---
title: "9 Composition Quotes By Edward Weston"
description: "9 Composition quotes by Edward Weston. Plus more from Edward Weston and more Composition sayings from other authors."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/882/edward-weston-8944_artist_good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest_103553.jpg"
---

> [Good composition is merely the strongest way of seeing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest-way-of-seeing/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/882/edward-weston-8944_artist_good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest_103553.jpg)

> [Now, to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravity before going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-before-making-a-picture-is-a-2/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd6/edward-weston-8944_accomplished_now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition_3104455.jpg)

> [When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can be no freshness of vision. Following rules of composition can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/when-subject-matter-is-forced-to-fit-into-preconceived-patterns-there/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/074/edward-weston-8944_cliche_when-subject-matter-is-forced-to-fit-int_633259.jpg)

> [Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/consulting-the-rules-of-composition-before-taking-a-photograph-is/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f2/edward-weston-8944_before_consulting-the-rules-of-composition-befo_292659.jpg)

> […so called “composition” becomes a personal thing, to be developed along with technique, as a personal way of seeing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/so-called-composition-becomes-a-personal-thing-to-be-developed-along/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/86b/edward-weston-8944_composition_so-called-composition-becomes-a-personal_250243.jpg)

> [“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-before-making-a-picture-is-a/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e84/edward-weston-8944_quote_to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-befo_1284099.jpg)

> [Now to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-before-making-a-picture-is-a/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d52/edward-weston-8944_accomplished_now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition_1393823.jpg)

> [Arguments against photography ever being considered a fine art are: the element of chance which enters in, — finding things ready-made for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/arguments-against-photography-ever-being-considered-a-fine-art-are/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/82c/edward-weston-8944_argument_arguments-against-photography-ever-being_756482.jpg)

> [The... arguments against photography ever being considered a fine art are: the element of chance which enters in, finding things ready-made for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/the-arguments-against-photography-ever-being-considered-a-fine-art/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a7/edward-weston-8944_argument_the-arguments-against-photography-ever-b_1188369.jpg)

## Other authors on Composition

## More by Edward Weston

> [I don't care if you make a print on a bath mat, just as long as it is a good print.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/i-don-t-care-if-you-make-a-print-on-a-bath-mat-just-as-long-as-it-is/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [Since the recording process is instantaneous, and the nature of the image such that it cannot survive corrective handwork, it is obvious that the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/since-the-recording-process-is-instantaneous-and-the-nature-of-the/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [for the obvious reason that nature - unadulterated and unimproved by man - is simply chaos. In fact, the camera proves that nature is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/for-the-obvious-reason-that-nature-unadulterated-and-unimproved-by/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [Good composition is merely the strongest way of seeing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest-way-of-seeing/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [Now one does not think during creative work: any more than one thinks when driving a car. One has a background of years —…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/now-one-does-not-think-during-creative-work-any-more-than-one-thinks/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [The photographer's most important and likewise most difficult task is not learning to manage his camera, or to develop, or to print. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/the-photographer-s-most-important-and-likewise-most-difficult-task-is/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> […so called “composition” becomes a personal thing, to be developed along with technique, as a personal way of seeing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/so-called-composition-becomes-a-personal-thing-to-be-developed-along/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [Very often people looking at my pictures say, 'You must have had to wait a long time to get that cloud just right (or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/very-often-people-looking-at-my-pictures-say-you-must-have-had-to/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [An excellent conception can be quite obscured by faulty technical execution or clarified by faultless technique.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/an-excellent-conception-can-be-quite-obscured-by-faulty-technical/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [I would say to any artist: Don't be repressed in your work, dare to experiment, consider any urge, if in a new direction all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/i-would-say-to-any-artist-don-t-be-repressed-in-your-work-dare-to/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [Ultimately success or failure in photographing people depends on the photographer's ability to understand his fellow man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/ultimately-success-or-failure-in-photographing-people-depends-on-the/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/consulting-the-rules-of-composition-before-taking-a-photograph-is/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [As great a picture can be made as one's mental capacity-no greater. Art cannot be taught; it must be self-inspiration, though the imagination may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/as-great-a-picture-can-be-made-as-one-s-mental-capacity-no-greater/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [I always work better when I do not reason, when no question of right or wrong enter in,-when my pulse quickens to the form…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/i-always-work-better-when-i-do-not-reason-when-no-question-of-right/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

> [Results alone should be appraised; the way in which these are achieved is of importance only to the maker.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/results-alone-should-be-appraised-the-way-in-which-these-are-achieved/)

[Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "ItemList",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/composition/edward-weston/#itemlist",
            "name": "9 Composition Quotes By Edward Weston",
            "numberOfItems": 9,
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "Good composition is merely the strongest way of seeing.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest-way-of-seeing/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/882/edward-weston-8944_artist_good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest_103553.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/882/edward-weston-8944_artist_good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest_103553.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/882/edward-weston-8944_artist_good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest_103553.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Good composition is merely the strongest way of seeing.” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "Now, to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravity before going for a walk.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-before-making-a-picture-is-a-2/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd6/edward-weston-8944_accomplished_now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition_3104455.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd6/edward-weston-8944_accomplished_now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition_3104455.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd6/edward-weston-8944_accomplished_now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition_3104455.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Now, to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of…” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can be no freshness of vision. Following rules of composition can only lead to a tedious repetition of pictorial cliches.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/when-subject-matter-is-forced-to-fit-into-preconceived-patterns-there/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/074/edward-weston-8944_cliche_when-subject-matter-is-forced-to-fit-int_633259.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/074/edward-weston-8944_cliche_when-subject-matter-is-forced-to-fit-int_633259.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/074/edward-weston-8944_cliche_when-subject-matter-is-forced-to-fit-int_633259.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can be no freshness of vision…” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/consulting-the-rules-of-composition-before-taking-a-photograph-is/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f2/edward-weston-8944_before_consulting-the-rules-of-composition-befo_292659.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f2/edward-weston-8944_before_consulting-the-rules-of-composition-befo_292659.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f2/edward-weston-8944_before_consulting-the-rules-of-composition-befo_292659.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity…” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 5,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "…so called “composition” becomes a personal thing, to be developed along with technique, as a personal way of seeing.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/so-called-composition-becomes-a-personal-thing-to-be-developed-along/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/86b/edward-weston-8944_composition_so-called-composition-becomes-a-personal_250243.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/86b/edward-weston-8944_composition_so-called-composition-becomes-a-personal_250243.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/86b/edward-weston-8944_composition_so-called-composition-becomes-a-personal_250243.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“…so called “composition” becomes a personal thing, to be developed along with technique, as a personal way…” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 6,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-before-making-a-picture-is-a/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e84/edward-weston-8944_quote_to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-befo_1284099.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e84/edward-weston-8944_quote_to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-befo_1284099.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e84/edward-weston-8944_quote_to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-befo_1284099.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of…” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 7,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "Now to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk. Such rules and laws are deduced from the accomplished fact; they are the products of reflection.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition-before-making-a-picture-is-a/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d52/edward-weston-8944_accomplished_now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition_1393823.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d52/edward-weston-8944_accomplished_now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition_1393823.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d52/edward-weston-8944_accomplished_now-to-consult-the-rules-of-composition_1393823.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Now to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of…” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 8,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "Arguments against photography ever being considered a fine art are: the element of chance which enters in, — finding things ready-made for a machine to record, and of course the mechanics of the medium. I say that chance enters into all branches of art.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/arguments-against-photography-ever-being-considered-a-fine-art-are/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/82c/edward-weston-8944_argument_arguments-against-photography-ever-being_756482.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/82c/edward-weston-8944_argument_arguments-against-photography-ever-being_756482.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/82c/edward-weston-8944_argument_arguments-against-photography-ever-being_756482.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Arguments against photography ever being considered a fine art are: the element of chance which enters in…” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 9,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "The... arguments against photography ever being considered a fine art are: the element of chance which enters in, finding things ready-made for a machine to record, and of course the mechanics of the medium. ...I say that chance enters into all branches of art: a chance word or phrase starts a new trend of thought in a writer, a chance sound may bring a new melody to a musician, a chance combination of lines, new composition to a painter. ...Chance - which in reality is not chance - but being ready, attuned to one's surroundings - and grasp my opportunity…",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Edward Weston"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/the-arguments-against-photography-ever-being-considered-a-fine-art/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a7/edward-weston-8944_argument_the-arguments-against-photography-ever-b_1188369.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a7/edward-weston-8944_argument_the-arguments-against-photography-ever-b_1188369.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a7/edward-weston-8944_argument_the-arguments-against-photography-ever-b_1188369.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“The... arguments against photography ever being considered a fine art are: the element of chance which…” — Edward Weston",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "@type": "CollectionPage",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/composition/edward-weston/#webpage",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/composition/edward-weston/",
            "name": "Composition Quotes by Edward Weston",
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "mainEntity": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/composition/edward-weston/#itemlist"
            },
            "primaryImageOfPage": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/882/edward-weston-8944_artist_good-composition-is-merely-the-strongest_103553.jpg"
            },
            "description": "9 Composition quotes by Edward Weston. Plus more from Edward Weston and more Composition sayings from other authors.",
            "breadcrumb": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/composition/edward-weston/#breadcrumb"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/composition/edward-weston/#breadcrumb",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Topics",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/categories/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "Composition",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/composition/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 5,
                    "name": "Edward Weston",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/composition/edward-weston/"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
