Every photograph is the photographer's opinion about something. It's how they feel about something: what they think is horrible, tragic, funny.

In this quote, Mary Ellen Mark emphasizes the subjective nature of photography, suggesting that every photograph reflects the photographer’s opinion or emotional response to the subject being captured. Rather than simply being a neutral representation of reality, Mark believes that a photograph is an expression of the photographer’s perspective and feelings. This could range from capturing something tragic to something funny or even beautiful—each image is shaped by how the photographer perceives the world.

Mark’s statement underscores the artistic and personal nature of photography. While photographs may seem objective or factual at first glance, they are, in fact, influenced by the photographer's emotions, values, and biases. This makes each image a unique reflection of the photographer’s inner world, even if they are documenting an external reality. Through their lens, they convey how they interpret and react to the world around them.

The quote also highlights how photographs can carry powerful emotional weight, evoking reactions in viewers that might be tied to the photographer’s intent or personal connection to the subject. A photograph can be a powerful tool for storytelling, whether it captures something horrible, tragic, or funny, because it is inherently imbued with the photographer’s emotions and viewpoints, influencing how the audience interprets the image.

Ultimately, Mark’s quote suggests that photography is not just about recording reality but about capturing and conveying the emotional and intellectual response the photographer has to the world. Each image becomes a snapshot of the photographer’s perspective, offering insight not just into the subject of the photo, but also into the photographer's inner experience and interpretation of that moment.