14 best photography coffee table books

Photography coffee table books are visually stunning and often oversized books that showcase the work of photographers or explore various themes within the realm of photography. These books are designed to be displayed on coffee tables or bookshelves, making them both a source of artistic inspiration and a decorative piece. Here are some key points about photography coffee table books:

  1. Visual Showcase: Photography coffee table books are primarily a visual medium. They feature high-quality, large-format images that capture the essence of the photographer's work or a particular photographic theme. These images are meant to captivate and inspire readers.

  2. Photographer Portfolios: Many photography coffee table books focus on the work of a specific photographer. These books often provide a comprehensive overview of the artist's career, showcasing their most iconic and impactful images.

  3. Themes and Styles: Some photography coffee table books explore specific themes or styles within photography. This can include books dedicated to landscape photography, portrait photography, street photography, wildlife photography, fashion photography, and more.

  4. Historical and Artistic Context: Some books delve into the history of photography and its evolution as an art form. They may include essays and commentary that provide context and insights into the featured images.

  5. Diverse Perspectives: Photography coffee table books can feature the work of both well-known and emerging photographers. They offer a platform for photographers to share their unique perspectives and visions with a broader audience.

  6. Artistic Presentation: These books are often meticulously designed to enhance the visual experience. They may include elaborate layouts, high-quality paper, and attention-grabbing cover designs.

  7. Coffee Table Display: The name "coffee table book" suggests their intended placement – as decorative items on coffee tables or in living spaces. They are meant to be easily accessible for casual browsing and serve as conversation starters.

  8. Gifts and Collectibles: Photography coffee table books are popular gifts for photography enthusiasts, art lovers, or anyone with an appreciation for visual storytelling. Some collectors seek out rare or limited-edition photography books.

  9. Inspiration and Education: These books serve as sources of inspiration for photographers, designers, and artists.They provide insights into composition, lighting, and storytelling techniques that can inform and elevate one's own photographic work.

  10. Diverse Range of Topics: The topics covered in photography coffee table books are diverse, reflecting the broad spectrum of photographic genres and interests. Some may focus on a specific location, culture, or historical event, while others celebrate the beauty of everyday life.

Photography coffee table books are a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the artistry of photography. They offer readers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity of the photographic medium, making them a cherished addition to any home or art collection.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best photography coffee table books on the market
  

The Rainbow Atlas: A Guide to the World’s 500 Most Colorful Places (Travel Photography Ideas and Inspiration, Bucket List Adventure Book)

Chronicle Books

Based on 231 reviews Check latest price

Product features

500 Colorful Destinations Across the World in the Palm of Your Hands!
Ancient Mayan RED

Las Coloradas Pink Lakes, Río Lagartos, Yucatán, Mexico

Magical ORANGE shrine in the forest

Tunnel of Torii, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto, Japan

Vibrant YELLOW on the streets

Trinidad, Cuba

Surrounded by luscious GREEN

Tunnel of Love, Klevan, Ukraine

Cool hues of BLUE

Mendenhall Glacier, Tongass National Forest, Alaska, U.S.A.

The color PURPLE

Lavender Fields, Provence, France

Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style

Based on 666 reviews Check latest price

Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Bill Cunningham: On the Street: Five Decades of Iconic Photography

Clarkson Potter

Based on 398 reviews Check latest price

Humans

St. Martin's Press

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product features

My dad is a Rasta man. He was born in the mountains. A real, real Rasta man...

He had a marijuana farm, so we only ate when people bought our weed. And we never ate meat. Whenever we caught fish in the sea, he’d make us throw them back. There were ten of us, so we never had a big education. But he taught us to love people. And to love God. And to be happy. Sometimes after school we’d all go swimming at a place called Pirates Cave. The land was owned by a man named Dread Lion, and he had lots of dogs. We could never walk across the property so we swam the whole way there. And if Dread Lion ever saw us, we had to quickly jump off the cliffs. That’s how I learned to dive. Now I dive for the tourists and they give me tips. I save the coins in a little pan, and pick at it when the seas are rough. I’d like to buy a little house one day. And maybe have a boat. And a nice woman to take care of me. But if I don’t get all the things I want, I won’t complain. I’m going to love God the same way. And treat people the same way. And be happy the same way.

NEGRIL, JAMAICA

My husband got involved with a younger woman at work...

I was relaxed about it at first. He’s thirteen years younger than me. But then she got pregnant. Luckily through the divorce process I had the opportunity to take over this hole-in-the-wall place with no heating, which I turned into an art studio. And now I’m living my best life. Everything is for sale except the pink chandelier and the dog. Anyone is free to stop by at any time. You can eat or drink whatever you want. All the young people in the neighborhood love me. I’m the oldest person in our friend group. Everyone else is in their twenties or thirties. They call me Queen Mama. I call them my adopted kids. I always help them with their school projects and resumes and interviews. I only ask one thing in return. Each of them has to teach me one new thing every week: a piece of music, a trend, an idea. Just so I can stay up to date. Before you take the photograph, let me go inside and put on some makeup. We were out until two last night.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

My parents aren’t giving me the freedom to be responsible...

Mama’s fine. But Papa is an Egyptian father. He wants me to always be in a safe, cozy home. Recently I wanted to go on an educational trip to Sri Lanka. I begged him. I said, ‘Please, I’ll be living with a family. I’ll call you ten times a day.’ But he wouldn’t listen. I locked myself in my room and cried. I wanted that experience. I wanted to meet beautiful people, and eat beautiful food, and take beautiful photos. I know my dad very well. He just doesn’t trust people. He thinks that I’m naïve. He thinks that everyone who helps you wants something in return. But that’s not why I help people. I love people. I love languages. I can even speak a little Hindi. I want to see every village and every city. I even want to work for NASA one day. I love physics and astronomy. But Papa thinks astronomy is a bad idea. He doesn’t get it. It’s not that he doesn’t understand the stars. He just doesn’t understand me.

ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

Photography: The Definitive Visual History

DK

Based on 267 reviews Check latest price

Product features

A comprehensive reference to the photos, photographers, and technologies that have shaped the art.

Photography gives a detailed account of the world of photography, from the art to the artists, and showcases the inspirational images that demonstrate photography’s power and versatility. It weaves profiles of key photographers from around the world with explanations of how they experimented with the medium. Charting the impact of social and cultural influences alongside the effect of technological developments, Photography also analyzes iconic images, revealing the context and stories behind them and picking out the defining details.

Andy Warhol. Polaroids (Multilingual Edition)

Taschen

Based on 338 reviews Check latest price

America the Beautiful: A Story in Photographs

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Based on 442 reviews Check latest price

Accidentally Wes Anderson

Voracious

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

A Man & His Car: Iconic Cars and Stories from the Men Who Love Them

Artisan

Based on 560 reviews Check latest price

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small

Universe

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Tom Ford

Rizzoli

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

David Yarrow Photography: Americas Africa Antarctica Arctic Asia Europe

Rizzoli

Based on 174 reviews Check latest price

Wise Trees

Harry N. Abrams

Based on 219 reviews Check latest price

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