Cameras Quote by David Hockney
“About shadows: do we see shadows? Loads of people don't. A camera will notice a shadow, but how many people have got a shadow in front of them when they take a picture and don't notice it, and then they see it in the photograph because the photograph will catch the shadow.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing photography, 2000s
Shadows often go unnoticed by people but are captured by cameras, revealing unseen aspects of reality.
In simple terms: People miss shadows; cameras reveal them.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to hidden details.
Themes
perception
artistic observation
reality
Mood
curious
inquisitive
Type
artistic
observational
When to use this quote
- street photography
- portrait work
- visual storytelling
Key Concepts
visual perception
photography
awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can unnoticed details change a story?
- What does a shadow symbolize?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on shadows may distract from main subjects.
![“Behind everyone, there are at least two shadows. Some have even more. [...] The shadows on the ground are like folding fans. Looking at them makes me dizzy. [...] It takes a lot of strength for me to focus my eyes enough to pull the doubled shadows into one. Of course, this isn't at all…” quote by Can Xue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d3/can-xue-102053_doubled-shadows_behind-everyone-there-are-at-least-two-s_293243.jpg)
![“You can't believe any picture nowadays, if it's digital. You can't really believe. If you see me shaking hands with Mr. [Barack] Obama, it doesn't mean I ever met him, does it?” quote by David Hockney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/26e/david-hockney-1395_barack_you-can-t-believe-any-picture-nowadays-i_36556.jpg)
