Originally posted by Todd Adamson Personally I never read a photography book until last year. I learned everything I know through web forums, and trial and error. Everyone learns differently, though, so if reading is a good medium for you, by all means.
So last year I read The Camera, by Ansel Adams, only because I had seen it recommended so many times, and because I wanted to try out shooting with film. I can honestly say I learned more about photography from that book than in the prior 6 years since I've been shooting. Whether it was all directly applicable to shooting and processing (an all too often overlooked area) with digital, is another matter. But I wish I had read that book 6 years ago.
I 2nd the Ansel Adams rec and would add the books by Michael Freeman of the last few years for their stunning comprehensiveness, especially for digital.
For newbies definitely Bryan Peterson's Understanding Photography Field Guide.