Best Photography Collections & Exhibitions Books of 2026

Sacred Spaces: Everyday People and the Beautiful Homes Created Out of Their Trials, Healing, and Victories is a captivating photography collection that showcases how people have transformed their homes into sanctuaries. Carley Summers, an internationally renowned designer and photographer, shares her life experiences and how she uses her craft to create healing spaces. The book takes readers on a journey inside fourteen homes, each with a unique story of brokenness, hurt, and healing. Sacred Spaces is a beautiful and inspiring book that invites readers to dream of the home that will set them free.

Anouk Masson Krantz's American Cowboys is a stunning large-format photobook that beautifully captures the essence of cowboy culture, including rodeo and ranching communities. Krantz's use of white space and contemporary photography style showcases the intimate lives and families of these private, elusive icons of the American West. This 2021 collection of evocative photography is a must-have title for those who want to experience the pioneering spirit of modern cowboys and cowgirls. Through her lens, Krantz provides a remarkable and inspiring story of people coming together to share their lives and celebrate the nation's cowboy culture.

Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America is a haunting collection of almost a hundred images that document the brutal history of lynching in America. The photographs were taken by professional photographers and were often made into postcards to be sold as souvenirs. These images are a chilling reminder of the terror and violence unleashed on African Americans in America's not too distant past. This book is a powerful testimony to the camera's ability to capture and preserve history, and to make us remember what we often choose to forget.

Clark Little: The Art of Waves is a remarkable collection of over 150 stunning photographs of waves captured by surfer and photographer, Clark Little. This book offers a rare and dangerous perspective of waves from the inside out, showcasing Little's ability to capture the perfect shot. The book includes Little's stories and insights throughout, as well as essays by journalist Jamie Brisick on how Clark gets the shot, how waves are created, swimming with sharks, and more. With a foreword by world surfing champion Kelly Slater, this book is a must-have for water lovers, surfers, nature seekers, art enthusiasts, and tropical island travelers around the world.

There and Back: Photographs from the Edge is a collection of stunning adventure photography by filmmaker, photographer, and mountaineer Jimmy Chin. With over 200 extraordinary photographs captured over two decades of cutting-edge expeditions on all seven continents, Chin shares behind-the-scenes details of how he captured such astounding images in impossible conditions. The book also features stories of legendary adventurers and remarkable athletes he has photographed, including Alex Honnold and Conrad Anker. The book is an extraordinary work of art that will inspire wonder and awe in anyone who reads it.

Coastlines: At the Water's Edge is a stunning photography collection of the world's most beautiful waterways and coastlines, curated by Tiny Atlas Quarterly. From tropical beaches in Hawai'i to icy fjords in Greenland, the book takes readers on a visual journey through some of the world's most beloved places and precious habitats. With hundreds of awe-inspiring photos and curated travel information, Coastlines is a treasure trove for water lovers, beach bums, and armchair travelers alike. The book is a reminder of the power and beauty of water, and the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations.

Beaches by Gray Malin is a New York Times bestseller that features awe-inspiring aerial photographs of beaches from around the world. Shot from doorless helicopters, Malin's photographs capture playful and stunning celebrations of light, shape, and perspective, as well as summer bliss. The book features over twenty cities across six continents, including Sydney, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, and Capri. Malin's work is a perfect combination of travel, adventure, luxury, and artistry, creating the ultimate visual escape. Beaches is a must-have for anyone who loves landscape photography books and is looking for a unique way to experience the world's most beautiful beaches.

The Pete the Cat Set by Eric Litwin is a collection of three books: I Love My White Shoes, Rocking in My School Shoes, and His Four Groovy Buttons. These books follow Pete the Cat as he navigates through different situations while staying true to his groovy personality. The books are geared towards children aged 4 to 8 and are perfect for young readers who love music and adventure. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, making the stories even more enjoyable. Overall, this set is a fun addition to any children's book collection and is sure to bring a smile to any young reader's face.

Women Photograph: What We See is a groundbreaking book that showcases the world through the lenses of 100 women and nonbinary photojournalists. With only 15% of photojournalists being women, this book offers a much-needed perspective on events and communities that are often misrepresented or overlooked by male-dominated reporting. Each photograph is accompanied by 200 words from the photographer, providing fresh insights and personal experiences. This book presents a revisionist contemporary history, allowing readers to relearn how to see and understand the world from a diverse range of perspectives. Overall, Women Photograph: What We See is a must-read for anyone interested in photography, journalism, and social justice.

History as They Saw It: Iconic Moments from the Past in Color is a one-of-a-kind photography collection that brings historic black-and-white photographs to life in full-color restorations. The book features 120 images of some of the most significant events of the late 19th and early 20th century, including the sinking of the Titanic and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Presented in reverse chronological order, the book takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through time. With a timeline spanning over 100 years, this unique collection is a must-have for history and photography buffs alike.