Not all of these books are “how to” or photography technique books. As important as technique is, more important is the way in which a photographer approaches and views his subject.

For that reason A Constructed View: The Architectural Photography of Julius Shulman is on this list. Understanding how this master of architectural photography worked and approached his subject can have a tremendous impact on the work and career of an aspiring architectural photographer.

Also, the last book on the list is not an “architectural photography” book, but it is a book that no professional architectural photographer should be without. Best Business Practices for Photographers is about the business of photography and the practices that will allow one to build a successful career in photography. This book should be mandatory in all photography curricula!

And so, without further ado, here is today’s Top Ten List:

-Architectural Photography: Composition, Capture and Digital Image Processing    by Adrian Schulz 
This is a must read book!

-Architectural Photography: Professional Techniques for Shooting Interior and Exterior Spaces   by Norman McGrath 
Norman McGrath’s first book, “Photographing Buildings Inside and Out”(published in 1987) was a classic and one of the best books ever published on the subject of architectural photography. This latest book features discussion on the use of digital cameras and digital post-production techniques in professional architectural photography. The section “Masters of Style” features five top architectural photographers (including the late Julius Shulman) with accompanying photographs and a discussion of the working methods of each photographer. I would recommend this book even if you have already read “Photographing Buildings Inside and Out” and if you do not have McGrath’s first book, this is a must read!

- Architectural Photography Inside and Out  by Jim Lowe
A great book!

- Photographing Architecture: Lighting, Composition, Postproduction and Marketing Techniques by John Siskin
This is an excellent book that just came out in December 2011.

- Architectural Photography The Digital Way  by Gerry Kopelow
Another excellent book by Gerry Kopelow.

- Lighting for Interiors   by John Freeman 
John Freeman presents the work of some of the U.K.s finest interiors photographers in this excellent book.The variety of photographs and the varied techniques used by the 14 photographers whose work is presented in this book makes this an invaluable resource for any architectural/interior photographer. All of the images were shot on film and rely 100% on lighting and photographic shills. A diagram and a description of the photo and set-up accompany each photograph. High quality reproduction and printing by Switzerland based RotoVision. My #1 choice for an interiors photography book.

- The HDR Handbook: Unlocking the Pros Hottest Post-Processing Techniques by Rafael Concepcion
Realistic looking HDR techniques (not cartoonish, surreal looking images) can greatly enhance an architectural photographers arsenal of techniques. This book will show you how.

- Photoshop Compositing Secrets: Unlocking the Key to Perfect Selections & Amazing Photoshop Effects for Totally Realistic Composites by Matt Kloskowski
In our new digital world architectural photographers must be skilled in three areas; composition, lighting and Photoshop. This book will help any photographer improve their Photoshop skills.

-Best Business Practices for Photographers, Second Edition   by John Harrington 
This is a must have, must read book for any professional or aspiring professional photographer! If followed, the business practices recommended in this book will help any photographer achieve greater professional and financial success. In these days of $1.50 royalty free images, photography is becoming a commodity. If you allow your work to become a commodity than your only leverage in the marketplace will be lower pricing. If that happens you'll need to make sure that mom & dad won't mind you living in their basement for the next couple of decades. Please follow John Harrington's advise!

http://www.ClaytonStudio.com         Follow me on Twitter