Jay Maisel Quotes about Photography

If the light is great in front of you, you should turn around and see what it is doing behind you.

If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you're not out there, you'll only hear about it.

Try to go out empty and let your images fill you up.

It's important to realize that the images are everywhere, not just where you want or expect them to be.

If you want to make more interesting pictures, become a more interesting person.

What you're shooting at doesn't matter, the real question is: 'Does it give you joy?'

You can't just turn on when something happens, you have to be turned on all the time. Then things happen.

There is no bad light. There is spectacular light and difficult light. It's up to you to use the light you have.

Always carry a camera, it's tough to shoot a picture without one.

As people, we love pattern. But interrupted pattern is more interesting.

The drama of light exists not only in what is in the light, but also in what is left dark. If the light is everywhere, the drama is gone.

The pictures are everywhere. If you're open, they will find you.

Always shoot it now. It won't be the same when you go back.

You are responsible for every part of your image, even the parts you’re not interested in.

Photography is an act of love.

The more light you have in an image, the less drama you get. The details start taking over; the mystery is all gone.

Forget what it was. Look at what it is.

The whole world is there for you. Gifts will happen, but only if you are patient with life itself, the shooting process, and your own limitations.

Don't overthink things in front of you. I fit moves you, shoot it. If it's fun, shoot it. If you've never seen it before, shoot it.

I love when pictures ask questions or make others ask questions.

If you're not your own severest critic, you are your own worst enemy.

Gesture is not always action.

You will, in time, see and show others not just the superficial, but the details, the meanings, and the implications of all that you look at.

It's my obligation to take out all the 'wrong' pictures.

One color alone means nothing. I acts as in a vacuum, with no other colors to relate to. It is only when colors relate to other colors that the fun begins.