I've always wanted to be aware of what's going on around me, and I've wanted to use photography as an instrument of research into and reporting on the life of my own time.
Paul StrandRead
It is one thing to photograph people. It is another to make others care about them by revealing the core of their humanness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of capturing the essence of humanity in photography, rather than just taking pictures of people.
Paul Strand's quote highlights the distinction between merely taking photographs of individuals and truly engaging the viewer by showcasing the depth of their humanity. This suggests that a successful photograph goes beyond surface appearances; it resonates emotionally and allows others to empathize with the subjects, fostering a genuine connection between the viewer and the subject matter.
Themes
PhotographyHumanityEmotionConnectionArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a photography exhibit discussing the stories behind the images on display.
More from Paul Strand
All quotes βThe photographer's problem is to see clearly the limitations and at the same time the potential qualities of his medium, for it is precisely here that honesty no less than intensity of vision is the pre-requisite of a living expression. The fullest realization of this is accomplished without tricks of process or manipulation, through the use of straight photographic methods.
Paul StrandRead
No matter what lens you use, no matter what speed the film, no matter how you develop it, no matter how you print it, you cannot say more than you can see.
Paul StrandRead
I like to photograph people who have strength and dignity in their faces. Whatever life has done to them, it hasnβt destroyed them.
Paul StrandRead
It is easy to make a picture of someone and call it a portrait. The difficulty lies in making a picture that makes the viewer care about a stranger.
Paul StrandRead
The portrait of a person is one of the most difficult things to do. It means you must almost bring the presence of that person photographed to other people in such a way that they don't have to know that person personally, but that they are still confronted with a human being that they won't forget. That's a portrait.
Paul StrandRead
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