I like to keep in touch with younger photographers. It's important that a younger generation comes up and questions the assumptions made by old farts like me.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I've been an amateur photographer since my teens.
At my age, you sort of fart your way into a role.
There're only a few photographers I've ever felt really comfortable with.
These days, with 'American Idol' and all the other reality shows, young people become famous overnight, and that can be very difficult to handle, the way photographers follow you around and study your every move.
Of course I don't like the fact that my wife goes to the supermarket and there are photographers. But I realise that the press attention is the same wherever you go.
Photographers never want to talk about the fact that they may well be in decline. It's the greatest taboo subject of all.
I began photographing in 1946. Before that, I was a painter and drawer, with my mother and father's support. They were a bit pissed when I went into photography. They thought photographers were guys who took pictures at weddings.
Of course I will continue photography. I love photography. But when you become old, it's too much.
All my life, I've been sort of a professional optimist, full of good cheer about matters political and journalistic. I always thought I'd get older and become an unnaturally cheerful old fart. But it's not happening.
They often ask me to shoot for them. But I say no. I think an old guy like me ought not take pages away from young photographers who need the exposure.