Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi,
Can anyone recommend good books available at the library?
Composition, portraits, landscape.
Thanks,
I apologized if this info is already available in another thread.

There's thousands of photography books there. There's also videos, DVDs, even some CD ROMS on photography.

Just look up the books by the popular authors like John Hedgecoe, Freeman Patterson, Bryan Peterson, Tom Ang...and many more.

The beauty of the online catalogue is you can spend hours searching, and then when you find something interesting open up another browser window/tab and look for reviews of the book...and if you like it put in a reserve for a book to be picked up at your local branch.

In addition to Mike's approach, I would recommend wandering through the stacks (once you find the appropriate area) and see what is there that appeals to you.

I would also recommend Freeman Patterson's books if you haven't read them before- especially if you are interested in nature photography.

That's a good point...but go to the bigger libraries like North York Central, and even the Main Reference library (you can spend a few days there).

Although you can't take books out from the reference library, it's about finding titles to then book through the computer.

Whenever I'm near a different branch I'll drop in and check their photography area (around Dewey number 770) as they may have titles that others don't.

Hey Mike, on the DVD front,CD ROM, Video front, do you happen to know if one can borrow from the public library in Toronto? I know that in some cities, ie. Hamilton, one can borrow DVD's etc., but I've never tried in Toronto. Sorry to hijack your thread.....

As far as titles go, two books that I would recommend are "The Perfect Portait Guide" by Michael Busselle and David Wilson and "Portaits" by Terry Hope. I'm not sure whether these are available at the library. You might also find it helpful to look at some books on light/lighting (with respect to portraits) even if you are using available light. I find that with portraits I get some ideas by looking at other photos.

DVD's and videos you can borrow for one week. CDRoms same as books, three weeks.

It's free to get a card if you live, work, or go to school in Toronto (you need two pieces of ID to get a card, and proof of work/school in Toronto if you live outside of Toronto). If you're outside of Toronto it's $25 for three months, renewable quarterly. See http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/abo_how_index.jsp

Thanks everybody for your suggestions.

Edwin

There also a huge number of books online as well. You have to sign in with your library card to gain access. Of the choices at TPL Safari books has the most photography. I've been trying to read The hotshoe diaries. The interface is so so, but it's practically free.

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/ebk_index.jsp