Here are 100 books that Natural-light Photography fans have personally recommended if you like Natural-light Photography. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Appalachian Wilderness

Peter Essick Author Of Fernbank Forest

From my list on photography about trees and forests.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a working photographer my whole life, with 30 years of experience with National Geographic magazine. My focus has been on nature and environmental themes. I have travelled the world but became passionate about the Fernbank Forest near my home in Atlanta when I received a commission to photograph the restoration of the forest. 

Peter's book list on photography about trees and forests

Peter Essick Why Peter loves this book

I have almost all of the photobooks by Eliot Porter, the master of color nature photography, but this is my favorite. He uses his “intimate landscapes” approach to great effort to capture the beauty of this wildlands in extraordinary detail.

By Edward Abbey , Eliot Porter (photographer) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Appalachian Wilderness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The photography of Eliot Porter captures the majestic beauty of the Appalachian wilderness. In the contrast, the harsh human history--the blighting force of today's industrial tourism, the sad fate of the Cherokee Indians, and the mountaineers--is sensitively recorded by Abbey. 45 color illustrations. 128 pages. Size D.48 color illus. 10 x 13 3/4. $37.50 value.


If you love Natural-light Photography...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Book cover of Cottonwoods

Peter Essick Author Of Fernbank Forest

From my list on photography about trees and forests.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a working photographer my whole life, with 30 years of experience with National Geographic magazine. My focus has been on nature and environmental themes. I have travelled the world but became passionate about the Fernbank Forest near my home in Atlanta when I received a commission to photograph the restoration of the forest. 

Peter's book list on photography about trees and forests

Peter Essick Why Peter loves this book

I have seen many photos of trees over the years, but these unique photos by Robert Adams of cottonwoods near his home in Colorado are poetic and lyrical.

They make the viewer feel the trees are almost speaking back with messages both haunting and affirming.

By Robert Adams (photographer) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cottonwoods as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A new expanded edition of Robert Adams’ homage to the cottonwood tree

Trees have been a subject of lifelong engagement for acclaimed American photographer Robert Adams (born 1937), and no species has enthralled him more than the cottonwood. Revered by the Plains Indians, native cottonwoods animate the landscape unforgettably but their thirst for water and lack of commercial value have made them common targets for removal by agricultural business and housing developers. Some of Adams’ earliest pictures were of cottonwoods, and he photographed them throughout the 35 years that he lived in Colorado, beginning in 1975. Each of the black-and-white…


Book cover of Chased by the Light

Peter Essick Author Of Fernbank Forest

From my list on photography about trees and forests.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a working photographer my whole life, with 30 years of experience with National Geographic magazine. My focus has been on nature and environmental themes. I have travelled the world but became passionate about the Fernbank Forest near my home in Atlanta when I received a commission to photograph the restoration of the forest. 

Peter's book list on photography about trees and forests

Peter Essick Why Peter loves this book

I have long been an admirer of Jim Brandenburg's nature photography. This is his magnum opus, in which he raised the bar by only exposing one photographic frame each day for the 90 days of autumn. The results are spectacular.

By Jim Brandenburg ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Chased by the Light as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Presents the noted photographer's images of Northern Minnesota taken during his self-assigned task of taking only one photograph per day through the fall season.


If you love Ansel Adams...

Book cover of Glimmer of the Other

Glimmer of the Other by Heather G. Harris,

Delve into this internationally best-selling series, now complete! A fast paced laugh-out-loud mix of Urban Fantasy and Mystery.

I can tell when you’re lying. Every. Single. Time. I’m Jinx, a PI hired to find a missing university student, I hope to find her propped up at a bar–yet my gut…

Book cover of The Sibley Guide to Trees

Peter Essick Author Of Fernbank Forest

From my list on photography about trees and forests.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a working photographer my whole life, with 30 years of experience with National Geographic magazine. My focus has been on nature and environmental themes. I have travelled the world but became passionate about the Fernbank Forest near my home in Atlanta when I received a commission to photograph the restoration of the forest. 

Peter's book list on photography about trees and forests

Peter Essick Why Peter loves this book

I found this guidebook the best for identifying species and explaining their characteristics within a forest. Knowing the species improved my forest photgraphy greatly.

By David Allen Sibley ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sibley Guide to Trees as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A beautiful, masterful and much needed work that willhenceforth be our guide to North American trees.Brought to you by David Sibley of Sibleys Birder Guides.


Book cover of Looking at Photographs: 100 Pictures from the Collection of the Museum of Modern Art

Philip Gefter Author Of What Becomes a Legend Most: A Biography of Richard Avedon

From my list on for understanding photography as art.

Why am I passionate about this?

My interest in photography began as a student at Pratt Institute, a preeminent art school, and I have worked in the field my entire adult life, not as a photographer but as a picture editor and photography critic. I was the Page One Picture Editor of The New York Times and wrote regularly about photography for the paper. I have published two biographies: one on Richard Avedon, among the more significant artists of the 20th century, and another on Sam Wagstaff, one of the earliest collectors who established the art market for photography; a book of collected reviews and essays called Photography After Frank; and essays on individual photographers for museum catalogues and artist’s monographs. I produced the 2011 documentary, Bill Cunningham New York.

Philip's book list on for understanding photography as art

Philip Gefter Why Philip loves this book

As the legendary curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art, John Szarkowski was instrumental in elevating photography’s stature to an equal among the fine arts. He is eloquent in his explanation about the meaning of photography and illuminating in his descriptions of each of the one hundred photographs published in this book from MoMA’s sterling collection of photographs. There is no better guide to an awakening of your own eye than Szarkowski.

By John Szarkowski ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Looking at Photographs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

`This is a picture book, and its first purpose is to provide the material for simple delectation', wrote curator John Szarkowski in this first survey of The Museum of Modern Art's photography collection. Since 1930, when the Museum accessioned its first photograph, it has assembled an extraordinary and wide-ranging collection of pictures for preservation, study and exhibition. A visually splendid album, Looking at Photographs is both a treasury of remarkable photographs and a lively introduction to the aesthetics and the historical development of photography. This reissue, with new digital duotones, enhances a classic volume and makes it available to a…


Book cover of Vintage Skiing: Nostalgic Images from the Golden Age of Skiing

Jimmy Petterson Author Of Skiing Around the World: Over 30 Years in Search of the Ultimate Ski Descent

From my list on skiing from the man who skied the most countries.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve spent a lifetime in search of the coziest ski village, the most spectacular mountaintop view, and the ultimate powder descent, and for the past 35 years, I’ve been writing about and photographing my experiences for ski and travel magazines. I am one of the world’s most published ski journalists, with more than 600 feature articles with photos having appeared in 20 countries. I’ve skied about 4700 days in my life, and have managed to ski in 650 ski resorts, in 75 countries, and on all seven continents. I have also written an unusual multi-media novel with photos and music called Coming of Age

Jimmy's book list on skiing from the man who skied the most countries

Jimmy Petterson Why Jimmy loves this book

Ray Atkeson was one of the premiere ski photographers of the early days of skiing, although he continued to produce photos from the 1920s all the way into the 1990s. His photos were primarily in black and white and can easily be compared to the brilliant nature photography of Ansel Adams. My mother, herself a ski pioneer, who became the first female to certify as an instructor in California, modeled for Atkeson in the 1940s. This book is a compilation of some of the finest ski photos ever put together.

By Ray Atkeson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Vintage Skiing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bundle up for a visual adventure of vintage skiing featuring images by one of the most famous ski photographers of that era: Ray Atkeson. With more than 75 skiing photographs in stunning black and white, the snowy slopes of yesteryear will call to black diamond and bunny hill skiers alike.


If you love Natural-light Photography...

Book cover of Tsunami

Tsunami by LeeAnn Pickrell,

On the morning of December 26, 2004, an undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. The resulting tsunami killed an estimated 230,000 people across fourteen countries, from Indonesia to Sri Lanka to Thailand to the Maldives to India and all the way to East Africa.…

Book cover of The Travel Activity Book

Joni Hilton Author Of Family Funbook

From my list on family activity books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love playing with my kids. When my eldest was eight and we were sitting on the porch together he said, “On my last day of being playful, I want to play with you the whole day. I sure hope it’s on a Saturday.” My kids know that I turn most things into a game, that I’ll screech and stop for a tarantula on the road because it’s educational, that I'll get them to sing their quiz answers, and that I’ll sculpt a cake into almost anything for a school project. I believe learning should be fun, so we would drink lemonade out of measuring cups, guess how many hops from the bed to the closet, and have Whipped Cream Spray Wars every summer (outside, thank you). I also think families would spend more time together if they had a great collection of cool—and easy—stuff to do together. As a writer I’m creative, and never run out of fun ideas. Why not share them with the world?

Joni's book list on family activity books

Joni Hilton Why Joni loves this book

Traveling is a time when you often need to entertain a bored child on a train, plane, or in a car. This book has tons of great games, puzzles, stickers, and even cultural information that will educate your child. Lots of photography and illustrations to entertain, as well. A good mix of education and fun.

By DK Publishing ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Travel Activity Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Make car and plane trips a blast with these fun, educational travel activities for kids. The interactive games and travel journal will keep kids busy during vacations and school holidays.

Doodles to draw, puzzles to solve, games to play, and stickers to find--children will be entertained whether the family is traveling by car, plane, or even just hanging poolside. The Travel Activity Book includes a unique blend of illustrations and photography for lots of visual fun. The book also highlight facts and information about real destinations and monuments, so children can discover life and culture around the world. Learns about…


Book cover of Growing Up Female: A Personal Photojournal

Nubar Alexanian Author Of Stones In the Road: Photographs of Peru

From my list on the poetry in documentary photographs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a documentary photographer for the past 50 years and my work has been featured in major magazines in the United States and Europe including The New York Times Magazine, Life, Fortune, Geo, Time & Newsweek, and others. I have six books in print, including JAZZ with Wynton Marsalis & Nonfiction Photographs with filmmaker Errol Morris. I love teaching photography and co-founded the Essex Photographic Workshop in 1975. My work is in many collections, including The Peabody Essex Museum, The Worcester Art Museum, Polaroid Collection, Agfa Corporation, Participant Productions, Bose Corporation, Bibliotheque Nacionale, France. Solo exhibitions of my work include the Walker Art Center, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Burden Gallery.

Nubar's book list on the poetry in documentary photographs

Nubar Alexanian Why Nubar loves this book

When my wife and I met in 1975, one of the things we had in common was that we both owned a copy of Growing Up Female. And the bindings on both copies were pretty worn out. This is a deeply personal journal of compelling photographs and eloquent text about women—from a feminist’s point of view. What I love about this book is how deeply moving it is and how well it demonstrates a narrative approach to taking, editing, and sequencing first-person photographs. Not to mention that this book sold 25,000 copies (unheard of for books of photography) and had a significant impact on the view of a woman’s place in our culture.  

By Abigail Heyman ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Growing Up Female as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Growing up female;: A personal photojournal Hardcover by Abigail Heyman (Author)


Book cover of Flags of Our Fathers

Royce A. Singleton, Jr. Author Of At Home and At Sea: An American Navy Couple During World War II

From my list on ordinary men and women in World War II.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a retired sociology professor with many academic publications. At Home and At Sea is my first trade book. The couple in the book are my parents. Reading the letters they wrote to one another during the war inspired me to tell their story. I realized the larger significance of this time in their lives and the importance of social history, which examines the lived experience of the past. The vast literature of war and naval history focuses on major battles and the actions of a few “great men”—admirals, generals, presidents. But these accounts omit the everyday lives of millions of “ordinary people,” like my parents, caught in the sweep of history.

Royce's book list on ordinary men and women in World War II

Royce A. Singleton, Jr. Why Royce loves this book

Before I began to read this book, I knew it was about the men who raised the stars and stripes atop Mt. Suribachi, a photograph of which became an iconic image of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Pacific War. Indeed, the book meticulously conveys the story of the six flag raisers, men who were representative of the U.S. Marines and those who fought at Iwo Jima.

Their lives are fascinating in themselves. But as I discovered, the book is much more. It a gripping account of the Battle, where the Americans sustained more casualties than the Japanese, a moving tribute to the courage, valor, and camaraderie of the Marines, and a thorough exploration of myths surrounding the flag raising and its effects on the flag raisers.

By James Bradley , Ron Powers ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Flags of Our Fathers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This is the true story behind the immortal photograph that has come to symbolize the courage and indomitable will of America

In this unforgettable chronicle of perhaps the most famous moment in American military history, James Bradley has captured the glory, the triumph, the heartbreak, and the legacy of the six men who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. Here is the true story behind the immortal photograph that has come to symbolize the courage and indomitable will of America.

In February 1945, American Marines plunged into the surf at Iwo Jima—and into history.…


If you love Ansel Adams...

Book cover of In Bad Faith

In Bad Faith by Geoffrey Carter,

Nelson West, a former Chicago homicide detective, is hired by wealthy heir Lionel Bing to discreetly help “fix” scandals and legal problems for his father’s wealthy friends.

Bing, a brilliant but troubled investigator, suffers from PTSD symptoms as a result of being kidnapped and witnessing the murder of his mother…

Book cover of The Fountains of Silence

Beth Dotson Brown Author Of Rooted in Sunrise

From my list on people who are pushed to change.

Why am I passionate about this?

I read and write to better understand people. Why do we do what we do, feel what we feel, hide what we hide? Any book that illuminates these questions and their answers draws me in. Reading and writing are ways that I can attempt to walk in someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes, expanding my own understanding of the world. Perhaps the books on this list will offer you the same opportunity.

Beth's book list on people who are pushed to change

Beth Dotson Brown Why Beth loves this book

This book mixes history, social classes, cultures, and repression in a broiling stew of love, fear, and the will to survive that kept me captivated.

I wanted to see the characters overcome their own weaknesses as they built their survival skills in this captivating story that takes place in Spain during the Franco dictatorship.

By Ruta Sepetys ,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked The Fountains of Silence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

A haunting and romantic novel set in post-war Spain by Ruta Sepetys - winner of the Carnegie Medal 2017.

Madrid, 1957.

Daniel, young, wealthy and unsure of his place in the world, views the city through the lens of his camera.

Ana, a hotel maid whose family is suffering under the fascist dictatorship of General Franco.

Lives and hearts collide as they unite to uncover the hidden darkness within the city.

A darkness that could engulf them all . . .

Master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history's darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel…


Book cover of Appalachian Wilderness
Book cover of Cottonwoods
Book cover of Chased by the Light

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in photography, forests, and culture?

Photography 74 books
Forests 66 books
Culture 139 books