Berenice Abbott was born Bernice Abbott, but after a trip to Paris she decided to change her name to the French version. This was a move very typical of her personality, never willing to conform, but always ready to make a statement. Below are some of her famous quotes:
Let us first say what photography is not. A photograph is not a painting, a poem, a symphony, a dance. It is not just a pretty picture, not an exercise in contortionist techniques and sheer print quality. It is or should be a significant document, a penetrating statement, which can be described in a very simple term - selectivity.
Bernice Abbott
Photography can only represent the present. Once photographed, the subject becomes part of the past
Bernice Abbott
Photography helps people to see.
Bernice Abbott
There are many teachers who could ruin you. Before you know it you could be a pale copy of this teacher or that teacher. You have to evolve on your own.
Bernice Abbott
Photography can never grow up if it imitates some other medium. It has to walk alone; it has to be itself.
Bernice Abbott
Does not the very word 'creative' mean to build, to initiate, to give out, to act - rather than to be acted upon, to be subjective? Living photography is positive in its approach, it sings a song of life - not death.
Bernice Abbott
Some people are still unaware that reality contains unparalleled beauties. The fantastic and unexpected, the ever-changing and renewing is nowhere so exemplified as in real life itself.
Bernice Abbott
I am so fascinated with this century it will help keep me alive. I'll be there until the last minute, fighting.
Bernice Abbott