What is the best beginner photography book?

When it came time for me to learn photography at the age of 37 I had no idea where to begin. But, I did know that my book search would begin on Amazon. Several years prior, I had taken a class on Photoshop and Illustrator for graphic design and I remember hearing the name Scott Kelby. So I searched for him, and that’s where I found his Digital Photography Book series.

I liked the idea of it being a recipe style format, so I thought I’d try it, and the rest is history! For beginners, the best part is, there isn’t much technical jargon you have to know. Simply set up your camera like he recommends and voila! You get amazing images. The book covers a variety of scenarios from photographing people to landscapes, so just about everything you’d want to try is included.

If you are interested in learning photography, or know someone who wants to learn a little more about how to take better photos, THIS is THE place to begin.

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There’s a reason why this has been the #1 selling digital photo book - it’s the one book that really shows you how to take professional-quality shots using the same tricks today’s top digital pros use (and surprisingly, it’s easier than you’d think). This updated, second edition includes many new images; up-to-date information on gear, pricing, and links; and a new chapter from the author on the "Ten Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was First Starting Out in Photography."

Here’s how Scott describes this book’s brilliant premise: “If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, ‘Hey, how do I get this flower to be in focus, with the background out of focus?,’ I wouldn’t stand there and give you a photography lecture. In real life, I’d just say, ‘Put on your zoom lens, set your f-stop to f/2.8, focus on the flower, and fire away.’ That’s what this book is all about: you and I out shooting where I answer questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I’ve learned just like I would with a friend—without all the technical explanations and techie photo speak.”

This isn’t a book of theory—full of confusing jargon and detailed concepts. This is a book on which button to push, which setting to use, and when to use it. With over 200 of the most closely guarded photographic “tricks of the trade,” this book gets you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos every time.

Each page covers a single concept that makes your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you’ll learn another pro setting, tool, or trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. If you’re tired of taking shots that look “okay,” and if you’re tired of looking in photography magazines and thinking, “Why don’t my shots look like that?” then this is the book for you.

If you’re asking, “How can I take better photos?”, “I want to improve my photography skills.”, or “What’s a good book on photography?”, get this one for sure! You will immediately begin taking better photos and gain a better understanding on how a camera works.