One should really use the camera as though tomorrow you'd be stricken blind.
Dorothea LangeRead
I had to get my camera to register things that were more important than how poor they were--their pride, their strength, their spirit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes capturing the true essence and spirit of individuals beyond their material conditions.
Dorothea Lange highlights the importance of photographing people in a way that reveals their dignity and inner strength, rather than focusing solely on their poverty or hardships. Her work aimed to tell a deeper story that reflects the resilience and pride of those she photographed, challenging viewers to see beyond surface appearances and recognize the human spirit.
Themes
PhotographyDignitySpiritArtResilience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a photography exhibition to illustrate the philosophy behind the artist's work.
More from Dorothea Lange
All quotes βBeing disabled gave me an immense advantage. People are kinder to you. It puts you on a different level than if you go into a situation whole and secure.
Dorothea LangeRead
Surefire things are deadening to the human spirit.
Dorothea LangeRead
The words that come direct from the people are the greatest.If you substitute one out of your own vocabulary, it disappears before your eyes.
Dorothea LangeRead
Photographers stop photographing a subject too soon before they have exhausted the possibilities.
Dorothea LangeRead
You go into a room and you know where you're welcome; you know where you're unwelcome.Sometimes in a hostile situation you stick around because hostility itself is important.The people who are garrulous and wear their heart on their sleeve and tell you everything, that's one kind of person, but the fellow who's hiding behind a tree and hoping you don't see him is the fellow that you'd better find out why.
Dorothea LangeRead
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