My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph.
Interpretation
Avedon conveys that his photography reflects his own identity and vision more than the subjects he captures.
This quote by Richard Avedon highlights the subjective nature of art, particularly photography. Avedon suggests that rather than simply capturing the external appearances of his subjects, his portraits are a reflection of his own thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Consequently, the viewer is invited to consider not only the person in the photograph but also the artistic perspective of the photographer, emphasizing the interplay between the artist and their subject.
In practice
In a photography exhibit, one could present Avedon's quote to discuss the emotional connection photographers have with their subjects.
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.
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.
I never wanted to be called an artist. I wanted to be called a photographer.
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.
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.
I think all art is about control, the encounter between control and uncontrollable.
No matter where I am working, I cannot make a film without 100% creative control and final cut. If there is such a guarantee, I can work anywhere.
First of all there is always that artistic challenge of creating something. Or the particular experience to take slum life in that period and make something out of it in the form of a book. And then I felt some kind of responsibility to my family.
When I read Shakespeare I am struck with wonder that such trivial people should muse and thunder in such lovely language.
The book, like the bicycle, is a perfect form.
Food is about making an interaction with ingredients. If you talk to them, they will always tell you a story.
...And, all at once, the moon arouse through the thin ghastly mist, And was crimson in color... And they lynx which dwelleth forever in the tomb, came out therefrom. And lay down at the feet of the demon. And looked at him steadily in the face.
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