David Douglas Duncan Quotes

Powerful David Douglas Duncan for Daily Growth

About David Douglas Duncan

David Douglas Duncan (June 30, 1916 - March 7, 2018) was an American photographer, journalist, and author known for his poignant portrayals of notable historical figures and the profound impact they had on global events. Born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Duncan spent his formative years immersed in art and literature, which laid the foundation for his future work. He began his career as a reporter for the Associated Press before serving in World War II as an army photographer. It was during this time that he captured some of the most iconic images of the war, including those of General George Patton and the liberation of Dachau concentration camp. Duncan's life took a significant turn when he met Pablo Picasso in 1957, leading to an unprecedented friendship that lasted until Picasso's death in 1973. This relationship greatly influenced Duncan's work, culminating in the publication of "The Private Life of Pablo Picasso," a groundbreaking book that provided an intimate glimpse into the life and artistry of one of history's most influential artists. Throughout his career, Duncan produced several other notable works, including "Fighting 69th" about the Battle of the Bulge, and "I Shall Fight No More Forever," a moving account of Native American struggles in the mid-20th century. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide and are held in various prestigious collections. David Douglas Duncan's work bridged the gap between journalism, photography, and literature, offering unique insights into some of the most significant events and personalities of the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire artists and journalists alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Photography is a love affair with life."

This quote by David Douglas Duncan suggests that photography is not just a mechanical process, but an emotional connection and appreciation for life. It symbolizes the passion and affection photographers have for their subject matter and for the world around them, as they capture moments, emotions, and beauty in images that can evoke feelings and memories in others. Essentially, Duncan's quote implies that photography is a deeply personal and meaningful way to express love for life itself.

"The camera is much more than a recording apparatus, it's a medium via which messages reach us from another world."

This quote by David Douglas Duncan suggests that photographs are not just passive records of reality, but they serve as conduits for messages from the world beyond our immediate perception. They allow us to glimpse into different realities, emotions, and stories that might be invisible or inaccessible through ordinary means. Photography, in this perspective, becomes a powerful tool for empathy and understanding, bridging gaps between cultures, experiences, and perspectives.

"In photography there are no shadows without light."

This quote by David Douglas Duncan emphasizes that every photograph, regardless of its subject or mood, requires some form of light to bring out its details. In other words, even the darkest or most obscure parts of a picture rely on the presence of light to be visible. It underscores the importance of understanding and manipulating light in photography to create powerful and expressive images.

"A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never be repeated, thus justifying its value as unique."

This quote by David Douglas Duncan underscores the inherent value of photography. He suggests that a photograph is not merely a static image but a snapshot of a fleeting moment frozen in time, an instant of life that can never be recaptured exactly the same way again. Because of this unique ability to preserve a singular, fleeting moment for all eternity, Duncan posits that photographs possess an intrinsic worth and significance beyond their visual appeal. In essence, he's emphasizing the emotional, historical, and cultural impact a photograph can have by capturing a moment in time that would otherwise be lost forever.

"The camera makes you forget you're there. It's not like a film, it's not like a book, it's like a keyhole into life."

This quote by David Douglas Duncan suggests that photography, as captured through a camera, offers an intimate and unique perspective on the world. Unlike other forms of storytelling such as film or books, photography provides a direct glimpse into reality, almost like peeking through a keyhole. It has the power to transport us to different places and moments, making us forget our physical presence while immersing ourselves in the captured scene.

After I left the Marines in '46, I wanted to stay in the Marines; I was very happy - I loved that life.

- David Douglas Duncan

Loved, Very, Wanted, Marines

The Marines in Korea never feared 'friendly fire' or artillery coming from the South Koreans - from their allies - like they did later in Vietnam, fighting with the South Vietnamese. The Koreans could be trusted.

- David Douglas Duncan

Like, Feared, South, Marines

With Germany conquered, the Kremlin checkmated, Japan converted, it became easier - safer - to peek around looking for someone to fear... and maybe do something about. Ideally, somebody far away, from a country about which almost nothing was known.

- David Douglas Duncan

Country, Away, Became, Converted

Gandhi was a strange guy. There was this simplistic manner; but nobody knows what it cost to provide the simple life of Mohandas Gandhi. Nobody. He traveled on a train by himself.

- David Douglas Duncan

Cost, Guy, Simplistic, Traveled

I don't think you can impose a social order from the top down.

- David Douglas Duncan

Think, Top, Impose, Social Order

I was a war correspondent in Korea. I did a book on it: 'This is War.'

- David Douglas Duncan

Book, War, Korea, War Correspondent

War is the easiest photography in the business. Just get close, be lucky, know how your camera works. There are subjects everywhere. Everyplace you go, there is something to photograph in a war, like being in the middle of a hurricane or a train crash or an earthquake. You can't miss it.

- David Douglas Duncan

Lucky, Your, Works, Train

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and knowing nothing about Picasso, I had the audacity to knock on his door, became his friend, and took thousands of photographs, of him, his studios, his life and his friends.

- David Douglas Duncan

Door, Became, Took, Kansas

Today, Japan is one of the few countries in the world where one hears laughter everywhere.

- David Douglas Duncan

World, Japan, Everywhere, Hears

I have taken some hits here and there, but I've been most damaged carrying my little terrier to bed, and I broke my hip turning off the lamp. I've been nicked a few times, but he put me out of business. So life is a very strange adventure.

- David Douglas Duncan

Bed, Here, Some, Carrying

So many people are exploiting the name Picasso - and, in a way, even the estate is doing it.

- David Douglas Duncan

Doing, Even, So Many People, Picasso

Some guys can run fast, some guys can sing, I found I could take photographs that people were interested in.

- David Douglas Duncan

Run, Some, Could, Guys

The major economies are not American anymore. They are Asian and South American.

- David Douglas Duncan

Economies, Major, South, Asian

Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam were perfect for Lyndon Johnson: 220 million against 18 million, water buffalo and all. No risk, really.

- David Douglas Duncan

Perfect, Against, Chi, Vietnam

My only rule: I never photographed the face of the dead, ever, out of respect for the families.

- David Douglas Duncan

Face, Never, Ever, Photographed

War is in the eyes.

- David Douglas Duncan

War, Eyes

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