"They were without clothes before I got there, and they were without clothes when I left"

Jock Sturges is a photographer renowned for his work focusing on the human kind, frequently in natural settings, and regularly including nudity. The quote, "They lacked clothing before I got there, and they lacked clothes when I left", records the essence of his method to photographic topics, as well as the larger context in which he runs.

At face value, the quote might initially evoke curiosity, shock, or misconception, given societal standards surrounding nudity. Nevertheless, Sturges's work seeks to transcend these immediate responses, inviting viewers to engage with the notions of innocence, purity, and the natural state of being. The reference of his topics lacking clothes "before I got there" indicates that their nudity is not a construct of the professional photographer however rather an organic aspect of their environment or lifestyle. It suggests a candidness and authenticity, highlighting that the topics are comfy in their skin and environments.

By mentioning that they "lacked clothes when I left", Sturges reinforces the idea that his existence is non-intrusive and respectful. It highlights the connection and permanence of this natural state, suggesting that his work does not modify their truth but aims to record and celebrate it. There's an underlying regard for his subjects' autonomy and a commitment to catching their fact without imposition.

This technique challenges societal conventions and asks viewers to reevaluate their perceptions of nudity, especially in the context of art. By capturing topics as they are, Sturges prompts a dialogue about vulnerability, the body, and the relationship between photographer and subject. His work frequently sits at the crossway of art and social commentary, questioning cultural taboos and the viewer's own borders concerning privacy, propriety, and beauty.

Sturges's quote, therefore, encapsulates his principles as a professional photographer who records instead of dictates, using a window into worlds where the human kind is celebrated in its unadorned truth rather than inspected under the lens of societal standards.