I love looking at good photography. It always first makes me feel like crap and wish I had shot it, but more importantly motivates me to go and shoot it. Seeing images that inspire, and looking at photographers work whom you admire is a good part of the game. Let that jealousy and envy motivate you into becoming a better photographer.
Here are 3 of my most inspiring photography books at this moment in time.
1. Vanity Fair Portraits
My friend Trever just led me on to the Vanity Fair Portraits book, which I just purchased and it's amazing. So many amazing icons photographed from Albert Einstein to Princess Diana. It's all shot by the worlds most known photographers (Annie takes up half the book). Amazing. Get it on Amazon.
2. Mario Testino: Let Me In
Amazing naturally lit portraits by Mario Testino. Mostly celebrities. Testino is like Ellen Von Unworth in he shoots mostly 35mm point and shoot contax. I love his organic and gritty style. Get it on Amazon.
3. Sam Jones: The Here and Now
I've already blogged about Sam Jones being one of my favorite photogs. His celebrity portraiture is so amazing because it is very lifestyle and naturally lit, but very conceptual. This book is a series of celebrity portraits. Amazing. Get it on Amazon.
Sam Jones is one bad ass mofo. His work is incredible.
Here is another one coming out in a month or so…could be interesting/informative.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375505105