Getting started in Photography is a daunting task. Due to the highly competitive nature of photography there is a wealth of information available on the subject. Actually there is a complete over kill. A search in Amazon for Photography books reveals thousands of titles. So where to turn if you just want one or two good books to get you started without blowing the bank. I have listed a couple of excellent books that all photographers have read at one point or another. Well, they may not have read them cover to cover, but they are sitting on the shelf in the studio.

Now as everyone knows Amazon.com is just about the best place on earth to buy books. They are fast, reliable and secure. I am an Amazon.com affiliate, meaning that if you click on one of the links below and buy one of these books, I will receive a commission of approximately 5%, the price you pay will not change. This is my small reward for providing this information to you - fair?

So… my recommendation for photography books…

If you are going to buy just one book on the subject of photography HOW TO. I would have to say it must be Photography by Barbara London, John Upton.
Photography
This book is now in its 8th addition. It teaches the principles of photography in a very detailed manner. I first read this book in 1981, it was the book my Mom used to refer to all the time when she was experimenting in her darkroom in our home in Dubai. At the time I found it a little difficult to understand, I was only 10, but remember being fascinated by the detailed descriptions and techniques illustrated in the book. For readers a little older this book is a must. One thing. This book talks about FILM photography - FILM, bless is OVER… and may it RIP. I miss film NOT! What this book will teach you is sound photography principles of exposure, composition, and if you have an interest all the intricacies of darkroom developing and printing. OBSOLETE!!! Besides digital is just film without the film the principles of photography are the same, just the medium to record the images has changed. Ok this book is a little expensive, but if you really want a book that you will refer back to thousands of times this is the one. My mom still has her 2rd Edition. It is not for sale.
So you will need another book. One to bridge the gap between this book and the DIGITAL world we now live in. By all accounts Ben Long’s book

Complete Digital Photography is an excellent resource. With in depth coverage of all aspects of Digital Photography you will find more relevant info here than in any other book about digital photography in Amazon.
Ok so a few more as you can never have enough books on photography, just like you can never have enough FLASH CARDS. Really you can never have enough… bigger, better, faster…
A great book on PHOTOSHOP has got to be THE PHOTOSHOP BIBLE. This is an amazing book one I have owned in various editions starting with Photoshop 5 way back last century. Does anyone else remember 2.5 the days before layers… How did we do it… Yes this is the book if you want to master photoshop. Maybe if you are starting out you might want to start with Classroom In A Book. Adobe’s own training books. These are excellent as they have set lessons for you to work thur and once you have finished you will be ready to read the BIBLE.
When you have done all this and have just got back from Bora Bora with 10gigs of wicked images that you are sure will sell if you only knew where to sell them, then you must read Ron Engh’s two books Sell & Resell Your Photos and SELLPHOTOS.COM. These books cover the business of selling STOCK photos, which will be of interest to all amateurs. Making money from a favorite past-time is great. This book will not make you a good photographer, just a wealthier one… if you follow its guideline. You know on second thought just get SELLPHOTOS.COM as Ron rehashes the relevant info from Sell & Resell in SELLPHOTOS.COM… Once you read this you will know which photos the average amateur has a chance of selling. Priceless if a bit dated.
If you want to go pro again read Asmp Professional Business Practices in Photography. This is THE book that every professional photographer MUST read, preferably before they print their first business card.
That will keep you busy for awhile. Later I will recommend some books on other subjects of photography… Things like the Pirelli Calenda 40 Years. To be fair to members of the fairer sex check out LOCKER ROOM NUDE…