I never question what to do, it tells me what to do. The photographs make themselves with my help

I never question what to do, it tells me what to do. The photographs make themselves with my help

Ruth Bernhard was a pioneering photographer known for her stunning black and white images of the human form, still life, and landscapes. Her work is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and emotional depth. Bernhard once famously said, “I never question what to do, it tells me what to do. The photographs make themselves with my help.” This statement encapsulates her approach to photography and her belief in the power of intuition and creativity.

For Bernhard, photography was not just a technical skill, but a form of artistic expression that required a deep connection to the subject and a willingness to let go of preconceived ideas. She believed that the best photographs were those that emerged organically, guided by the photographer's intuition and emotional response to the subject. This approach allowed her to create images that were not only visually striking but also imbued with a sense of emotion and meaning.

Bernhard's process was highly intuitive and spontaneous. She often worked with natural light and minimal equipment, preferring to focus on capturing the essence of her subjects rather than getting caught up in technical details. She would spend hours studying her subjects, waiting for the perfect moment to capture the image that spoke to her on a deeper level. This patience and dedication to her craft allowed her to create images that were both timeless and deeply personal.