Pick these photography books not just to learn classic photography rules, but to hove your skills and develop your own unique photography style.
Last update: May 6, 2026
Different Kind of Photography Books
With tons of articles, videos, and photography courses on the Internet covering everything from standard photography rules to unorthodox approaches to the art of capturing the world around you, a photography book that teaches you to hone your photography skills and develop your unique style may seem like an old-fashioned approach.
Photography books jam-packed with professional photos taken by the best photographers in the world as they share their knowledge and captivating stories behind their best shots are often overlooked in favor of coffee table books. Books where the focus is less on the photography lesson, but more on the aesthetics.
While coffee table books still let you learn the art of photography by observing and analyzing, they normally serve a different purpose. They tell a specific story and bring the viewer into the field. You get to witness a multicolored sunrise over the rugged mountain tops or swim with swift seals and fish in a deep kelp forest.
Books Every Photographer Should Read
Publishing a coffee table book with photos I took around the world and closer to home is a dream of mine. But my love of stunning images is ever evolving. Seeking new ways to take my photography style to the next level and hone my photography skills governs my mind and lens.
Photography is a never fully mastered art. You learn every day, experiment with new camera settings, shoot with different lenses and camera filters. You also seek advice from those who’ve been in the field for a long time and have something valuable to share.
My first step in any endeavor is normally a book. I turned to photography books to learn traditional rules and techniques many years ago when I bought my first professional camera. I still use those photography guides as reference points.
Yet today, I rely on photography books not to learn about leading lines and the rule of thirds, but to dissect my favorite photographers’ works. I open a new photography book to pick the brains of those lensmen and lenswomen who I look up to and whose work I admire.
I can’t recommend enough these three photography books. Whether you are interested in travel photography, can’t stop shooting wildlife, or simply want to learn how to take stunning portraits, you’ve come to the right place. These photography books will be your faithful guides on your journey to develop your personal photography style and refine your photography skills.
BOOKS TO ELEVATE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE AND TECHNIQUES
1. A Photography Masterclass
A photography book to develop your unique style and build the unyielding confidence in your art by Paul Nicklen
I’ve been following Paul Nicklen on Instagram for a while. His photography is ever engrossing and inspiring. Each of his images tells stories far beyond what you see on the screen. He opens the door into the intricate art of photography wider and makes the impossible look possible.
There are many talented photographers sharing their work on social media. What stood out to me was Paul Nicklen’s use of words to complete the visual interpretation of his world.
So, when he mentioned in one of his regular posts on Instagram that you could preorder his new book A Photography Masterclass, I knew I had to get it. This work is one of the best photography books I’ve read.
Paul starts where we all start: at the beginning of the journey when he himself full of doubts and anger took step after step to evolve into the artist he is now. In his book, he both inspires and teaches in a rather unorthodox way. He shares his photography secrets, talks about his work as a National Geographic photographer, urges you to always experiment and constantly seek advice from your photographer heroes, in person or through books.
2. The Art of the Photograph
Essential habits for stronger compositions by Art Wolfe and Rob Sheppard
The artistic world of Art Wolfe showcased through his evocative photography is unmatched. The photographer doesn’t draw the line at one theme. He doesn’t narrow down the field he explores through his lenses.
His photography style has developed over many years photographing nature, wildlife, cultures, streets, in faraway places and closer to home.
Art Wolfe shares his knowledge and the immense love of photography in his book The Art of the Photograph. Rob Sheppard joins the photographer on this writing and photography teaching journey to assist in better shaping Art’s knowledge in words.
In this book, you will learn what a professional photographer looks for when making a photograph. Art Wolfe goes in depth on such topics as composition, light conditions, colors, lines, and textures.
The Art of the Photograph is a book you will return to again and again to both hone your own skills and enjoy the storytelling photography of Art Wolfe.
3. Take Your Selfie Seriously
The advanced selfie and self-portrait handbook by Sorelle Amore
Sorelle Amore, the author of Take Your Selfie Seriously, dives into a different aspect of photography. A self-portrait artist, she uncovers all the ins and outs of what it takes to make a gorgeous “selfie” or portrait that sets your work apart instantly.
In this short photography handbook, Sorelle walks you through every aspect of the art whether you set up your tripod and take a self portrait or photograph others professionally or as a side hobby.
Little tricks like hands position, creating angles, and highlighting your best side will make you and your model look amazing and improve your portrait photography tremendously.
So, grab this little book and learn from the photographer that shares all her proven techniques so you, too, can boost your photography style and deliver results your clients and friends are ecstatic about.
