The most important part of fashion photography, for me, is not the models; it's not the clothes. It's that you are responsible for defining what a woman today is. That, I think, is my job.
Peter LindberghRead
The photographer, even in fashion and portraiture, has to have a standpoint. It's important to know what you stand for, no? Most people just take pictures, but they stand for nothing. They follow trends and don't know why.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Photography requires a personal perspective and understanding of one's beliefs to create meaningful images.
Peter Lindbergh emphasizes the importance of having a personal standpoint in photography, asserting that simply capturing images without a deeper intention results in shallow work. While many photographers may adhere to current trends, true artistry arises from knowing what you stand for and infusing that understanding into your work, leading to authentic and compelling photographs.
Themes
PhotographyArtPerspectiveAuthenticityTrends
In practice
Example use cases
In a photography workshop, to inspire participants, you might quote, 'The photographer has to have a standpoint.'
More from Peter Lindbergh
All quotes →Women must be freed from the idea that they always have to stay young and that they must disfigure themselves at a certain age.
Peter LindberghRead
I thought fashion was just the pretext to do images with lots of freedom and get them published in magazines. You could express your point of view, make statements about women and about what you believe in.
Peter LindberghRead
People think that it is important to learn by assisting the great photographers. I say that is a big mistake. Be happy; just learn from any little guy. Learn how to use the camera - you don't need anything else. You can't be taught the real skill anyway.
Peter LindberghRead
If photographers are responsible for creating or reflecting an image of women in society, then, I must say, there is only one way for the future, and this is to define women as strong and independent. This should be the responsibility of photographers today: to free women, and finally everyone, from the terror of youth and perfection.
Peter LindberghRead
Fashion photography should say something about the stability of a certain time you live in or what kind of women you like. The most interesting thing is not what they're wearing but who they are.
Peter LindberghRead
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