I saw that the camera could ...

I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera.
 Gordon Parks

Quotes from the same author

People in millenniums ahead will know what we were like in the 1930's and the thing that, the important major things that shaped our history at that time. This is as important for historic reasons as any other.
 Gordon Parks
At first I wasn't sure that I had the talent, but I did know I had a fear of failure, and that fear compelled me to fight off anything that might abet it.
 Gordon Parks
Many times I wondered whether my achievement was worth the loneliness I experienced, but now I realize the price was small.
 Gordon Parks
I've known both misery and happiness, lived in so many different skins it is impossible for one skin to claim me. And I have felt like a wayfarer on an alien planet at times - walking, running, wondering about what brought me to this particular place, and why. But once I was here the dreams started moving in, and I went about devouring them as they devoured me.
 Gordon Parks
Enthusiasm is the electricity of life. How do you get it? You act enthusiastic until you make it a habit.
 Gordon Parks