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Control Quote by Henry Holmes Smith

“I think control is the wrong word. I would put it this way. You see a lovely girl across a crowded room and you walk toward her with hope in your mind. That's the way [my] pictures are made.” quote by Henry Holmes Smith
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“I think control is the wrong word. I would put it this way. You see a lovely girl across a crowded room and you walk toward her with hope in your mind. That's the way [my] pictures are made.”

Henry Holmes Smith

About This Quote

Source Essay: Photography theory, 1970s

The author argues that “control” is misleading; instead, hope guides creative pursuit, likening artistic vision to a hopeful approach toward a subject.

In simple terms: Hope, not control, drives artistic creation.

Key Takeaway

Embrace hopeful intent in creative work.

Themes

art hope perception creativity

Mood

inspirational reflective

Type

artistic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • photography projects
  • creative brainstorming
  • studio practice

Key Concepts

aesthetics visual storytelling

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does hope influence your creative process?
  • When does control become necessary?
A Different Perspective

Hope alone may not overcome technical limitations.

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