Studying the history of photography can actually be a good way to learn about your aesthetic tastes, and what you find appealing in a photograph. Find a few books that resonate with you, and study them throughout the years. I like to find particular photographs that stick out to me and always return to those particular images later as they become ingrained in your brain. I think you know that you found a successful photograph when this occurs.
Photo books as art objects
Also, photo books are just beautiful object to have inside of your home. I like to decorate my shelves and my tables with a variety of books. I believe it’s much more enjoyable to flip through a photo book in the evening before going to sleep than watching the TV. It’s also a good thing for sharing with family that may not understand photography. When you hand them a book and allow them to flip through years of work, they get a better appreciation for art in general.
