Photography Books I Return to Often

In January, I discussed inspiring photography books. That post highlighted three books that focus on street photography. In addition, those three books are widely available and are easily sourced online if you cannot find them in local bookstores. I highly recommend that you check out those three books and consider adding them to your bookshelf, especially if you are interested in street photography.

I want to discuss a few other books I return to often. Of the three, one is out of print, another is still available, and another has been available for over a decade.

In addition, although these books share subject matter in some capacity, the three photographers are widely different. Let’s take a look.

David Duchemin - SEVEN Limited Edition (2013)

David DuChemin is a photographer, adventurer, educator and author. He has published several books, including Within the Frame, Vision Mongers, and Soul of the Camera. These books have been informative and inspirational, and they discuss various aspects of photography, such as the psychology and intentions behind art. However, besides these books, David has released a few books focused on his personal work. These books are more traditional photography works with images as the priority, with minimal text and discussion.

SEVEN is a collection of David’s work from over seven continents and seven years. As a photographer for many years, David’s work has evolved, including street, travel, humanitarian, and, most recently, wildlife. SEVEN is mostly focused on his travel photography. However, there is also a fair amount of what I would consider humanitarian work. It was released in 2013 and limited to 1000 signed copies. I have number 695.

SEVEN has a standard presentation that includes one image per page; some photos are spread across more than one page, and other times, there are three photos on one page. The cover design is perfectly minimal with a beautiful linen cover and lays flat, making for easy viewing of the contents.

James Popsys - Human Nature (2024)

One of my most recent photography book purchases. If you follow the YouTube photography community, you probably have James’ videos and channel suggested at some point. Hopefully, you are subscribed to his channel. James is unique in the space as his insight and humour create a fresh dynamic in the photography space. James considers himself an outdoor photographer, which is quite broad but includes landscape, travel and street.

Human Nature is a project James has been working on since 2020. It was released in October 2024, with pre-orders a few months before. Each book is signed, and the recipient’s name is included in the final pages for those who pre-ordered.

The book opens with an introduction by James and follows with approximately 120 images. The curated images work perfectly together in a two-page spread. If you have been following James, you will recognize many of the photos, but I was pleased to see that many were new to me. They may have been highlighted before, perhaps in one of the many YouTube videos, but many I felt I was seeing for the first time.

This gorgeous, minimalist presentation highlights James’ photography. I strongly recommend getting a copy of Human Nature before it is gone for good.

Robert Adams - What Can We Believe Where? Photographs of the American West (2010)

Born in New Jersey, United States, in 1937, photographer Robert Adams is known for representing the American West and its transformation throughout the years, highlighting the tragic relationship between humans and nature. The contents span five decades and are presented entirely in black and white.

When you have a body of works that covers that broadly of a timeframe, you can look back on a life now transformed, one that no longer exists, featuring people no longer here. I always find it fascinating to look back at older photos. All photographs glimpse the past, but some are from the 1960s. A time long before I was even a thought. I love seeing the world before I was part of it.

In addition, the American West is something I have been intrigued with for a long time. I think the history is fascinating, and the photographic opportunities are plenty. I have been chipping away at a Route 66 trip itinerary for nearly four years. Every year, I wait, and the cost gets higher. I need to commit. There are so many places I want to go, but only so much time and money.

Summary

There are many photography books by renowned photographers. Some are available and easily found, while others are in limited production and perhaps out of print. Cost is a consideration when buying a book, as many can be expensive. However, you can also find great books at reasonable prices.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, and with photography, inspiration doesn’t have to come from photographers who are similar to you. The ambition, knowledge, and willingness to share and articulate their vision are what contribute to the photographers you admire, follow, and support,

Although varied in availability, subject, and style, these three books inspire me greatly, and I often refer to the images they provide.