Landscape Photography Quotes

Landscape photography quotes are one of the biggest inspirations for photographers. While there are numerous scenes and subjects that can inspire and influence a photographer, such as the landscape and nature itself, one can’t undermine the impact of legendary quotes by famous photographers of the past.

They can set ablaze a fire inside photographers, and often help nudge them in the right direction with their timeless ideas. 

Let us explore some of the most famous landscape photography quotes in this article.

Related: Famous Landscape Photographers

Inspirational Landscape Photography Quotes

Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898 – 1995)

Alfred Eisenstaedt was a German photojournalist who was best known for his photograph of V-J Day in Times Square, New York.

•  “It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter.”

Alfred Stieglitz (1864 – 1946)

An American photographer, Stieglitz was globally recognized as being a pioneer of modern photography.

• “Wherever there is light, one can photograph.”
• “In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”

Annie Leibovitz (1949)

Leibovitz, an American photographer, became famous for her role as the chief photographer for the Rolling Stone Magazine, for ten years. 

• “The camera makes you forget you’re there. It’s not like you are hiding but you forget, you are just looking so much.”

Ansel Adams (1902 – 1984)

He is regarded to be one of the most legendary landscape photographers to ever walk this planet. 

• “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.”
• “A good photograph is knowing where to stand.”
• “There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”
• “Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.”

August Sander (1876 – 1964)

He was a documentary and portrait photographer hailing from Germany and is widely considered to be the most influential German photographer from the 20th century. 

• “In photography, there are no shadows that cannot be illuminated.”

Charlie Waite (1949)

A popular landscape photographer from England, Waite was famous for his use of light and shade to create a wonderful painterly effect and has won several awards for the same. 

• “A landscape image cuts across all political and national boundaries, it transcends the constraints of language and culture.”

Don McCullin (1935)

Well known for his photos of impoverished and urban lifestyles, and war images, McCullin was a famous documentary photographer.

• “Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”

Eve Arnold (1912 – 2012)

An award-winning photo-journalist, Arnold has published twelve photography books., He was also a member of Magnum Photos.

• “If a photographer cares about the people before the lens and is compassionate, much is given. It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument.”

Helmut Newton (1920 – 2004)

Helmut Newton is well known for his suggestive fashion photography that is still influential even today. 

• “My job as a portrait photographer is to seduce, amuse and entertain.”

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908 – 2004)

Several photographers, critics, and journalists regard Henri Cartier-Bresson’s as the father of modern photojournalism. Cartier-Bresson coined the term ‘The Decisive Moment’.

• “The photograph itself doesn’t interest me. I want only to capture a minute part of reality.”
• “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”

Joe McNally (1952)

He is popular for his work with the National Geographic Society. Perhaps his most famous photograph is the one that showcases ground zero during the 9/11 disaster in New York.

• “Don’t pack up your camera until you’ve left the location.”

Man Ray (1890 – 1976)

Man Ray was a portrait and fashion photographer, who won much acclaim for his avant-garde photography. Ray was mostly active during the Surrealist art movement.

• “Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask ‘how’, while others of a more curious nature will ask ‘why’. Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information.”

Robert Mapplethorpe (1946 – 1989)

An American photographer, Mapplethorpe was popular for his large-scale photographic images. He had a highly controversial series of homoerotic portraits as well.

• “The more pictures you see, the better you are as a photographer.”

Tim Walker (1970)

A fashion photographer from Britain, Walker has had his work showcased in popular magazines such as Vogue.

• “Only photograph what you love.”

Landscape Photography Quotes Conclusion

We hope that this extensive list of quotes from famous photographers has inspired and motivated you to take your next great shot.