Lee Friedlander, a key figure in American photography, is known for his candid, often complex compositions that blend urban scenes with reflections, shadows, and unique perspectives. His work transcends traditional documentary photography, offering intricate views of everyday life. Below are 10 of his most insightful quotes, reflecting his philosophy and approach to photography.
1. Capturing What’s Already There
“I’m not a premeditative photographer. I see a picture and I make it. You don’t have to go looking for pictures. The material is generous. You go out and the pictures are staring at you.”
— Lee Friedlander
Friedlander’s photography is spontaneous, relying on the abundance of visual material in the world. His approach is about recognizing what’s already in front of him.
2. Photography as a Generous Medium
“Photography doesn’t just give you the tree, it gives you every leaf on the tree.”
— Lee Friedlander
For Friedlander, photography is about capturing every detail within a scene, no matter how small or insignificant. The medium is generous, offering more than what the naked eye might initially see.
3. The Fun in Photography
“I always wanted to be a photographer. I was fascinated with the materials. But I never dreamed I would be having this much fun.”
— Lee Friedlander
Photography for Friedlander is not just work—it’s an enjoyable process. The unpredictability and the freedom it offers keep him constantly engaged and curious.
4. The Elusiveness of the Moment
“When I choose the negatives to print, I do it partially by whim: I let my eye do the thinking. There is something elusive out there and what you are doing is trying to get it on film.”
— Lee Friedlander
Friedlander’s selection process is intuitive, driven by what catches his eye rather than a rigid set of rules. Photography is about capturing fleeting, elusive moments that might otherwise be missed.
5. Chance and Attention
“…a mysterious intersection of chance and attention that goes well beyond the existential surrealism of the ‘decisive moment’.”
— Lee Friedlander
Friedlander’s photography explores the balance between chance and awareness. His images capture unexpected moments, but they also require the photographer’s full attention to seize them.
6. Photography as Reflection
“I suspect it is for one’s self-interest that one looks at one’s surroundings and one’s self… The camera is not merely a reflecting pool and the photographs are not exactly the mirror, mirror on the wall that speaks with a twisted tongue.”
— Lee Friedlander
Photography for Friedlander is both a personal and outward journey. While it captures the world around us, it also reflects the photographer’s internal thoughts and emotions, creating a complex, layered narrative.
7. The Snapshot as a Photography Movement
“The idea that the snapshot would be thought of as a cult or movement is very tiresome to me… In a snap, or small portion of time, all that the camera can consume in breadth and bite and light is rendered in astonishing detail.”
— Lee Friedlander
Friedlander rejects the notion that snapshots are a “movement.” For him, they are just part of the nature of photography—capturing a moment in all its complexity within a fraction of a second.
8. Photographing What’s in Front of You
“I tend to photograph the things that get in front of my camera.”
— Lee Friedlander
Friedlander’s subjects are often dictated by chance encounters. Rather than seeking out particular images, he lets the world present itself and captures what unfolds.
9. The Generosity of Photography
“I only wanted Uncle Vernon standing by his own car (a Hudson) on a clear day, I got him and the car. I also got a bit of Aunt Mary’s laundry and Beau Jack, the dog, peeing on the fence… Photography is a generous medium.”
— Lee Friedlander
This anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of photography. Friedlander finds beauty in how much more the camera captures beyond the intended subject, showcasing the richness of everyday moments.
10. Photography and Athleticism
“That little tiny moment [in photography] is a beginning and an end… You couldn’t predict what you’re going to do. Try to hit it back. Not only try to hit it back, try to hit it back in a weird way.”
— Lee Friedlander
Friedlander compares photography to sports, where instinct and quick reactions play a key role. Just like an athlete, a photographer must respond to the unpredictability of a scene and make the most of each moment.
FAQs: Lee Friedlander’s Style, Philosophy, and Approach to Photography
1. What is Lee Friedlander’s approach to photography?
Friedlander takes a spontaneous approach, capturing what naturally comes into view. He doesn’t premeditate or plan his shots extensively, instead relying on what he encounters in the world.
2. How does Lee Friedlander view the role of chance in photography?
Friedlander believes in the intersection of chance and attention. His work often captures unexpected moments that arise naturally, requiring the photographer to be fully present and observant.
3. Why does Lee Friedlander consider photography a “generous” medium?
Friedlander finds that photography captures far more than the intended subject. It’s a generous medium because it reveals details and layers of reality that the photographer may not even notice at first glance.
4. How does Friedlander select which photographs to print?
Friedlander’s selection process is largely intuitive. He lets his eye guide him, choosing negatives that catch his attention without overthinking or adhering to strict criteria.
5. What is Lee Friedlander’s view on the snapshot?
While some see the snapshot as a movement or style, Friedlander considers it a natural aspect of photography. He appreciates the ability of a photograph to capture complex details in a brief moment of time.
Lee Friedlander’s photography is a celebration of life’s spontaneous moments, rich details, and unexpected beauty. His intuitive, playful approach continues to inspire photographers to embrace the world as it is and find art in the everyday.
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