The Three References Every Coin Photographer Should Have

Actually read that as two must have, and one very nice to have!
The first must have book:
Numismatic Photography by Mark Goodman. Please read this next bit carefully I am not being rude. this book is a Monkey See Monkey do book. When I get stuck I open it flip through the pages find the relevant section and read the recommended solution. The book is full of informative pictures. For me I could see from the photos what I needed to do and it was just a matter of copying it. There is no excuse not to have this book. Although its out of print it seems to be very easily obtainable. on Amazon there are over 20 listings most (except for a couple of dreamer sellers) appear to be under US$25.00.

The second must have book:

The manual of Close-up Photography by Lester Lefkowitz. This book is so long out of print that when it was published no one ever dreamed of digital cameras. Whats great about it is it takes you knowledge up a level. It includes some useful tables that are still good for guidance. You can not claim to not be able to afford this book, the postage will likely cost you more than the book. On Amazon copies are available less than US$5.00.
The nice to have( but expensive)
The final book is my bible... It covers every thing, and more, you ever thought you might want to know. Funny thing is the author often quotes Lefkowitz... the book Enrico Savazzi "Digital Photography for Science" this one is a print on demand book that costs a decent margin over US$100.00( from memory) You really have to want to push your skills to the limit to want this book! I am not sure if any coin photographer needs it

Note Lefkowtiz's book made sense to me only after I read Goodman's book