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At first glance, landscape photography might seem like one of the easier genres of photography to pick up — after all, there are no models to pose, no crew to direct, no fast action to capture. Appearances can be deceiving, and if you’ve actually dabbled in landscape photography, you’ve no doubt realized that while the mountains and forests and deserts may not move and may not need any direction from you, capturing memorable landscape shots like the professionals is pretty difficult.
Sure — pointing a camera at a landscape is simple, but knowing when to go, where to go, and how to compose a photo to capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow is a challenge that photographers can spend years learning and refining their skills.
Although trial and error can definitely be a useful learning tool for landscape photographers, there’s something to be said for not wasting your time trying to reinvent the wheel, which is why building a photography library to learn from can be a great idea, especially since books are almost always cheaper than new camera gear! While your own personal style will be crafted through experience, studying the workflow and lessons of accomplished photographers can give you a well-rounded understanding of the principles and art of landscape photography.
These 10 books for learning about landscape photography are among the best, all written by talented landscape photographers and each offering something a bit different. You’ll find this list organized alphabetically by title and each link will take you to the Amazon listing for that book.
- The Art of Landscape Photography by Ross Hoddinott and Mark Bauer
- Showcases the principles of composition and aesthetic design, with numerous examples to illustrate the...
- This guide assumes a good working knowledge of the technical basics—such as correct exposure,...
- While technique is not ignored, the emphasis is on how it impacts on the aesthetics of the image—for...
- Because of the nature of the subject matter, this is very much a picture-led book, with numerous example...
- The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography by Glenn Randall
- The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography teaches photographers how to convert their...
- Randall is an experienced wilderness photographer, and whether you want to venture into the mountains...
- Randall begins by focusing on the art of landscape photography
- He describes his three-step process for composing a photograph and shows how good composition is an...
- Digital Black & White Landscape Photography: Fine Art Techniques from Camera to Print by Gary Wagner
- Landscape photography is a popular photographic genre—and for good reason
- The great outdoors is an ever-ready subject
- It is variable, as well; it is affected by changing light, decomposition, weather, human interaction,...
- Its features range from natural to manmade elements—and many landscapes are comprised of both
- Digital Landscape Photography by John Gerlach and Barbara Gerlach
- Photographing landscape with a film camera is different than with a digital camera
- There are several books on the market that cover landscape photography but few of them are specifically...
- This book is what you are looking for! Digital Landscape Photography covers: * equipment such as...
- Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Masters, 2nd Edition by Michael Frye
- Ansel Adams and his contemporaries Edward Weston and Eliot Porter pioneered landscape photography
- The second edition of this bestselling book will show you what can be learned from the working processes...
- As one of Adams' natural successors in the field, Michael Frye's own photography provides many stunning...
- This new edition is enhanced with more discussions of the Zone system, including information about...
- Landscape Beyond: A Journey into Photography by David Ward and Joe Cornish
- Critically acclaimed photographer David Ward explores the essential attributes of a successful landscape...
- David discusses how the notion of beauty has been viewed by artists and psychologists and how, despite...
- David suggests that all photographers’ work either poses a question or seeks to impose the...
- Accompanied by a selection of David’s stunning, large-format landscape images, this is an elegant and...
- Landscape Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots by Rob Sheppard
- Now that you’ve bought that amazing new DSLR, you need a book that goes beyond the camera manual to...
- For photographers interested in landscape photography, this guide will help you conquer the fundamentals...
- Pro photographer Rob Sheppard starts with the basics–composition, light, and perspective–and...
- He covers all the key camera features that affect your image, including how changing focal lengths...
- Magic Light and the Dynamic Landscape by Jeanine Leech
- Moments of peak action are well-known in sports photography, but they also happen in nature photography
- The light can change within seconds and the best light may occur only long enough for a single frame
- To create dramatic images, landscape photographers must first recognize those moments of magic light...
- While the sunrise and sunset hours provide recognized opportunities, the keen photographer will soon see...
- Mastering Landscape Photography by David Taylor
- The definitive guide to capturing beautiful and compelling images outdoors
- Landscape photography can be a solitary experience, but award-winning landscape photographer David Taylor...
- What skills or requirements, therefore, does a successful landscape photographer need? An ability not to...
- Navigational skills are useful to find potential subjects
- National Audubon Society Guide to Landscape Photography, 2nd Edition by Tim Fitzharris
- A master photographer's guide to capturing the natural landscape -- written for hobbyists and pros
- Photographers around the world admire Tim Fitzharris for his creative eye and technical expertise
- His readers have purchased nearly 200,000 copies of his photography guides
- This updated edition of the classic guide has 30 new pages with new photographs and Tim's expert...