Frank Quote by Elliott Erwitt
“Quality doesn't mean deep blacks and whatever tonal range. That's not quality, that's a kind of quality. The pictures of Robert Frank might strike someone as being sloppy-the tone range isn't right and things like that-but they're far superior to the pictures of Ansel Adams with regard to quality, because the quality of Ansel Adams, if I may say so, is essentially the quality of a postcard. But the quality of Robert Frank is a quality that has something to do with what he's doing, what his mind is. It's not balancing out the sky to the sand and so forth. It's got to do with intention.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1975
Quality in photography is defined by the photographer’s intention and conceptual depth, not just technical perfection.
In simple terms: Quality is about intention, not just technical
Themes
Seek depth over technical perfection.
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Aesthetic theory
- visual storytelling
Key Concepts
art
photography
intention
conceptual depth
Practical Applications
- gallery exhibitions
- photo essays
- documentary projects
- art education
Questions to Reflect On
- How does intention shape visual impact?
- When is technical perfection insufficient?
A Different Perspective
Technical excellence alone may not convey meaning.
![“I'm a big fan of [Frank] Sinatra, he was the best at what he did. The last thing I do is model my career after him, though, because we do different things. He was a great singer and a great actor ... It never crossed my mind to emulate his career, because we have different interests.” quote by Harry Connick, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb9/harry-connick-jr-3461_actors_i-m-a-big-fan-of-frank-sinatra-he-was-th_12425.jpg)
![“[Hazel] hissed in frustration. 'I hate eidolons. I thought Piper made them promise to stay away.' 'Oh...' Frank said, like he'd just had his own daily happy thought. 'Piper made them promise to stay off the ship and not possess any of us. But if they followed us, and used other bodies to attack…” quote by Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8da/rick-riordan-27_body_hazel-hissed-in-frustration-i-hate-eidol_24349.jpg)
