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Building your Photography Reference Library

© Wendy Folse

It may sound like a no-brainer, but one of the most important things a person can do when learning any new subject is to read. There are thousands and thousands of books on almost any given subject that a person might want to learn. Building a reference library will put a vast amount of knowledge right at your fingertips. If you can read, you can learn.

The essential thing about any reference library is that it can be tailored to suit your own individual needs and it will continue to grow as your knowledge of the subject expands. The books contained in your own personal reference library will be geared towards your own personal interests and level of expertise. Whether you are just starting out in photography or have been at it for years, it may be time to organize your reference library.

Types of books

The type of books that makeup a reference library should be tailored to each individual's needs and interests. For example, if you a just starting out in photography then be sure to add books that teaches you the basic photographic techniques. Books such as Hedgecoe's series are excellent references to have on the shelf.

If on the other hand, you are more experienced and are looking for more practical and in-depth subject matter you might try several of Freeman Patterson'books. They are excellent reads as well as in-depth resources on the finer points of photography. Search through the review section on the welcome page in order to find several suggestions to add to your collection. Your collection should continue to grow as your needs and interests change.

While we are on the subject of interests, several good points can be made. Most people think of photography books as being jammed packed with complicated formulas and mathematical principles that govern the art of photography. Some are, but some are not. It is also a great idea to include books that pertain directly to subject matter as opposed to just photography.

Subject matter

Every person that pursues the interest of photography does so with the intention of recording some important subject or subjects as a way of creating. They bring into the art their own unique style or interests and incorporate them into their photography. For instance, most equine photographers started out with a genuine interest or knowledge of horses before the started photographing them. At least that is how it should work. But what if you want to take great photos of horses but you don't already possess the necessary skills to work safely and accurately around the subject?

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