Best Photography Books for Beginners
Getting started with photography can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many technical elements, like aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and composition, it’s easy to feel unsure of where to begin. While hands-on practice is essential, a great photography book can offer structured guidance, creative inspiration, and practical techniques to help you improve faster.
Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or just your smartphone, the right book can teach you how to see like a photographer, understand your gear, and build confidence behind the lens. Here are seven of the best photography books for beginners: each one offering a unique approach to developing your skills and getting started.
1. “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
This best-seller is a must-read for anyone just starting out, particularly if you want to get out of auto mode and take control of your camera settings. Bryan Peterson explains complex concepts like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in a clear, visual way that makes sense to new photographers.
You’ll learn how to balance light, freeze or blur motion, and create mood in your shots all using manual settings. The book is filled with real-world examples and exercises to reinforce what you learn.
2. “Digital Photography Complete Course” by DK Publishing
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
If you’re looking for an all-in-one photography guide, this beautifully designed book offers a structured, step-by-step curriculum. With detailed visuals and assignments, it covers everything from camera types and settings to editing and composition.
Each chapter feels like a mini class, making this ideal for visual learners who want a comprehensive foundation without enrolling in a formal course.
3. “The Digital Photography Book” by Scott Kelby (Series)
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Scott Kelby takes a practical, no-nonsense approach to photography in this easy-to-digest series. Instead of deep theory, he shares real-world tips and tricks like how to shoot portraits with blurry backgrounds or which camera settings to use in specific scenarios.
Written in a friendly, conversational tone, it’s perfect for beginners who want quick wins and practical advice they can use right away.
4. “Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs” by Henry Carroll
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
This modern, visually engaging book is a favorite for creative beginners who want to focus more on composition, light, and storytelling than just technical specs. It’s filled with inspirational photos and simple explanations of how to shoot more intentionally.
Henry Carroll’s philosophy is all about seeing the world differently and learning to shoot with purpose, making this a refreshing read for anyone looking to find their style.
5. “How to Create Stunning Digital Photography” by Tony Northrup
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Tony Northrup’s book combines in-depth instruction with interactive learning, including over 14 hours of video tutorials to supplement the reading material. It covers a wide range of topics; from basic settings and gear to more advanced techniques.
This book is especially helpful if you want to grow with your skills as it supports both beginners and intermediate photographers. It’s packed with practical exercises and real-world scenarios to guide your learning.
6. “The Beginner’s Photography Guide” by Chris Gatcum
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Visually appealing and very approachable, this book breaks down photography concepts into bite-sized, digestible lessons. You'll find simple diagrams, before-and-after photo comparisons, and camera-setting walkthroughs that take the guesswork out of learning.
If you want to understand what settings to use and why, this book is a fantastic starting point that makes technical photography feel simple.
7. “Extraordinary Everyday Photography” by Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Sometimes the hardest part of photography is knowing what to shoot. This book teaches you how to find beauty and interest in everyday scenes, helping you develop a photographer’s eye wherever you are.
Rather than focusing on gear or settings, it emphasizes creativity, observation, and personal expression: perfect for beginners who want to grow their artistic instincts and create more meaningful images.
Final Thoughts
Starting your photography journey with the right guidance can make all the difference. These books cover everything from technical foundations and creative composition to inspiration and practice exercises giving you the tools to grow with confidence.
Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or looking to take your hobby more seriously, these seven photography books will help you build a solid skill set, spark your creativity, and turn snapshots into striking images. Grab one (or two), start shooting, and most importantly, enjoy the process of seeing the world through a new lens.
Written by Mark Rogers
Mark Rogers is the President and Co-Founder of Frame Destination. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mark has become a leading authority on framing techniques and best practices, and has earned a reputation for his innovative approaches to custom framing and frame services for photographers and artists.