top of page

📖 Finding Photography Inspiration from Books

As a photographer, I’ve always believed that creativity doesn’t just come from behind the lens — it comes from the stories, experiences, and emotions we bring into every shoot. For me, some of my biggest sparks of creativity come from my bookshelf. ✨


Couple sits on laundromat floor between rows of washing machines. One leans on the other, creating a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

Books have this incredible ability to create worlds we can see, feel, and almost step inside of. That same magic is what I try to capture in my photography: emotion, story, and atmosphere. Today, I want to share how I draw photography inspiration from books, especially from some of my all-time favorites.


Silhouette with a sword stands before red arches on a blue "Throne of Glass" book cover by Sarah J. Maas. Mood is mysterious and bold.

🌙 Throne of Glass Series


Epic battles, fierce characters, and breathtaking landscapes — the Throne of Glass series fuels my love for creating dramatic, powerful portraits. Every time I shoot in the mountains or at a castle-like venue, I find myself channeling a bit of Celaena Sardothien’s strength and elegance.







Two silhouetted figures walk on a bridge at night, city skyline in background. Text: "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera.

💔 They Both Die at the End


This book reminds me to capture the fleeting beauty of a moment. The story is heartbreaking yet hopeful, and it inspires me to photograph the little details: the hand-holding, the laughter, the in-between glances that mean everything.







Night sky with a large moon over a cityscape and sea. Paper boats float on water. Text: "WATER MOON" and positive reviews. Dreamy mood.

🌊 Water Moon


Water Moon inspires me to use light and reflection in creative ways. Just as the book plays with elements and atmosphere, I love experimenting with water, mirrors, and dreamy color palettes in my photos.






Black book cover with gold text: V.E. SCHWAB, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Star-like graphics intersect the title. Mood: mysterious.

✨ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue


This is a story of memory, time, and leaving behind a mark. For me, it’s a reminder that photographs are our way of ensuring people and moments are never forgotten. Every photo is a legacy, just like Addie’s invisible impact on the world.







A warrior with a tear and sword in a dark forest. Two glowing butterflies hover. Text: "Quicksilver" by Callie Hart. Moonlit night.

⚡ Quicksilver


Fast-paced and unpredictable, Quicksilver inspires me to think outside the box. It pushes me to play with movement shots and bold compositions that add energy and storytelling into a gallery.







Book cover of "Tender is the Flesh" with a monochrome face overlayed by a red animal silhouette. Text cites The New York Times review.

🥀 Tender is the Flesh


This one is dark and unsettling, but it reminds me of the power of perspective in storytelling. Sometimes photography isn’t just about beauty — it’s about making people feel something. That lesson has stuck with me through every creative shoot.







Book cover with "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin. Features stylized waves and vibrant, layered text.

🎮 Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow


This book is all about creativity, partnership, and the stories we build together. It inspires me to capture connection — whether it’s a couple, friends, or a family — and to remember that photography is a collaboration, not just a service.







📚 Babel

Tower with flying doves against a starry night sky, gothic buildings below. Large text reads "Babel: An Arcane History" by R.F. Kuang.

Babel is rich with language and meaning, and it inspires me to focus on detail shots and layered storytelling. Just like words have power, the little moments in a photo tell their own story when combined.








Blue spiral staircase with a glowing orange center. Figures of a person and a dog are descending. Text: "Stephen King Fairy Tale." Mood: mysterious.

🪄 Fairytale


The title says it all — magical, nostalgic, and full of wonder. I love creating images that feel just a little bit enchanted, as though you’ve stepped into a modern-day fairytale. Golden light, whimsical poses, and lush settings always remind me of this book.






Book cover with ornate red background, a woman's face, a crescent moon, and a black bird. Text: "Sarah J. Maas, House of Earth and Blood, Crescent City."

🔥 House of Earth and Blood


Epic, emotional, and full of worldbuilding, this book pushes me to lean into dramatic lighting and powerful portraits. It’s about capturing both vulnerability and strength in a single frame — the duality that makes a story unforgettable.






🌟 Why Books Fuel My Photography


At the heart of it all, reading teaches me to see the world differently. Every character, plot, and setting adds another layer to how I approach my sessions. Whether I’m channeling drama, romance, or whimsy, the stories I love influence the way I capture your story.


✨ Do you love photos that feel like a story? Let’s create your own “book-worthy” session together. Contact me here to start planning!

Comments


bottom of page