Art is not legerdemain; much “instantaneous” work is but jugglery.
“Going in for photography.”
Though many painters and sculptors talk glibly of “going in for photography,” you will find that very few of them can ever make a picture by photography; they lack the science, technical knowledge, and above all, the practice. Most people think they can play tennis, shoot, write novels, and photograph as well as any other person—until they try.
Faith.
Sensational in nature.
Be true to yourself and individuality will show itself in your work.
Do not be caught by the sensational in nature, as a coarse red-faced sunset, a garrulous waterfall, or a fifteen thousand foot mountain.
Prettiness.
Avoid prettiness—the word looks much like pettiness, and there is but little difference between them.
On studying photography.
No one should take up photography who is not content to work hard and study so that he can take pictures for his own eye only. The artist works to record the beauties of nature, the bagman works to please the public, or for filthy lucre, or for metal medals.