25 Digital Photography Books for Christmas [REVIEWED and RANKED]

Looking for a digital photography book for Christmas (for yourself or someone else)? 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 list of the top 25, 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.

Note: We’ve reviewed about 35 books over the years but by no means have reviewed every photography book. If we’ve missed one of your favorites feel free to suggest it in comments below and we’ll get a copy to our reviewers.

Enjoy!

1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. 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).
4. 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.”
5. 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.”
6. Within the Frame – (full review) – “Engaging and thought provoking, “Within the Frame” is full of beautiful images from around the world complete with their EXIF data, and the stories behind them. Visually pleasing, mentally uplifting, it is evident duChemin sought after the release of a new kind of book for photographers.”
7. 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.
8. 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.”
9. 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.”
10. 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.”
11. 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.”
12. 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).”
13. 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.”
14. 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.”
15. 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.”
16. 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.”
17. 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)”
18. 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.”
19. Creative Digital Monochrome Effects – (full review) – “If your photography has become a little tired of late this book will re-invigorate your passion.”
20. 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.”
21. Annie Leibovitz at Work – (full review) – “A good read for a cold winter evening or when you need a little inspiration.”
22. 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!”
23. 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.”
24. 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.”
25. The Complete Guide to Digital Night & Low Light Photography – (full review) – “I found the book to be one of the most inspiring I’ve ever encountered … it encourages you to dash out, camera in hand, the moment the sun drops low on the horizon. Tons of big, encouraging pictures.”

What Digital Photography books have you found helpful in your learning of photography?