Find the Light
“Find the light. Find it and harness it. It’s ours.”
Justin Nicole Melville, fellow Jackson artist and photographer.
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A Search for Beauty
I may be old-fashioned, but I believe there is such a thing as a search for beauty – a delight in the nice things in the world. And I don’t think one should have to apologize for it.
Saul Leiter (via bijan)
…and really all you need to make photos. “A search for beauty.”
No Memory of Paradise
We Americans are permanently fallen creatures who possess no memory of paradise, only a fantasy of it. And the fantasy, unrealized, perhaps unrealizable, turns us violent.
Russell Banks, intro to Beneath the Roses
Be The Light
Photography allows you to be the light that shines onto someone so that the rest of the world can see them.
No Other Goal
Being an artist is simply about creating artistic stuff, for no other goal than the pursuit itself and a need to communicate.
LaRoque – in his new project, these kings. these subterraneans.
To Please Others
Realize that street photography is more about learning about yourself as a human being, rather than just trying to make good photographs to please others.
Eric Kim – The Art of Learning Street Photography
Question Authority
If we can’t think for ourselves, if we’re unwilling to question authority, then we’re just putty in the hands of those in power. But if the citizens are educated and form their own opinions, then those in power will work for us.
Carl Sagan, The Demon Haunted World
True to Your Roots
However I have discovered over time– the best photographic opportunities are in your own backyard (neighborhood, city, community) and staying true to your roots is really important. There are tons of photographic opportunities waiting to be shot where you already live.
Wandering, And Being Flexible
We never know when a great “decisive moment” will happen– so wandering and being flexible and open to ideas is important.