QuoteProject
Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.
Edward Weston
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of intuition and spontaneity in artistic expression, suggesting that overthinking can hinder creativity.

Edward Weston's quote reflects the idea that art, specifically photography, should not be overly constrained by rules and technicalities. Just as one doesn't dwell on the laws of gravity when taking a simple walk, an artist should allow their creativity and instinct to guide their work instead of being bogged down by rigid adherence to compositional guidelines. This perspective encourages artists to embrace experimentation and personal expression in their craft.

Themes

PhotographyArtCreativityIntuitionExpression

In practice

Example use cases

In a photography workshop, to motivate participants to embrace their creativity without fear of mistakes.

More from Edward Weston

The camera sees more than the eye, so why not make use of it?
Edward WestonRead
The photograph isolates and perpetuates a moment of time: an important and revealing moment, or an unimportant and meaningless one, depending upon the photographer's understanding of his subject and mastery of his process.
Edward WestonRead
Why limit yourself to what your eyes see when you have an opportunity to extend your vision?
Edward WestonRead
I start with no preconceived idea - discovery excites me to focus - then rediscovery through the lens - final form of presentation seen on ground glass, the finished print previsioned completely in every detail of texture, movement, proportion, before exposure - the shutter's release automatically and finally fixes my conception, allowing no after manipulation - the ultimate end, the print, is but a duplication of all that I saw and felt through my camera.
Edward WestonRead
People who wouldn't think of taking a sieve to the well to draw water fail to see the folly in taking a camera to make a painting.
Edward WestonRead
Photography to the amateur is recreation, to the professional it is work, and hard work too, no matter how pleasurable it my be.
Edward WestonRead

Similar quotes

I think it's very important for writers and artists generally to be witnesses to the world, and to be transparent. To let other people speak... to travel... to experience the world. And memorialize it.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
a poet is someone who is abnormally fond of that precision which creates movement. Which is to say the highest form of concentration possible: fascination; to report on the electrifying experience of being
E. E. CummingsRead
Music is a weapon of the future / music is the weapon of the progressives / music is the weapon of the givers of life
Fela KutiRead
Writing is a solitary experience. I'm extremely superstitious. If I talk about the book or name the title out loud before finishing, I feel the energy I need to write will be drained. It's so intimate, I can't even share it with my wife.
Paulo CoelhoRead
My fashion is part of who I am, and though I was not born with these clothes on, I was born this way.
Lady GagaRead
Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.
Diane Von FurstenbergRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Edward Weston | QuoteProject