The document discusses key quotes from Ansel Adams, one of the greatest photographers, emphasizing the art of photography and the creative process involved. It highlights the importance of personal expression, understanding photography beyond mere technique, and cultivating a meaningful connection with viewers. Additionally, it reassures photographers that having a limited number of significant images per year is acceptable and encourages continuous practice and dedication.

2.  It’s worthwhile to learn from masters.
 Ansel Adams (1902-1984) is one of the
greatest photographers. His thoughts will
help you to understand the art of
photography.
 Here’s the list of my favorite quotations
from A. Adams:

3.  “Not everybody trusts paintings but
people believe photographs”.

 When you are shooting it will be good to
remember these words. Now in the era
of PhotoShop you can modify the reality
in a way you want. Sometimes it will be
useful for your creative idea. But… don’t
overdo it or you’ll abuse of your viewers’
confidence.

4.  “You don't take a photograph, you make
it”.
 You do not duplicate the subject (it
doesn’t matter whether you capture
people or nature). You create it, you put
your soul into your image and then and
only then a viewer will be touched and
surprised…

5.  “There are no rules for good
photographs, there are only good
photographs”.

 You should learn the rules and only then
you could break them for some reasons
(if you want to receive some striking shots
or want to experiment with the points of
interest you could break the rules).

6.  “Twelve significant photographs in any one
year is a good crop”.

 It’s very useful quotation. When you begin
to worry that you have not so many good
photos, just remember these words. If even
great Ansel Adams considered 12
significant photographs per a year to be a
good crop, you with your idea of bad
situation with your 10-20-30 good photos
can take it easy.

7.  “A true photograph need not be
explained, nor can it be contained in
words”.
 If people do not understand your image,
maybe it’s better to try again to shoot
than to try to explain what did you
mean…


8.  “Photography is more than a medium for
factual communication of ideas. It is a
creative art”.

 To tell the truth, it’s the high aim – to
create art with the help of your
camera…

9.  “There is nothing worse than a brilliant
image of a fuzzy concept”.

 The technique skills in the photography
are not on the first place. Imagination,
feelings, soul must be on the first place.

10.  “There are always two people in every
picture: the photographer and the
viewer”.
 You do not take photos for yourself (as a
rule). And it’s a happy moment when the
viewer understands your image and
enjoys it.

11.  “Some photographers take reality...and
impose the domination of their own
thought and spirit. Others come before
reality more tenderly and a photograph
to them is an instrument of love and
revelation”.

 It’s impossible to say what is better, just
try to be both.

12.  “I am always surprised when I see
several cameras, a gaggle on lenses,
filters, meters, et cetera, rattling around
in a soft bag with a complement of
refuse and dust. Sometimes the
professional is the worst offender!”
 Many a true word is spoken in jest…

13.  “A photograph is not an accident – it is a
concept”.

 You heard that a photographer must be
in the right place in the right time… But
even in the right place and in the right
time you will not have a great shot
without a concept.


14.  “I know the importance of highly trained
awareness of the "moment" and the
immediate and intuitive response of the
photographer. It should be obvious to all
that photographers whose images possess
character and quality have attained them
only by continued practice and total
dedication to the medium”.

 You need as much practice as possible to
improve your photography…

15.  “A photograph is usually looked at –
seldom looked into”.

 It’s not easy to take photos to be looked
into… but you can set your heart on this
aim.

16.  “We don't make a photograph just with a
camera, we bring to the act of photography
all the books we have read, the movies we
have seen, the music we have heard, the
people we have loved”.

 Amazing words! Keep them in mind when
you are dreaming of great photos!

 Thank you for reading!