Trooper
Well-known
I've been searching all night for a quote that I remember about being the first to do something, versus being better. I recall that it was a modern author commenting on the strengths of their contemporary authors, and his own weaknesses. It went something like this:
I don't write about romance because Joe does it and he is the best. I don't write mysteries because Jim already does that and he does it better than I can. I write about science fiction because I do that well; I wasn't the first, but it's what I do.
I am reminded of this quote every time I read about Ansel, HCB, Avedon, etc., and someone wants to emulate their photography. My application of the quote to photography is: They have already done it, so if you want to emulate their style you will have to do it better than the original--or be the first in a new style.
So, does anyone know this quote and can guide me to it?
I don't write about romance because Joe does it and he is the best. I don't write mysteries because Jim already does that and he does it better than I can. I write about science fiction because I do that well; I wasn't the first, but it's what I do.
I am reminded of this quote every time I read about Ansel, HCB, Avedon, etc., and someone wants to emulate their photography. My application of the quote to photography is: They have already done it, so if you want to emulate their style you will have to do it better than the original--or be the first in a new style.
So, does anyone know this quote and can guide me to it?
