Best Portrait Photography Books of 2025

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is a stunning photographic and narrative celebration of contemporary Native American life and cultures. Matika Wilbur's decade-long art and storytelling endeavor offers justice to the richness, diversity, and lived experiences of Indian Country by countering the one-dimensional and archaic stereotypes of Native people in mainstream media. The book contains hundreds of stunning portraits and compelling personal narratives of contemporary Native people, touching on personal and cultural identity as well as issues of media representation, sovereignty, faith, family, and more. Project 562 is a vital contribution from an incomparable artist that inspires, educates, and truly changes the way we see Native America.

The book "Accidentally Wes Anderson" is a visual journey of more than 200 stunning and unique destinations from around the world that capture the imagined worlds of the legendary filmmaker Wes Anderson. Fueled by distinctive design, stunning photography, and unexpected narratives, this book is a passport to inspiration and adventure. The author, Wally Koval, presents each location with fascinating human stories behind each façade. The book is authorized by Wes Anderson himself, making it a must-have for modern travelers and fans of Anderson's distinctive aesthetic. Overall, "Accidentally Wes Anderson" is a delightful and unique book that offers a fresh perspective on the world around us.

Vanity Fair 100 Years is a visual journey showcasing a century of history, culture, and personalities from the iconic magazine. The book takes a decade-by-decade look at the world, using stunning imagery and peerless literary narrative to describe the magazine's birth, controversial rebirth, and history of the glamorous Vanity Fair Oscar Party. The author, Graydon Carter, has been the editor of Vanity Fair since 1992. The book is a stunning artifact that begets staring, with page after page of iconic and stunningly rendered images. Vanity Fair 100 Years is a must-have for anyone interested in fashion history books.

A stunning photo collection titled "Melania Trump: Elegance in the White House" showcases the journey of a woman who brings elegance back to the White House. The book features never-before-seen stunning photographs of the First Lady since President Donald Trump was sworn into office. The author, L.D. Hicks, captures Melania Trump's grace, beauty, poise, and charitable and humanitarian work, making it a refreshing read for those who admire her. The book is a political and cultural icon, highlighting the journey of someone who brings her own distinctive elegance to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and to her work on behalf of Americans.

West: The American Cowboy is a remarkable book of fine art photography, capturing the essence of the American cowboy and rodeo communities, as well as the breathtaking landscapes of the Wild West. Anouk Masson Krantz's photography is accompanied by heartwarming stories and contributions from Jon Pardi, Red Steagall, and others. This book is a tribute to the forgotten American cowboy and their core values of honesty, integrity, loyalty, work ethic, and dedication to family. The book is a lavish tome of awe-inspiring photography, offering a contemporary and fresh perspective of the American West. Overall, this book is a unique collection of works that showcases the American character and their sense of place.

Wonderland is a stunning anthology of fashion images captured by the legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz over five decades. The book features 350 extraordinary images, many of which have never been published before, showcasing a diverse range of subjects from celebrities to everyday people. Leibovitz's photography style is unique and captivating, and her ability to capture the unexpected and deeply personal is evident in every image. This book is a must-have for photography enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike.

The Watch Book Rolex is an impressive guide to the world of luxury watches and an ideal gift for Rolex enthusiasts and collectors. With over 400 photographs and trilingual texts in English, German, and French, expert Gisbert L. Brunner takes readers through the innovative technology and design behind iconic Rolex models, including brand-new entries from the 2020 and 2021 collection. The book also offers a glimpse behind the scenes at the notoriously secretive brand's movement factory. Overall, The Watch Book Rolex is a must-have for anyone interested in the world of watches and a stunning addition to any coffee table.

Take Ivy, published in Japan in 1965, is a collection of candid photographs of American Ivy League campuses that sparked the Ivy Style fashion trend in Tokyo's Ginza district. This classic tome, a treasure for fashion insiders, encapsulates the unique academic fashion of that era, focusing on men and their clothes. It has survived the decades and is now considered a definitive document of this particular style, making it an essential object for anyone interested in the history or future of fashion. The new English translation from powerHouse Books makes it accessible to a wider audience, and its timeless and transcendent appeal continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850-1950 is a stunning collection of vernacular photographs that portray the history of romantic love between men. The book features hundreds of moving and tender snapshots, portraits, and group photos taken in various contexts, both private and public. The subjects were identified as couples by their unmistakable look of love and subtle body language. The book is produced to the highest standards in illustrated book publishing, with fragile photos digitized using advanced technology and printed on the best materials. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in social history, photography, and LGBTQ+ rights.

The XXL book format of Annie Leibovitz's SUMO-sized book is now available for everyone to enjoy. The book features over 40 years of her work, including her iconic portraits of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Queen Elizabeth II, and Lady Gaga. The book is a roller coaster ride through popular culture, not arranged chronologically, and not a retrospective. The book serves as a reminder of Leibovitz's undisputed talent in documenting the most important moments and people of the past three generations. This unlimited edition is a must-have for fans of Leibovitz and her celebrated subjects.