Potent quotables: Inspirational messages from photographers

Clifford Oto, The Record
·3 min read
The sun sets behind a star thistle in an open lot along the waterfront in downtown Stockton. A large aperture of f/2.8 throws the background out of focus.
The sun sets behind a star thistle in an open lot along the waterfront in downtown Stockton. A large aperture of f/2.8 throws the background out of focus.
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In the world of art and photography there many inspirational quotes by masters in every genre. They provide encouragement and motivation to many practitioners of their respective crafts. Here are a few of the many that I have that have been influenced by.

“If your photos aren’t good enough, then you’re not close enough.” - Robert Capa

Laura Hislop of Stockton gives a bite of deep fried asparagus to her 3-year-old grandson Julian Ratto at the annual Asparagus Festival at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton.
Laura Hislop of Stockton gives a bite of deep fried asparagus to her 3-year-old grandson Julian Ratto at the annual Asparagus Festival at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton.

Robert Capa was a war photojournalist famous for his photos of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and WWII in the 1940s. I like this quote because the biggest mistake that most people do when taking pictures is being too far away. When I was a young photo student my instructors used to say: “if you think you’re close enough, then take another step closer.” There is a natural timidity and inclination to step back when taking photos, especially of people. Given that Capa was able in close to his subjects despite the dangers of bullets and bombs then one should be able to overcome a little shyness and to get closer to their subjects.

“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Barry Strouther of Folsom photographs a supermoon gracing the sky over the Cosumnes River Preserve near Thornton.
Barry Strouther of Folsom photographs a supermoon gracing the sky over the Cosumnes River Preserve near Thornton.

Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer active in the 1930s-1950s. He was the master of the candid photograph. I like this quote because it’s an acknowledgement that when you’re just starting out you’re not going to be very good. That’s why you study, practice and learn. In this digital day and age it seems that instant gratification isn’t quick enough for many people. They believe that they should instantly be an expert at anything they try. Be patient and take the time to learn you craft.

“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.” - Edward Weston

Construction worker Fernando Mendoza with the Concord-based Conco is caught up in the concentric rings of a 58-ft- long rebar support structure as he works to assemble it for the west extension of the Crosstown Freeway in the Boggs Tract area of Stockton. The concentric rings of the column help to draw the viewers' eyes to Mendoza.
Construction worker Fernando Mendoza with the Concord-based Conco is caught up in the concentric rings of a 58-ft- long rebar support structure as he works to assemble it for the west extension of the Crosstown Freeway in the Boggs Tract area of Stockton. The concentric rings of the column help to draw the viewers' eyes to Mendoza.

Edward Weston was a master photographer who was active in the early to mid 20th century. This quote is aimed at more advanced photographers. Beginners should consult all kinds of rules and guidelines regarding exposure, equipment and composition, after all they’ve just started their photographic education. But to be an advanced photographer one should know these things as second nature. Composing a photo should come as intuition.

“If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff.” - Jim Richardson

Clouds approach a field of wild mustard along the French Camp Turnpike near Downey Avenue in south Stockton. The use of a small aperture creates lots of depth of field.
Clouds approach a field of wild mustard along the French Camp Turnpike near Downey Avenue in south Stockton. The use of a small aperture creates lots of depth of field.

Jim Richardson is a nature photographer known for his work in National Geographic who I admire and respect but I strongly disagree with this quote. In fact. I believe in the polar opposite. To me, if you want to improve your photography then stand in front of some boring stuff. How good your photos are shouldn’t come from the subject. In many cases that’s irrelevant. Creativity should come from within. One should “work” the subject. Find new and different angles to shoot from, look for different times of day and/or lighting or try using a different lens. An ordinary or even boring subject should make you think and work harder to come up with a great image.

A fisherman's reflection is broken up by shimmering waters as he fishes from a float tube along the downtown waterfront in Stockton.
A fisherman's reflection is broken up by shimmering waters as he fishes from a float tube along the downtown waterfront in Stockton.

Finally, Imogene Cunningham’s 70-year career spanned most of the 20th century. She an artistic photographer who was known for her innovation, creativity and imagination. As a photojournalist I have very little in common in style but there is one quote of hers that keeps me going, that gets me up in the morning and try to take better photos than the last. At the age of 93, not to long before her death, Cunningham was asked of all the photographs she’s taken which were the ones she like the best. She replied: “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”

Record photographer Clifford Oto has photographed Stockton and San Joaquin County for more than 37 years. He can be reached at coto@recordnet.com or on Instagram @Recordnet. Follow his blog at recordnet.com/otoblog. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Photography quotes: Finding inspiration in photographers' words