Recommended books on photography
Photography forNeva
I admit I'm not a big reader and rather than lying in books you'll find me in front of the monitor watching photography tutorials and news from my favorite photographers like Mike Kelley, Scott Hargis and Erik Almas.
I've been thinking about what books I would recommend to aspiring photographers and professional photographers alike. To be not only helpful but also inspiring.
The first one I thought of is this one:
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World - Gary Vaynerchuk
Social Media Intersection. I don't even know if the book is in English anymore, but even in English it's an easy read. Although it is not directly about photography you will find inspiration for what visual content companies use. In addition, you will find descriptions of the most important social networks and what's more examples of good and bad social media posts. For each post you will find a commentary on why and what is good in the post. Good inspiration, but I read it for a long time, I couldn't absorb a lot of information so quickly. For me a timeless book, I recommend it.
The world of photography is not only about shooting technique but also about sales and copyright. And that's why every professional photographer should add this knowledge. Be it through podcasts, books or personal meetings.
Hotel Kings Court
Restart: A Guide to Entrepreneurial Minimalism - Jason Fried, David H. Hansson
It doesn't matter if you've been in business for a long time or are a complete beginner. This book will show you how to get started, but also the problems you may encounter in the course of your business. Even after a few years in both, it's good to brush up on the basics and get inspired if necessary. It led me back to good thoughts and actions that you miss after a while. Just reboot the mindset. Definitely this book should not be missing on an entrepreneur's shelf.
I would also like to personally recommend the book On the Loose by Robert Vlach, but I haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet.
In the field of copyright I recommend two publications. In fact, it should be required reading for every creative.
Photography and Law - Martin Valoušek
Here is a full description with practical examples of how the law works and what to look out for. An important part is selling licenses and rights. And what you can afford in relation to photography and even what you can afford to take pictures of. Because you also need permission to take pictures of people and buildings.
This publication is perfectly complemented by the book Copyright in Questions and Answers by Petr Šulc and Aleš Bartos. Because they answer the most common legal questions with regard to photography law.
Now the photography books should be coming up, as I announced at the beginning there weren't many of them, but I have two that caught my eye at the beginning of the shoot.
Jirka Král
External flash by John Denton and Adam Duckworth. The book highlights the types of flashes and lights and is an ideal overview for the beginner on how to work with lights. The book covers most styles of photography and how to deal with light through color and post production. I wouldn't recommend it to advanced photographers, but rather to beginners who want an overview.
Christian Bloch's HDRI for Photographers and Computer Graphics will appeal to anyone who has a desire to learn how to work with HDR whether in nature or architecture photography. However, don't expect a tutorial on how to properly photograph architecture or nature. But you will get complete information on what HDR is, how to shoot it and how to set it up in post-production. Color control is an important part and even how to shoot HDR for 3D graphics even using a reflective sphere. Especially if you are into technical details and numbers this book will captivate you and satisfy your number and spreadsheet cravings.
I hope that your library will expand by a few pieces and what's more that your overview will expand as well. That is why we have created this Facebook group not only for professional photographers but for all those who want to break into the field of professional photography. And we will be happy to welcome you there too.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/349529365714162/
