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If each photograph steals a bit of the soul, isn't it possible that I give up pieces of mine every time I take a picture?
Richard Avedon
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the emotional and spiritual connection a photographer has with their subjects, suggesting that taking photographs can involve a personal sacrifice.

In this quote, Richard Avedon explores the profound relationship between the artist and their art, proposing that each photograph captured may extract a part of the photographer's essence or emotional state. Avedon suggests that through the act of photography, a photographer not only captures a moment but also invests their own soul and feelings into the image, raising questions about the nature of art and personal identity.

Themes

PhotographySoulArtIdentityEmotions

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the emotional impact of photography during a photography exhibition.

More from Richard Avedon

There's always been a separation between fashion and what I call my 'deeper' work. Fashion is where I make my living. I'm not knocking it. It's a pleasure to make a living that way. It's pleasure and then there's the deeper pleasure of doing my portraits. It's not important what I consider myself to be, but I consider myself to be a portrait photographer.
Richard AvedonRead
I am, and forever will be, devastated by the gift of Audrey Hepburn before my camera. I cannot lift her to greater heights. She is already there. I can only record. I cannot interpret her. There is no going further than who she is. She has achieved in herself her ultimate portrait.
Richard AvedonRead
I never wanted to be called an artist. I wanted to be called a photographer.
Richard AvedonRead
Photography has always reminded me of the second child.. trying to prove itself. The fact that it wasn't really considered an art.. that it was considered a craft.. has trapped almost every serious photographer.
Richard AvedonRead
My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph.
Richard AvedonRead
When you pose for a photograph, it's behind a smile that isn't yours. You are angry and hungry and alive. What I value in you is that intensity. I want to make portraits as intense as people.
Richard AvedonRead

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