Diane Arbus
[Photographer, b. 1923, New York, d. 1971, New York.]
One thing that struck me very early is that you don’t put into a photograph what’s going to come out. Or, vice versa, what comes out is not what you put in.
I always thought of photography as a naughty thing to do—that was one of my favorite things about it, and when I first did it I felt very perverse.
I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.
Nothing is ever the same as they said it was.
Everything is so superb and breathtaking. I am creeping forward on my belly like they do in war movies.
I think it does, a little, hurt to be photographed.
I never have taken a picture I’ve intended. They’re always better or worse.
The thing that’s important to know is that you never know. You’re always sort of feeling your way.
