Top Visual Arts and Art History Books

The best Visual Arts includes Astrophotography Manual: Deep Sky Imaging Guide, Enhancing Image Quality: Photographically Speaking, Drawing Essentials: Observation Techniques Guide and many others as mentioned below.

1

Astrophotography Manual: Deep Sky Imaging Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for deep sky imaging enthusiasts.
  • 170+ pages of new content in second edition.
  • 22 new chapters covering advanced techniques.
  • 600 full-color illustrations enhance learning experience.
  • Covers a variety of astrophotography equipment.
  • Insights into popular software for image processing.
  • Practical methods for successful astrophotography projects.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $61.38
2

Enhancing Image Quality: Photographically Speaking

  • Learn photography's visual language for stronger expression.
  • Understand elements and decisions in image creation.
  • Improve your craft with practical discussions and examples.
  • Explore 20 images and their intentional choices.
  • Strengthen your vision through conscious photographic decisions.
  • Accessible insights for photographers of all levels.
  • Enhance communication of your artistic intent effectively.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $43.94
3

Drawing Essentials: Observation Techniques Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for drawing from observation.
  • Focuses on developing observational drawing skills.
  • Written by an experienced, award-winning artist.
  • Covers fundamental drawing techniques and concepts.
  • Includes advice on creating effective still lifes.
  • Explains human figure, portraiture, and anatomy.
  • Teaches color theory and practical application.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $108.49
4

Working with Clay, 3rd Edition by Susan Peterson

  • Comprehensive introduction to ceramic techniques.
  • Includes handbuilding, wheel throwing, and mold making.
  • Thoroughly updated third edition for modern learners.
  • Over 650 inspiring color illustrations included.
  • Pictorial timeline of ceramic art history provided.
  • Gallery features traditional and avant-garde ceramics.
  • Simple narrative for easy understanding and application.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $133.31
5

Drawing: A Modern Perspective [Paperback Edition]

  • Explores emotional and intellectual aspects of drawing.
  • Highlights the spiritual significance of contemporary art.
  • Connects historical and modern drawing practices.
  • Offers innovative exercises for artistic growth.
  • Features high-quality contemporary drawing examples.
  • Focuses on multicultural perspectives in art.
  • Promotes effective teaching methods for artists.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.75
6

Picture Perfect Posing Techniques for Photographers & Models

  • Master the art of posing for stunning portraits.
  • Learn natural poses for diverse subjects and styles.
  • Breaks down posing concepts for easy understanding.
  • Examines anatomy for effective pose execution.
  • Guides photographers in directing their subjects confidently.
  • Essential resource for beginners and seasoned professionals.
  • Avoid common posing mistakes and enhance photography skills.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $49.98
7

A History of Photographic Lenses by Kingslake

  • Explores lens history from 1839 to present.
  • Details advancements in lens design and fabrication.
  • Covers innovations like lens coating and rare-earth glasses.
  • Includes biographies of notable lens designers.
  • Clarifies reasons for lens types' development and abandonment.
  • Essential reading for photography enthusiasts and historians.
  • Unveils complexities of photographic lens technology.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $60.70
8

The Essential Darkroom Guide [2023 Edition]

  • Comprehensive guide to darkroom design and setup.
  • Money-saving tips for home darkroom creation.
  • Features famous photographers' darkroom experiences.
  • Detailed DIY plans for essential darkroom components.
  • Design grids to visualize your ideal darkroom.
  • Special sections on color and digital darkrooms.
  • Revised and updated for modern darkroom needs.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $49.99
9

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Photography Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT.
  • Easy-to-understand explanations of camera controls.
  • Covers focus zones and zoom settings effectively.
  • Explains exposure modes for better photography.
  • Quick start to mastering digital photography skills.
  • Ideal for beginners and advanced users alike.
  • Enhances understanding of digital shooting techniques.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.01
10

Sculpture: Technique, Form, Content (Revised Edition)

  • Comprehensive guide to sculpture techniques and materials.
  • Explores historical origins of sculptural practices.
  • Detailed discussion on tools used for sculpting.
  • Preparation strategies for successful exhibitions.
  • Revised edition with updated information and insights.
  • Suitable for beginners and experienced sculptors alike.
  • Enhances understanding of form and content in sculpture.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $29.00
11

Automated Lighting for Theatre and Entertainment

  • Comprehensive guide for lighting professionals and enthusiasts.
  • Covers history, technology, and design of automated lighting.
  • Accessible language for all skill levels.
  • Illustrated with drawings and pictures for clarity.
  • Discusses state-of-the-art fixtures in various applications.
  • Includes pixel-based digital lighting technology insights.
  • Educational and entertaining with engaging concepts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.25
12

Conquering Challenging Photography Lighting Situations

  • Conquer ten challenging lighting scenarios with confidence.
  • Practical solutions for poor lighting situations explained.
  • Real-life examples for effective photography techniques.
  • Learn to use natural reflectors efficiently.
  • Strategies for harsh midday and low-light conditions.
  • Fun, conversational style encourages learning and creativity.
  • Essential tools to tackle undesirable lighting challenges.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.24
13

Global Photography: A Critical Overview

  • Comprehensive overview of photography's history.
  • Thematically structured chapters enhance learning experience.
  • Introduces international, contemporary photographers and their work.
  • Covers key genres, theories, and debates effectively.
  • Engaging focus studies link history with practice.
  • Research questions promote discussion and deeper understanding.
  • Ideal for photography and art history students.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $46.99
14

The Experimental Darkroom: Modern Black & White Techniques

  • Explores modern uses of traditional darkroom techniques.
  • Comprehensive guide on digital negatives included.
  • Covers five sections of experimental printing methods.
  • Features 400 images and 71 contributing artists.
  • Encourages creative experimentation and risk-taking.
  • Accessible methods for photographers of all levels.
  • Transforms darkroom practices for contemporary photographers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $52.40
  • Material: 1st Edition
15

Photography Theory Seminar by James Elkins

  • Features debates from 40 renowned art theorists.
  • Explores diverse perspectives on photography's nature.
  • Provocative insights into photography's role in society.
  • Challenges traditional views of photographic representation.
  • Part of Routledge's influential Art Seminar series.
  • Encourages critical thinking about photographic definitions.
  • Ideal for students and enthusiasts of photography theory.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $39.96
16

Observation Drawing: A Perceptual Introduction

  • Focuses on perceptual drawing techniques.
  • Progressive skill development for beginners.
  • Balanced mix of theory and practice.
  • Enhances observation skills through drawing.
  • Compelling arguments for long-term value.
  • Suitable for introductory drawing courses.
  • Encourages understanding of visual perception.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $161.19
17

Light and Lens: Digital Photography Guide

  • Essential foundation for digital photography.
  • Fully updated for modern techniques and technology.
  • Covers fundamental concepts of imagemaking clearly.
  • Includes classroom-tested assignments from top educators.
  • Expanded smartphone/mobile photography coverage included.
  • Features more than 100 new images.
  • Tools for critically exploring visual literacy.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $73.50
18

Magnum Contact Sheets: Center Photography Edition

  • Features iconic contact sheets from Magnum photographers.
  • Reveals creative processes behind legendary photographs.
  • Includes works from Henri Cartier-Bresson and Elliott Erwitt.
  • Showcases over seventy years of photographic history.
  • Provides insights from photographers and their estates.
  • Documents significant historical events and cultural moments.
  • Enhances understanding of photography's artistic journey.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $359.99
19

Sight America: Immigration Policy Through Photography

  • Explores immigration policy through visual culture.
  • Analyzes historical immigration laws and regulations.
  • Features previously unpublished photographic images.
  • Examines Lewis Hine's impactful photography.
  • Covers immigration experiences at Angel and Ellis Islands.
  • Discusses visual documentation's role in policy development.
  • Reveals cultural history of American photography.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $34.95
20

Polymer Photogravure Manual: Artists & Techniques

  • Comprehensive guide to polymer photogravure techniques.
  • Clear, step-by-step instructions for successful printing.
  • Showcases works from over 30 contemporary artists.
  • Features 200 full-color images of diverse prints.
  • Covers studio setup, safety, and essential supplies.
  • Includes troubleshooting tips for common printing issues.
  • Explores advanced techniques like chine collĂ© and editioning.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $54.50
21

The Illustrated Room: 20th Century Interiors

  • Full-color collection of interior design renderings.
  • Covers 20th-century styles and mediums.
  • Features commercial, residential, and institutional interiors.
  • Showcases projects from the U.S. to the Far East.
  • Includes discussions on design periods and techniques.
  • An invaluable source for period interior designers.
  • Destined to be a standard reference book.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.79
22

Cyanotype: Blueprint in Contemporary Photography Practice

  • Comprehensive guide for beginners and advanced practitioners.
  • Step-by-step instructions and clear formulas included.
  • Features contemporary artists and their cyanotype techniques.
  • Extensive discussion on suitable papers for printing.
  • Explore creative methods like handcoloring and gold leafing.
  • Illustrated troubleshooting tips for successful outcomes.
  • Richly illustrated with 400 photographs from 80 artists.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $51.70
23

Max Yavno Photography Collection [Hardcover]

  • Explore the captivating works of Max Yavno.
  • Published by University Of California Press.
  • Condition: shelfwear on covers, otherwise excellent.
  • Contents clean and bright for readers.
  • Includes a gift inscription on inner cover.
  • No other markings present throughout the book.
  • Trusted professional booksellers since 1981.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $30.03
24

Nikon D3300: Snapshots to Great Shots

  • Perfect for amateur photographers wanting to improve.
  • Comprehensive guide for Nikon D3300 camera features.
  • Includes practical shooting tips from professional photographer.
  • Top ten essential tips for mastering the camera.
  • Beautifully designed with inspiring photography examples.
  • End-of-chapter assignments to reinforce learning.
  • Friendly, accessible writing style for easy understanding.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $29.99
25

The Photographer's Guide to Composition Essentials

  • Essential guide for improving photographic composition.
  • Enhances understanding of design in digital photography.
  • Teaches traditional and modern composition techniques.
  • Offers insights into digital editing and manipulation.
  • Encourages creativity and visual storytelling in photography.
  • Widely translated and globally acclaimed resource.
  • Perfect for aspiring and professional photographers alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.00
26

Photography: A Cultural History [4th Edition]

  • A comprehensive history of photography covered.
  • Latest research and global perspectives included.
  • Focus on contemporary photo-based work and media.
  • No prior technical knowledge required for readers.
  • Revised edition with expanded topics and material.
  • New content on photography history in China.
  • Instructors receive access to image PowerPoint set.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.98
27

Film Developing Cookbook by Bill Troop

  • Comprehensive guide on photographic film development techniques.
  • Updated manual for black and white film processing.
  • Learn to mix and use photographic solutions.
  • Information on films, developers, and chemical safety.
  • Helps photographers understand photographic chemistry fundamentals.
  • Essential for analog photography enthusiasts and students.
  • Join the Darkroom Cookbook Forum for discussions.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $34.95