Get inspiration from books and photography….from music, from whatever moves and inspires you. It’s also important to have integrity and to be true to yourself. Be creative. Make many mistakes and learn from them. -- Daniel Berehulak

To be a photographer in this age, you have to really WANT to do it.  Don’t do it just because you can’t think of anything else to do.  -- David Burnett

If you love photography don’t listen to anything but the sound of the shutter. -- Mark Peterson

It takes years to become a fine, qualified journalist. Take the time to learn your craft, hone your skills at home before you run off to Syria. There are so many stories to be told in your own backyard. -- Mary F. Calvert

Don’t listen to anyone. Resist the gravitational pull of the norm. Make crazy shit. And be prepared to eat breadsticks for a few years. -- Phillip Toledano

Stick with your passions. Understand WHY you do what you do. And, don’t be afraid of any perceived lack of opportunity. The opportunities change, and there is always opportunity for those who make their own through hard work, drive and talent. -- Nancy Andrews

Work hard. Master the craft. Initiate don't imitate. Get a voice…and then use it! -- Bill Frakes

It’s tough out there right now for photojournalists. I think the key is finding something you are passionate about and using your skills to try to affect change. Hopefully you’ll also be able to support yourself in the process. -- Rick Smolan

Take photos for yourself. Not for others. Not for awards. Not for publications. If you need to, find other ways to support your habit. There’s nothing wrong with a day job.  -- Sol Neelman

Find the stories that haven’t been told. Give people a voice they wouldn’t otherwise have in your community. Our roles in society, especially our own communities, are important and we can’t give up on that. If you believe everyone has a story, whether it’s in your own neighborhood or across the world, the possibilities are endless. -- Lisa Krantz

You can't get in an elevator without seeing stills or video on a digital display. The key is to figure out the business model. You may have to invent your own. Learn the business and be smart. Separate yourself from the pack and you'll find a way to make it happen. -- David Bergman

There is no point in thinking about great projects unless you’re going to act on them. Stop making excuses about why you can’t do it. -- Rob Hammer

Develop your own point of view. A beautiful photo perfectly illustrates a moment in time to the point of becoming timeless, and a well told photo story stays in people’s minds forever.-- Jean-Pierre Laffont

There are crazy times I've been through, when the shit is coming down so hard that I feel like I gotta wear a hat; and the camera is a refuge from that maelstrom. No one else decides when to push that shutter. I make that decision. There is clarity there, in the midst of all the clatter and chatter of life in general. That click of a camera is very reassuring. -- Joe McNally

Depression is an illness. It is not something one can snap out of. Suffering from depression is not indicative of someone’s emotional fortitude. -- Marvi Lacar

Work hard but always shoot with love and gratitude. Making images is a privilege and the images themselves are a gift. I am constantly reminded of that. -- Zun Lee

Character is essential to success. Be kind, generous, thankful, and honest. Have integrity in everything you do. And always think the best of other people. -- Alicia Hansen

In the past, when I had down times and became worried that everyone forgot who I was, I once said to my wife, “Beverly, you know, I could make some stock images that we can sell and earn some income.”  She, so wisely, reassuringly and lovingly said, “Do what you love. Photograph what moves you. Let me worry about the business.” It is the best thing that I have ever heard. -- Howard Schatz

I will never think I’m as good as I can be, because I never will be. I will remain humble. The amount of my paycheck is not a measure of my ability as a photographer. Often the most rewarding payment is a hug from a veteran. - Stacy Pearsall

Passion leads to success and that’s the single driving force for me...why I don’t get bored, why I don’t take anything for granted...it’s because I still love doing it!  -- Stephen Wilkes

As photographers we want to get close to things in order to make compelling pictures. Like in conflict, it is very important to be cognizant when you may be crossing lines and taking risks that are too great. It’s hard to pull back from what might be a powerful image but we need to practice restraint and self-preservation at times. -- Pete Muller

I feel that a good photograph is provocative AND evocative because of subject matter, lighting, composition or point of view. A great photograph incorporates all of the above in a way that takes the viewer down deeper than the surface – causes you to pause and take it in. -- Judy Walgren, The San Francisco Chronicle

There is a beautiful, universal truth everywhere and, if you peek under the veil, you’ll find a wondrous commonality between us. I hope that you will use your camera not just as an extension of your eye but also as an extension of your heart. – Ami Vitale

Build your archive and produce long-term projects on relevant issues. Hard work and a positive attitude always pay off more than anything else or a new technology, because only you can do it! - Louie Palu

Our industry is evolving and I don’t think anyone has a crystal ball but I believe that people relate to pictures that are storytelling, heartfelt and evoke emotion. -- Renée C. Byer

Jim Estrin, David Gonzalez, The New York Times

Realize that you can’t follow anyone else’s path. Your path is your own. Follow your own intuition, your passion and your heart. Find your inner voice and make your story your own, no one can take that away from you. – Alison Wright

Shoot stories that matter to you. That’s where you’ll produce your best work. Find the human element and focus on that.  Network; we have a relatively small industry so get to know as many people as you can, attend workshops and events and you will have an enriched community of friends and business relationships. – Deanne Fitzmaurice

Keep building your portfolio, even when you are not on assignment. You are bringing everything you know and who you are to every assignment. So follow all your interests and do anything in order to stay inspired…including from time to time, putting the camera down. – Sacha Lecca, Rolling Stone

Think of telling the story of many through the story of one. Be charming and smart. Be kind. Be empathetic and generous with people. Think quality, not quantity. – Maggie Steber