6+ Favorite Books for Nature Photography (So Far!)
Here is a roundup of my favorite books for nature photography (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.
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$19.15The Guide to National Parks by National Geographic is all about exploring the beauty of America’s national parks. I found it to be a thorough resource, packed with practical travel tips, stunning photographs, and helpful maps. Each of the 63 parks gets its own spotlight, complete with history, highlights, and info on where to stay and eat. Honestly, I couldn't find anything to criticize; it’s well-organized and incredibly useful for anyone planning a trip. This book is a fantastic companion for nature lovers and a must-have for park visits.Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:- Informative and comprehensive guidebook
- Expert travel advice and candid tips
- Breathtaking images and detailed maps
Cons:- Nothing - very well organized.
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02/23/2026 04:04 am GMT -
$15.60In The Joy of Forest Bathing, Melanie Choukas-Bradley introduces us to Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice that encourages connecting with nature while stepping away from our busy lives. The book highlights the mental and physical benefits of immersing ourselves in the beauty of forests, backed by research that shows how it can improve our health and mood. I loved the author's gentle approach, making forest bathing accessible for everyone, and the charming illustrations added a nice touch. However, I felt she sometimes overcomplicates the simple act of walking in the woods, making it a bit odd at times. Overall, it’s a refreshing read that inspires a deeper appreciation for nature.Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:
- Comprehensive introduction to forest bathing
- Emphasizes mental, emotional, and physical health benefits
- Gentle guidance makes it accessible for all ages and abilities
Cons:- The book is a little strange
- Tries to add too much to the simple act of walking in the woods
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02/23/2026 09:03 am GMT -
$36.91America's Great National Forests, Wildernesses & Grasslands by Char Miller shines a light on the often-overlooked national forests, showcasing their beauty and significance. The book features stunning photography and informative text that highlight the importance of these lands for recreation, conservation, and natural resources. I appreciated the balanced geographic representation and the attention given to the Eastern forests, which often get sidelined. While I wished for coverage of more than just thirty forests, the book does a fantastic job of raising awareness. It's a great read for anyone who values these incredible spaces and wants to support their preservation.Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:
- The book highlights the importance of National Forests, which often receive less attention than National Parks.
- The photography is stunning and well-executed.
- Char Miller's writing is concise and informative, providing context for the images.
- The geographic sampling includes both Western and Eastern National Forests, showcasing a good balance.
Cons:- The book only covers 30 National Forests, and I hoped for more.
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02/23/2026 09:03 am GMT -
$19.80The Book of Nature Poetry by National Geographic is a delightful collection that makes poetry approachable for everyone, not just kids. I really appreciated the beautiful presentation and the carefully chosen poems by former U.S. Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis. This book is perfect for anyone who finds poetry intimidating; it helped me finally connect with the art form at 36! While I wish it were longer, it’s easily accessible at libraries and worth owning for multiple reads. If you're curious about poetry, I highly recommend checking it out!Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:
- High-quality selection of poems and beautiful presentation
- Published by National Geographic, ensuring high publishing standards
- Accessible poetry that serves as a great introduction for beginners
Cons:- I wish it was longer.
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02/23/2026 09:03 am GMT -
$12.95Buy Now
National Birds of the World is a brilliant book that combines two of my favorite things - birds and human geography. It's a pretty straightforward coffee table book with lots of pictures and written in alphabetical order. Each excerpt provides a little bit of background from the country and the bird. But honestly the most interesting part of the book is simply the concept.
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02/23/2026 02:00 pm GMT -
Buy Now$32.96
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02/23/2026 04:03 pm GMT -
$49.01
America's Great Forest Trails by Tim Palmer is a coffee table book featuring stunning photography and well-informed write-ups about forest trails across the country. Palmer showcases lesser-known trails in addition to famous ones, highlighting threatened ecosystems like ash groves and hemlock forests. The author's decades of conservation work shine through in his selection and context. Despite its high price and inconsistent organization, it's an excellent resource for discovering America's forest trails worth protecting.
Buy NowPros:- Combines beautiful photography with substantive, well-researched text
- Features diverse trail selection beyond the usual famous trails, including hidden gems in small state parks
- Provides valuable conservation context about threatened tree species and ecosystems
Cons:- Expensive for a coffee table book—a significant purchase rather than impulse buy
- Inconsistent trail information (some entries have mileage and difficulty ratings, others don't)
- Poor organizational structure—not arranged geographically, by difficulty, or theme, making trip planning difficult
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02/23/2026 03:06 pm GMT
