They often ask me to shoot for them. But I say no. I think an old guy like me ought not take pages away from young photographers who need the exposure.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of allowing younger individuals opportunities to shine and gain experience.
Helmut Newton reflects on the importance of mentorship and generosity in the field of photography. By choosing not to take opportunities away from younger photographers, he recognizes the value of giving them a platform to grow and succeed, suggesting that one should prioritize the collective advancement of the art form over personal gain.
In practice
During a photography workshop, a seasoned photographer might say this quote to encourage young talents.
I have always avoided photographing in the studio. A woman does not spend her life sitting or standing in front of a seamless white paper background. Although it makes my life more complicated, I prefer to take my camera out into the street... and places that are out of bounds for photographers have always had a special attraction for me.
I like photographing women who appear to know something of life. I recently did a session with a great beauty, a movie star in in her thirties. I photographed her twice within three weeks and the second time I said: "You're much more beautiful today than you were three weeks ago." And she replied: "But I'm also three weeks older.
I am very attracted by bad taste-it is a lot more exciting than that supposed good taste which is nothing more than a standardized way of looking at things.
I hate good taste. It's the worst thing that can happen to a creative person.
The point of my photography has always been to challenge myself, to go a little further than my Germanic discipline and Teutonic nature would traditionally permit me to.
It is the obvious which is so difficult to see most of the time. People say 'It's as plain as the nose on your face.' But how much of the nose on your face can you see, unless someone holds a mirror up to you?
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. No, not at all. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.
Dostoevsky gives me more than any scientist, more than Gauss.
The business (and person) who tries to be everything to everyone ends up being nothing to anyone.
People know that pursuing a mission without achieving results is dispiriting; achieving results without a mission is meaningless.
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