Advantage Quote by Robert Mapplethorpe
“I think that it was a great advantage to go into photography not knowing much about it. Not thinking. I think one of the problems with many photographers today is that they never see for themselves, but just like everybody else.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1985 interview with Vogue
Approaching photography without preconceptions encourages fresh observation and originality
In simple terms: Start without knowledge to see uniquely
Key Takeaway
Begin with curiosity, not expertise
Themes
originality
observation
learning
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
educational
creative
When to use this quote
- photography workshops
- self‑guided projects
- creative retreats
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Fine art photography
visual perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “seeing for yourself” mean in practice?
- How can novices balance ignorance and competence?
A Different Perspective
Lack of technical skill can limit execution
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
