Meaning: Dorothea Lange, an influential American documentary photographer, made this statement to emphasize the importance of truly seeing and capturing the world around us through the lens of a camera. In this quote, she urges photographers to approach their work with a sense of urgency and mindfulness, as if their ability to see the world through the viewfinder could be taken from them at any moment.

Lange's words highlight the profound impact that photography can have on our perception of the world. Through her own work, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to capturing the human experience with empathy and authenticity. Best known for her iconic images of the Great Depression, Lange's photographs often conveyed the struggles and resilience of individuals facing economic hardship and social injustice.

When she implores photographers to use the camera as if they might lose their sight tomorrow, Lange is urging them to approach their craft with a deep sense of purpose and intention. By embracing the idea that their ability to see and capture images may be fleeting, photographers are encouraged to fully engage with their surroundings and subjects, seeking to immortalize moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This quote also speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seizing the present moment. In a broader sense, it serves as a reminder to cherish and appreciate the world around us, recognizing the impermanence of our experiences and the need to capture and preserve them for posterity.

Lange's own experiences and challenges likely informed the sentiment behind this quote. Having overcome personal health issues and navigating the tumultuous times of the Great Depression, she understood the fragility of life and the power of photography to immortalize moments and evoke emotional responses.

From a technical standpoint, the quote also suggests that photographers should approach their work with a keen awareness of composition, lighting, and subject matter. By considering the potential loss of sight, photographers are encouraged to carefully frame and capture scenes that resonate with depth and meaning.

Overall, Dorothea Lange's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of photography and the responsibility of photographers to document the world with empathy and authenticity. It encourages a mindful and purposeful approach to the craft, reminding us to truly see and appreciate the world around us while we still have the gift of sight.