Photographers love thoughtful gifts that reflect their creative passion. While cameras, lenses, and accessories are always appreciated, some of the most meaningful presents are those that spark inspiration. A beautifully printed photography book offers long-lasting creative fuel and becomes a treasured part of a photographer’s home or studio. For this guide, we selected five exceptional titles published by TASCHEN — a world-renowned publisher known for its superb printing quality, bold curation, and museum-worthy photographic editions. Each book below is ideal for a different type of photographer.
Robert Doisneau. Paris. 45th Ed.
Perfect for: Street / documentary / everyday-life photographer
This book celebrates the poetic charm of everyday Paris through the lens of Robert Doisneau, one of the great storytellers of street photography. Filled with intimate, humorous, and deeply human moments, it captures life as it naturally unfolds. It's an ideal gift for someone who observes people quietly, loves spontaneous street scenes, and finds beauty in ordinary moments. The images encourage a deeper understanding of timing, emotion, and visual storytelling.
London. Portrait of a City
Perfect for: Urban / architecture / travel photographer
This impressive volume takes the viewer on a journey through decades of London’s architectural and cultural evolution. It is perfect for photographers fascinated by cityscapes, street textures, and metropolitan energy. With hundreds of remarkable images, the book inspires new ideas for photographing buildings, skylines, and city environments, encouraging a fresh perspective on urban storytelling.
Ralph Gibson. Nude
Perfect for: Artistic nude / figure / fine art photographer
Ralph Gibson’s “Nude” transforms the human body into a study of line, texture, and abstraction through masterful use of form and contrast. This book is an excellent choice for photographers working with the figure or exploring fine-art portraiture. The striking simplicity of Gibson's imagery encourages a deeper appreciation of shape, shadow, and visual impact.
Bruce Weber. My Education
Perfect for: Fashion / lifestyle / model-based photographer
Bruce Weber’s work blends fashion, portraiture, and lifestyle imagery with emotional depth and cinematic elegance. “My Education” features more than 500 photographs, making it an inspiring gift for photographers who work with models or create editorial concepts. The book offers endless ideas for mood, posing, character, and the storytelling elements essential in fashion and lifestyle photography.
Helmut Newton & Alice Springs. Us and Them
Perfect for: Fashion / editorial / celebrity-portrait photographer
“Us and Them” brings together two creative icons—Helmut Newton and Alice Springs—in a striking exploration of portraiture and personal vision. The imagery blends bold glamour with intimate storytelling, making it ideal for photographers who specialize in editorial projects or celebrity portraiture. The interplay of two distinctive artistic voices provides a rich source of inspiration for dramatic lighting, expressive posing, and style-driven narrative.
Photography books make wonderful Christmas gifts because they offer lasting inspiration and encourage photographers to pause, observe, and absorb the mastery of great artists. A carefully chosen TASCHEN edition reflects an understanding of their creative identity and becomes a cherished part of their environment. It enri
