The photographer's most important and likewise most difficult task is not learning to manage his camera, or to develop, or to print. It is learning to see photographically — that is, learning to see his subject matter in terms of the capacities of his tools and processes, so that he can instantaneously translate the elements and values in a scene before him into the photograph he wants to make.

I start with no preconceived idea - discovery excites me to focus - then rediscovery through the lens - final form of presentation seen on ground glass, the finished print previsioned completely in every detail of texture, movement, proportion, before exposure - the shutter's release automatically and finally fixes my conception, allowing no after manipulation - the ultimate end, the print, is but a duplication of all that I saw and felt through my camera.

I see my finished platinum print (in the viewfinder) in all its desired qualities, before my exposure.

......so called “composition” becomes a personal thing, to be developed along with technique, as a personal way of seeing.

It's hard not to tell the truth with a camera. Artists are particularly good at that.

To compose a subject well means no more than to see and present it in the strongest manner possible.

I don't care if you make a print on a bath mat, just as long as it is a good print.