Building your Photography Reference Library
How practical are certain types?
Magazines are probably the most practical type of resource material to add to your library. They are cheaper compared to books and videos and they are more up to date. They should supplement your reference book collection.Coffee table type books are the least practical in terms of actual usage, but are invaluable in learning to train your eye. These types of books are filled with excellent quality images that can serve as standards by which to judge your own work.
Basic how-to photography books are by far the most practical and should make up the bulk of your library. Anything from darkroom techniques to basic portraiture to studio flash, these books give you the exact data and information you need when trying to learn a new technique.
Trade or market guides are essential if you intend to sell your work. You should have a least one if not more of these on your shelves. One of the best to start with is the "Photographer's Market" published annually by Writer's Digest Books.
Field guides are a must for anyone doing any kind of animal or nature photography. Field guides contain identification information on each type of animal, plant, tree, mushroom, butterfly, etc.
Style guides are books that pertain to specific interests not related to photography directly but that contain necessary information that is pertinent to your style of photography. For instance, if you specializing in Equine photography then some of the books you would add to your library might be books on dressage, horse shows, showmanship, equestrian, jumping, grooming, confirmation, etc.
If you are trying to learn more about doing sport's photography you might pick up a copy of "The Girlfriend's Guide to Football" by Teena Spencer, published by Key Porter Books. This is a hilarious yet highly informative book about football and its rules, history, players, etc. I learned more about football in one afternoon by reading this book than I ever learned from watching the game with my husband for the past thirteen years.
If you want to learn to do dance photography, then study books about dance. You get the picture. Be sure to tailor your library to suit your own needs. Add books that give you a broad range of knowledge about the subjects that you wish to
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