Photography can never grow up if it imitates some other medium. It has to walk alone; it has to be itself.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of originality in photography, suggesting it should not simply mimic other art forms.
Berenice Abbott's quote reflects the idea that photography, as an art form, must develop its own unique identity rather than relying on the styles or techniques of other mediums such as painting or film. It advocates for authenticity and creative independence, encouraging photographers to explore their own vision and voice in their work.
In practice
During a photography exhibition, this quote can be used to inspire budding photographers to find their own style.
To chart a course, one must have a direction. In reality, the eye is no better than the philosophy behind it. The photographer creates, evolves a better, a more selective, more acute seeing eye by looking ever more sharply at what is going on in the world.
Actually, documentary pictures include every subject in the world - good, bad, indifferent. I have yet to see a fine photograph which is not a good document.
Does not the very word 'creative' mean to build, to initiate, to give out, to act - rather than to be acted upon, to be subjective? Living photography is positive in its approach, it sings a song of life - not death.
The camera is no more an instrument of preservation, the image is.
Photography helps people to see.
Some people are still unaware that reality contains unparalleled beauties. The fantastic and unexpected, the ever-changing and renewing is nowhere so exemplified as in real life itself.
If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry.
Art is the creation of forms symbolic of human feeling.
A poet is a professional maker of verbal objects.
Books don't live and die by awards. You don't listen to an Hector Lavoe album because it won some awards.
Photography is an art of observation - it's about creating something extraordinary out of the ordinary. You choose a frame and then wait until the right time for something magical to come along and fill it.
Develop your talent, man, and leave the world something. Records are really gifts from people. To think that an artist would love you enough to share his music with anyone is a beautiful thing
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