“I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term -- meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster.”
Cite this quote
APA
Adams, A. (n.d.). I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term -- meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22313-i-have-often-thought-that-if-photography-were/
MLA
Adams, Ansel. “I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term -- meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22313-i-have-often-thought-that-if-photography-were/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
Adams, Ansel. “I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term -- meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22313-i-have-often-thought-that-if-photography-were/.