Over the years I've gathered quite a collection of books on photography. It got so bad that a few years ago I got rid of a large percentage of them. Here are the best-of-the-best with regards to photographic technique.
Black and White Photographic Printing
The Photographer's Master Printing Course by Tim Rudman.
The Photographer's Toning Book: The Definitive Guide by Tim Rudman.
The Master Photographer's Lith Printing Course: A Definitive Guide to Creative Lith Printing by Tim Rudman.
Each of these books is the best that I've seen in their area.
General Black and White Photography
Way Beyond Monochrome by Ralph Lambrecht and Chris Woodhouse.
This book is a tour-de-force. It's very up-to-date, and it does a wonderful job of explaining it's subject matter. It offers great advice for those who just want to get out and shoot, as well more detailed methods for those interested in extensive testing. Reading it will greatly benefit photographers of all skill levels.
You can visit Mr. Lambrecht's web site at http://www.darkroomagic.com/
Examples : The Making of 40 Photographs by Ansel Adams
This is my favorite of Ansel Adams's large number of fine books. It's truly inspiring.
Photographing Models (the human kind.)
The Model by William Mortensen.
This unfortunately out-of-print classic is in a class of it's own concerning photographing models. Luckily it's not too expensive. Anyone interested in model photography, especially photography of the nude, should pick it up immediately.
Composition
The Command to Look by William Mortensen.
Again, this is unfortunately out-of-print. Unlike The Model, though, it's very expensive. As usual, Mortensen's writing is insightful, to-the-point, and amusing. If you can find a copy for less than $75, buy it.
All content © 1990-2007 Peter De Smidt