I think you reveal yourself by what you choose to photograph, but I prefer photographs that tell more about the subject. There's nothing much interesting to tell about me; what's interesting is the person I'm photographing, and that's what I try to show. [...] I think each photographer has a point of view and a way of looking at the world... that has to do with your subject matter and how you choose to present it. What's interesting is letting people tell you about themselves in the picture.
Mary Ellen MarkOne of my all-time favorite photographers is Irving Penn. I wish I could have watched him work.
Mary Ellen MarkA great photograph needs no explanation; it functions by suggestion. There is no need to be explicit.
Mary Ellen MarkIโm trying to please myself; certainly thatโs a big criterion... though in a sense, I donโt take images just for myself. I take images that I think other people will want to see. I donโt take pictures to put in a box and hide them. I want as many people to see them as possible.
Mary Ellen Mark