Think in terms of images and words. They can be mighty powerful when they are fitted together properly.

I picked up a camera because it was my choice of weapons against what I hated most about the universe: racism, intolerance, poverty.

The subject matter is so much more important than the photographer.

I think maybe the rural influence in my life helped me in a sense, of knowing how to get close to people and talk to them and get my work done.

Washington, D.C. in 1942 was not the easiest place in the world for a Negro to get along.

I have been born again and again and each time, I have found something to love.

You know, the camera is not meant just to show misery. You can show things that you like about the universe, things that you hate about the universe. It's capable of doing both.