The photographer, even in fashion and portraiture, has to have a standpoint. It's important to know what you stand for, no? Most people just take pictures, but they stand for nothing. They follow trends and don't know why.
If photographers are responsible for creating or reflecting an image of women in society, then, I must say, there is only one way for the future, and this is to define women as strong and independent. This should be the responsibility of photographers today: to free women, and finally everyone, from the terror of youth and perfection.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Photographers shape societal views of women and must portray them as strong and independent individuals, free from unrealistic ideals.
This quote by Peter Lindbergh emphasizes the crucial role photographers play in shaping the representation of women in society. He argues that the future of this representation should focus on strength and independence, advocating for a shift away from oppressive standards of youth and perfection that can lead to insecurity and fear among individuals. Lindbergh's call to action is for photographers to redefine societal norms around beauty and empower women through their work.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire discussions at feminist art exhibitions.
More from Peter Lindbergh
All quotes →The most important part of fashion photography, for me, is not the models; it's not the clothes. It's that you are responsible for defining what a woman today is. That, I think, is my job.
Women must be freed from the idea that they always have to stay young and that they must disfigure themselves at a certain age.
I thought fashion was just the pretext to do images with lots of freedom and get them published in magazines. You could express your point of view, make statements about women and about what you believe in.
People think that it is important to learn by assisting the great photographers. I say that is a big mistake. Be happy; just learn from any little guy. Learn how to use the camera - you don't need anything else. You can't be taught the real skill anyway.
Fashion photography should say something about the stability of a certain time you live in or what kind of women you like. The most interesting thing is not what they're wearing but who they are.
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