Book recommendation: Learn photography

Photography can be a wonderful hobby, a great passion, or for some even a dream job! But most people often have no idea what to pay attention to. We’ve put together a list of top books on photography and learning to photograph! Check them out and learn tips and tricks, whether you’re a beginner or eager to learn more about photos and beyond.

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10 Book Recommendations for Learning Photography

Short teaser including a reference to book number 6

1. Der große Fotokurs: Besser fotografieren lernen (Galileo Design)

Jacqueline Esen

A photography school for all beginners in photography. A practical and simple introduction to the creative world of photography. Jacqueline Esen trains you and lets you get to know the world of photography up close. She starts with the basics and explains the functions of a digital camera. You’ll learn more about proper focus, exposure, and the interplay of light and color. Easy, understandable explanations – perfectly structured for beginners in photography.

Order now: Der große Fotokurs: Besser fotografieren lernen

2. Die große Fotoschule: Digitale Fotopraxis (Galileo Design)

Christian Westphalen

A new and comprehensive photography handbook, suitable for both beginners and advanced photographers. The basics of photography are explained in detail, you get to know the technical side, and you get a good overview of how a digital camera actually works. Practical photography is covered too. How does proper lighting work, how do I work with flashes, and which lens is right for which shots? All these questions are answered clearly in no time. A worthwhile investment on your way toward your photographic future!

Order now: Die große Fotoschule: Digitale Fotopraxis

3. Fotografieren lernen (Band 2) Bildgestaltung und Bildsprache

Cora Banek, Georg Banek

In the three-volume series “Fotografieren lernen” (Learning Photography), students or amateur/hobby photographers get a good overview of the entire field of photography. Starting with technical knowledge, moving through creative know-how, all the way to understanding the connections within photography. This volume takes a closer look at image composition and visual language. An important aspect on the path toward professional photography. Two experts explain the tools of image composition in detail, and you’ll learn what effects you can achieve with them. This knowledge makes it possible to develop your own style. A goal-oriented book for goal-oriented photography enthusiasts.

Order now: Fotografieren lernen (Band 2) Bildgestaltung und Bildsprache

4. Fotos nach Rezept: Schritt für Schritt zum perfekten Foto: Vom Foto-Guru. Speziell für Anfänger

Benjamin Jaworskyj

Benjamin Jaworskyj is a photo guru, often described in the scene as the Jamie Oliver of photography. In his book, he explains photography simply and clearly, especially for beginners and hobby photographers. He provides an excellent step-by-step guide for clever photo ideas and tricks that make even the most complicated idea easy to pull off. Recommended for all hobby photographers, from total beginners to somewhat advanced amateurs. Brilliantly and cleverly explained.

Order now: Fotos nach Rezept: Schritt für Schritt zum perfekten Foto: Vom Foto-Guru. Speziell für Anfänger

5. Gesichter fotografieren

Georg banek, Cora Banek

In portrait photography, the model, their facial expressions, and the versatility of how emotions are portrayed are naturally decisive. These determine the quality and message of an image. Every little detail, whether it’s the corners of the mouth twitching or the eyes squinting, changes the message of the picture. The photographer has to try to “press the shutter” at just the right moment to capture the perfect one. This book explains the subtle features and differences in human facial expressions and covers communication with the model. The two successful photographers and authors convey their knowledge in an accessible way, so this book can also be used by beginners. They give some good tips and back up their explanations with example photos.

Order now: Gesichter fotografieren

6. Modefotografie: Grundlagen, Praxis, Techniken

Eliot Siegel

Fashion photography has its own rules. Naturally, the basic knowledge of photography is part of a fashion photographer’s training, but this particular genre has its own special guidelines. Not every professional photographer is a good fashion photographer. Anyone who really wants to succeed in this industry has to find their own individual style, but must not neglect the fundamental basics. Author and fashion photographer Eliot Siegel explains the basics of fashion photography in this book and gives good tips for all amateurs who want to get a foothold in the industry.

Order now: Modefotografie: Grundlagen, Praxis, Techniken

7. Models richtig fotografieren – 1000 Posen – Das Handbuch für Fotografen und Models

Eliot Siegel

An important part of a good fashion shoot, and accordingly good fashion photos, is posing in front of the camera. It’s important for both the model and the photographer to know the poses that show off a woman in her outfit to best effect. Eliot Siegel covers, among other things, choosing the right model, the right lighting, and the right posture in the individual chapters. This book is an absolute must for photographers, designers, and models.

Order now: Models richtig fotografieren – 1000 Posen – Das Handbuch für Fotografen und Models

8. Light & Shoot: Fashionfotografie in der Praxis

Chris Gatcum

In this book, the author uses 50 different photos and photographers to explain the lighting effects a photographer can achieve through different lighting setups. Amateurs learn what equipment they need to get started and get clever tricks for lighting when shooting photos. Both experienced photographers and newcomers share their experiences and tricks in fashion photography. They explain the differences between various locations and settings. A recommended book for beginners in (fashion) photography.

Order now: Light & Shoot: Fashionfotografie in der Praxis

9. Beautyfotografie

Mia Royal

Beauty photography is a very extensive and multifaceted field within the industry. The beauty photographer has to be knowledgeable across different areas. In this book, the author explains the varied and exciting work of a beauty photographer and shares creative tricks. She covers various topics, such as lighting, technique, styling, makeup, idea generation, marketing, and retouching, using practical examples. This book gives a very good insight into beauty photography.

Order now: Beautyfotografie

10. Die Bildlooks der Profis: Kreative Bildstile mit Photoshop und Lightroom

DomQuichotte

With this book, you’ll become a pro at image editing. Give your photos the right look. DomQuichotte gives tips and suggestions for a cool look, a specific theme, and exceptional, great photos. He explains simple settings in Photoshop, Lightroom, or Camera Raw that let you improve your images. A recommended book for professional and hobby photographers as well as image editors.