Ansel Adams Quotes

Ansel Adams was an American photographer and environmentalist known for his iconic black-and-white landscape photographs, particularly of the American West, including Yosemite National Park. Adams' work exhibited a deep appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to capturing its beauty and preserving it for future generations. His technical mastery, use of light and shadow, and meticulous darkroom techniques elevated landscape photography to an art form and left a lasting impact on the medium.

A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked ... -Ansel Adams

A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into.

Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment.

The negative is the equivalent of the composer's s... -Ansel Adams

The negative is the equivalent of the composer's score, and the print the performance.

There are no rules for good photographs, there are... -Ansel Adams

There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.

Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mist... -Ansel Adams

Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made in establishing tonal relationships.

Myths and creeds are heroic struggles to comprehen... -Ansel Adams

Myths and creeds are heroic struggles to comprehend the truth in the world.

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready... -Ansel Adams

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter.

Discovering the context

This quote reflects on moments of serendipity or perfect timing in the speaker's life, suggesting a belief that their arrival or presence at certain locations aligns with God's intended timing for significant events or opportunities to unfold.

Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe ... -Ansel Adams

Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe photographs.

A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.

A true photograph need not be explained, nor can i... -Ansel Adams

A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.

Some photographers take reality... and impose the domination of their own thought and spirit. Others come before reality more tenderly and a photograph to them is an instrument of love and revelation.

No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.

Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.

Millions of men have lived to fight, build palaces and boundaries, shape destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human spirit.

It is horrifying that we have to fight our own gov... -Ansel Adams

It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.

There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuz... -Ansel Adams

There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.

To photograph truthfully and effectively is to see beneath the surfaces and record the qualities of nature and humanity which live or are latent in all things.

In my mind's eye, I visualize how a particular... sight and feeling will appear on a print. If it excites me, there is a good chance it will make a good photograph. It is an intuitive sense, an ability that comes from a lot of practice.

The only things in my life that compatibly exists with this grand universe are the creative works of the human spirit.

It is my intention to present - through the medium of photography - intuitive observations of the natural world which may have meaning to the spectators.

Photography is more than a medium for factual comm... -Ansel Adams

Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art.

We must remember that a photograph can hold just as much as we put into it, and no one has ever approached the full possibilities of the medium.

In wisdom gathered over time I have found that eve... -Ansel Adams

In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.

Discovering the context

This quote acknowledges the value of life experiences as opportunities for growth and learning. It suggests that each experience, regardless of its nature, provides a chance to explore and gain wisdom, contributing to personal development and understanding.

Twelve significant photographs in any one year is ... -Ansel Adams

Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.

A good photograph is knowing where to stand.

Discovering the context

This quote highlights the significance of perspective and positioning in photography. It suggests that the ability to find the right vantage point or location plays a crucial role in capturing a visually appealing and impactful photograph. It emphasizes the artistry and skill involved in photography.

When I'm ready to make a photograph, I think I quite obviously see in my minds eye something that is not literally there in the true meaning of the word. I'm interested in something which is built up from within, rather than just extracted from without.

Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution.

You don't take a photograph, you make it.

There are always two people in every picture: the ... -Ansel Adams

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.

Ansel Adams Quotes

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