Bringing All Yourself

Art is choosing to do something skillfully,
caring about the details, bringing all yourself
to make the finest work you can.
It is beyond ego, vanity, self-glorification,
and need for approval.

Rick Rubin

The Ones You Didn't Plan For

The best photographs are
the ones you don't expect.
The ones you didn't plan for.

Joel Meyerowitz

Telling the Story

If I could tell the story in words,
I wouldn't have to lug around a camera.

Lewis Hine

A Way of Being in the World

We tend to think of the artist's work
as the output. The real work of the artist
is a way of being in the world.

Rick Rubin

What Equipment I Use

When people ask me
what equipment I use,
I tell them my eyes.

Anonymous

Living Life as an Artist

Living life as an artist is a practice.
You are either engaging in the practice
or you're not.

Rick Rubin

Creativity is ...

Creativity is a wild mind
and disciplined eye.

Dorothy Parker

Content With Silence

When words become unclear,
I shall focus with photographs.
When images become inadequate,
I shall be content with silence.

Ansel Adams

Audience Comes Last

In terms of priority,
inspiration comes first.
You come next.
The audience comes last.

Rick Rubin

Not When, But Why

It's not when you press the shutter,
but why you press the shutter.

Mary Ellen Mark

All That Matters

All that matters is that you are
making something you love,
to the best of your ability,
here and now.

Rick Rubin

One Piece of Advice

At 70 years old, if I could give
my younger self one piece of advice,
it would be to use the words "fuck off"
much more frequently.

Helen Mirren