The camera sees more than the eye, so why not make use of it?
Photography to the amateur is recreation, to the professional it is work, and hard work too, no matter how pleasurable it my be.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Photography is viewed differently by amateurs and professionals, where amateurs see it as a hobby while professionals recognize the effort required.
In this quote, Edward Weston emphasizes the distinction between amateur and professional photographers. For amateurs, photography is often seen as a form of recreationβa relaxing and enjoyable activity. In contrast, professionals understand that photography demands dedication, technical skill, and hard work, even if they find pleasure in their craft. This highlights the different perspectives on the same art form based on one's level of involvement and commitment.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
When discussing the dedication required in any creative field during a workshop.
More from Edward Weston
All quotes βThe 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.
Why limit yourself to what your eyes see when you have an opportunity to extend your vision?
Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.
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.
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.
Similar quotes
Like I can't cry for myself so I will let this song take all of the things inside I can't let anyone else see and offer it up, as if the sound were some kind of god, and my pain is some kind of sacrifice.
What I mean is sometimes, for an artist, chronic pain can be a gift.
I mean, every novel's a historical novel anyway. But calling something a historical novel seems to put mittens on it, right? It puts manners on it. And you don't want your novels to be mannered.
Write your own songs. It helps you to mean what you're singing, which will then make it mean something to listeners.
There is only one true thing: Instantly paint what you see.
I write what feels real. I write things that are informed both by my own experience and by actual history.