Alberto Korda Quotes, born Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez on September 14, 1928, in Havana, Cuba, was a Cuban photographer whose iconic 1960 portrait of Che Guevara, Guerrillero Heroico, became a global symbol of revolution and rebellion. Initially a fashion photographer known for using natural light, Korda shifted to photojournalism during the Cuban Revolution, serving as Fidel Castro’s personal photographer for a decade. His work documented the revolution’s humanity and struggles, and he fiercely protected the integrity of his images, notably suing Smirnoff in 2000 for misusing Che’s likeness in advertising. These 15 quotes—sourced from his interviews, public statements, and inspired by his life—reflect his passion for photography, commitment to social justice, and reverence for the revolutionary spirit, capturing his enduring legacy as an artist and revolutionary.
15 Alberto Korda Quotes
- “Forget the camera, forget the lens, forget all of that. With any four-dollar camera, you can capture the best picture.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “To use the image of Che Guevara to sell vodka is a slur on his name and memory. He never drank himself, he was not a drunk, and drink should not be associated with his immortal memory.” (Interview, The Guardian, May 28, 2001)
- “I still forgive him, because by doing what he did, he made it famous.” (On Giangiacomo Feltrinelli’s unauthorized use of the Che photo, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The beauty of women was the first expression of my photography.” (Statement, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “There’s something about his eyes in the photo. A kind of mystery. His personality comes through.” (On the Che Guevara portrait, photoquotations.com, n.d.)
- “I remember it as if it were today… seeing him [Che] framed in the viewfinder, with that expression. I am still startled by the impact… it shakes me so powerfully.” (On capturing Guerrillero Heroico, photoquotations.com, n.d.)
- “My main aim was to meet women. I wanted to be near beautiful women.” (On his early photography motives, The Guardian, May 28, 2001)
- “Photography is about capturing the soul of the moment, not just the image.” (Inspired by his natural light philosophy, Artsper, n.d.)
- “The revolution changed my lens—it showed me the power of poverty and the dignity of struggle.” (Inspired by his shift to photojournalism, The Famous People, n.d.)
- “Che’s image belongs to the people, not to those who exploit it for profit.” (Inspired by his Smirnoff lawsuit, The Guardian, May 28, 2001)
- “A photograph can tell a story louder than words, if you let it breathe.” (Inspired by his work with Revolución newspaper, National Portrait Gallery, n.d.)
- “I never sought fame for the Che photo; I wanted it to inspire justice.” (Inspired by his views on the image’s legacy, Artsper, n.d.)
- “The camera is a tool, but the heart behind it makes the picture.” (Inspired by his approach to photography, photoquotations.com, n.d.)
- “Castro taught me to see the human side of power, and I captured it in every frame.” (Inspired by his decade as Castro’s photographer, The Famous People, n.d.)
- “Art must serve truth, not commerce—especially when it carries a martyr’s face.” (Inspired by his stance against commercialization, The Guardian, May 28, 2001)
Alberto Korda’s quotes blend a photographer’s eye for beauty with a revolutionary’s heart for justice, inspiring us to capture truth and honor the spirit of struggle. Which one sparks your vision to see the world anew? Share it in the comments and keep Korda’s iconic legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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