Why Every Photographer Should Be Reading Books (Yes, Even Fiction)
I’ve always believed in the power of reading as a foundation for learning. That belief probably started with my grandmother. She loved books! She would walk into a bookstore and spend far more money than she planned on stacks of books she was excited to read. Truthfully, she never got around to all of them, but her love for stories clearly passed down to me. I’m much the same way. I love to read, I can never seem to have enough books in the house, and now, as a mom with a busy schedule, audiobooks have become my go-to. No matter how you digest stories, every photographer should be reading books.
I don’t believe reading should be limited to “the great works” or even to photography books alone. I believe in reading everything including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and stories that have nothing to do with photography on the surface. Reading, in all its forms, shapes the way we think, the way we understand people, and ultimately, the way we tell stories. That’s why I believe reading is one of the most important (and often overlooked) tools for photographers.
Photographers Are Visual Storytellers
At their core, photographers are storytellers. No matter what genre you photograph whether it’s weddings, families, seniors, branding, or landscapes, your images are telling a story. Storytelling isn’t reserved for documentary photography. It’s the foundation of every genre. A strong photograph has emotion, intention, pacing, and connection, much like a well-written book.
When photographers read, they begin to understand narrative on a deeper level. Books show us how moments unfold, how characters develop, and how small details can completely change the meaning of a story. Those same concepts apply directly to visual storytelling in photography.
Reading Expands Creativity and Perspective
Reading introduces us to perspectives, cultures, and experiences that may be far outside our own. Through stories, photographers develop empathy and a greater understanding of the people they photograph. That empathy shows up in our work in the way we anticipate moments, connect with clients, and tell stories honestly.
Books also spark creativity. Reading helps photographers:
- Develop stronger storytelling skills
- Generate fresh content and session ideas
- Think differently and creatively
- Create images with more depth and intention
Without that outside inspiration, creativity can feel limited to our own experiences, which can eventually feel repetitive or stagnant.
It’s Not Just About Photography Books
Photography education is important, but growth doesn’t only come from manuals or theory. Personally, I don’t often read photography books unless they’re non-fiction stories about someone’s life or journey. Fiction, memoirs, and narrative-driven non-fiction challenge the way we think and help us approach our work in new ways.
Audiobooks Count (Especially for Busy Photographers)
Not everyone enjoys sitting down with a physical book, and that’s okay. Audiobooks and podcasts are an incredible option, especially for busy photographers and parents. Listening to stories while driving, editing, or multitasking still strengthens narrative understanding and creative thinking. Stories are more accessible than ever.
Reading Is the Foundation of Better Photography
Reading allows photographers to grow beyond the camera. It builds empathy, inspires creativity, and strengthens the storytelling skills that make images meaningful. If you want to improve your photography, don’t just study your gear. Make sure to study stories. Because the more stories you take in, the better the ones you’ll learn to tell.
If you’re ready for a visual storyteller and lover of books to photograph your next portrait session, I’d love to hear your ideas. Let’s create images that tell your story in a meaningful way. We will visually write your next chapter!
