You know, people spend thousands of dollars on fantastic cameras only to let them either collect dust or be brought out when it’s time for a wedding or birthday. And when those days come, it’s unfortunate that the majority of the pictures that get taken are usually of very poor quality. But, why does that happen? Lack of experience? Maybe. But probably the real reason behind the photographs you never want to show people while sober is that you just don’t have the knowledge base to know what it is you’re doing. Sure, there are those out there that say things like “There’s no substitute for experience!” And ya know something, they’re a little right. But practicing techniques that you made up on the spot like kneeling down in front of your subjects and shouting phrases like “Give it to me baby” and “Give me some more attitude, you’re a tiger in the jungle” in a British accent are never going to make you a better photographer.
You need to hear it from the professionals and once you know what to do, and once you’ve grasped the concepts behind great photographs, you can put those into action and practice and make your photos stand out of the crowd. Having said all of that, without further ado, I present 20 books that every amateur photographer must read.
