Up to and including the moment of exposure, the photographer is working in an undeniably subjective way. By his choice of technical approach, by the selection of the subject matterand by his decision as to the exact cinematic instant of exposure, he is blending the variables of interpretation into an emotional whole.
W. Eugene SmithThe journalistic photographer can have no other than a personal approach; and it is impossible for him to be completely objective. Honestโyes. Objectiveโno.
W. Eugene SmithThe purpose of all art is to cause a deep and emotion, also one that is entertaining or pleasing. Out of the depth and entertainment comes value.
W. Eugene SmithMy pictures are complex and so am I. When I am almost symbolistic in writing, there is a more limiting differenceโs of accepting, while I can be even more complex in the photographs and people can usually accept them within the framework of their own limitations or lack of limitations โ there is no dictionary meaningโฆ they can look up for the photographic image and allow it to confuse them.
W. Eugene Smith