While a painting, even one that meets photographic standards of resemblance, is never more than the stating of an interpretation, a photograph is never less than the registering of an emanation (light waves reflected by objects) — a material vestige of its subject in a way that no painting can be.
Susan SontagCan I love someone...and still think/fly? Love is flying, sown, floating. Thought is solitary flight, beating wings.
Susan SontagIt's not that you make up your ideas to justify your temperament but that it's the temperament first.
Susan SontagTo suffer is one thing; another thing is living with the photographed images of suffering, which does not necessarily strengthen conscience and the ability to be compassionate. It can also corrupt them. Once one has seen such images, one has started down the road of seeing more - and more. Images transfix. Images anesthetize.
Susan Sontag