--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Ask photographers to write and they have…" description: "\"Ask photographers to write and they have nothing to say; ask them to talk about their work and they won't shut up.\" — Bill Jay" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/bill-jay-14930_asks_ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have_1109613.jpg" --- # Ask photographers to write and they have nothing to say… ![“Ask photographers to write and they have nothing to say; ask them to talk about their work and they won't shut up.” quote by Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/bill-jay-14930_asks_ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have_1109613.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/bill-jay-14930_asks_ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have_1109613.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/bill-jay-14930_asks_ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have_1109613.jpg) > “Ask photographers to write and they have nothing to say; ask them to talk about their work and they won't shut up.” [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Photographers avoid writing but become verbose when discussing their work, highlighting a paradox in communication. **In simple terms:** Photographers speak little in writing but talk a lot about their work. Key Takeaway Balance written and spoken expression about photography. Themes communication art paradox expression Mood critical analytical thoughtful Type observational philosophical When to use this quote - writing artist statements - giving interviews - teaching photography - marketing work - managing self‑promotion Key Concepts photography writing speech self‑reflection Questions to Reflect On - Why do visual artists prefer speaking over writing? - How can photographers improve written communication? A Different Perspective The statement may overgeneralize photographers' habits. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ask Photographers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ask-photographers-2948728/) [Ask Talk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ask-talk-1060184/) [Asks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/asks/) [Photographer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/photographer/) [Photographers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/photographers/) [Photographers Write](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/photographers-write-2948727/) [Photography](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/photography/) [Shut up](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shut-up/) [Talk Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talk-work/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I also wanted to ask you if we can talk to the Erudite you're keeping safe here," I say. "I know they're hidden, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/i-also-wanted-to-ask-you-if-we-can-talk-to-the-erudite-you-re-keeping/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [I ask everyone's opinion when they don't speak up. And then when they have an opinion, I'll ask others to talk about it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ginni-rometty/i-ask-everyone-s-opinion-when-they-don-t-speak-up-and-then-when-they/) [Ginni Rometty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ginni-rometty/) > [The best way for photographers to become rich and famous is to go into another field.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/the-best-way-for-photographers-to-become-rich-and-famous-is-to-go/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [A few photographers make a killing; the rest can't make a living.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/a-few-photographers-make-a-killing-the-rest-can-t-make-a-living/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Discussions allow photographers to shuffle their prejudices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/discussions-allow-photographers-to-shuffle-their-prejudices/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [True, there are photographers who are failed artists, but so are most artists.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/true-there-are-photographers-who-are-failed-artists-but-so-are-most/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Photographers, like kids, should be seen and not heard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/photographers-like-kids-should-be-seen-and-not-heard/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Photographers have already photographed everything too many times, except cheese.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/photographers-have-already-photographed-everything-too-many-times/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [...photographers who carry 60 pounds of equipment up a hill to photograph a view are not suffering enough, although their whining causes enough suffering…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/photographers-who-carry-60-pounds-of-equipment-up-a-hill-to/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Why do photographers photograph? To make unreality visible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/why-do-photographers-photograph-to-make-unreality-visible/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [If there is a single factor which separates the best photographers from the wannabes it is the quantity of images which they produce. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/if-there-is-a-single-factor-which-separates-the-best-photographers/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Advice to artists: always take the opportunity to shut up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/advice-to-artists-always-take-the-opportunity-to-shut-up/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [You travel across the country, you visit departments, you give talks, you talk about the work at your laboratory - what's going on, what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-press/you-travel-across-the-country-you-visit-departments-you-give-talks/) [Frank Press](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-press/) > [We talk about your work how your boss is a jerk.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/toby-keith/we-talk-about-your-work-how-your-boss-is-a-jerk/) [Toby Keith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/toby-keith/) > [It's always a pleasure to talk about someone else's work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-close/it-s-always-a-pleasure-to-talk-about-someone-else-s-work/) [Chuck Close](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-close/) ## More by Bill Jay > [I appreciate photographs which celebrate harmony. I don't particularly want to look at chaos. I see enough of that at home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/i-appreciate-photographs-which-celebrate-harmony-i-don-t-particularly/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [I agree, intellectualism in photography is overrated. I just wish it could be replaced by common sense.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/i-agree-intellectualism-in-photography-is-overrated-i-just-wish-it/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Why do photographers photograph? To make unreality visible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/why-do-photographers-photograph-to-make-unreality-visible/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [There are many reasons why photography does not attract the social and cultural attention it deserves. I would add one more which has received…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/there-are-many-reasons-why-photography-does-not-attract-the-social/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [I start a lot of photo projects but never seem to. . . .](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/i-start-a-lot-of-photo-projects-but-never-seem-to/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [If you cannot think of anything to say that is useful or enlightening about your images, then don't say anything. There are plenty of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/if-you-cannot-think-of-anything-to-say-that-is-useful-or-enlightening/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Think clearly, act sensibly, commit yourself to caring and work hard in order to discover joy. Then give the images back to the world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/think-clearly-act-sensibly-commit-yourself-to-caring-and-work-hard-in/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Be gentle and tolerant. Intimacy will grow, but will take time and cannot be rushed. If all goes well, soon you will become more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/be-gentle-and-tolerant-intimacy-will-grow-but-will-take-time-and/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [If you are intent on drawing or painting on your prints, you must first learn to draw and paint at least as well as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/if-you-are-intent-on-drawing-or-painting-on-your-prints-you-must/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [...photographers who carry 60 pounds of equipment up a hill to photograph a view are not suffering enough, although their whining causes enough suffering…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/photographers-who-carry-60-pounds-of-equipment-up-a-hill-to/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Only in art can you make something that no one wants and still be considered successful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/only-in-art-can-you-make-something-that-no-one-wants-and-still-be/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Photographers have already photographed everything too many times, except cheese.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/photographers-have-already-photographed-everything-too-many-times/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [A photograph is a mirror; mostly it reflects the prejudices of the viewer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/a-photograph-is-a-mirror-mostly-it-reflects-the-prejudices-of-the/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Photography opens your eyes a little wider to the world around you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/photography-opens-your-eyes-a-little-wider-to-the-world-around-you/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) > [Photographers, like kids, should be seen and not heard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/photographers-like-kids-should-be-seen-and-not-heard/) [Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) [Explore all 44 Bill Jay quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/) ## More Asks quotes > [If you ask an introvert a question, wait until she thinks about it. Introverts think before speaking, not through speaking. If you want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-helgoe/if-you-ask-an-introvert-a-question-wait-until-she-thinks-about-it/) [Laurie Helgoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-helgoe/) > [I don't wear a watch because I want my arms to weigh the same. So if somebody asks me what time it is, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-hedberg/i-don-t-wear-a-watch-because-i-want-my-arms-to-weigh-the-same-so-if/) [Mitch Hedberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-hedberg/) > [I am a practicing Catholic, but my lineage is Jewish, so if someone asks me if I'm Jewish, I say yes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neve-campbell/i-am-a-practicing-catholic-but-my-lineage-is-jewish-so-if-someone/) [Neve Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neve-campbell/) > [Freedom in every sense but primarily political sense, a rise in repression that stems from a repression of sexuality. 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And suddenly forever seems like too short a time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-andreas/there-is-nothing-more-i-ask-of-this-life-than-this-moment-exactly-so/) [Brian Andreas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-andreas/) > [Success will come when the societal attitude changes and not a single woman in America asks herself the question 'What did I do?'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-biden/success-will-come-when-the-societal-attitude-changes-and-not-a-single/) [Joe Biden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-biden/) > [The most fundamental question we can ever ask ourselves is whether or not the universe we live in is friendly or hostile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/the-most-fundamental-question-we-can-ever-ask-ourselves-is-whether-or/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [The rich people are apparently leaving America. They're giving up their citizenship. These great lovers of America who made their money in this country-when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-sanders/the-rich-people-are-apparently-leaving-america-they-re-giving-up/) [Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-sanders/) > [There is a way to be a woman, ask for what we deserve and be able to negotiate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tracee-ellis-ross/there-is-a-way-to-be-a-woman-ask-for-what-we-deserve-and-be-able-to/) [Tracee Ellis Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tracee-ellis-ross/) > [For someone to ask 'Who did you play for' and to be able to answer a single name 'Liverpool' that would be brilliant...I don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jamie-carragher/for-someone-to-ask-who-did-you-play-for-and-to-be-able-to-answer-a/) [Jamie Carragher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamie-carragher/) > [I have no hesitation in saying that although the American woman never leaves her domestic sphere and is in some respects very dependent within…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexis-de-tocqueville/i-have-no-hesitation-in-saying-that-although-the-american-woman-never/) [Alexis de Tocqueville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexis-de-tocqueville/) > [Ask God for temp'rance. That's th' appliance only Which your disease requires.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/ask-god-for-temp-rance-that-s-th-appliance-only-which-your-disease/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [I don't know how to say it exactly. Only...I want to die as myself. Does that make any sense?' he asks. I shake my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-don-t-know-how-to-say-it-exactly-only-i-want-to-die-as-myself-does/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Physicist Isador Isaac Rabi, who won a Nobel Prize for inventing a technique that permitted scientists to probe the structure of atoms and molecules…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-saul-wurman/physicist-isador-isaac-rabi-who-won-a-nobel-prize-for-inventing-a/) [Richard Saul Wurman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-saul-wurman/) [Browse all 7,138 Asks quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/asks/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Ask photographers to write and they have nothing to say; ask them to talk about their work and they won't shut up.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Bill Jay" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have-nothing-to-say-ask-them-to/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Asks" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have-nothing-to-say-ask-them-to/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/bill-jay-14930_asks_ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have_1109613.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/bill-jay-14930_asks_ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have_1109613.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/bill-jay-14930_asks_ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have_1109613.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Ask photographers to write and they have nothing to say; ask them to talk about their work and they won't…” — Bill Jay", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "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": "Bill Jay", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-jay/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Ask photographers to write and they...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have-nothing-to-say-ask-them-to/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-jay/ask-photographers-to-write-and-they-have-nothing-to-say-ask-them-to/#breadcrumb" }, { "@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 } } ] } ```