The Best Book for The Photographer on Your List! December 16, 2014 – Posted in: Photography – Tags: Photography, photography books, photography gift guide, Rocky Nook

Stumped on what to give the photographer on your list? We can understand why.

While there is certainly no shortage of gadgets, equipment, software, and accessories to give photographers, choosing the right gift for the photo savvy person in your life proves to be difficult time and time again. With a multitude of lenses, camera bags, tripods, and other accessories to choose from, finding a gift that will surprise and excite a passionate photographer can seem nearly impossible.

Luckily, there’s probably one camera accessory that the photographer on your list isn’t expecting. Instead of searching for the right equipment and gadgets, we suggest taking a different approach this year and selecting a unique book. Deviate from the norm and give a text written by and for photographers. Surprise a photography enthusiast with a title that will heighten their creative process, ignite passion, teach tips and tricks from world-famous photographers, and explain in detail the functions of their favorite camera.

Still stumped? This handy guide of Rocky Nook Photography books for every photographer can help.

For The Artist:

The Art of Photography, by Bruce Barnbaum

Often described as the most readable and complete book on photography, The Art of Photography features well over 100 beautiful photographs, charts, graphs, and tables. This extensive book presents the world of photography to beginner, intermediate, and advanced photographers seeking to make a statement with the art of photography.

Creative Flash Photography, by Tilo Gockel

Make photographic magic by mastering the use of light. Learn how to use speedlights to create amazing photographs in any lighting situation. The author uses 40 lighting workshops to teach his methods for producing impressive flash shots in portrait, fashion, macro, food, still life, and high-speed photography.

For the Explorer:

The Traveling Photographer, by Sandra Petrowitz

Traveling and photography go hand-in-hand, but photographers are often disappointed when images fail to meet their desired artistic aspirations. Beautifully illustrated with photographs from all over the world, this guide helps you find your personal point of view, leading to exceptional travel photos and lasting memories.

Our World Tour, by Mario Dirks

Designed to inspire world travelers and photographers alike, this book takes you on a journey around the globe through the eyes of photographer Mario Dirks. In the fall of 2011, Sigma sent Mario on a yearlong adventure to photograph the most beautiful places on earth. Inside are 347 extraordinary photographs showcasing 50 weeks of travel, 77 cities, 48 countries, 6 continents, 101 flights, and 2,500 miles of travel on foot.

For the Mindful Photographer:

Photography as Meditation, by Torsten Andreas Hoffmann

It has been said that meditation and photography are quite similar; both rely on living in the present moment, both require complete focus, and both are most successful when the mind is free from distraction. This book explains how meditation can lead to the source of inspiration, thus creating powerful photographs.

For the Photo Editor:

Photoshop CC and Lightroom: The Photographer’s Handbook, by Stephen Laskevitch

Focusing on the critical elements of a workflow, this book is designed to get you working quickly in these applications. Various applications are presented side-by-side so that a user of one may learn how to use the other. Or, if you’re new to it all, this book will be your roadmap, helping you decide which way to go.

The Art of iPhone Photography, by Bob Weil and Niki Fitz-Gerald

The Art of iPhone Photography includes insight from 45 of today’s best iPhonegraphers from around the world. This book explores how each piece was conceived, composed, and created. Through an understanding of the artists’ visions, creative decisions, and techniques, iPhoneographers will immediately be able to apply what they learn and take their own photographic art to the next level.

For the Learner:

Learning to Photograph Vol. 1 ( and 2) by Cora and Georg Banek

Both volumes of the Learning to Photograph series give interested amateur photographers essential information about technique and design as well as an understanding of the big concepts of photography. Beginning and advanced photographers alike will find the content instructive, thorough, and effectively illustrated, making these books a useful resource for readers to develop their own craft.

The Lens, by NK Guy

The Lens will help you build the perfect lens collection to suit your needs—now and in the future. This book is more than a simple catalogue of available lenses. Comparing specific lenses can be very difficult. In this book, author N.K. Guy gives you all the information you need to make smart buying decisions. Optical technology is demystified, terminology is decoded, and practical tips are provided.

The Portrait, 2^nd edition, by Glenn Rand and Tim Meyer

The Portrait is a detailed exploration of both the techniques and practice of portrait photography, making it a must-have resource for professionals, students, and avid amateurs aspiring to advance their photographic skillset. The book discusses lessons from the masters and the history of photographic portraiture. It also covers all of the technical and aesthetic components of understanding and producing outstanding portraits, setting the stage for excellent portrait photography!

Books for Every Photographer:

Our collection of camera manuals provides in-depth insight on how to use every feature of a new camera. Uncover tips and tricks, new techniques, and a wealth of information not provided in the standard manufacturer’s manual.

A few of our most popular camera manuals: