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Believe Quote by William Klein

“I was a make believe ethnographer: treating New Yorkers like an explorer would treat Zulus - searching for the rawest snapshot, the zero degree of photography.” quote by William Klein
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“I was a make believe ethnographer: treating New Yorkers like an explorer would treat Zulus - searching for the rawest snapshot, the zero degree of photography.”

William Klein

About This Quote

Source Film: Who Are You, 1972

Klein likens his street photography to an ethnographic study, seeking unfiltered, raw moments of New York life.

In simple terms: He treats city scenes like a scientific field study.

Key Takeaway

Observe people without preconceptions.

Themes

photography observation urban life

Mood

curious analytical

Type

documentary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • documentary projects
  • street photography workshops
  • urban sociology research
  • media studies
  • journalistic reporting

Key Concepts

ethnography authenticity visual anthropology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does framing a city as a field affect your perception?
  • What ethical lines exist in candid photography?
A Different Perspective

The approach may romanticize subjects and overlook context.

4.7 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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