Best Individual Photographer Essays Books of 2025

Charles III: A King and His Queen is a fascinating book that celebrates the life of King Charles on the historic occasion of his accession to the throne. The author, Chris Jackson, a multi-award-winning royal photographer, shares his singular insight into what it means to document the most famous family on the planet. With an extensive archive of photographs of the former Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, now King Charles III and the Queen Consort, the book delivers definitive insight into the extraordinary life of His Royal Highness as he takes the throne, a watershed moment in modern history and in the British monarchy. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the British royal family and portrait photography.

The Stylish Life: Skiing by Gabriella le Breton is a stunning book that takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the history of skiing. It covers everything from the sport's origins in China and Scandinavia to its evolution into a fiercely competitive spectator sport and aspirational lifestyle. With beautiful photography and insightful commentary, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves skiing or is interested in the culture and history surrounding the sport. Overall, The Stylish Life: Skiing is a unique and impressive addition to any coffee table or bookshelf.

Treasured Lands: A Photographic Odyssey Through America's National Parks, Third Expanded Edition is a complete and stunning coffee table book featuring over 600 breathtaking images of all 63 US National Parks. This book also includes location notes for each photograph and maps of each park, making it an invaluable guide for visitors and photographers alike. The author, who is the most prolific photographer working in the national parks, presents an extraordinary odyssey that spanned more than a quarter-century and 300 visits. The book also features extended captions that detail where and how the photographs were made, providing context to the pictures. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves photography and the US National Parks.

Art Seen: The Curators Salon Magazine for Summer 2023 is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary art. The publication features stories behind the artworks and the artists' practices, including stunning visuals that showcase the talents of some of the most promising contemporary working artists from around the world. Readers will discover how different cultures and life experiences influence an artist's style and technique, and learn about creativity beyond the studio with Leah Guzman. The book also features artists discussing their inspiration and process, and offers a glimpse into their natural studio spaces. Overall, this book is a fascinating and inspiring read that highlights the best of contemporary art.

Summer to Summer: Houses By the Sea is a beautifully illustrated book that showcases twenty-five stunning summer houses along the East Coast. From modern to historic, the book offers a glimpse into the unique styles of each house. Author Jennifer Ash Rudick takes readers on a journey from Maine to the Hamptons, Nantucket to Newport, and beyond. Whether readers are seeking decorating ideas or simply looking to escape into the world of summer living, this book is a must-read. Overall, Summer to Summer is a delightful book that captures the essence of summer living by the sea.

High Vibes: Coloring Book For Adults is a hippy-themed coloring book that includes 60 original drawings, ideal for relaxation and stress relief. The book is printed on high-quality white paper with a soft, glossy cover, perfect for using colored pencils and crayons. The illustrations are printed on a single-sided sheet to prevent ink from bleeding through, making it ideal for right-handed people. This psychedelic coloring book is an excellent addition to any evening of relaxation and chill-out, promoting mindfulness, creativity, and relaxation. Overall, High Vibes: Coloring Book For Adults is a unique book that will unleash your creativity and self-expression, and it's an excellent choice for those looking for a fun and relaxing activity.

'Locals Only: California Skateboarding 1975-1978' by Hugh Holland is a stunning collection of over 120 color images that capture the essence of Southern California's skateboarding culture during the mid-70s. From empty swimming pools to suburban streets, Holland's camera immortalizes the bleached blonde hair, tanned bodies, tube socks, and Vans of the legendary Dogtown and Z-Boys skateboarders. The book also includes a Q&A interview with the artist. Overall, 'Locals Only' is a nostalgic celebration of youth, perfectly encapsulating the grace, athleticism, and exuberance of a bygone era in skateboarding history.

This book, Modern Monarchy: The British Royal Family Today, offers an exclusive photographic archive of the evolving British Royal family captured by the multi-award-winning Royal Photographer, Chris Jackson. The book takes readers on a journey of the Royal family's domestic visits and overseas tours, highlighting their devotion to various causes from cancer research to mental health and HIV awareness in Africa. Jackson's warm and sincere portrayal of the Royals in intimate portraits makes this book a standout. It celebrates fifteen years of the Royals' role on the world stage at a unique moment in time. Overall, this book is a must-have for Royal family enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

Café Society: Time Suspended, the Cafés & Bistros of Paris is a beautifully presented view of the origins, progression, and current state of the centuries-long tradition of the Parisian café, bistro, and brasserie. The book is neither a history book nor a cookbook, but rather a nontraditional travel guide and coffee table book about a treasured lifestyle. Joanie Osburn's unique perspective captivates and amuses with anecdotes and insider recommendations. The list of establishments by arrondissement at the back of the book will guide the traveler. Overall, this is an engaging read that celebrates the Paris café as a cultural heritage worth preserving.

The Style of Movement: Fashion & Dance is a stunning photography book that showcases more than eighty of today's most celebrated dancers in garments designed by some of fashion's biggest names. The book takes the relationship between style, fashion, and dance as its subject and the dancers bring the pages to life with their grace and movement, becoming one with what they're wearing. The book has won an International Photography Award (IPA) and is a must-have for fans of dance, fashion, and photography.