Your own Library of the Best Black and White Photography Books

I’ve had the luxury of having some time in the past, to read and enjoy many of the best photography books ever published.

These are a few of my favorites – not all relating to nature photography, but the inspiration, passion and techniques in these books will keep you enthused for months!

(I’ve just also found a great resource for creating your own fine-art coffee table photography books. All the details in the April newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed, do it now – it’s free!)

Oh yeah, the other books… I still go back to them periodically. The images they contain never stop taking my breath away. I’ve picked up some terrifically creative photography tips from these. So that’s why I consider them the BEST black and white photography books of all time.

Black & White Photography

Black & White Photography by Glenn M. Rand, David R. Litschel

Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual

Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual by Henry Horenstein, Carol Keller

The Camera, The Negative and The Print

The Camera, The Negative and The Print 1 (series of three books) by Ansel Adams.

The Camera, The Negative and The Print 2 by Ansel Adams.

The Camera, The Negative and The Print 3

Creative Black & White Photography

Creative Black & White Photography by Les McLean.

John Garrett’s Black and White Photography Masterclass

John Garrett’s Black and White Photography Masterclass by John Garrett.

Black-And-White Photography Manifest Visions: Manifest Visions: An International Collection

If you can get your hands on this book, get it!

From Library Journal:

“This book presents an absolutely stunning collection of work–hauntingly beautiful landscapes, intriguing still lifes, and tender portraits–by 104 contemporary artists. Individually, the photographs are fresh, exquisite, and often startling.

As a whole, the book stands as an impressive, often breathtaking portfolio of the finest of contemporary photography. A photographer and instructor at the International Center for Photography, Luciana wisely does not weigh down this book with unneeded commentary. He offers a short introduction in which he explains his quiet method of arranging the images, then allows the photographs to speak for themselves.

The selection of images and grouping of artists is outstanding; as a result, turning the pages of the book is like strolling through an exhibition at one’s favorite art museum. It is difficult to imagine how one could produce a better, more original book about contemporary photographic art.

Highly recommended, especially for libraries with collections of fine art photography. -Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, IL Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Black-And-White Photography Manifest Visions: Manifest Visions: An International Collection by James Luciana (Editor)

Short Course in Photography: An Introduction to Black and White Photographic Technique

A Short Course in Photography: An Introduction to Black and White Photographic Technique (4th Edition) by Barbara London, Jim Stone.

Edge of Darkness: The Art, Craft, and Power of the High-Definition Monochrome Photograph

Edge of Darkness: The Art, Craft, and Power of the High-Definition Monochrome Photograph by Barry Thornton.

Ansel Adams at 100

Ansel Adams at 100 by John Szarkowski, Ansel Adams.