The photo is a thing in itself. And that's what still photography is all about.
Garry WinograndRead
Sometimes photographers mistake emotion for what makes a great street photograph.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Great street photography goes beyond capturing mere emotions; it involves deeper elements of composition and context.
Garry Winogrand's quote suggests that many photographers may prioritize the emotional aspect of a moment when taking a street photograph, overlooking the fundamental principles of good composition, context, and storytelling that contribute to a truly great image. Street photography is an art form that requires a balance between emotion and technical skill to create impactful visuals.
Themes
PhotographyEmotionCompositionStreetArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a photography workshop, you might say, 'Remember Garry Winogrand's perspective on photography when capturing street life.'
More from Garry Winogrand
All quotes →The photograph should be more interesting or more beautiful than what was photographed
Garry WinograndRead
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.
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Photography is not about the thing photographed. It is about how that thing looks photographed.
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.
Garry WinograndRead
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