• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Geographical

Geographical

Official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

  • Home
  • Briefing
  • Science & Environment
  • Climate
    • Climatewatch
  • Wildlife
  • Culture
  • Geopolitics
    • Geopolitical hotspots
  • Study Geography
    • University directory
    • Masters courses
    • Course guides
      • Climate change
      • Environmental science
      • Human geography
      • Physical geography
    • University pages
      • University of Aberdeen
      • Aberystwyth University
      • Cardiff University
      • University of Chester
      • Edge Hill University
      • The University of Edinburgh
      • Oxford Brookes University
      • Queen Mary University of London
    • Geography careers
      • Charity/non-profit
      • Education & research
      • Environment
      • Finance & consulting
      • Government and Local Government
    • Applications and advice
  • Quizzes
  • Magazine
    • Issue previews
    • Subscribe
    • Manage My Subscription
    • Special Editions
    • Podcasts
    • Geographical Archive
    • Book reviews
    • Crosswords
    • Advertise with us
  • Subscribe

This year’s best books about photography

21 December 2024
4 minutes

Dive into the best photography books of the year – from stunning microscope pictures to the beloved ‘Big 5’ animals


By Geographical Contributor

A picture paints a thousand words – and what better way to explore some of the world’s most important topics than through a photobook?

Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for a keen photographer in your life or treating yourself, we’ve curated our top photography books here at Geographical to help you immerse yourself in new worlds with ease.

From books on the climate crisis to those showcasing the awe-inspiring creatures that roam our planet, there’s something for everyone…


1. The New Big 5: A Global Project For Endangered Wildlife: by Graeme Green

Buy here on Amazon

The ‘Big 5’ was once a gruesome goal for trophy hunters. Photographer Graeme Green reimagines this term, celebrating the world’s most beloved animals. In hopes of raising awareness for their protection, The New Big 5 includes elephants, polar bears, lions, gorillas, and tigers. This collection brings together 165 of the world’s greatest wildlife photographers and conservationists, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these magnificent creatures.

By celebrating the ‘New Big 5,’ Graeme Green inspires action to safeguard their future. Check out our Gallery from The New Big 5.


2. Food Planet Future by Robert Dash

Buy here on Amazon

Robert Dash’s Food Planet Future stands out as a captivating journey into art and environmental advocacy. Through scanning electron microscope micrographs that capture pollen, seeds and leaves and macro photographs that provide broader context, Dash crafts surreal narratives. Each artwork initiates a dialogue between familiar foods and their microscopic components, offering viewers a fresh view of the hidden intricacies of natural forms. Beyond its aesthetic allure, Dash’s work ignites conversations about the sustainability of our food systems in the face of the climate crisis. See our Gallery of Dash’s images.


 

3. Great British Elms by Mark Seddon and David Shreeve, with
photography by Sam Ford

Buy here on Amazon

Great British Elms chronicles the dramatic decline and resurgence of the iconic elm tree. This book tells the story of its devastating loss to Dutch elm disease and the inspiring efforts to bring it back through Sam Ford’s photography. Enjoy our Gallery on Great British Elms.


 

4. Made In America: The Industrial Photography of Christopher Payne by Simon Winchester and Christopher Payne

Buy here on Amazon

Made in America reveals the hidden world of American manufacturing. Photographer Christopher Payne captures the people and processes behind the products we use, from traditional crafts to cutting-edge technology. The communities, skilled labourers, and cutting-edge methods that propel American industry are revealed to us through Payne’s photographs. Payne’s images honour the resilient nature of American manufacturing and serve as a timely reminder of the value of locally-made goods and the preservation of our industrial past.


5. 100 Iconic Portraits by Réhahn

Buy here

100 Iconic Portraits is a captivating collection of photographs by Réhahn. Through his lens, we embark on a visual journey, connecting with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. From the vibrant streets of Cuba to the sacred temples of India, Réhahn’s portraits capture the essence of the human spirit, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our world. Check out our Gallery of Réhahn’s work.


7. Hope by Christina Mittermeier

Pre-order here on Amazon

Photographer and marine biologist Christina Mittermeier has dedicated her life to capturing the raw beauty and fragile balance of our planet’s ecosystems. Mittermeier’s photographs are more than just stunning images; they are powerful tools for conservation. By showcasing the intricate beauty of our natural world, she inspires awe, urging us to protect these precious ecosystems for future generations. Her work serves as a reminder of our close connection to nature and the pressing need to protect it for future generations.


Now you’ve explored our top photography books, why not check out our other recommended books?

  • The best travel books of 2024
  • This year’s best geography books on the modern world
  • This year’s best nature books

Filed Under: Culture Tagged With: Books

Protected by Copyscape

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to Geographical Magazine

Geographical subscriptions

GEOGRAPHICAL WEEKLY LOGOFREE - Sign up to get global stories, told well, straight to your inbox every Friday

Popular Now

QUIZ: Flags of the World – Hard

QUIZ: Flags of the World – Hard

QUIZ: Physical Geography Trivia

QUIZ: Physical Geography Trivia

Mother" is a word that needs no separate definition. The word "mother" is formed with the pronunciation "m" which is present in all languages like Maa/Amma etc. Even in the sound of various animals calling their mother, the influence of "M" can be seen. Nature's own part is this "Mother" race. So perhaps such is the similarity of these words. In this picture, two mothers are holding by their hand and protecting their child. Mother nature and jungle cat mother.

The winners of the Mangrove Photography Awards 2025

Flooding

International Court opens path to climate accountability by states

Antakya Hatay Turkey 02 07 2023 Turkey Earthquake 2023. A devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Turkish province of Antakya city center Side Asi River

Google failed to alert millions during Türkiye earthquake

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Geographical print magazine cover

Published in the UK since 1935, Geographical is the official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

Informative, authoritative and educational, this site’s content covers a wide range of subject areas, including geography, culture, wildlife and exploration, illustrated with superb photography.

Click Here for SUBSCRIPTION details

Want to access Geographical on your tablet or smartphone? Press the Apple, Android or PC/Mac image below to download the app for your device

Footer Apple Footer Android Footer Mac-PC

More from Geographical

  • Subscriptions
  • Get our Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2025 · Site by Syon Media