The camera sees more than the eye, so why not make use of it?
Edward WestonRead
Very often people looking at my pictures say, 'You must have had to wait a long time to get that cloud just right (or that shadow, or the light).' As a matter of fact, I almost never wait, that is, unless I can see that the thing will be right in a few minutes. But if I must wait an hour for the shadow to move, or the light to change, or the cow to graze in the other direction, then I put up my camera and go on, knowing that I am likely to find three subjects just as good in the same hour.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes spontaneity and the pursuit of opportunity in photography, rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
Edward Weston reflects on the nature of photography in this quote, illustrating that rather than waiting excessively for ideal lighting, shadows, or subjects, one should embrace the spontaneity of the moment. He suggests that maintaining an open mind and being willing to move on can lead to discovering equally compelling subjects without the constraints of waiting, thus highlighting an active engagement with one's surroundings.
Themes
PhotographySpontaneityArtCreativityOpportunity
In practice
Example use cases
In a photography workshop to emphasize the importance of spontaneity in capturing moments.
More from Edward Weston
All quotes →The photograph isolates and perpetuates a moment of time: an important and revealing moment, or an unimportant and meaningless one, depending upon the photographer's understanding of his subject and mastery of his process.
Edward WestonRead
Why limit yourself to what your eyes see when you have an opportunity to extend your vision?
Edward WestonRead
Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.
Edward WestonRead
I start with no preconceived idea - discovery excites me to focus - then rediscovery through the lens - final form of presentation seen on ground glass, the finished print previsioned completely in every detail of texture, movement, proportion, before exposure - the shutter's release automatically and finally fixes my conception, allowing no after manipulation - the ultimate end, the print, is but a duplication of all that I saw and felt through my camera.
Edward WestonRead
People who wouldn't think of taking a sieve to the well to draw water fail to see the folly in taking a camera to make a painting.
Edward WestonRead
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