Books That Shaped My Photographic Vision

Photography is a lifelong journey of exploration and discovery. Every time I open a photobook, I step into someone else’s world and gain new insights—whether it’s about framing, light, or how a body of work can evolve over a lifetime. Below are some of the books that have most profoundly shaped my own photographic vision, each teaching me lessons I’ve carried into my practice.

George Byrne - Post Truth

A Masterclass in Composition

From the moment I first encountered George Byrne’s work, I was drawn to his impeccable sense of composition. In Post Truth, he distills the geometry of everyday urban landscapes into near-abstract shapes and dreamy color palettes. It’s minimalism at its finest—yet there’s so much to explore in every corner of his images. Byrne’s work reminds me that clean lines, thoughtful framing, and subtle color accents can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. This book has had one of the strongest impacts on me, showing that less can sometimes be more, and that composition is often what makes or breaks a photograph.

Alex Webb - The Suffering of Light

Filling the Frame & Embracing Color

Alex Webb’s photography is a feast for the eyes. In The Suffering of Light, his use of vibrant color creates images that feel alive—teeming with stories and hidden layers. Webb’s ability to fill every inch of the frame without it feeling chaotic is one of his greatest gifts. He proves that complexity, when harnessed properly, can be captivating rather than overwhelming. You’ll notice I rarely shoot in B&W… Webb is a huge part of the reason why.

Ernst Haas - Abstract

Using the camera like a paintbrush

Ernst Haas is often celebrated as a pioneer of color photography, but Abstract shows just how painterly his approach could be. Through careful attention to color, light, and movement, Haas turned everyday scenes into vibrant, nearly surreal works of art. His images possess a timeless quality—some feel as though they could have been shot yesterday, others like they belong in an abstract painting exhibition.
Reading Abstract shifted my perspective on what photography could look like. Haas emboldens photographers to see beyond the literal. Rather than merely documenting what’s there, he demonstrates that the camera can be a tool for creative expression, much like a paintbrush on canvas.

Joel Meyerowitz - Where I Find Myself

A lifetime dedicated to photography—embracing multiple genres

If you need evidence that a photographer’s vision can evolve over decades and still remain cohesive, look no further than Joel Meyerowitz’s body of work. Where I Find Myself spans his entire career, from his early street photography in New York to his iconic large-format Cape Light series. What strikes me most is Meyerowitz’s curiosity—how he unapologetically explores different genres, from street to landscape to portraiture.
This book reassured me it’s okay not to be pigeonholed into one style. Photography is an expansive art form, and delving into various genres can keep your creative spirit alive. Meyerowitz shows that with sincerity, thoughtful composition, and an unwavering devotion, you can build a portfolio that is both diverse and uniquely your own.

Jerry hsu - The Beautiful FLower Is The World

The power of raw, thought-provoking content

Jerry Hsu gained notoriety as a professional skateboarder, but his foray into photography has been equally compelling. The Beautiful Flower Is The World may not look like your typical polished coffee-table book, yet its gritty, raw nature is precisely what makes it so impactful. Hsu’s images highlight the humor, chaos, and candid moments of everyday life.
His work is a reminder that photography doesn’t always need to be pristine or traditionally “beautiful.” Sometimes the most thought-provoking images are the ones that challenge comfort zones. Hsu’s point-and-shoot style can be surprising or even shocking, yet it’s undeniably human. It taught me to lean into the authenticity of a moment, even if it’s unpolished.

Sagan Lockhart - I Don’t Play

Capture the moments with your friends - especially while you’re young

Sagan Lockhart’s I Don’t Play is a poignant reminder of how meaningful the snapshots of our personal lives can become over time. Lockhart focuses on youth culture, skateboarding, and candid portraits of friends—images that feel genuine and immediate. Instead of contrived or overly planned shots, this book depicts spontaneous connections and fleeting moments.
We often overlook everyday experiences, forgetting that they hold emotional weight when we look back on them years later. Lockhart’s images encourage me to keep my camera close, especially during unassuming moments. We may think these photos are “just for fun,” but they often become the most heartfelt pieces of our personal photographic archives.

Each of these books has influenced me in different ways—composition, color, subject matter, and above all, the philosophy that photography is a continual process of learning and growth. Whether it’s the minimal lines of George Byrne, the colorful chaos of Alex Webb, or the tender snapshots of Sagan Lockhart, I find myself revisiting these books when I need inspiration or a creative reset. They serve as constant reminders that photography can be as varied and expansive as we allow it to be—if we remain open, curious, and dedicated to honing our craft.

If you’re looking to deepen your own photographic practice or simply appreciate the art form on a new level, these books are a wonderful starting point. Each invites you to see the world differently—through playful details, raw documentary, or painterly abstraction. Dive into them and let the images spark your imagination. Who knows what new direction they might inspire in your own photography journey?