Best Photography Lighting Books of 2025

Learning to See: A Photographer’s Guide from Zero to Your First Paid Gigs by David Molnar is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to take better photos or start a career in photography. The book offers a five-part framework that covers everything from having a vision for your shot to getting paid for your art. The author, a celebrity and advertising photographer, shares his proven process that will help readers shave years off their learning curve. What makes this book unique is that it not only teaches readers how to become technically proficient with their camera, but also how to develop their own style and start earning money from their passion.

Light ― Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting is a comprehensive guide that covers the principles of light and their practical applications for photographers of varying levels. The book includes information on lighting difficult subjects such as metal, glass, and liquids, as well as portraits. The updated edition features expanded chapters on portraiture, lighting equipment, and working on location versus in the studio. With over 100 new photographs and informational sidebars, this book is an excellent resource for photographers looking to improve their lighting skills. Overall, Light ― Science & Magic is a valuable addition to any photographer's library.

The book "Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It (2nd Edition)" by Scott Kelby is a comprehensive guide to creating stunning portraits with flash lighting. This book covers the entire process from lighting setup, camera settings, and gear to post-processing and retouching in Lightroom and Photoshop. What sets this book apart is the visual way it teaches you exactly how and where to set up your flash, using actual lighting setups taken from above during live shoots. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their portrait photography skills.

How to Photograph Food is a must-have book for anyone interested in food photography. This comprehensive guide covers everything from essential equipment to photo editing, making it an ideal resource for both amateurs and professionals. Author Beata Lubas, an award-winning food photographer, shares her expertise in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand and apply. The book is beautifully designed and includes stunning examples of food photography. Overall, How to Photograph Food is a valuable addition to any photographer's library.

The Flash Book by Scott Kelby is a practical guide that helps photographers master the art of using a flash. The book is designed to provide answers to specific questions quickly and efficiently, making it an excellent resource for both hobbyists and aspiring professionals. Kelby's writing style is straightforward, making it easy to understand even the most complex topics. The book covers everything from camera and flash settings to modifiers and triggers. With its no-nonsense approach and plain-English language, The Flash Book is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their flash photography skills.

"PICTURE THIS: The Easy-to-Use Photography Tips No One Told You" is a book that offers seven easy-to-apply steps to take better photographs. The book provides practical tips that can be applied immediately and remembered in the future. Written scenarios and example photos are included to help readers understand and implement the tips. The author, Alexandra Urban, is the founder of A Urban Photography, a California-based company that specializes in producing high-quality images at reasonable prices. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone who wants to improve their photography skills and capture memorable moments.

Street Photography Assignments: 75 Reasons to Hit the Streets and Learn by Valerie Jardin is a must-read for anyone interested in improving their street photography skills. The book provides 75 prompts for photographers to practice and refine their craft, focusing on themes such as street portraits, gesture, and shadows. Each assignment includes a detailed description of the technique, tips and tricks to practice, technical and compositional considerations, and an example photo captured by Jardin. The prompts offer opportunities for photographers to train their eyes and improve timing to capture the decisive moment. Overall, this book is an excellent guide for street photographers of all levels, and its unique approach makes it stand out among other digital photography books.

Extraordinary Everyday Photography: Awaken Your Vision to Create Stunning Images Wherever You Are is a book that teaches amateur photographers how to create stunning photographs in any environment. Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring’s accessible discussions and exercises help photographers use composition, available light, color, and point of view to capture compelling images that aren’t overworked. The authors inspire readers to slow down, open their eyes, and respond to what they see to find the unexpected wherever they are. This book proves that it is the photographer's eye and creative vision—not the gear—that makes a great image. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their photography skills.

The Secrets to Amazing Photo Composition: 83 Composition Tools from the Masters is a must-have book for anyone interested in improving their photography skills. Written by the renowned photographer Marc Silber, this book provides easy-to-follow recipes for creating stunning photographs that you and others will love. With access to videos and resources that accompany the book, readers can quickly and easily learn the skills needed to take their photography to the next level. The compact size makes it easy to carry with you, so you can refer to it while photographing to get new ideas and inspiration. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for photographers of all levels.

Bryan Peterson Photography School: A Master Class in Creating Outstanding Images is a comprehensive guide to capturing stunning photographs. The book features lessons and workshops that were previously only available through the Bryan Peterson School of Photography. Bryan Peterson shares his expertise in this master class, covering topics such as aperture, lens, filters, and Photoshop. The book includes before-and-after examples from real-life students, making it easy for readers to improve their photography skills. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level.