Top 10 Nature Photography Books for Photographers in 2024
The holiday season is about to start! If you’re searching for the perfect book for photographers, the round-up below is a great place to begin. These nature photography books are perfect to treat yourself or a loved one to.
So, in no particular order…
1. Remembering Tigers by Wildlife Photographers United
The most recent book in the Remembering Wildlife series looks at tigers, an iconic species in conservation.
Similar to previous books, the ninth book of the series is stunning in design and a wonderful coffee table addition. Readers can enjoy beautiful tiger photographs depicting different life stages, environments, and fascinating behaviour.
Prestigious photographers donate their pictures to the Remembering Wildlife books, and proceeds from the sale of this edition will go towards supporting tiger conservation projects.
2. 60 Years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year by Rosamund Kidman Cox
60 Years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most recent book covering some of the most memorable pictures from the start of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, published by the Natural History Museum.
Readers can enjoy 230 stunning images that have won awards, including portraits, aerial shots, close-up exposures, and underwater images.
Throughout this book, the technological development of wildlife photography is evident but takes nothing away from the winning images, both past and present. Read the stories behind the artists’ work and feel inspired by the talent of some of the world’s best nature photographers.
3. Land and Light by Adam Gibbs – £77
This beautiful coffee table book showcases Adam Gibbs’s favourite photographs from the past three decades.
An award-winning landscape photographer, his photos play with light throughout the seasons. The images feature landscapes from across the world and include Gibbs’s work with a 4×5 large format camera.
The photographs in the book are accompanied by captions that provide the story behind each image, and the passion is palpable.
4. 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography by Alex Mustard
This photography guide by leading underwater photographer Alex Mustard is a wonderful gift for anyone hoping to improve their underwater photography skills.
It’s a collection of workshop assignments designed to help with skill-building as well as provide inspiration. Readers are taken on an underwater adventure and learn something new with every assignment.
Designed to contain a year’s worth of regular challenges, the book provides concepts to compose striking and unique photographs and videos that can then be applied in the field.
Whether the goal is to learn the craft, find inspiration, or improve specific skills, this book will not disappoint.
For a little teaser, assignments include macro backlighting, reflections, and silhouettes. The book also includes space for learners to add notes and record their journey.
5. Fox: Neighbour Villain Icon by Neil Aldridge, Matt Maran, and Andy Parkinson
This book features fox photographs from award-winning photographers Neil Aldridge, Matt Maran, and Andy Parkinson.
Their experience photographing foxes is unparalleled, and they came together to create a stunning book about this iconic species. The photos highlight the beauty and intelligence of this predator and aim to raise awareness while challenging the prejudices many have towards these mammals.
The book also explores the relationship the British public has with foxes, showing images of foxes in their environment, alongside rehabilitation projects, as well as addressing controversial topics such as fox hunting.
It contains more than a hundred images, including some that have won competitions like Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
These photographs are accompanied by essays penned by professors, farmers, and carers who work with this enigmatic species. This unique book makes a wonderful gift for anyone interested in learning more about foxes.
6. Vincent Munier: The Monograph by Vincent Munier
This beautiful book is a collection of Vincent Munier’s most well-known images, alongside some previously unpublished or unexhibited photographs. It features more than 320 photo-engraved pictures for the most accurate rendering.
The entire printing process is carefully customised for the book and completed in France.
Munier’s images are dreamy, and it is no surprise that he is one of France’s most renowned wildlife photographers. This book is the culmination of his art and showcases his love for the wild world. It is an inspiring book that would make a unique gift.
7. The Evidence Project by Photographers Against Wildlife Crime
This book showcases a collection of thought-provoking and powerful photographs by photographers from across the globe. This unique masterpiece of photojournalism aims to shock governments, businesses, lawmakers, and consumers into taking action to change the course of the biodiversity crisis.
Photographers such as Brent Stirton, Britta Jaschinski, Brian Skerry, Thomas P. Peschak, and Sirachai Arunrugstichai, who are at the forefront of wildlife photojournalism, have contributed to this book.
8. The Wildlife Photography Workshop by Ross Hoddinott and Ben Hall
This guide is the newly updated version of the book of the same name by the same authors, first published in 2013. And what a guide that was! I own the first edition, and it taught me so much.
Similar to the previous edition, this 2024 version is structured as if it were a workshop, teaching key photography skills. It allows the reader to flip through to the chapters they need most or read from start to finish.
Covering a breadth of subjects, including equipment, and technical elements like settings, composition, lighting, and post-processing, this workshop book explores all manner of wildlife subjects like as birds, insects, and mammals.
Both authors are award-winning photographers and excellent teachers.
Finally, there are creative assignments at the end to apply what has been learned throughout the book. A must for anyone hoping to level up their wildlife photography!
9. Once Upon a Time: An Intimate Insight Through Storytelling and Wildlife Photography by Hannes Lochner
This collection of photographs by Hannes Lochner, an award-winning photographer, is one of a kind. It mixes African folk tales with photographs of the animals in the stories, offering a fresh and playful take on photography books.
The images, taken over the last five years, include some that have won international awards. This would be a fun gift for photographers who can share the experience with their children, sharing a love of wildlife across the generations.
10. On the Doorstep: Wildlife Photography Around Beckington, A Quintessential English Village by Michael Jeremy Gane
This handy little gift is a great option for budding wildlife photographers who are just getting started. It encourages readers to learn about photography and hone their craft on their doorstep, exploring the beauty of the countryside.
The book covers essentials like equipment (with budget-friendly options if you are just getting started) and techniques such as lighting and composition. It also explains key aspects like animal behaviour and highlights the different species you can expect to find nearby.
Some tips on locations are offered, which is particularly helpful if you are unsure where to start.
This nifty guide makes for a great introduction to wildlife photography for anyone based in the UK.
In conclusion
I hope this list has helped you find some gifts for your loved ones.
This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you know of any others that should be included, please share them in the comments!