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Photographs don’t lie, but liars may photograph
Lewis Hine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Photographs capture reality, but they can be manipulated by those who deceive.

This quote emphasizes the dual nature of photography as an art form and a tool for truth-telling. While photographs are often perceived as objective representations of reality, the intent of the photographer can influence how the image is interpreted, highlighting the potential for deceit in visual storytelling and the importance of critical observation.

Themes

PhotographyTruthDeceitArtReality

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared during a photography class to discuss ethics in photography.

More from Lewis Hine

Photography can light-up darkness and expose ignorance.
Lewis HineRead
While photographs may not lie, liars may photograph.
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