In the digital age we have everything at our fingertips. It all seems so easy. Want to know anything and google has the answer. YouTube has videos showing you how, what and why for every subject and every opinion. From how to fold paper to how to take over the world lol There are many advantages to this digital age but also many downfalls. The sad fact is that in todays world everyone has the ability to post online and of course everyone is going to say they are right!
This is one reason for me that the most trusted resource is still books. Whatever your subject, whatever your opinion and regardless of whether people agree with you or not, it takes a lot to get a book published.
In the world of photography I have no personal favourite author of books on photography. I basically look for the subject I want to explore further and see whats available. Sometimes I’m looking to study a certain area of photography. Sometimes I’m just looking for inspiration.
My latest purchase is an amazing book by Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado called Genesis. The book is huge. About 16 by 10inches in size. It weighs a ton. It wasn’t cheap but it is worth every penny. The book consists of hundreds of pages of beautiful black and white images taken in some of the most gorgeous unseen parts of the world.
It’s not just photography books I enjoy. Geoff Burch is a great business mentor who has produced a number of inspiring books with great business advice. If you are thinking of setting up your own business I would urge you to go out and buy his book titled “Go It Alone.” This was of great help to me when I first started thinking about going self-employed. And the great thing is it does not focus on any particular trade. There is nothing about photography in it. But for me it was the ultimate be your own boss manual.
I am also a fan of a few fiction novels. James Patterson, a great crime/thriller novelist. Karen Rose, mystery/suspense. Autobiographies are also something that can be as inspiring as they are interesting to read.
If you are ever having a discussion where someone comes up with the question “what would you do if we had no internet? What if electricity just stopped?”
My simple answer. I’d light a candle and pick up a book. Books cannot fail!
