Abuse Quote by Pedro Meyer
![“Before, the myth of photography doesn't lie was used in order to cover up tricks. If I [make a] portrait [of] you, accommodate you, illuminate you, put make up on you or use a filter, am I not manipulating reality? The only difference is that now I can do it from the computer in the postclick…” quote by Pedro Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/71a/pedro-meyer-46329_abuse_before-the-myth-of-photography-doesn-t-l_152663.jpg)
“Before, the myth of photography doesn't lie was used in order to cover up tricks. If I [make a] portrait [of] you, accommodate you, illuminate you, put make up on you or use a filter, am I not manipulating reality? The only difference is that now I can do it from the computer in the postclick instead of the preclick. If I decide to photograph something instead of something else, I also manipulate reality. Of course a photograph can lie or commit abuse, but it always could.”
About This Quote
Photographs are inherently manipulative; editing or framing choices alter reality, yet this is a long‑standing truth of the medium.
In simple terms: Photos always involve some manipulation.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question visual representation.
Themes
truth
representation
media
technology
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- artistic creation
- social media
Key Concepts
image editing
perception
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify visual truth?
- What responsibilities do creators have?
A Different Perspective
Assuming photos are objective can mislead audiences.
![“[Photography is ] likewise even French impressionists. So the Sculls bought pop. It was politics, and they moved with it. And I think that could be happening, to some degree, with photography, too. It doesn't cost as much to do it, either.” quote by Garry Winogrand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2eb/garry-winogrand-2342_cost_photography-is-likewise-even-french-impr_2802.jpg)
![“I always found it rather pathetic that as a photographer I would be dependent to such a large extent on sheer luck... So the moment I was offered [digital] tools to bend the shape of the image into my choices, and not those of lady luck, I was hooked.” quote by Pedro Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9e8/pedro-meyer-46329_choices_i-always-found-it-rather-pathetic-that-a_2495839.jpg)
![“[Photography] is the non-complacence of the eye. To practice my right to look is also a critical attitude. If I stare at you, I will make you uncomfortable, and culturally we have a difficulty of staring and being stared at.” quote by Pedro Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/97a/pedro-meyer-46329_attitude_photography-is-the-non-complacence-of-th_2584345.jpg)
