Tom Ang books
A ‘field guide’ to Tom’s books. Choose the best title for your needs.
Remember to buy your books from a local bookshop if at all possible. I benefit, the shop does, and in the end, so will you.

Photography – the definitive visual history
A gorgeous volume for any photography lover. 400 pages of scrumptious images, some you’ll know and love, some you’ll not have seen before.
A good book for inspiration and ideas. We analyse masterpeices. We give the history of crucial technology. We tell little-known stories about photographers and their work.
Some very warm reviews:
- “This is a definitive book on the history of photography that can be a reference guide in universities, libraries, or museums. It is the perfect bond of informative text and compelling visual aides.”
- “I was shocked on how much I love this book.”
- “There are few reference books that I read cover to cover. I could not put this book down. ”
- “A reader could spend many months perusing its informative and visually powerful content.”
- “… this is the only history of photography book you’ll ever need. ”

Digital Photographer’s Handbook
Huge sales over the years, in over 20 languages, and still selling strong. It’s been through an amazing 6 editions, so it’s virtually a completely re-written book and well up to date.
Ideal for beginners, it’s full of help, advice, project inspiration and even advice for study and photography business start up. An excellent grounding for photography, it’s recommended by many course tutors.
Some reviews:
- As a reference, it’s superb … you can’t turn a page without learning something new … Ang is complete … never too technical, always detailed and readable.
- This is a great reference book that I will be referring to as I expand my photography…
- I recommend it to my students.
- I can’t recommend this one highly enough.
- … it is my bible. Great for reference for both new and experienced …. Tom Ang is a master.
- Beautifully done – Excellent content – I use it in my class…My classes contain many diverse students … All are quite satisfied with this 400+ page work of art.

Photography: History. Art. Technique
- … a very interesting book covering a wide range of all things photographic. … worthy of a 5-star rating.
- … another excellent photography book from Tom Ang and this one is particularly attractive …
- It’s packed full of useful information from advanced digital cameras specs to the art of composition. There is an awful lot here to enjoy.

How to Photograph Absolutely Everything
Thank you, Mr Ang.
Your words and images today have enabled me – like the inch worm – to move forward.
Hi Michael
I’m glad to help you on your way. Mind, we’re all only inching forward … perhaps some are a little ahead. That’s all.
Enjoy!
Just finished your “Photography – the definitive visual history” — excellent book. Illuminating overview of the art and its timeline. Good company during the pandemic. One glaring error, though: you forgot to put me in there! 😎
A photographer I would have liked to see in there is Hiro, one of my favorites.
Thank you for a terrific read.
Hi Marc
Thanks for your comments. Glad the book kept you company during long lock-down!
Yes, of course there are heaps of photographers I’d have loved to include, and certainly Hiro was on the short-list. But not only did I have a page budget, there was the editorial budget for rights that was already eye-watering. Furthermore, there was also the issue of actually getting hold of the rights owners – not as easy as one might think – then negotiating with them for use. Quite a few gems – that many would regard as essential for this kind of book – got away.