Today we’re celebrating World Book Day the only way we know how; by sharing some of our favourite photography books with you.

Although we love creating canvas prints, there’s nothing better than spending an afternoon curled up with a good book and a cup of tea.

We’re sure all you photographers will agree that reading books will not only give you a better understanding and knowledge about a subject, but will also inspire you to be creative. We’re hoping these books do the same!

Here at Parrot Print, we’ve previously discussed fiction favourites and this year we’re talking about books that every photographer should own or know about.

The Camera, The Negative and The Print by Ansel Adams
These three books all together form The Ansel Adams Photography Series. If you’re just starting out in photography then we recommend you pick these up, as they are considered some of the most important “how to” photography books. From essential information to improving your technique, these books cover everything you need.

The Man, The Image & The World: A Retrospective by Henri Cartier-Bresson
If you love photography, then you’re bound to have heard of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the most famous photojournalist of all time. He was famous for constantly searching for what he thought was “the decisive moment.” During his career he documented the world for four decades by setting up a frame and waiting for the moment when particular elements combined into a powerful image. We’re sure you’ll agree that is work makes for great examples to appreciate and gain inspiration from.

Photographs 1970-1990 by Annie Leibovitz
Annie began her career as a photographer for Rolling Stone, and during this time created some of the most iconic celebrity images. Do you remember Whoppi Goldberg in a bathtub of milk and the nude, pregnant Demi Moore? That was all her! This collection of photographs contain many of her earlier images, which includes the nude John Lennon wrapped around his wife just hours before he died.

Irving Penn: Platinum Prints by Irving Penn
Can you believe Irving kept photographing for Vogue until he was in his 90s? His career spanned more than 50 years and this book showcases this most famous and important photos that were taken during that time. From portrait photos to fashion images, this book contains the lot.

100 Photographs That Changed The World
The images that are in this book were all nominated through an online voting system and chosen by Life Magazine editors. According to people in society these images have changed history, the world, and our perspectives. This book really showcases the power of photography and explains the way we see the world, as well as interact with it.

On Photography by Susan Sontag
If you enjoyed the previous book, then you may want to pick this one up too. This book is more of a philosophical essay that takes a look on how photography has changed the world and the way we learn. During this piece Susan talks about the excess of visual material in today’s society, how photography has affected the way we learn and how photography represents reality. This book is such a staple piece that it’s taught on many photography courses.

What are your favourite photography books? Please share them with us on Facebook and Twitter