I feel certain that the largest part of all photographs…
“I feel certain that the largest part of all photographs ever taken or being taken or ever to be taken, is and will continue to be, portraits. This is not only true, it is also necessary. We are not solitary mammals, like the elephant, the whale and the ape. What is most profoundly felt between us, even if hidden, will reappear in our portraits of one another.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Portraits dominate photography because they capture human connection, which is essential to our social nature.
In simple terms: Portraits capture human connection.
Key Takeaway
Focus on human relationships in visual work.
Themes
human connection
photography
portraiture
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- documentary projects
- family albums
- journalistic portraits
- art exhibitions
Key Concepts
social identity
visual storytelling
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do portraits shape our perception of others?
- What is lost when we prioritize human subjects?
A Different Perspective
Portraits may overlook non‑human subjects and environmental context.