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

Enthusiasm is the electricity of life. How do you get it? You act enthusiastic until you make it a habit. Enthusiasm is natural; it is being alive, taking the initiative, seeing the importance of what you do, giving it dignity and making what you do important to yourself and to others.

I was born to a black childhood of confusion and poverty. The memory of that beginning influences my work today, It is impossible now to photograph a hungry child without remembering the hunger of my old childhood.

I feel it is the heart, not the eye, that should determine the content of the photograph. What the eye sees is its own. What the heart can perceive is a very different matter.

I suffered evils, but without allowing them to rob me of the freedom to expand.

I think most people can do a whole lot more if they just try.

I have never known anyone important enough to consume me in anger beyond a few hours. Better to depart their existence before they poison your own.