Photography is a powerful medium that can capture the beauty of the world around us and inspire us to discover and explore our own creativity. Famous photographers have left behind some truly inspiring quotes that can motivate and encourage us to pursue our passion for photography. Here, we look at some of the best quotes from the greatest photographers of all time.
1. Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams is one of the most influential photographers of all time. His quote, "A good photograph is knowing where to stand," is a reminder to find the perfect angle and perspective when taking a photograph. Adams also said, "You don’t take a photograph, you make it," which is a reminder that photography is an art form, and that it takes time, patience, and creativity to create a good photograph.
2. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Henri Cartier-Bresson was a master of capturing the "decisive moment" in his photographs. In his quote, "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst," he reminds us that practice is essential to becoming a better photographer. This quote is a reminder to keep shooting, even if you don't like the results of your first attempts. You will get better with practice.
3. Robert Capa
Robert Capa was a war photographer who is famous for his quote, "If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough." This quote is a reminder to get up close and personal with your subject to capture the most interesting shots. Capa's quote is a reminder to push yourself and explore different angles and perspectives.
4. Alfred Eisenstaedt
"It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter" is a quote from renowned photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. This quote reminds us that it is important to take the time to build relationships with the people you are photographing. By getting to know your subjects, you will be able to capture more authentic and interesting images.
5. Mary Ellen Mark
"Photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place," is a quote from the late Mary Ellen Mark. This quote reminds us that you don't have to go to exotic places to take interesting photographs. You just need to look more closely at the places and people around you and you will find beauty and inspiration everywhere.
6. Elliott Erwitt
"To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them," is a quote from the renowned photographer Elliott Erwitt. This quote reminds us that it isn't always the subject matter of the photograph that matters, but the way you choose to photograph it. By looking at the world in a different way, you can create something truly unique and beautiful.
7. Fred Herzog
"You don’t take a photograph, you make it" is a quote from the famous photographer Fred Herzog. This quote is a reminder that photography is an art form and that it takes time and patience to create a good photograph. It is a reminder to take your time and explore different angles and perspectives when shooting.
8. Imogen Cunningham
"Which of my photographs is my favourite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow" is a quote from the iconic photographer Imogen Cunningham. This quote is a reminder to never stop learning and exploring. A great photographer is always looking ahead, searching for new and interesting subjects to photograph.
9. Diane Arbus
Diane Arbus was a photographer known for her powerful images of people on the fringes of society. Her quote, "A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know," is a reminder to look beyond what is visible on the surface of a photograph. By looking deeper into an image, we can gain insight into the story behind it.
10. Sebastião Salgado
Sebastião Salgado is a renowned documentary photographer known for his powerful images that capture the beauty and tragedy of the world around us. His quote, "To take photographs means to recognize both the fact that everything is connected and that something is about to vanish," is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, while also recognizing its fragility.
These quotes from famous photographers remind us that photography is an art form and that it takes time, patience, and creativity to create a good photograph. They also remind us to push ourselves to explore different angles and perspectives, to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and to always keep learning and growing as photographers.