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The photographer Ruth Bernhard used to tell me that this…

“The photographer Ruth Bernhard used to tell me that this is like asking somebody how they evolved their signature. It is not something I've ever worked on consciously. I think style is just the end result of personal experience. It would be problematic for me to photograph in another style. I'm…” quote by Michael Kenna
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“The photographer Ruth Bernhard used to tell me that this is like asking somebody how they evolved their signature. It is not something I've ever worked on consciously. I think style is just the end result of personal experience. It would be problematic for me to photograph in another style. I'm drawn to places and subject matter that have personal connections for me and I photograph in a way that seems right. Where does it all come from, who knows?”

Michael Kenna

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Style emerges unconsciously from personal experience; deliberate effort to mimic another style feels in.

In simple terms: Style is a natural result of lived experience.

Key Takeaway

Embrace authentic personal expression.

Themes

creativity authenticity artistic identity

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical artistic

When to use this quote

  • gallery shows
  • personal projects
  • client commissions

Key Concepts

personal narrative visual storytelling subject matter selection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What experiences shape your artistic voice?
  • Can you experiment without losing authenticity?
A Different Perspective

Adopting new techniques can expand style.

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