Quotes by Martin Parr

About Martin Parr:

Martin Parr is a British documentary photographer, photojournalist and photobook collector. He is known for his photographic projects that take an intimate, satirical and anthropological look at aspects of modern life, in particular documenting the social classes of England, and more broadly the wealth of the Western world. His major projects have been rural communities (1975–82), The Last Resort (1983–85), The Cost of Living (1987–89), Small World (1987–94) and Common Sense (1995–99).
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

We live in a homogenized world, where it's hard to get excited when everything is slick and professional. The interesting things are the dull things.

Martin Parr

I like to keep in touch with younger photographers. It's important that a younger generation comes up and questions the assumptions made by old farts like me.

Martin Parr

Sometimes you feel uncomfortable taking a photograph, but that's all part of the job.

Martin Parr

We live in a difficult but inspiring world, and there is so much out there that I want to record.

Martin Parr

Most of us, when we go out with a camera in our own country, try to find exotic subject matter to photograph.

Martin Parr

In New York, you have the street; in the U.K., we have the beach. I end up being like a migrating bird, being attracted to it.

Martin Parr

Filming is always a challenge because I'm not used to it. But I approach it head-on. I'm not technically brilliant, but it's the spirit that counts.

Martin Parr

I am kept awake by the list of possibilities for shooting more photos and deciding what I must prioritise next.

Martin Parr

Photographers never want to talk about the fact that they may well be in decline. It's the greatest taboo subject of all.

Martin Parr

I never think of photographs as being individual. Always as a group.

Martin Parr

I do read many of the photography magazines from the U.K. and abroad.

Martin Parr

I am away so much, so I rarely see live TV, but I use iPlayer to catch programmes.

Martin Parr

My biggest television weakness is 'Dragons' Den.'

Martin Parr

I get up early and open my emails, write cheques, and answer the phone; whatever needs to be done.

Martin Parr

I am not as cross about Thatcher now as I was in the '80s. Begrudgingly, I can see that some of her policies helped modernise Britain.

Martin Parr

If there is any jarring at all in my photographs, it's because we are so used to ingesting pictures of everywhere looking beautiful.

Martin Parr

The idea of England in decline is very attractive.

Martin Parr

TV-makers usually don't know much about photography.

Martin Parr

The trouble with Hollywood films is that they always have a pleasant ending.

Martin Parr

My profile is bigger in Europe than it is in the U.K.

Martin Parr

When I fly British Airways, I can't help but read the free Daily Mail, which makes me glad I am leaving the country.

Martin Parr

Author Bio

  • NameMartin Parr
  • DescriptionBritish photographer
  • BornMay 23, 1952
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • ProfessionPhotographer; Journalist
  • AwardsDr. Erich Salomon Prize