisioned myself working as a freelancer, contributing to magazines and newspapers in remote regions of the world.
this book by penelope green only fueled that dream even more. Reading her arrival in Rome, how she navigated the complexities of settling in a new city, learning a new language and exploring new relationships.
Not only have I read it once, I’ve read it maybe twelve times. I love this book and everything it inspires. I’m not going to reveal any of the plot, I just encourage anyone who loves to travel and maybe someday wants to write articles, capture images or just soak up the experience of living abroad to read. I hope it spreads some of its magic on you too!
buy the ebook here at booktopia
do you have any book to recommend? Leave your recommendation in the comments below!
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