The photographer, even in fashion and portraiture, has to have a standpoint. It's important to know what you stand for, no? Most people just take pictures, but they stand for nothing. They follow trends and don't know why.
Peter LindberghRead
My feeling is that for years now it has taken a much too big part in how women are being visually defined today. Heartless retouching should not be the chosen tool to represent women in the beginning of this century.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes the excessive use of retouching in women's photography, arguing it negatively impacts their representation.
Peter Lindbergh expresses his concern about the over-reliance on digital retouching in photography, especially in how it shapes societal perceptions of women. He believes that this practice not only distorts the true essence of women's beauty but also contributes to unrealistic standards in visual culture, particularly in the 21st century.
Themes
BeautyRetouchingPhotographyWomenRepresentation
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on the impact of media on body image, this quote could highlight the need for more authentic representations of women.
More from Peter Lindbergh
All quotes →The most important part of fashion photography, for me, is not the models; it's not the clothes. It's that you are responsible for defining what a woman today is. That, I think, is my job.
Peter LindberghRead
Women must be freed from the idea that they always have to stay young and that they must disfigure themselves at a certain age.
Peter LindberghRead
I thought fashion was just the pretext to do images with lots of freedom and get them published in magazines. You could express your point of view, make statements about women and about what you believe in.
Peter LindberghRead
People think that it is important to learn by assisting the great photographers. I say that is a big mistake. Be happy; just learn from any little guy. Learn how to use the camera - you don't need anything else. You can't be taught the real skill anyway.
Peter LindberghRead
If photographers are responsible for creating or reflecting an image of women in society, then, I must say, there is only one way for the future, and this is to define women as strong and independent. This should be the responsibility of photographers today: to free women, and finally everyone, from the terror of youth and perfection.
Peter LindberghRead
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