Classic photography books
Our recommended selection of definitive landscape books
Landscape Photographer of the Year: Collection 14
2021, RRP £30, Ilex Press, hardback, 224 pages, ISBN: 9781781578155
The best place to see a great collection of the world’s best landscape photography is to look at what the judges of Landscape Photographer of the Year think is worth awarding prizes to. The regular competition was launched by landscape legend Charlie Waite and always yields fantastic entries. Each image in the book comes complete with captions describing the photographer’s inspirations, as well as technical information on equipment and technique. If you like what you see here, you could also go back over the years to find older editions.
Earth from Above by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
2017 (originally published 1999), £58, Abrams, 440 pages, ISBN: 9781419722844
First published over 20 years ago, this gorgeous book has sold more than three million copies worldwide. Aerial images from multiple journeys across five continents and 60 countries provide a comprehensive survey of the Earth from a spectacular vantage point – and from a time before drones made it more commonplace. In the newer edition, over 100 new pictures are included, as well as essays from leading experts and environmentalists.
Land by Fay Godwin
1985, Prices vary, William Heinemann Ltd, 160 pages, ISBN: 9780434303052
Arguably one of the most essential purchases for anybody interested in British landscape photography, this beautiful collection of black & white imagery covers a good breadth of the country. The pictures are subtle and lovingly printed, and anybody who finds one second-hand is unlikely to be disappointed.
Light and the Art of Landscape Photography by Joe Cornish
2003, Amphoto, Prices vary, ISBN: 9780817441524
Joe Cornish is one of the UK’s most well-known and popular landscape photographers, and this almost 20-yearold book gives an insight into his creative genius. Featuring 150 fantastic images, alongside his valuable insights on how the picture came to be made, plus technical info and the thought processes and creative inspirations behind each image.
Cape Light: Photographs by Joel Meyerowitz
2015 (originally published 1979), Prices vary, Aperture, 112 pages, ISBN: 9781597113397
Although currently out of print, this exquisite selection of photographs is widely regarded as one of the most influential and popular photography books, particularly as it was unusual at the time for its use of colour. Whether you can get your hands on an original print, or the 2015 re-edition, you’ll find a masterful array of captivating shots.