Meaning: Diane Arbus, a renowned American photographer known for her unique and often controversial portraits, once famously stated, "I always thought of photography as a naughty thing to do - that was one of my favorite things about it, and when I first did it, I felt very perverse." This quote encapsulates Arbus's unconventional and daring approach to photography, shedding light on her perspective as an artist and her willingness to challenge societal norms through her work.

Arbus's view of photography as a "naughty thing to do" reflects her belief in the power of the medium to push boundaries and provoke unconventional reactions. For Arbus, photography was not merely a means of capturing images but a way to explore the unconventional, the marginalized, and the often overlooked aspects of society. Her willingness to embrace the "naughty" aspects of photography speaks to her desire to defy traditional norms and capture raw, unfiltered glimpses of humanity.

The notion of feeling "very perverse" when she first engaged in photography highlights Arbus's willingness to embrace the unconventional and the taboo. Rather than conforming to conventional standards of beauty and acceptability, Arbus sought to capture the essence of her subjects in all their complexity, often delving into the fringes of society to find her subjects. This willingness to explore the darker, more enigmatic aspects of human existence set her apart from many of her contemporaries and cemented her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.

Arbus's work often delved into the lives of individuals on the margins of society – circus performers, transgender individuals, individuals with physical abnormalities – and her unflinching portrayal of these subjects challenged societal norms and forced viewers to confront their preconceived notions of beauty, normalcy, and acceptability. In this sense, her work can be seen as a form of rebellion against the constraints of societal expectations, embracing the "naughty" and the "perverse" as a means of shedding light on the often ignored aspects of human existence.

Furthermore, Arbus's quote underscores her belief in the subversive nature of photography as an art form. By considering photography as "naughty," she positions it as a medium capable of defying conventions, questioning authority, and challenging the status quo. In doing so, she redefines the perception of photography, elevating it beyond a mere tool for documentation and representation to a means of cultural critique and social commentary.

Overall, Diane Arbus's quote encapsulates her unorthodox approach to photography and her willingness to challenge societal norms and conventions through her work. By embracing the "naughty" and the "perverse," she not only redefined the boundaries of photography as an art form but also pushed the limits of societal acceptability, shedding light on the often overlooked facets of human existence. Her legacy as a pioneering photographer continues to inspire contemporary artists to explore the unconventional and challenge the normative, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the world of photography.