Curated Reading, Viewing, and Listening Lists

Books, films, and music shape how we think, what we notice, and how we work. These resources have been carefully curated to complement the deeper themes of our live courses. They cultivate clarity, communication, and creativity through emotional insight, perspective, and reflection.

What you see here is a taster selection. Students on our courses receive access to the full curated lists, a rich vein to mine at their own pace and pleasure.

Books that strengthen creativity, emotional intelligence, and lateral thinking.

Sample titles

• Emotional Intelligence — Daniel Goleman
• Writing Down the Bones — Natalie Goldberg
• The Culture Map — Erin Meyer

Films and talks that highlight cultural perspectives, creative thinking, and emotional insight.

Sample titles

• Casablanca (Trailer)
• Ida (Trailer)
• The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

Music that sparks reflection and emotional resonance, chosen to support creative thinking.

Creative Thinking Playlist (Spotify)

Listen here

Sample tracks

• Leonard Cohen, Anthem
• Everything But The Girl, Fascination
• Sufjan Stevens, Death with Dignity
• dodie, Special Girl
• Tracy Chapman, Fast Car

Books that support skill development and deepen appreciation for photography as creative practice.

Sample titles

• Understanding Exposure — Bryan Peterson
• The Photographer’s Eye — Michael Freeman
• The Americans — Robert Frank

Films and documentaries that illuminate photography’s craft and impact.

Sample titles

• The Salt of the Earth (Official Trailer)
• Finding Vivian Maier (Trailer)
• Light, Shadow, and Mood Playlist

• Visit the Photo Gallery to explore images with full camera settings included. This transforms the gallery from a simple showcase into a learning tool where you can see exactly how each photograph was created.

Our blogs extend the reading lists with lived reflections and teaching moments.

• Expressions Blog with reflections on creativity, communication, and emotional insight
• Photography Blog with skills, stories, and perspectives on seeing differently through the camera

Coming soon: a weekly podcast from The Creative Guide with episodes that alternate between Expressions and Photography. Each week you will hear short, focused reflections on creativity, communication, and clarity, or practical insights on photography and seeing differently.

Subscribers to our courses will have access to extended discussions and supporting notes.

Our newsletter brings new articles, course updates, and creative insights directly to your inbox. It highlights both Expressions and Photography, so you can keep up with fresh ideas, recommended resources, and practical tools without needing to check the site each week. It is the easiest way to stay connected with our teaching and community.

We will continue to expand these collections with books, films, and music that open new ways of seeing and thinking. Each one is chosen to support reflection, not distraction, and always serves the goal of cultivating clarity, communication, and creativity.

Disclosure: Some book links are affiliate links. Purchases made through them may earn a small commission that supports The Creative Guide, at no extra cost to you.