We all need a bit of inspiration from time to time, and portrait photography quotes can be a great source of encouragement. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, these quotes from some of the world’s greatest photographers will motivate you to keep shooting.
Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams was one of the most iconic landscape photographers of the 20th century. He was also an avid advocate of conservation and the outdoors. Here are some of his most inspirational quotes.
"You don't take a photograph, you make it."
"A photograph is usually looked at – seldom looked into."
"Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop."
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Henri Cartier-Bresson was a pioneer of street photography and photojournalism. He was known for his iconic images of post-war Europe and his philosophy of capturing “the decisive moment”. Here are some of his most inspiring quotes.
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst."
"To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy."
"Photography is not like painting. There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eye must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative."
Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz is one of the most famous portrait photographers of the 21st century. She is renowned for her iconic images of celebrities and her unique style of photography. Here are some of her most inspirational quotes.
"A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people."
"I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn't photograph them."
"When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I'd like to know them. Anyone I know I photograph."
Steve McCurry
Steve McCurry is one of the most renowned documentary photographers of all time. He is best known for his iconic image of the Afghan Girl, which was featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985. Here are some of his most inspiring quotes.
"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."
"You just have to live and life will give you pictures."
"The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do."
Conclusion
These portrait photography quotes are sure to inspire and motivate you to create beautiful images. Remember, photography is about capturing the moment and creating a work of art. So keep shooting and never forget to have fun!
