Lawrence Schiller Quotes

Powerful Lawrence Schiller for Daily Growth

About Lawrence Schiller

Lawrence Schiller (born May 15, 1938) is an American documentary filmmaker, photographer, and writer, whose career spans over six decades, making him a prominent figure in the realm of journalism and entertainment. Known for his penetrating insight into human psychology, Schiller's work often explores the lives of notable figures, revealing their complexities and offering unique perspectives. Born in New York City, Schiller displayed an early interest in photography and storytelling. He began his career as a freelance photographer for Life magazine, capturing iconic images that would become synonymous with the era. One of his most famous photographs is the 1968 image of Robert Kennedy being carried after being shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Schiller's first major work was "The Selling of the President 1968," a book he co-authored with Richard Goodwin that exposed the political strategies used during the presidential campaign of Lyndon B. Johnson. This groundbreaking work set the stage for his subsequent collaborations, which included documenting the lives of Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy, and the Rolling Stones. In 1973, Schiller published "Marilyn: A Biography," a comprehensive exploration of the life and career of Marilyn Monroe. The book was adapted into the Emmy Award-winning television film "Marilyn: Beyond the Legend" (1994). His 2008 book, "The Canon: Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Their Secret Plan to End the Vietnam War," co-authored with Jeffrey Sharlet, delves into the secret negotiations that led to the end of the Vietnam War. Throughout his career, Lawrence Schiller has been recognized for his exceptional storytelling and ability to capture the human spirit in its rawest form. His work serves as a mirror reflecting the times, providing insights into some of the most significant events and figures of the 20th century.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes."

The quote by Lawrence Schiller, "Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes," emphasizes that life is a continuous journey filled with meetings (hellos) and partings (goodbyes). Every encounter, whether personal or professional, brings new experiences and connections into our lives, while inevitably leading to endings as people move on. This quote reminds us to cherish the moments we share with others, understand that change is inevitable, and find joy in the fleeting nature of life's experiences.


"The camera never lies, but photographs are unconscious documents of the subjectivity of the photographer."

This quote by Lawrence Schiller suggests that while a camera objectively captures images as they appear before it, the final photograph is influenced by the photographer's unique perspective, emotions, and biases. In other words, photographs are not mere reflections of reality but manifestations of the photographer's subjective interpretation of the world around them. This idea underscores the importance of understanding both the technical aspects of photography and the contextual elements that shape a photograph's meaning.


"Photography can bring about an emotional response that transcends words."

This quote suggests that photography has the power to evoke deep emotions in people, beyond what can be expressed through mere words. Photographs have a unique ability to capture moments, feelings, and experiences in a way that language cannot always convey, making them powerful tools for storytelling and connecting with others on an emotional level.


"The eye should see only what the heart desires."

This quote suggests that one's perception of reality is heavily influenced by personal desires, feelings, and emotions. In other words, we tend to notice or focus on things that resonate with our inner longings, aspirations, or feelings, while potentially overlooking or disregarding those that do not align with them. This perspective highlights the subjective nature of human perception and experience, emphasizing the role of personal biases and emotions in shaping our understanding of the world around us.


"Truth in photography is a rare and precious commodity."

This quote emphasizes that finding truth in photography is challenging and valuable. It suggests that genuine, honest depictions are scarce in the realm of photography, making them particularly noteworthy when encountered. The implication is that photographers have the power to illuminate realities, capture moments, or reveal stories that may otherwise go unseen, making their work a significant means for understanding the world around us.


I knew Marilyn over a two-year period. I met her first on a movie called 'Let's Make Love.' I photographed her at that time on and off through the time of her death. I was 22 years old and she was 34 or 35.

- Lawrence Schiller

Love, Through, Movie, On And Off

A close friend of mine, Annie Leibovitz, who I've known for forty years, photographs celebrities every single day of the week but they all seem to look the same even though she's one of the most creative photographers alive. They all just look the same. Brad Pitt is a great actor but all the pictures of Brad Pitt look the same.

- Lawrence Schiller

Week, Alive, Celebrities, Forty Years

Marilyn was a great actress, not a dumb blond bombshell. She was very smart, very astute and a good businesswoman.

- Lawrence Schiller

She, Actress, Very, Blond

You constantly felt like you wanted to protect her and that you wanted to save her and that's what made her attractive more so to women than even to men. That's why she's still with us. Marilyn Monroe never offended a woman.

- Lawrence Schiller

Woman, Offended, Save, None

The most important thing you learn as a sports photographer is anticipation - not where the action is taking place, but where it's going to take place. Not where the subject is now, but where they're going to be.

- Lawrence Schiller

Sports, The Most Important, Anticipation

When you've experienced the real Marilyn, it's difficult to watch a movie about her.' I didn't want to have the memories of my experience tarnished in any way.

- Lawrence Schiller

Want, Movie, About, Experienced

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