8 New Photography Books Reshaping the Industry in 2025

Unlike most photography books that focus solely on theory or equipment, Alex Mustard’s 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography offers a hands-on, year-long series of weekly creative challenges designed to sharpen your skills beneath the waves. Drawing from his two decades as a pioneering underwater photographer and marine ecologist, Mustard shares assignments that push you to experiment with composition, lighting, and perspective, such as capturing silhouettes, macro backlighting, and reflections. This format encourages consistent practice and reflection, with space to note your progress, making it ideal for divers and photographers eager to develop a distinctive underwater style. If you’re serious about advancing your underwater photography beyond snapshots, this book provides a structured yet inspiring approach.

Gale Boyer's 24 years photographing birds shine through in this detailed guide that reveals over 100 practical rules for capturing avian subjects. You’ll find clear explanations of essential techniques like approaching shy birds, framing dynamic flight shots, and mastering exposure settings tailored for wildlife. The book’s extensive use of 120+ images helps demystify these concepts, making it a solid resource if you're eager to improve your bird photography skills beyond basics. While it caters primarily to beginners and intermediates, even those returning to bird photography will appreciate revisiting foundational principles presented with fresh clarity.

This personalized book explores advanced photography mastery tailored to your unique background and goals. It covers the latest 2025 techniques and discoveries, focusing on mastering essential skills such as composition, lighting, and post-processing. The content delves into emerging trends and new tools, providing a tailored exploration that matches your specific interests in photography. By concentrating on your individual skill level and desired focus areas, this book offers a learning experience that adapts complex ideas into practical knowledge. It reveals how cutting-edge insights can be applied directly to enhance your photographic style and technical precision, making your growth journey both efficient and engaging.

During the extensive journey of compiling six decades of iconic wildlife images, Rosamund Kidman Cox developed a narrative that goes beyond mere visual appreciation. This book immerses you in the evolution of wildlife photography, revealing how patience and a keen understanding of animal behavior combine with artistic vision to create unforgettable moments—like a macaque seeing its reflection or a humpback whale's courtship dance. You'll gain insight into the technical and emotional layers behind each shot, along with the conservation messages woven throughout. It’s a revealing exploration ideal for anyone eager to deepen their appreciation of nature photography’s role as both art and advocacy.

Unlike most photography books that focus solely on technique or aesthetics, this collection offers a compelling visual chronicle of basketball history from the perspective of a pioneering NBA photographer. Nathaniel Butler draws on four decades of experience capturing iconic moments—from Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer to intimate portraits of legends like Bill Russell and Michael Jordan—giving you a front-row seat to the evolution of the game. The book includes insightful commentary from NBA stars across generations, enriching your understanding of both the sport and the art behind the lens. If you’re passionate about sports imagery or storytelling through photography, this volume brings together rare access and expert perspective that few can match.

Gemma Padley's extensive work in photography education shines through in this exploration of 50 pioneering female photographers whose styles have reshaped the medium. You learn not only about their historical and cultural impact but also receive concrete guidance on adapting their distinctive techniques into your own photography. The book delves into varied styles, from Anna Atkins' botanical documentation to Cindy Sherman's conceptual portraits, offering you both inspiration and practical exercises. It's a fitting resource if you want to broaden your artistic perspective and experiment with diverse photographic approaches influenced by these trailblazers. However, if you seek purely technical camera instruction, this book focuses more on creative style and historical context than gear specifics.

This tailored book explores emerging photography trends of 2025, offering a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the field’s latest evolutions. It examines new creative approaches, technological advancements, and stylistic innovations that shape the future of photography. By focusing on your interests and background, this personalized guide reveals how you can anticipate and incorporate cutting-edge trends to develop a distinctive photographic style. The content matches your specific goals, enabling a tailored exploration of how new discoveries and techniques can enrich your artistic vision. Embrace a forward-looking perspective that keeps your photography fresh and inspired, all crafted to align closely with your unique creative journey.

Matt Doogue challenges the conventional wisdom that macro photography is only for seasoned professionals by offering a clear path from novice to confident shooter. Drawing from his extensive experience, he guides you through selecting the right lens, mastering shooting environments, and applying advanced techniques that yield pro-level results. You’ll find practical insights on connecting more deeply with nature and adopting a mindful approach to capturing the miniature world, with chapters dedicated to both technical setup and post-processing. This book suits anyone eager to explore and excel in macro photography, especially those drawn to wildlife and nature’s overlooked details.

Cole Nelson's extensive experience in photography education shines through in this book, designed to bridge the gap between artistic intuition and technical mastery. You'll explore foundational elements like composition and color theory alongside practical skills involving lenses, exposure, and focusing techniques. The book doesn't stop at basics—it introduces various genres such as landscape and portraiture, encouraging you to experiment and discover your unique style. Each chapter balances creative vision with scientific precision, making it a solid guide for photographers aiming to deepen their craft. Whether you're branching out into new genres or refining your existing skills, this book offers clear insights without overselling its scope.

DK has long been recognized for producing accessible, expertly crafted guides, and this updated edition of The Beginner's Photography Guide reflects their commitment to keeping pace with digital innovation. You’ll find practical explanations covering everything from aperture settings to flash use, all laid out with clear visuals and step-by-step tutorials. The book doesn’t just explain camera functions; it offers hands-on projects that encourage you to apply new techniques immediately, like mastering exposure or experimenting with lenses. If you’re just starting out or upgrading your skills with the latest digital tools, this guide arms you with the fundamentals and creative insights needed to elevate your photography.