8 Essential Animal Photography Books for Beginners to Start Strong

Explore beginner-friendly Animal Photography books curated with insights from Kaylee Greer, Paul McDougall, and Mark B. Smith.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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5 of 8 books have Kindle versions

Every expert in Animal Photography started exactly where you are now—curious and eager to capture the beauty of animals through a lens. The charm of this craft lies in its accessibility; with patience and practice, you can learn to immortalize the spirit of animals, whether in your backyard or in the wild. These books provide an approachable path to building your skills step-by-step without overwhelming technical jargon.

Photographers like Kaylee Greer, known for her vibrant dog portraits, and Paul McDougall, who has guided countless beginners in wildlife photography around the globe, have shaped the foundations of many successful careers. Their experience distilled into these books offers practical lessons and encouragement, helping you overcome common beginner hurdles like camera settings, animal behavior, and composition.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Animal Photography book that meets them exactly where they are. This option complements the expert guides by focusing on your unique interests and skill level, ensuring confident progress on your photographic journey.

Best for dog photography beginners
Kindle version available
Kaylee Greer is a multi-international-award-winning dog photographer based in Boston, Massachusetts, who draws inspiration directly from the soul of the dogs she photographs. Her vibrant style and commitment to capturing canine character come through in this approachable guide, designed to teach you how to take captivating dog photos. Kaylee’s experience volunteering at shelters adds a compassionate dimension, showing you how photography can give back to animals in need.
2020·336 pages·Photography, Animal Photography, Dog Behavior, Camera Settings, Lighting Techniques

Kaylee Greer, a multi-award-winning dog photographer, crafted this book to share her unique approach to capturing dogs' personalities through vibrant, heartfelt images. You’ll learn how to master camera settings, lens choices, and lighting techniques tailored specifically for dogs, along with ways to engage and communicate with them effectively. The chapters on "Speak Dog" and "Sunshine Wrangling" offer practical insights into working with canine behavior and natural light, making it ideal if you want to elevate your dog photography beyond snapshots. Whether you’re a hobbyist or aiming for professional-quality shots, this guide lays out clear, experience-driven methods to help you capture the spirit of your subjects.

Read on Kindle
Best for aspiring bird photographers
Kindle version available
Mark B. Smith is an avid birder and wildlife photographer known for his engaging teaching style and passion for bird photography. With years of experience, he has developed a unique approach to making complex photography concepts accessible to beginners. His enthusiasm for the natural world and photography shines through in his work, inspiring countless individuals to explore the art of capturing stunning images of birds.
2017·66 pages·Animal Photography, Photography, Bird Photography, Camera Settings, Composition

The methods Mark B. Smith developed while immersing himself in birdwatching and photography simplify the art of capturing birds in flight and at rest for newcomers. You’ll learn how to use any camera—from smartphones to DSLRs—to seize moments that reveal a bird's character and environment, with clear explanations of settings like aperture and ISO grounded in vivid, full-color examples. Chapters on bird behavior and migration enrich your understanding beyond just photography technique, making it a guide that blends nature appreciation with practical skills. If you want a straightforward, enthusiastic introduction to bird photography that won’t overwhelm you, this book is tailored for your first steps.

Read on Kindle
Best for personalized learning pace
Can send to Kindle
This AI-created book on animal photography is tailored specifically to your beginner skill level and personal goals. By sharing your background and the aspects you wish to focus on, you receive a book that carefully guides you through foundational skills without overwhelming you. This personalized approach ensures you learn at a comfortable pace, building confidence step-by-step and making the art of capturing animals accessible and enjoyable.
2025·50-300 pages·Animal Photography, Camera Basics, Animal Behavior, Composition, Lighting Techniques

This tailored book explores the foundational skills essential to animal photography, designed especially for beginners eager to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. It covers key topics such as understanding animal behavior, mastering camera settings, and composing captivating shots, all presented progressively to match your learning pace and background. The personalized content ensures the experience focuses on your interests and specific goals, guiding you step-by-step through each concept with clarity and encouragement. By addressing your unique needs, this book removes common barriers and fosters a rewarding journey into capturing the beauty of animals through your lens.

Tailored Guide
Beginner Skill Building
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for inspiration through award-winning work
Kindle version not available
Rosamund Kidman Cox, who helmed BBC Wildlife Magazine for over two decades, brings her extensive expertise to this collection that showcases the winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Her background in editing acclaimed nature publications like Frozen Planet and Planet Earth uniquely qualifies her to present these images with context that beginners will find both inviting and insightful. The book offers an engaging entry point to the world of wildlife photography, emphasizing the artistry and ethics behind the lens.
2017·160 pages·Wildlife Photography, Animal Photography, Nature Photography, Wildlife, Photography Techniques

Rosamund Kidman Cox, drawing from her 23 years as editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine, curates this volume as a visual journey through the remarkable standards of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. You’ll explore a rich variety of photographic styles—from macro to underwater—that reveal the drama and diversity of life on Earth. Each image is paired with detailed captions that deepen your understanding of the subjects and photographic techniques. This book is ideal if you’re looking to appreciate wildlife photography’s artistic and ethical dimensions without needing technical jargon, making it accessible for newcomers eager to learn through exceptional examples.

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Best for backyard wildlife photography beginners
Kindle version available
Richard Peters is a UK-based wildlife photographer and Nikon Ambassador renowned for his dramatic lighting style and multiple awards, including European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. His experience, including collaborations with WWF UK and contributions to conservation groups, shapes this accessible guide that teaches beginners how to photograph wildlife right from their gardens. Peters’ expertise makes this book a practical gateway for new photographers eager to capture professional-quality animal images without traveling far.
Wildlife Photography at Home book cover

by Richard Peters··You?

2019·176 pages·Animal Photography, Wildlife Photography, Nature Photography, Photography, Camera Techniques

What happens when an award-winning wildlife photographer turns his lens inward to suburban gardens? Richard Peters, celebrated for winning the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, distills his experience into practical guidance for capturing compelling animal photos without the need for exotic locations. You’ll learn how to position your camera optimally, harness optics to transform shots, and use simple gadgets to elevate your images—all tailored for beginners starting out at home. Peters’ approach is especially suited for bird-watchers and animal lovers wanting to share their encounters through photography, making this a focused manual for those eager to master nature photography in their own backyard.

Read on Kindle
Best for learning British wildlife photography
Kindle version not available
Paul Mitchell, an experienced wildlife photography editor, teams up with Donna Wood, a nature conservation expert, to create this accessible showcase of British wildlife photography. Their combined expertise ensures the collection not only celebrates stunning images but also guides you through the art and science of photographing animals in their natural habitats. This book is designed to welcome newcomers, helping you appreciate both technical and artistic aspects without intimidation.
British Wildlife Photography Awards Collection 2. book cover

by Paul Mitchell & Donna Wood [editors]:··You?

217 pages·Wildlife Photography, Animal Photography, Nature Conservation, Photography Composition, British Wildlife

After years of curating wildlife imagery, Paul Mitchell and Donna Wood developed this collection to bridge the gap between amateurs and professionals in capturing British natural history. Here, you’ll find a rich variety of photographic styles and subjects that reveal both technical skill and deep appreciation for wildlife, offering you inspiration and insight into the art of nature photography. The book highlights how natural settings and animal behavior can guide your photographic choices, making it a useful resource for those eager to understand composition and timing in animal photography. If you’re starting out and want to see how others approach this genre with both passion and precision, this volume offers a well-rounded introduction without overwhelming jargon or complex techniques.

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Best for personal skill building
Can send to Kindle
This AI-created book on wildlife photography is tailored specifically to your background, skill level, and personal goals. By sharing your interests and pace, you receive a customized guide that helps you build confidence gradually without feeling overwhelmed. It focuses on the foundations that matter to you and introduces techniques in a way that suits your learning style, making it easier to sharpen your skills and enjoy the process of capturing wildlife moments.
2025·50-300 pages·Animal Photography, Wildlife Photography, Camera Techniques, Animal Behavior, Composition Basics

This tailored book explores practical methods for capturing dynamic wildlife images with confidence, designed to match your current skill level and interests. It reveals a personalized learning path that progressively introduces camera techniques, animal behavior insights, and composition essentials to remove overwhelm and build your photographic confidence. By focusing on your individual goals and pace, the book ensures a comfortable yet engaging experience, helping you sharpen your wildlife photography skills effectively. It covers foundational topics in sequence, enabling you to gradually tackle more complex challenges as you grow. This personalized approach transforms the learning journey into an accessible, inspiring adventure tailored precisely to your needs.

Tailored Guide
Confidence Development
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for mastering core wildlife photography skills
Kindle version available
Paul McDougall is an award-winning professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide with extensive experience worldwide, including over 400 days guiding in Masai Mara. His deep knowledge and practical teaching approach shine through in this book, which he designed to provide beginners with the knowledge he wished he'd had when starting out. His ability to break down complex photographic concepts into accessible lessons makes this an ideal companion for anyone eager to begin their wildlife photography journey.
2023·436 pages·Wildlife Photography, Animal Photography, Nature Photography, Camera Settings, Composition Techniques

The breakthrough moment came when Paul McDougall, an award-winning wildlife photographer and guide, decided to distill his extensive field experience into a beginner-friendly guide. This book walks you through mastering essential camera settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, while also teaching artistic composition techniques such as leading lines and negative space. You'll find practical assignments at the end of each section designed to deepen your skills and encourage exploration, regardless of where you live. If you're new to wildlife photography and want clear, approachable guidance that moves beyond just snapping shots, this book offers a solid foundation to elevate your work.

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Best for bird photography technique learners
Kindle version available
Tim Boyer is an award-winning nature photographer and a graduate of Seattle Audubon’s Master Birder Program who brings a wealth of expertise to this field guide. As a Featured Pro with Olympus Camera, he shares his deep knowledge through accessible workshops and presentations, making this book a welcoming entry point for beginners and intermediates eager to improve their bird photography skills. His hands-on approach reflects in clear chapters that teach everything from camera setup to finding the best birding spots, making the art of bird photography approachable for you.
2018·154 pages·Animal Photography, Photography, Bird Photography, Camera Settings, Composition

Unlike most animal photography books that focus heavily on gear, Tim Boyer's guide transforms complex concepts into accessible insights tailored for beginners and intermediates alike. Drawing on his background as a Seattle Audubon Master Birder and award-winning nature photographer, Boyer breaks down essential techniques such as camera setup, mastering exposure, and capturing birds in flight with clarity and patience. The book includes practice sessions after each chapter, helping you apply what you've learned immediately, plus a unique calendar of North American bird photography hotspots by week. It's a solid choice if you want to build your skills without being overwhelmed by technical jargon.

Read on Kindle
Best for appreciating British wildlife photography
Kindle version not available
Maggie Gowan is the director of the British Wildlife Photography Awards, a role that places her at the heart of Britain’s wildlife photography scene. Leveraging her expertise, she curated this collection to celebrate a decade of outstanding work, making it accessible for newcomers and enthusiasts alike. Her experience in showcasing the best of British wildlife informs the book’s approachable style, blending technical information with inspiring imagery to welcome you into the world of animal photography.
2020·208 pages·Wildlife Photography, Animal Photography, Photography Techniques, Nature Conservation, British Wildlife

Maggie Gowan, as director of the British Wildlife Photography Awards, brings a unique insider perspective to this collection, making it an inviting entry point for anyone curious about wildlife photography. The book compiles 150 winning and shortlisted images from the 2019 competition, offering you not just stunning visuals but also technical details and personal insights from the photographers themselves. It’s an excellent way to see what British wildlife photography looks like at its best while learning about different techniques and approaches. If you’re starting out or simply want to appreciate the craft from a fresh perspective, this book provides inspiration and concrete examples without overwhelming jargon.

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Conclusion

This collection of eight beginner-friendly Animal Photography books highlights a clear path for newcomers: start simple, learn practical techniques, and draw inspiration from professionals who understand your challenges. If you're completely new, beginning with approachable guides like "Dogtography" or "Bird Photography" will help you grasp essentials specific to your chosen animal subjects.

For a structured progression, complement your learning with comprehensive works such as "The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Wildlife Photography" or immerse yourself in curated award-winning images in "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" to refine your artistic eye. Books like "Wildlife Photography at Home" encourage you to find opportunities close to home, building confidence before venturing further.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Animal Photography book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success and lasting enjoyment in capturing the animal world through your lens.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with a focused book that matches your interest. For example, if you love dogs, "Dogtography" offers clear, approachable lessons. If birds fascinate you, "Bird Photography" provides beginner-friendly guidance. These books build solid foundations without overwhelming jargon.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Animal Photography?

No, these books are specifically designed for beginners. Authors like Paul McDougall and Kaylee Greer break down techniques into clear steps, making complex ideas accessible so you can learn at your own pace without feeling lost.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with books focused on your preferred animal type, then expand to broader wildlife guides like "The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Wildlife Photography." Finally, explore inspirational collections like "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" to develop your artistic vision.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on books that match your learning style and interests rather than only the newest. For example, "Dogtography" and "Bird Photography" remain excellent starter guides despite their publication dates, thanks to their clear teaching and practical insights.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

No background knowledge is needed. These books assume you're a complete beginner and build your skills from the ground up, explaining camera settings, animal behavior, and composition in simple terms to help you gain confidence quickly.

Can I get a personalized learning plan instead of reading multiple books?

Yes, while these expert books provide valuable foundations, you can also create a personalized Animal Photography book tailored to your specific goals and pace. This complements expert insights with a focus on your unique interests and learning needs.

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