"There's only one rule in photography - never develop colour film in chicken noodle soup."
Freeman Patterson
Photographer
Freeman Patterson is a renowned Canadian photographer and author, celebrated for his work that intertwines nature and creativity, particularly in photography.
- Born
- January 1, 1934
- Quotes
- 18
- Rank
- #4925
About Freeman Patterson
Freeman Patterson — Life and Legacy
Freeman Patterson is a distinguished Canadian photographer and author known for his profound exploration of nature and creativity through the lens of photography. His work emphasizes the importance of seeing the world differently, encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. Patterson's philosophy is encapsulated in his assertion that 'photography is a way of seeing,' which reflects his belief that the act of capturing images is deeply tied to perception and awareness. Patterson's quotes often reveal his core ideas about the relationship between art and life. He posits that photography is not merely a technical skill but an emotional journey that allows individuals to express their unique perspectives. For instance, he highlights the transformative power of light in photography, stating that it shapes our perception and can elevate ordinary scenes into extraordinary experiences. This focus on light underscores his commitment to capturing the essence of nature and its influence on human emotions. Today, Freeman Patterson's insights remain relevant as they inspire both budding and seasoned photographers to connect with their surroundings and express their creativity authentically. His work challenges conventional views of photography, inviting individuals to see beyond the surface and engage with the world in a more meaningful way.
Quote collection
Freeman Patterson quotes
18 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Unlike a child in a totally urban environment, my friends and peer group were not only other children, but also wild and domesticated animals, plants of every sort, brooks and waterfalls, rocks and sand."
"If you do not see what is around you every day, what will you see when you go to Tangiers?"
"A photographer who wants to see....must recognize the value of the familiar. Your ability to see is not increased by the distance you put between yourself and your home. If you do not see what is all around you every day, what will you see when you go to Tangiers?....Good seeing doesn't ensure good photographs, but good photographic expression is impossible without it."
"A photographer who wants to see, a photographer who wants to make fine images, must recognize the value in the familiar."
"It seems to me that the whole purpose of the workshops is really twofold. One - to help people make better pictures, and two - to unleash their creativity to the fullest amount that they possibly can."
"The ability of human beings to be creative depends fundamentally on the health and well-being of our biosphere, the few kilometres of air, water, and soil that surround our planet like the skin of an apple. Quite simply, they are the physical and spiritual bases of our lives, and the only source of materials and tools."
"No amount of technical knowledge and competence is, of itself, sufficient to make a craftperson into an artist. That requires caring - passionate caring about ultimate things."
"Seeing, in the finest and broadest sense, means using your senses, your intellect, and your emotions. It means encountering your subject matter with your whole being. It means looking beyond the labels of things and discovering the remarkable world around you."
"The camera points both ways. In expressing the subject you also express yourself."
"I photograph Nature, which includes human beings."
"Every artist is, first of all, a craftperson thoroughly knowledgeable about the materials, tools, and techniques of his or her particular medium and skilled in using many of them."
"The abstracting of visual elements in order to recognize their particularity has become automatic, but seeing, combining, and creating them as integrated 'wholes' will remain a lifelong challenge."
"Not every work of art is or need be a heavily profound statement."
"Consciously and unconsciously, an artist engaged in serious work is always raising or dealing with the question, 'What really matters?'"
"Thirty-six satisfactory exposures on a roll means a photographer is not trying anything new"
"There is a close connection between art and religion in the sense that both are concerned about questions of meaning - if not about the meaning of existence generally, then certainly about the meaning of one's individual life and how a person relates to his or her total community/environment."
"Creation and creativity are inextricably linked."