Edward Weston

Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk. ”

My own eyes are no more than scouts on a preliminary search, for the camera's eye may entirely change my idea. ”

Photography suits the temper of this age - of active bodies and minds. It is a perfect medium for one whose mind is teeming with ideas, imagery, for a prolific worker who would be slowed down by painting or sculpting, for one who sees quickly and acts decisively, accurately. ”

There is nothing like a Bach fugue to remove me from a discordant moment... only Bach hold up fresh and strong after repeated playing. I can always return to Bach when the other records weary me. ”

Photography to the amateur is recreation, to the professional it is work, and hard work too, no matter how pleasurable it my be. ”

I was extravagant in the matter of cameras - anything photographic - I had to have the best. But that was to further my work. In most things I have gone along with the plainest - or without. ”