"When you do portraits professionally it's not a desire, it's for money"

This quote by Imogen Cunningham speaks to the idea that when you are an expert portrait photographer, it is not an enthusiasm or a desire that drives you, however rather a requirement for money. This is likely a reflection of Cunningham's own experience as an expert photographer, as she was among the first female professional photographers to make a living from her work. She was most likely knowledgeable about the financial struggles that numerous professional photographers face, and this quote is a pointer that cash is typically a major factor in the choice to pursue photography as an occupation. Cunningham's quote also talks to the idea that while passion and desire are necessary, they are not constantly sufficient to sustain a career in photography. Cash is an essential consider order to make a living, and Cunningham's quote functions as a tip of this reality.