23 Digital Photography Book Reviews [RANKED]
Looking for a digital photography book? It struck me today that we’ve reviewed a lot of photography books here at DPS over the last couple of years… but we’ve never listed them all on the one page. So here’s a complete list. I’ve ranked them in order of the number of books purchased by our readers at Amazon. I’ve linked each book both to Amazon and to the full review of the book.
Enjoy!
- The Digital Photography Book – (full review) – “This book is one of the best selling digital photography books ever – and for good reason. It’s a must read for those starting out and intermediate photographers alike.”
- Understanding Exposure – (full review) – “Of all the photography books I have on my bookshelf, and believe me, I have quite a few, this is the one that stands out as the most helpful.”
The Photographer’s Eye – (full review) – “While it won’t teach you how to use the different features of your camera (it’s a book about composition) – it is probably a book you need to read before (or at least while) you are mastering your camera.” (9 out of 10).- How to Cheat in Photoshop CS3 – (full review) – “I would give this book a rating of 9 out of 10. The only reason I pulled it back from being a perfect score is that once or twice in it I found that it went above my head.”
- The Digital Photography Companion – (full review) – “If you’re a beginner, go and buy yourself this book – it really is worth every cent, though, if you’re a bit more advanced, there may be a better book out there for you.”
- Understanding Shutter Speed – (full review) – “I think that this book will help less experienced photographers more than those who already have a good grasp on concepts like Shutter Speed. Having said that – I found it to be a good refresher course of sorts and did come away from the book grateful for having read it despite having learned much of it previously.
The Complete Guide to Night and Low Light Digital Photography – (full review) – “one of the best ‘how-to’ books on the market and useful to experts and novices in the digital imaging businesses.”- Wedding Photography Unveiled – (full review) – “Wedding Photography Unveiled is a book that any first- or second-year wedding photographer can’t afford to not own.”
- The Creative Digital Darkroom – (full review) – “It’s not the cheapest book on this subject that you’re going to come across, but it’s certainly true of this publication at least, you get what you pay for.”
- Michael Freeman’s 101 Top Tips – (full review) – “There’s so much useful info in the book you could, almost make this the only manual you ever need.”
- The Photographer’s Survival Guide – (full review) – “if you are looking to take your hobby a step further and perhaps be compensated for your work – even if only on a part-time basis – this book is for you…. I really have nothing bad to say about this book (a rarity for me).”
Fast Track Photographer – (full review) – “Whether you are just thinking about getting started, or need a new strategy for a declining economy, Fast Track Photographer is a book that can become your greatest mentor.”- New Epson Complete Guide to Digital Printing – (full review) – “IMHO and regardless of Epson’s involvement, this is one of the best books on printing.”
- Closeup Shooting: A Guide to Closeup, Tabletop and Macro Photography – (full review) – “The only way I’d improve this book is to make it longer with even more practical examples and explanations. There is a good amount of this already – but as someone who learns by ’seeing’ I’m always left thirsting for more of this.”
- The Perfect Portrait Guide – (full review) – How to Photograph People – (full review) – “If you’re looking for an easy to read book for beginners to help you improve your shots of friends and family – you’ll probably enjoy this one – especially if you learn best by watching how others do things and then imitating them.”
Complete Digital Photography – (full review) – “This is one of the most comprehensive guides to digital photography that you’ll find. (4.5 out of 5)”- Printing for Digital Photographers – (full review) – “A straightforward step-by-step series of chapters cover image cropping, contrast control, using Levels, eradicating dust and scratches, dealing with HDR, toning etc.”
- Creative Digital Monochrome Effects – (full review) – “If your photography has become a little tired of late this book will re-invigorate your passion.”
- Successful Self-Promotion for Photographers – (full review) – “Not only a great resource, but also an engaging read that wont leave you with anything less than dozens of ideas for expanding your photography business and your own marketing techniques.”
- Annie Leibovitz at Work – (full review) – “A good read for a cold winter evening or when you need a little inspiration.”
Beginner’s Guide to Digltal Photo Art – (full review) – “The book includes a full list of techniques and materials suppliers to take digital images to places you have never thought of!”- Digital Compact Cameras: Great Photos Every Time – (full review) – “The book has a pile of useful, basic and more than basic info. The printing quality is excellent as are the colour pictures.”
- Digital Photography Beyond the Camera – (full review) – “The impressive factor about this book that it focuses on image treatment, devoting less space about the mechanics of driving Photoshop than to successful and pleasing outcomes.”
What Digital Photography books have you found helpful in your learning of photography?


21 Responses to “23 Digital Photography Book Reviews [RANKED]” - Add Yours
August 5th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Just out of curiosity, have you looked/read “The Negative and The Camera” by Ansel Adams? I know there was a coauthor don’t want to leave out credit where credit is due. Anyway I know these books are based on film yet there are techniques used that still apply today, and are good reads too, albeit there not like a great action novel. To me, “The Negative” is almost like the bible to photography. So much that can ben learned and practiced to create wonderful pictures.IMHO
August 5th, 2009 at 6:20 am
I would remove Annie Leibovitz’s book – there’s really not a whole lot of content in there, nor does it have much to do with “digital photography.”
I would add one of Tom Ang’s books such as How to Photograph Absolutely Everything or Digital Photography Masterclass
August 5th, 2009 at 6:38 am
I second Ed’s comment. Several of the books in this list even mention Ansel Adams’ books. That’s what led me to purchase a copy of “The Negative” and “The Camera”. I’m surprised to see they didn’t make the list.
August 5th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I just got “The Moment it Clicks” by Joe McNally and though I have just started reading, I can tell I will learn a tremendous amount from it. It’s also filled with amazing stories and images.
August 5th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I just found an awesome digital resource by Dennis Curtin titled The Textbook of Digital Photography. It comes on a CD, is extremely affordable and has web resources like animations and exposure calculator downloads. I’m using it as my text this year for my classes in digital photography. I’m really impressed with its thoroughness. Here is the link: http://www.photocourse.com/title-textbook.htm
August 5th, 2009 at 9:24 am
I stumbled upon this book: “Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision” by David DuChemin. Fabulous book on the importance of having a vision in photography. Highly recommended!
August 5th, 2009 at 11:05 am
I have 3 of those books you have listed here. Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Vol. 1 & 2, Understanding Exposure and Complete Digital Photography. I enjoyed Scott Kelby’s Vol 1 and have yet to finish reading up on the others. There’s really alot of learn from all these materials.
August 5th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Not limited to digital, but “Light: Science and magic” is probably the most important photography book I’ve ever read.
Doesn’t teach you how to take a photo – but it teaches, you all you need to know about what light is, and how you can make it work for you. Makes you think differently about your light. May sound a bit dull, but for me it was a series of small revelations.
August 5th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I have the 3-book series from Scott Kelby (#1 book above). All photographers should buy those three books. I guarantee you’ll learn something in each of them. Peterson’s work is very good as well.
August 6th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I like Peterson’s work. It was his contribution to the “for Dummies” series (1998 edition, I think) that got me into photography in the first place! His “Learning to See Creatively” had a huge impact on my learning curve for composition. Since I started in film, and had a limited budget for my hobby, this was very important to me. He doesn’t talk down to the reader, using a conversational -yet still knowledgeable- tone which makes for an enjoyable read.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:19 am
No Mcnally?
August 7th, 2009 at 1:21 am
I like the book UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE by Bryan Peterson…Oh I am hooked to it and read lot of times.
For any new person who wants to understand every thing related to Exposure,This book is like a bible. Yeah
a clear explaination like how to take manual exposure clearly if illustrated more clearly the book would have served a lot clear.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:07 am
I have found all 3 volumes of the Digital Photography book to be a good review. I also have learned a lot from “The Moment it Clicks” and “The Hotshoe Diaries” by Joe McNally. I Just picked up David DuChemin’s “Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision” and I am looking forward to reading it this weekend.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:42 am
Michael Freeman’s “Perfect Exposure” is just a great book for digital photographers. Martin Evening’s Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers is also very good.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:57 am
I second the comment above: Light: Science and Magic should be at the very top of the list for sure.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:47 am
You missed one of the best photography books ever. Check out “Exposure and Lighting” by Micheal Meadra and Charlotte K. Lowrie. You won’t be disappointed.
August 7th, 2009 at 8:00 am
I second John’s suggestion that one or both of John Eng’s books be added. They are very readable, full of tips as well as fundamental teachings and photos that illustrate points and demonstrate creativity.
August 8th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Aahaa, that’s a nice list, I was looking for as an amateur photographer. Well do check out my no so good clicks at http://www.pbase.com/ashishpaliwal
To be true, your blog has reignited my passion for photography.
Thanks!
August 8th, 2009 at 1:38 am
how about a book that includes flash photography. i’ve only skimmed thru the list and read a few of the reviews but i didnt really see one that talks about specificailly how to deal with flashes and lighting and stuff. i have already bookmarked this page and are going to pick up understanding exposure and wedding photography unvieled. i would love some suggestion on flash photography.
August 11th, 2009 at 2:15 am
Mastering HDR Photography by Michael freeman and
Mastering Landscape Photography by Alain Briot
November 4th, 2009 at 2:29 am
I’ve been searching for #4. How to Cheat in PhotoShop CS3. It seems to be very hard to find. I see it on Amazon, but the prices range from $150 to $200. Did the price shoot up or what?
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