Imogen Cunningham was a renowned American photographer known for her pioneering work in botanical photography, nudes, and industrial landscapes. Her captivating images continue to inspire and influence photographers around the world. In addition to her remarkable artistry, Cunningham was also known for her insightful and thought-provoking quotes. In this article, we have compiled some of her most memorable quotes that reflect her unique perspective on photography and life.
Cunningham once said, “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” This quote beautifully captures her unwavering passion for photography and her constant desire to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. It reminds us that art is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.
Another gem from Cunningham is, “I don’t think there’s any such thing as teaching people photography, other than influencing them a little. People have to be their own learners. They have to have a certain talent.” This quote emphasizes the importance of individuality and the innate talent required to create exceptional art. Cunningham believed that while guidance and influence play a role, true mastery of photography comes from within.
Read these Imogen Cunningham quotes
“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”
“I don’t think there’s any such thing as teaching people photography, other than influencing them a little. People have to be their own learners. They have to have a certain talent.”
“It’s silly to keep people alive who have a terrible disease.”
“The formula for doing a good job in photography is to think like a poet.”
“The thing that’s important to know is that you never know. You’re always sort of feeling your way.”
“There are only two things to study: the science of nature and the technique of the medium.”
“The best camera is the one that’s with you.”
“Beauty in photography is truth.”
“To see clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion, all in one.”
“The camera is not an instrument of preservation, but of discovery.”
“A woman said to me, ‘I’m not going to photograph.’ ‘Why not?’ I asked. ‘I don’t want to,’ she replied. ‘I don’t like it.’ I said, ‘Well, whatever it is, you better get out of it.'”
“When I’m photographing, I see life. That’s what I deal with. I don’t have a photograph in mind before I start. I just go out and find one.”
“I’m not responsible for my photographs. Photography is not documentary, but intuition, a poetic experience. It’s drowning yourself, dissolving yourself, and then sniff, sniff, sniff—being sensitive to coincidence. You can’t go looking for it; you can’t want it, or you won’t get it. First you must lose your self. Then it happens.”
“A lot of photographers think that if they buy a better camera, they’ll be able to take better photographs. A better camera won’t do a thing for you if you don’t have anything in your head or in your heart.”
“Photography is a funny thing. You just have to keep on doing it.”
“The thing that’s important to know is that you never know. You’re always sort of feeling your way.”
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
“In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”
“The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.”
“The negative is the score, and the print is the performance.”
“Art is not freedom from discipline, but disciplined freedom.”
These quotes provide a glimpse into the mind of Imogen Cunningham and the philosophy that guided her remarkable career. Her words remind us of the importance of passion, individuality, and constant exploration in the pursuit of art. Whether you are a photographer or simply an admirer of her work, her quotes are sure to inspire and ignite your own creativity.
