Photo Books Are Good for Inspiration
Studying the history of photography is an excellent way to refine your aesthetic tastes and understand what truly resonates with you in a photograph. A great starting point is finding a few photo books that speak to you and returning to them repeatedly over the years. When a particular photograph stands out, keep coming back to it — it becomes ingrained in your mind and shapes your perspective.
“I think you know you’ve found a successful photograph when it sticks with you over time.”
Photo Books as Art Objects
Beyond inspiration, photo books are beautiful objects to keep in your home. They add character to shelves and tables, making for a more personal and enjoyable decor. In the evening, flipping through a photo book feels far more enriching than watching TV. It’s a chance to unwind, dive into someone else’s vision, and reflect on art.
Photo books are also wonderful for sharing. For friends and family who may not understand photography, handing them a book filled with years of work gives them a deeper appreciation of the art. Flipping through a well-curated collection reveals the power of imagery and storytelling in a way words can’t.
“A photo book allows family and friends to appreciate art in a way that’s accessible and engaging.”
Tips for Using Photo Books for Inspiration:
- Select a few favorites and return to them over time.
- Identify standout images that stick with you and reflect on why they resonate.
- Use photo books as decor, making them part of your everyday environment.
- Share them with others to spark conversations and deepen appreciation.
Photo books hold lasting value. They’re not only sources of inspiration but also timeless art objects that bring creativity into your space and provide a gateway to share the beauty of photography with others.
My Photography Book Collection
- Eugene Atget – The World of Atget
- Walker Evans – American Photographs
- Walker Evans – Subways and Streets
- Henri Cartier-Bresson – Photographer
- Robert Frank – The Americans
- Ray Metzker – Monograph
- Ray Metzker – Sand Creatures
- Ray Metzker – Unknown Territory
- Ray Metzker – Light Lines
- Josef Koudelka – Gypsies
- Josef Koudelka – Exiles
- Helen Levitt – One, Two, Three, More
- Susan Meiselas – Nicaragua
- William Klein – Celebration
- Tod Papageorge – Passing Through Eden
- Bruce Davidson – Subway
- Bruce Gilden – Haiti
- Larry Towell – The Mennonites
- Frank Horvat – Side Walk
- Daido Moriyama – Dear Mr. Niépce
- Daido Moriyama – Phaidon
- Vivian Maier – Retrospective
- Jason Eskenazi – Wonderland
- Mark Cohen – Grim Street
- Mark Cohen – Frame
- Alex Webb – Istanbul, City of a Hundred Names
- Alex Webb – The Suffering of Light
- Alex Webb – La Calle
- Alex Webb – Brooklyn, The City Within
- PROVOKE
- Women Street Photographers
- Magnum Streetwise
- Reclaim the Street
- Harry Gruyaert – Between Worlds
- Raúl Cañibano – Absolut Cuba
- Sam Ferris – In Visible Light
- Daniel Arnold – Pickpocket
- Brian Karlsson – Book
- Gianni Berengo Gardin