9 Photography Coffee Table Books You Need To Have
In this article, I wanted to share nine of the best photography coffee table books on the market I love using as a visual reference for my filmmaking projects.
Buying these items is quite an investment, so you have to approach it as creating a private visual library where you can pull inspiration for the entire duration of your career.
Other than a visual reference on a book stand, these beautiful photography books also function as beautiful home decor accessories that almost invite you to turn a new page every day.
Table of contents:
1. Selected Works by Vincent Peters
Vincent Peters is one of my favorite black-and-white photographers. His gorgeous photography has this romantic, timeless, and classic Hollywood vibe that I absolutely love.
In his photography book, ‘Selected Works, ’ Vincent has selected 200 of his finest works, including stunning portraits of Emma Watson, Monica Bellucci, Adriana Lima, Angelina Jolie, and many other celebrities, movie stars, and fashion icons.
When preparing the shoot for my ‘Ius Talionis’ short film, I used lots of post-its to select particular images in this coffee table book and showed them to cinematographer Jens Wirtzfeld to explain the vibe I wanted to go for.
I also showed the stunning photography in this book to Joppo in de Grot in the color grading studio, who transformed the raw RED camera footage into a Vincent Peters-inspired timeless black and white look.
2. The James Bond Archives
There is no other film franchise on this planet that I like so much as the James Bond franchise.
A world filled with luxury, cars, women, guns, action, and other extravaganzas. I love how they never hold back when bringing the action-packed script to life in terms of movie productions.
This particular book, 'The James Bond Archives,' is not so much a visual reference but more a productional reference.
The beautiful book features insane insights into how the James Bond movies are made, including a deep dive into background stories, interviews, and anecdotes.
It also highlights all the productional challenges the crew had to overcome in the creation process.
3. Gregory Crewdson - Beneath the Roses
I had actually never heard of Gregory Crewdson and his work until I accidentally stumbled upon this coffee table book 'Beneath the Roses' online.
My first reaction, 'wow!' Gregory Crewdson, takes photography to a different level with his choreographed, epic-scale photographs.
I can try to describe why this distinctive imagery is so good. Still, the online sales page of this book does a far better job: "These visually breathtaking photographs blur the distinctions between cinema and photography, reality and fantasy, what has happened and what is to come."
In the final pages of this coffee table book, Gregory has included several of his concept sketches, combined with lots of behind-the-scenes photos and lighting plans.
Mindblowing!
4. Anton Corbijn: 1-2-3-4
Besides Vincent Peters, Anton Corbijn is also one of my black and white photography idols.
I dig his raw style and compositions—something Cinematographer Aziz Al-Dilaimi, and I used as a reference for shooting the ‘adidas’ project.
Anton Corbijn: 1-2-3-4 is a gloriously illustrated tribute to some of his best works about the music scene, including pictures of artists like U2, Nirvana, Rolling Stones, Metallica, Herman Brood, Massive Attack, and so many more.
5. Steve McCurry: The Iconic Photographs
Whenever I discover a new photographer whose style of work I like, I try to get my hands on some of their best work collection books.
This coffee table book, 'The Iconic Photographs,' is a collection of Steve McCurry's most beautiful, memorable, and evocative pictures.
Steve's raw, colorful, and cinematic pictures inspired the color grading of my project, 'The Blade'—a portrait of Moroccan MMA fighter Ilias Bulaid.
Color grader George Balatoni gave the raw RED camera footage a beautiful look in the color grading studio using several of McCurry's photographs in this coffee table book as a reference.
6. Annie Leibovitz: Portraits 2005-2016
I first discovered Annie Leibovitz when her masterclass came out. At the time, I had a yearly subscription on the masterclass.com platform and watched everything they released.
I liked Annie's perspective on photography, her story-centered approach, and the simplicity of her lighting.
In her masterclass, she references pictures she had taken in the past. Because I liked her style very much, I bought her coffee table book 'Portraits 2005-2016' to better understand what she was talking about.
In many projects I directed for the Buddha to Buddha Jewellery brand, Annie's work has been a visual reference in the color grading phase.
7. David LaChapelle - Heaven to Hell
Regarding the use of color and crazy high-concept photos, David LaChapelle is one of a kind! He is an excellent source of inspiration for very colorful color palettes.
I bought this coffee table book 'David LaChapelle - Heaven to Hell' many years ago because it was part of a special book deal, and I absolutely love it!
I have used his outspoken use of color and how he mixes particular color elements for the color grading of several music video productions in the past (not on my website).
8. Jimmy Nelson Homage to Humanity
Over the last few years, I shot a couple of fashion films for Dutch Fashion Designers.
One of those productions was 'Genesis', a project for Dutch menswear designer Mirte van Wijngaarden. I created the tagline "God created mankind, now let me make you a man" and designed a set of visuals based on an abstract version of the bible's Genesis story.
For certain visual elements of the fashion film, I looked at Jimmy Nelson's work for texture and styling inspiration, including his Homage to Humanity coffee table book. It's a beautiful photography book with pictures of the smallest tribes in the most rural parts of the world.
9. Diamonds and Pearls by Marc Lagrange
Like Vincent Peters, Belgium photographer Marc Lagrange's work has this dreamy, old-school Hollywood vibe.
But compared to Vincent's works, Marc's photos are mostly centered on desire, sensuality, and fantasies. Beautiful girls, extraordinary mansions, and classic cars form the stage for his photography.
In preparation for my 'Ius Talionis' short film project, I also pulled some inspiration from the coffee table book 'Diamonds and Pearls'.
Final Thoughts
These nine coffee table books are just some of the many visual resources I use to direct a film project.
They are packed with information and beautiful photography that is sure to inspire. If you are looking for a reference book on filmmaking, one of these options is sure to be perfect for you.
As I mentioned in the intro, buying these coffee table books is quite an investment, so you have to approach it as an investment. But once you start using them, I’m sure it will pay you dividends many times over!
Frequently Asked Questions About photography coffee table books (FAQs)
What are photography coffee table books?
Photography coffee table books are large-format books that feature high-quality photographs, often on a specific theme or topic. They are designed to be visually striking and are typically displayed on coffee tables or other prominent surfaces as a decorative element.
Who are photography coffee table books intended for?
Photography coffee table books can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates art and photography. They can make great gifts for art enthusiasts, filmmakers, photographers, or anyone looking to add a visually striking element to their home or office decor.
What are some benefits of owning photography coffee table books?
Owning photography coffee table books can provide a range of benefits, including serving as a source of inspiration and creativity, providing a decorative element for a home or office, and offering an opportunity to learn about different cultures, places, and art forms.
Can photography coffee table books be expensive?
Yes, photography coffee table books can be expensive due to the high cost of printing and the limited edition nature of many of these books. However, many affordable options are available, and prices can vary widely depending on the size, format, and popularity of the book.
How can I find the best photography coffee table books for me?
To find the best photography coffee table books for your interests, you can start by exploring online or visiting a local bookstore. Look for books that feature photography on topics you find interesting, such as landscapes, architecture, fashion, or portraiture. You can also read reviews and ask for recommendations from other photography enthusiasts or art professionals.
Can photography coffee table books be used for research?
Yes, photography coffee table books can be a valuable resource for research, particularly in art history, cultural studies, filmmaking, and photography. They can provide a wealth of information and visual inspiration and can be a way to explore different styles and techniques.
Can photography coffee table books be used for inspiration in my own photography?
Yes, photography coffee table books can be a great source of inspiration for filmmakers and photographers. They can provide ideas for new techniques, perspectives, and subject matter and can be a way to study the work of other photographers and learn from their approaches.
Can photography coffee table books be borrowed from a library?
Yes, many libraries carry a selection of photography coffee table books, which can be borrowed like other library materials. This can be a cost-effective way to enjoy these books and explore different styles and techniques.
