Everything is a subject. Every subject has a rhythm. To feel it is the raison detre. The photograph is a fixed moment of such a raison detre, which lives on in itself.
Andre KerteszRead
If you want to write you should learn the alphabet. You write and write and in the end you hava a beautiful, perfect alphabet. But it isn’t the alphabed that is important. The important thing is what you are writing, what you are expressing. The same thing goes for photography. Photographs can be technically perfect and even beautiful, but they have no expression.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of writing and photography lies in expression rather than technical perfection.
In this quote, Andre Kertesz emphasizes that the true value of writing and photography is found in the creativity and expression behind the work, rather than solely in technical skills or aesthetic quality. While mastering the basics, like the alphabet or photographic techniques, is important, the ultimate goal is to convey thoughts, emotions, and experiences that resonate with others.
Themes
WritingPhotographyExpressionCreativityArt
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire aspiring writers to focus on the message behind their words at a writers' workshop.
More from Andre Kertesz
All quotes →The moment always dictates in my work. What I feel, I do. This is the most important thing for me. Everybody can look, but they don't necessarily see. I never calculate or consider; I see a situation and I know that it's right, even if I have to go back to get the proper lighting.
Andre KerteszRead
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