I do not think there is any question of photography being an art form!

Impression is not enough. Design, style, technique - these, too, are not enough. Art must reach further than impression or self-revelation .

The dismal half-baked images of the average "reportage" and "documentary" photography are self dammning... the slick manner, the slightly obscure significance, the esoteric fear of simple beauty for its own sake - I am deeply concerned with these manifestations of decay. Gene Smith's work validates my most vigorous convictions that if the documentary photographs is to be truly effective it must contain elements of art, intensity, fine craft and spirituality. All these his work contains and we may turn to his work with gratitude, appreciation and great respect.

All art is the expression of one and the same thing- the relation of the spirit of man to the spirit of other men and to the world.

I knew my destiny when I first experienced Yosemite.

To photograph truthfully and effectively is to see beneath the surfaces and record the qualities of nature and humanity which live or are latent in all things.

I hope that my work will encourage self expression in others and stimulate the search for beauty and creative excitement in the great world around us.