Best City Photography Books of 2025

Trump 45: America's Greatest President is a pictorial history book that showcases Donald Trump's presidency. The author, L.D. Hicks, provides readers with unprecedented access to the man who sacrificed so much for the American people. The book captures Trump negotiating trade deals, speaking to Congress, working for everyday Americans, making peace with foreign leaders, and bringing troops home from overseas. Hicks, who has a degree in Christian Ministry and Biblical Studies, has previously authored books such as Melania Trump: Elegance in the White House and Clarence Thomas: The Things He Learned. Overall, Trump 45: America's Greatest President is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics.

"Walk With Me: New York" by Susan Kaufman is a stunning collection of over 200 photographs that capture the beauty and charm of New York City. The author, a longtime fashion editor and photographer, invites the reader to see the city from a different perspective: from the sidewalk. Kaufman showcases the often-overlooked spots that make NYC so beautiful, from its parks and cafes to building facades. This coffee table pick is perfect for both denizens and strangers to the Big Apple's streets. "Walk With Me" is a lovely reminder to slow down, be reflective, and appreciate the small discoveries that offer us balance in a fast-paced world.

Los Angeles. Portrait of a City is a stunning photographic tribute to the City of Angels, tracing its history from the 1880s real estate boom to the present day. With over 500 images, the book showcases the city's development and its many dimensions, including Hollywood celebrities, pop cultural movements, and notorious crimes. The essays by renowned California historian Kevin Starr and Los Angeles literature expert David L. Ulin provide context and resonance to the images. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in the cultural, political, and sociological history of Los Angeles.

Bill Cunningham: On the Street: Five Decades of Iconic Photography is a captivating collection of photographs by the legendary street style photographer, Bill Cunningham. The book showcases Cunningham's favorite works published in The New York Times, along with never-before-seen pictures spanning five decades. The photographs capture the evolution of fashion, trends, and the everyday life of people in New York City and Paris. The book also features essays by renowned fashion writers that offer an insightful portrait of Cunningham and his influences. This enduring portfolio is a timeless representation of Cunningham's commitment to capturing the present moment. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion history and street style photography.

The Trope Chicago book is a stunning collection of 206 photographs of Chicago taken by 27 independent photographers from the city and beyond, showcasing a unique perspective of the city. Divided into eight chapters, the book focuses on the lakefront and downtown areas, featuring iconic buildings, streets, and parks. The photographs reflect the interests of the photographers, shot at different times of the day, in different seasons, and with different tones, giving each image a contemporary and urban sensibility. The book is a must-have for photography lovers and anyone who wants to see Chicago in a new light.

The Humans book by Brandon Stanton is an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller that showcases the world through a photographic census of life in New York City and beyond. Stanton traveled to more than forty countries, conducting interviews across continents, borders, and language barriers. The stories in this book are a beautiful love letter to humanity in this moving compilation. Stanton's skill at putting people at ease comes through in the spontaneity of the images, as well as in the stories they share with him. It's an outstanding survey, and each new image reveals something unique about the human condition.

Still Pictures by Janet Malcolm is a memoir that takes a unique approach to exploring identity and family photographs. Malcolm constructs a composite portrait of her New York childhood, which is intertwined with the mysteries of fate and family. The book delves into her marriage to Gardner Botsford, the world of William Shawn's New Yorker, and the libel trial that led Malcolm to become a character in her own drama. With sharp wit and astute commentary, Still Pictures is a memoir like few others in literature. Malcolm's writing is restrained yet intense, and the use of family photographs adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

The Humans of New York book is a beautiful collection of photographs and stories that captures the spirit of New York City. Photographer Brandon Stanton's blog, Humans of New York, has millions of devoted followers, and this book includes 400 color photos, exclusive portraits, and all-new stories. The book is surprising, moving, and a celebration of individuality, making it a must-have for anyone who loves New York City or photography books. The distinctive vellum jacket and hardbound edition make it a perfect gift for any occasion. Overall, Humans of New York is a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to the people of New York City.

This book, part of the Basic Art Series by Taschen, introduces the Abstract Expressionism movement that emerged in America in the 1940s. It covers the lead protagonists, different stylistic tendencies, and prominent sub-categories such as action painting and color field painting. With featured works from 20 key artists, the book presents the movement that shifted the center of art gravity from Paris to New York. Each book in the series features approximately 100 color illustrations with explanatory captions and a detailed, illustrated introduction, making it an excellent resource for art enthusiasts. Overall, this book is a great addition to any art lover's collection.

Rome: Portrait of a City by Taschen is a stunning collection of photographs capturing the history, beauty, and art of Rome from the 1840s to the present day. The book features images from renowned photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and William Klein, showcasing Rome as the center of the Roman Empire, cradle of the Renaissance, and a favorite destination for travelers. The book also delves into Rome's role as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, a stage for politics, and a perfect backdrop for film and fashion shoots. This is a must-have book for anyone who loves photography and the Eternal City.