Martin Parr Photography Quotations

Photography is the simplest thing in the world, but it is incredibly complicated to make it really work.

Part of the role of photography is to exaggerate, and that is an aspect that I have to puncture. I do that by showing the world as I really find it.

All photography is propaganda.

With photography, I like to create a fiction out of reality. I try and do this by taking society's natural prejudice and giving this a twist.

For those aspiring to make a living from travel photography, it's a sad fact that the boring shots are the shots that are going to make you money.

There are two parts to the process: taking the picture and finding ways of using it.

We are drowning in images. Photography is used as a propaganda tool, which serves to sell products and ideas. I use the same approach to show aspects of reality.

Part of the role of photography is to exaggerate. Most of the photographs in your paper, unless they are hard news, are lies. Fashion pictures show people looking glamorous. Travel pictures show a place looking at its best, nothing to do with the reality... Most of the pictures we consume are propaganda.

The knack is to find your own inspiration and take it on a journey to create work that is personal and revealing.

Everyone is a photographer now, remember. That's the great thing about photography.

Color was the palette of commercial photography and snapshot photography.

I do read many of the photography magazines from the U.K. and abroad.

Photography's central role is to be the absolute medium of the day. It is fantastic that there is no longer any technical intimidation.

I accept that all photography is voyeuristic and exploitative, and obviously I live with my own guilt and conscience. It's part of the test and I don't have a problem with it.