"I never considered myself a good photographer. I still don't. I thought of myself as a hard worker. My camera was a sponge and I had an instinct that athletes have - anticipation. Photography really represents an enormous amount of anticipation - understanding what might be there the next moment and being prepared for it."
About Lawrence Schiller
Lawrence Schiller — Life and Legacy
Lawrence Schiller is a prominent American journalist and filmmaker, celebrated for his commitment to uncovering the truth through powerful storytelling. His work, including notable documentaries, reflects a deep understanding of human struggle and the quest for freedom. Schiller's perspective is encapsulated in his assertion that 'The truth is the only thing that matters,' which underscores his belief in the necessity of honesty in journalism. This conviction drives his narrative style, compelling audiences to confront the realities faced by individuals in challenging circumstances. Schiller's exploration of freedom is evident in his documentaries, where he often highlights the stories of those who resist societal constraints. His approach challenges conventional narratives, urging viewers to consider the complexities of personal and collective freedom. By stating, 'You can't be a good journalist without being a good storyteller,' he emphasizes the importance of narrative in conveying truth, suggesting that effective journalism must engage the audience on an emotional level. Today, Schiller's quotes and insights continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of truth in shaping our understanding of the world. His work not only informs but also inspires a deeper reflection on the human condition, making his contributions invaluable in the realms of journalism and documentary filmmaking.
Quote collection
Lawrence Schiller quotes
10 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I don't feel lonely. No no no. I feel like I'm jumping in a well that has no bottom, and at some point I know I'll hit bottom. I never put a time limit on it. I'm oblivious to anything except that which I'm doing."
"The most important thing you learn as a sports photographer is anticipation - not where the action is taking place, but where it’s going to take place. Not where the subject is now, but where they’re going to be."
"I've had failures, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't beneath me to pick up the phone and introduce myself to Bernard Malamud and say, "I'd like to introduce myself to you and to come meet you. I think I might have something that's worthy of your skills as a writer.""
"There are major writers who have written books [based on my research]. If one looks carefully at the copyright page, you'll see my name. Writers of the stature of Mailer and even bigger. All over the world."
"I saw the end of the general magazine business at the end of the '70s, and I knew I had to move into another profession when the advertising dollar moved from magazines to television. The magazine business as we knew it was over. We were no longer the educators of the world."
"Am I missing something because of my lack of education? Being an intellectual - I'm not. So I hire him as a corner man, like a boxer; he watches me and tells me what I do wrong before I go in for the next round. Barry thought he was going to write what became Executioner's Song, and I told him he wasn't going to. And Barry's closest friend was Joan Didion."
"I knew Marilyn over a two-year period. I met her first on a movie called 'Let's Make Love.' I photographed her at that time on and off through the time of her death. I was 22 years old and she was 34 or 35."
"Marilyn was a great actress, not a dumb blond bombshell. She was very smart, very astute and a good businesswoman."
"A close friend of mine, Annie Leibovitz, who I've known for forty years, photographs celebrities every single day of the week but they all seem to look the same even though she's one of the most creative photographers alive. They all just look the same. Brad Pitt is a great actor but all the pictures of Brad Pitt look the same."