From Our Shelf to Yours: Photobook Recommendations

Photography without photobooks feels incomplete—like cinema without films or literature without novels. Photobooks aren’t just collections of images; they’re curated journeys, historical documents, and profound reflections on culture and human experience.

At Carmencita Film Lab, we genuinely believe that understanding photography’s richness is intrinsically linked to exploring the vast universe of photobooks. It’s how we learn, how we feel, how we remember.

Whether you’re new to photography or a seasoned professional, exploring photobooks will deepen your appreciation and knowledge of this beautiful art form. Although the world of photobooks is incredibly vast, we wanted to create an approachable introduction. This guide is not definitive—just a few key titles that every photographer should know.

TIMELESS CLASSICS

We deeply believe in the importance of knowing the classics, even if it’s in every creative photographer’s DNA to create something new; without knowing the pillars or foundations our visual culture has grown from, it’s almost foolish to believe you can outpace all previous generations within a lifetime. Learn the basics before you can break them. And often, we realize that our groundbreaking style has already been done.

Black-and-white photography has profoundly shaped visual culture, and it feels almost criminal to limit ourselves to just four essential classics.

Nevertheless, here are a few timeless masterpieces that any photography enthusiast will instantly recognize and cherish. Each book offers a rich, evergreen experience that reveals new nuances upon each revisit.

‘THE AMERICANS’ BY ROBERT FRANK

Arguably one of the most influential photobooks ever created, Frank’s candid portrayal of 1950s America challenged traditional photographic aesthetics and cultural perceptions. Each image is a profound commentary on the complexity and contradictions of American society, resonating powerfully even today.

‘GYPSIES’ BY JOSEF KOUDELKA

Josef Koudelka’s ‘Gypsies’ is a heartfelt exploration of Europe’s Romani communities. His poignant and deeply empathetic images offer a dignified perspective of a marginalized group, capturing human resilience and beauty within stark realities.

‘THE DECISIVE MOMENT’ BY HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON

Cartier-Bresson’s seminal work gave us the concept of ‘the decisive moment’—that perfect instant when composition and timing align effortlessly. This photobook is a masterclass in photographic instinct and visual poetry, offering timeless lessons in observation.

‘GENESIS’ SEBASTIÃO SALGADO

In ‘Genesis,’ Salgado takes us on a breathtaking journey through untouched landscapes and remote cultures. The book is a powerful reminder of our world’s profound beauty and fragility, captured through masterful compositions and striking black-and-white imagery.

CONTEMPORARY ESSENTIALS

Calling these works contemporary may feel odd, given their profound cultural impact, but in the grand timeline of human history, color photography’s mass adoption is still remarkably recent—only around 50-60 years ago. These titles have reshaped our visual understanding, emphasizing color as a protagonist in storytelling.

Fun Fact: Historically, color photography was initially dismissed as “consumer-grade” and inferior by many established photographers, largely due to inaccuracies in color printing processes. It wasn’t until Kodachrome revolutionized color reproduction, allowing photographers to finally see their images as vividly as they envisioned, that color photography gained the artistic respect it deserved.

These books, both classic and contemporary, serve as essential guides to understanding photography’s evolving narrative. Dive into their pages—you’ll find yourself continuously inspired

‘UNCOMMON PLACES’ BY STEPHEN SHORE

Stephen Shore transformed the mundane into something extraordinary, capturing everyday American scenes with meticulous composition and vibrant color. His work invites viewers to reconsider ordinary surroundings through a fresh, thoughtful lens.

‘SLEEPING BY THE MISSISSIPPI’ BY ALEC SOTH

Alec Soth poetically documents life’s quiet, overlooked moments along America’s iconic Mississippi River. His vivid, intimate portraits and evocative landscapes blend seamlessly to create narratives that speak directly to our shared humanity.

 

‘SOUTH SOUTHEAST’ BY STEVE MCCURRY

Steve McCurry’s ‘South Southeast’ is a vibrant tribute to the colors, cultures, and human stories of Asia. Known for his iconic portraiture, McCurry masterfully captures the essence of human connection and the diversity of life through powerful compositions and unforgettable faces.

‘THE SUFFERING OF LIGHT’ BY ALEX WEBB

Alex Webb’s masterful use of color, complex compositions, and layered narratives captures the vividness of life with astonishing clarity. Each photograph pulses with energy, revealing profound human stories through luminous and dynamic scenes.

A LENS OF THEIR OWN

Needless to say, we believe talent is not bound to any gender, skin colour or nationality. When elaborating the first selection, we hesitated about what books to include. Four books is an impossibly small number, so instead of trying to be definitive, we decided to highlight four works that feel especially vital when we think about women behind the lens.

Photography was never as “democratic” as it is today; all the contrary, you often had to be on the wealthy side of the street to “take” photographs and often, it was middle to upper class that could pay someone to have their photo taken. Like many art forms — painting, music, literature —, access to photography was deeply tied to wealth, class, and education; the kind of foundations that allow for creative risk and growth.

Fortunately things have changed (a bit) and the arts are more open than they’ve ever been. Although there is still a big gap from “access” and “making a living of”, we’re seeing a broader range of voices in photography — voices that reinterpret the world in deeply personal ways and allow us to see through their eyes. Photography has never been so colourful and we believe it’s something we should celebrate.

‘DIANE ARBUS: AN APERTURE MONOGRAPH’

A raw, fearless, and unsettling window into American life. Arbus didn’t photograph just people—she photographed truth. Her monograph is a haunting exploration of outsiders, identity, and the power of confronting the uncomfortable. A book that still sparks debate, decades after its release.

‘MIGRANT MOTHER’ BY DOROTHEA LANGE

While not a traditional photobook in structure, any compilation of Lange’s work, especially around her Depression-era images, feels like a social history textbook told through empathy and lens. ‘Migrant Mother’ became iconic, but Lange’s body of work is a testament to how photography can change policy, not just perception.

‘THE BALLAD OF SEXUAL DEPENDENCY’ BY NAN GOLDIN

Unfiltered, vulnerable, and radically intimate—Goldin’s visual diary of love, addiction, and community in 1980s New York is as emotionally powerful as it is visually striking. Not a photobook you just “look at”, it’s one you feel deeply, page by page.

‘ANNIE LEIBOVITZ: PORTRAITS’

Leibovitz redefined modern portraiture. Her compositions are as cinematic as they are iconic, often blending personal connection with technical mastery. This book is a timeline of cultural memory, full of faces that shaped generations, all seen through her lens.

And while we could only focus on a few complete books, some photographers’ influence is so deep, it goes beyond a single publication. Names like Vivian Maier, who gave us a lifetime of street photography discovered posthumously; Sally Mann, who dared to explore childhood, memory and decay with poetic intensity; Cindy Sherman, who used the camera to blur and question the idea of identity itself; and Gerda Taro, who risked her life to document war, leaving a legacy far greater than her tragically short career.

OUR TAKE ON IT

We perfectly know we are a film lab, far from the complexities of what publishing entails. Nevertheless, we see thousands and thousands of images every day and get to appreciate the work of countless photographers.

As analog photographers ourselves, we couldn’t help but dream about supporting photographers in completing the cycle of their projects—transforming their work into printed publications. To condense their vision, give it shape, and ensure it lives on forever as a book or zine.

This very spirit kickstarted ‘Carmencita Editions‘, aiming to start simply, creating publications for photographers we admire who had little or no printed work produced before.

Our goal was to create a symbiosis of each photographer’s work together with our vision and curation, always highlighting the photographers work without intervening too much (therefore the transparent letters on the cover, for example).

You can find all our published editions along books from friends and other folks we admire at carmencitaeditions.com

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Photobooks offer something truly unique in the photography world—they’re an invaluable tool for developing your own visual criteria and shaping your personal perspective. When you delve into a photobook, you’re not simply flipping through images; you’re exploring an artist’s complete vision, thoughtfully curated into a cohesive narrative. This immersive experience encourages a deeper focus and appreciation that scrolling through digital images often cannot replicate.

Through engaging with photobooks, you learn to appreciate the distinct qualities of printed photographs—texture, color depth, sequencing, and pacing—all elements that breathe life into the images. Valuing the physical print reconnects you with photography’s tangible nature, reminding you why print continues to hold such significance in our digitally saturated age.

Remember: you don’t have to love every photobook. In fact, understanding your own preferences, recognising what resonates with you and what doesn’t, is precisely the point. Your tastes will evolve, and that’s perfectly natural—embrace this journey of discovery!

And while it’s perfectly okay to find certain photobooks not to your liking, always approach them with respect. Each photobook represents countless hours of dedication, creative struggle, and meticulous effort.

LOCAL LOVE

Try to also explore your local scene! Ask your local book or photobook store and, if you can, support and encourage local photographers you love by buying their publications; if they were brave enough to publish (or even braver: self-publish), they deserve some love. We truly believe in the potential to create local synergies and enhance your city with the people who surround you.

If you are curious about their work or their journey in publishing, ask them! We are sure they’ll be more than happy to answer. We believe that even though it can be a painful process sometimes, it is truly worth it when you look a few years further!

That being said, we know some scenes are more prolific than others for multiple reasons, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for at home, here are some of our favourite online stores to take a deep dive into the photobook world.

NOTE: Proceed at your own risk, this is not a budget-friendly passion

BOOK AND SONS

BOOK AND SONS is a quiet tucked in a residential area near Gakugei-Daigaku Station (Tokyo). Specializing in graphic design and typography, it offers a carefully curated selection of books — both Japanese and international — handpicked by the owner. A great spot to stop by while exploring the neighborhood!

LA FÁBRICA

​La Fábrica is a bookstore and cultural space located in the heart of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras. Since opening its doors in 1997, it has become a go-to spot for lovers of photography, art, and contemporary culture.

RAILOWSKY

Railowsky is an independent bookstore and photo gallery based in Valencia, active since 1985. With a special focus on photography and visual culture, it’s become a long-standing reference in the local scene.

TERRANOVA

Terranova is a bookstore and gallery located in Barcelona. It offers a curated selection of international art books, vintage rarities, self-published zines, and limited-edition artist books. In addition to its bookstore, Terranova features a small gallery space dedicated to monographic exhibitions of artist books and prints.