So many times I've photographed stories that show the degradation of the planet. I had one idea to go and photograph the factories that were polluting, and to see all the deposits of garbage. But, in the end, I thought the only way to give us an incentive, to bring hope, is to show the pictures of the pristine planet - to see the innocence.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes capturing the beauty of the planet as a source of hope amid its degradation.
Sebastiao Salgado reflects on his journey as a photographer, stating that while he initially focused on highlighting the pollution and environmental destruction caused by factories, he ultimately believed that showcasing the untouched beauty of the Earth would inspire hope and a desire for preservation. This shift underscores the importance of positive imagery in promoting environmental awareness and action.
In practice
In a speech about environmental conservation, one might use this quote to illustrate the power of positive imagery.
I have a way to photograph. You work with space, you have a camera, you have a frame, and then a fraction of a second. It's very instinctive. What you do is a fraction of a second, it's there and it's not there. But in this fraction of a second comes your past, comes your future, comes your relation with people, comes your ideology, comes your hate, comes your love - all together in this fraction of a second, it materializes there.
As in any person's life, there have been difficult moments: I have a son with Down's syndrome; through my photography, I have witnessed all manner of human degradation. But there have also been very happy moments.
There are moments that you suffer a lot, moments you won't photograph. There are some people you like better than others. But you give, you receive, you cherish, you are there. When you are really there, you know when you see the picture later what you are seeing.
In the end, the only heritage we have is our planet, and I have decided to go to the most pristine places on the planet and photograph them in the most honest way I know, with my point of view, and of course it is in black and white, because it is the only thing I know how to do.
My way of photographing is my way of life. I photograph from my experience, my way of seeing things.
You photograph with all your ideology.
The whole secret of the study of nature lies in learning how to use one's eyes.
Protecting our future on this planet depends on the conscious evolution of our species.
The whole world is, to me, very much "alive" - all the little growing things, even the rocks. I can't look at a swell bit of grass and earth, for instance, without feeling the essential life - the things going on - within them. The same goes for a mountain, or a bit of the ocean, or a magnificent piece of old wood.
The more you go on, the less you need people standing between you and the animal and the camera waving their arms about.
With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere is generated by the sea.
Climate change is for real. We have just a small window of opportunity and it is closing rather rapidly. There is not a moment to lose.
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