📖 Finding Photography Inspiration from Books
- Rachael Shine
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
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. ✨

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.

🌙 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.

💔 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.

🌊 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.

✨ 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.

⚡ 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.

🥀 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.

🎮 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

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.

🪄 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.

🔥 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!





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