The photo is a thing in itself. And that's what still photography is all about.
Garry WinograndRead
I like to think of photographing as a two-way act of respect. Respect for the medium, by letting it do what it does best, describe. And respect for the subject, by describing it as it is. A photograph must be responsible to both.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Photography is a respectful collaboration between the photographer and the subject.
Garry Winogrand emphasizes that photography is not just about taking pictures; it's a mutual act of respect. The photographer respects the medium by allowing it to showcase its strengths in capturing reality, and they also respect the subject by portraying it honestly and authentically. This balanced approach highlights the responsibility that comes with the art of photography, ensuring that both the technique and the subjects are honored in the final image.
Themes
PhotographyRespectMediumSubjectResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a photography workshop, I used this quote to inspire participants to think about the ethical aspects of their work.
More from Garry Winogrand
All quotes →The photograph should be more interesting or more beautiful than what was photographed
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Photography is about finding out what can happen in the frame. When you put four edges around some facts, you change those facts.
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When I’m photographing I see life.
Garry WinograndRead
Photography is not about the thing photographed. It is about how that thing looks photographed.
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You have a lifetime to learn technique. But I can teach you what is more important than technique, how to see; learn that and all you have to do afterwards is press the shutter.
Garry WinograndRead
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