Be inspired by these volumes recommended by professional shooters.

When Scuba Diving surveyed our go-to shooters for their recommendations, this text — by another frequent contributor — was mentioned most often, hands down. For more-advanced/-creative techniques, this new volume “simply can’t be beat,” says contributor Allison Vitsky Sallmon, a common refrain.

Cited by numerous photographers for its lessons on technique, this 1996 guide is now in its fourth edition, and is still a must-read.

The late author’s school continues on Aggressor liveaboards; this volume will help you conceive the shot before you pull the trigger.

“An oldie but goodie — my bible getting started,” says contributor Brandon Cole of this 1982 landmark guide.

Sometimes even pros ­value a little inspiration — this volume covers 25 years and 30 bodies of water through the lens of an icon. “A timeless classic,” says ­contributor Steve Jones.

With a forward by Ernie Brooks II, this volume from a frequent contributor covers equipment, fundamentals and post-processing.

In a testament to sheer ­determination, four years and 3,000 dive hours went into capturing what happens when marbled grouper spawn in the Fakarava Atoll.