I never have taken a picture I've intended. They're always better or worse

I never have taken a picture I've intended. They're always better or worse

Diane Arbus, a renowned American photographer known for her unique and often controversial portraits, once famously said, “I never have taken a picture I've intended. They're always better or worse.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Arbus's approach to photography and her belief in the unpredictable nature of the medium.

Arbus was known for her unconventional subjects and her ability to capture the raw and unfiltered essence of her subjects. She often photographed individuals on the fringes of society, such as dwarfs, giants, transvestites, and people with physical deformities. Her work was both celebrated and criticized for its unflinching portrayal of human diversity and vulnerability.

Arbus's statement about her photographs being better or worse than intended speaks to her willingness to embrace the unexpected and the imperfect in her work. She did not adhere to traditional standards of beauty or perfection in her photography, instead choosing to focus on the humanity and individuality of her subjects. This approach often resulted in images that were raw, honest, and emotionally powerful.