"But empirically I've come to understand that my photographs really don't do any harm"

This quote by Jock Sturges suggests that he has actually concerned comprehend through experience that his photographs do not cause any harm. This could mean that he has actually seen the impact of his photographs on individuals he has actually photographed, or the people who see his photographs, and has pertained to the conclusion that they do not cause any harm. It might likewise mean that he has seen the effect of his photos on the world, and has pertained to the conclusion that they do not trigger any damage. This might be interpreted as a statement of self-confidence in his work, and a belief that his pictures are not only harmless, but helpful. It might likewise be translated as a declaration of humbleness, recognizing that his pictures are not best, however that they do not trigger any harm.