Accepting Quote by Mary Ellen Mark
“It's just a matter of who you are and how you talk to people. Your subjects will trust you only if you're confident about what you're doing. It really bothers me when photographers first approach a subject without a camera, try to establish a personal relationship, and only then get out their cameras. It's deceptive. I think you should just show up with a camera, to make your intentions clear. People will either accept you or they won't.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Photography Magazine, 1995
Effective photography requires confidence and transparency; approaching subjects with a camera signals honesty.
In simple terms: Clear intent builds trust with subjects.
Key Takeaway
Show up prepared and authentic.
Themes
trust
confidence
authenticity
Mood
thoughtful
professional
Type
ethical
practical
When to use this quote
- portrait sessions
- journalistic reporting
- street photography
Key Concepts
visual communication
ethics
human connection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a photographer balance honesty with sensitivity?
- When is it appropriate to for a camera?
A Different Perspective
Some subjects may feel intimidated by a camera presence.
![“To touch on people's lives [ in a way they ] haven't been touched on before, it´s fascianting. You know, it's one thing if [ a celebrity ] has an incredible character and you're really going to be able to delve into their personality – that's great. But you can never get real purity if people have…” quote by Mary Ellen Mark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/968/mary-ellen-mark-8293_able_to-touch-on-people-s-lives-in-a-way-they_232377.jpg)
