Are you a photographer struggling to create? Or maybe you want to be a photographer but keep talking yourself out of it? If so, you need to check out these books on creativity.
For the past few years, I’ve had a goal to read at least 50 books a year. Like many others, what I read usually depends on what I’m going through and feel drawn to at the time. I know the impact of a book often comes down to whether its message reaches you at the right moment.
Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or in the thick of figuring it out, I believe these books can help you start or keep creating.
These are not photography books per se, but they tackle the struggles all creatives—including photographers—face. And that’s what makes them so powerful.
5 Creativity Books for Photographers
1. The War on Art by Steven Pressfield
This book is so good. Like, read-it-in-one-day good.
In this book, Stephen breaks down creativity in a way that just makes sense, with short and easy-to-digest chapters that keep you turning the page.
If you’re struggling to create—constantly talking yourself out of it—this book might be exactly what you need.
For years, I wanted to become a better photographer, but I wasn’t actually doing the work. And for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why. Then, many years ago, this book introduced me to the concept of resistance—an invisible force that holds so many creatives (writers, photographers, artists, etc.) back from doing the work they want to do.
I had never heard of this before, and honestly, I was shocked. Suddenly, I had a name for my self-sabotage and what I had been feeling all those years. And… I realized I wasn’t alone. What a relief.
If you read just one book from this list, make it this one.
You can find The War of Art here on Amazon.
2. Show your work by Austin Kleon
This book is super simple yet, again, profound.
Another hurdle creatives may face is putting their work out there.
Have you created something but the idea of sharing it scares the sh*t out of you?
Well, then, you should check out this book.
This book helped me understand the importance of putting “your work” out there. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the beginning stages or advanced. You should show your work.
It took me a few years to implement what Austin talks about in this book. Because I was afraid to put my work out there. However, when I finally did, I felt a sense of relief.
When I decided to do a 365-day photo challenge, one of my goals was to show my work. Because I remembered what Austin had talked about. I shared the good, the bad, and everything in between.
You can read about what I learned 200 days into a 365-day photo challenge here.
If you’re struggling to put your work out there, check out this short and simple book.
You can find Show Your Work here on Amazon.
3. Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
This book is also simple but great for anyone just starting their creative journey.
Do you look at all the greats around you and wonder how the heck they create the things they create?
Then you should check out this book.
In Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon discusses the reality of creativity.
He emphasizes that nothing is original—you should “steal like an artist” by drawing inspiration from those who came before you. He encourages you to start before you feel ready, create what excites you (not what you think you should be making), and, surprisingly, to be boring.
When I first read it in 2021, it shifted how I saw creativity at that time. It wasn’t an instant fix but more of a “huh” feeling. Creating didn’t feel so intimidating after reading this book.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or just stuck, check out this book.
You can find it on Amazon here.
Recommended read: Discover What You’re Meant to Photograph
4. Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis
This is the only book written by a photographer. It’s also the only book I listened to on Audible, and I would recommend reading it that way.
In this book, Chase talks about his journey to becoming a photographer, which is similar to mine and maybe even yours. Maybe you have spent a long time pursuing a goal because the idea of it sounded good on paper. Maybe you have ignored your calling to keep pursuing it. If so, I recommend this book. To help show you there is another way.
Chase talks about many things, including listening to your creative calling, how to stand out, failing to succeed, and finding YOUR people.
You can find Creative Calling on Amazon here.
5. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
If you’ve been creating for a while, this book might be for you.
At least, that is when I found this book, and it gave me so much reassurance.
Like, oh, all that stuff I’ve experienced? Others go through it, too? Thank god.
In The Creative Act, Rick Rubin explores creativity as a way of being. It’s not a how-to book, it’s a reflection on the creative process itself.
From the first few pages, it felt like a hug. Soothing, grounding, and filled with words I didn’t even know I needed to hear.
I found myself underlining passage after passage. Like this one that stopped me in my tracks:
“Consider the difference between art and most other trades. In the arts, our filter is the defining factor of the work. In science or technology, the aims are different. The reason we create art isn’t with the intention of making something useful for someone else. We create to express who we are. Who we are and where we are on our journey.”
Coming from a biology and public health background, I needed this. For so long, I felt the pressure to make my photography useful. But this book helped me shift that energy toward simply expressing myself.
If you’ve been creating for a while, some passages might make you feel seen. Others might make you pause and think, That’s exactly what I’ve been feeling.
If you’re new to creating, it might light the way forward.
Either way, it’s a book worth reading.
You can find The Creative Act on Amazon here.
Summary: Must-Read Creativity Books
Well, there you have it.
A short list of creativity books to inspire your photography.
If you’re looking for a way to overcome a barrier to creating, read The War on Art by Steven Pressfield.
Looking for a way to motivate yourself to share your photography, check out Show Your Work by Austin Kleon. If you’re hooked after reading his first book, check out Steal Like an Artist.
If you’re looking for an inspiring story about someone’s journey to following his creative calling and advice on how you can, check out Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis.
And finally, if you’re on a creative path or wish to be and need reassurance, check out The Creative Act by Rick Rubin.
Looking for more good books to read? You can check out a list of my favorite books here!
