As to the "self expression" part, I often simply find myself photographing subjects that don't seem to match well with what people commonly admire or appreciate in a photograph.  For me, it takes courage, at least a little courage, to continue pursuing such subjects, but I'm trying to let go of my pre-conceived notions and to follow my interest.  David duChemin's The Soul of the Camera, which I recommend to others also seeking more photographic freedom for creativity, recently has provided encouragement and inspiration.

In a 1964 lecture at Yale University, Walker Evans stated that "documentary lyricism" was "usually produced unconsciously and even unintentionally and accidentally by the cameraman."    For me, "lyrical" thus implies an invitation for the viewer to interpret, or to look beyond, the initial or literal presentation of an image.  For this endeavor I favor monochrome, but you'll notice that I'm also giving it a try with a smattering of color.  Of course, I hope this shift in emphasis is worth the while of viewers.

Happy New Year.  - Don

Ironically, over my life having collected a nice array camera and other photo equipment, I have come to realize that at my age - unless I become a manic photographer - I likely will not make adequate use of a lot of this hardware.  After some thought, selling much of it for a Leica Monochrom seemed to make sense, until realizing that the hassle and time needed to do so would be unreasonable.  So, with forethought and planning, I hope yet to enjoy as much of my gear as possible.

Once again I am revealing my attraction, against my better judgement, to the importance of cameras over the images themselves.  But like Mick Jagger sings, "it's only Rock'n Roll but I like it."

Blessed are those who let go of their beloved equipment and limit their cameras to one or two nice pieces at a time.

Don

The past couple of years, my interest in black and white monochromes, either by digital editing or by film, has increased.  In a display case, I have a fully functional vintage 5x7 Korona View camera, with a 210mm Rodenstock lens, that I carefully and beautifully restored some years ago.  Its use is time consuming and requires a careful step by step approach, but the results can be exceptionally satisfying.  In 2020, here's hoping it produces at least a few monochrome images for this site.

Other candidates for monochromes are a recently acquired Canon P and a Lecia M2, each also in very nice condition.  Film is in the refrigerator.  Now, if I can just get off my duff and get out there  . . .

~  Don Fahrenbrink

Frankly, editing images gives me as much satisfaction as capturing them.  However, with spring here and summer at hand, I hope to get out for more shooting, additionally motivated by the recent acquisition of a new compact mirrorless camera, the menu for which I've spent hours learning to use, much of the problem being that I've not previously used a camera from this manufacturer.  At the same time, for their relative simplicity and hands-on gratification, I would like to use, at least for a few captures, a couple of my vintage film cameras.

As someone in The White House keeps saying, "We'll see what happens."  Even in retirement, there does not seem to be enough hours in the day.  Reading, the cello, exercise, home maintenance and improvement, plus the rest of it - all good stuff, also beckon.  

Good wishes to you and for your own endeavors.  -  Don F.

Perhaps inspired by Zen, or at least by an effort for simplicity, I want to pursue more abstract images.  This requires opening one's eyes to overlooked surroundings.  And, an August trip to the San Juan Islands, off the coast of Washington, is likely to be productive.

Finally, although I try not to focus on equipment, I recently purchased my first smart phone with a camera, the discontinued LG G4 manufactured in 2015.  Am yet still becoming acquainted with it but, among other surprising features, much like its manual option, 16MBs and RAW files.  Maybe some of its ioutput will show up here too.  Stay tuned.   - Don

     Also, although I don't like to make a big deal of equipment, my recent few outings made me a fan of a previously neglected 25-year old AF Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 ED zoom, purchased two years ago on Craig's List, which now will see more use.

     Not enamored with cold weather photography, with the coming of spring and summer I'm starting to think about getting out for more subjects, especially for monochrome folios.  We'll see.

                                                                       ~  Don

Although feeling again feeling a need to take a camera in hand, it presently is 22°F outside, with seven inches of snow, conditions I don't find conducive for photographic forays.  Until spring, this means I mostly will work with previous images.

The majority of this editing will be devoted to assembling another book of images, this one consisting of some 90 transparencies selected from over a thousand taken in the Philippines from 1971 until 1977 (cf. the 'Philippines' tab).

A dilemma that I and other photographers experience is what to do with one's images.  During most of my life, I accumulated boxes of transparencies and packets of prints, usually stored away for months or years at a time.  With the advent of digital photography, I eventually stored images on a computer, gradually organizing them, including a website.

Nevertheless, I think there is much to be said for a nice print, especially when well framed and tastefully displayed.  The lack of remaining wall space in my home testifies to this conviction.  And, even more so, I favor two other forms of print - folios and books.  The former, of which several are included here, offer an especially attractive and convenient way to present small collections of 12 to 20 themed images, especially fine art.

Books, for which many online publishing services are available, I consider a good way to exhibit larger collections of themed images, as my my upcoming Philippine collection.  When carefully edited (I consistently overlook a few typos), photo books are a delight to hold and view.  Each form, folios and books, also make especially nice gifts.

As for new images, Geri and I presently are making long range plans for more vacation trips.  Along with what is nearby, I'm confident of great opportunities.

Don Fahrenbrink

However, what a highlight!  In early August, son Tim and I toured Iceland for nine days, the photos of which I've just uploaded here (cf. the 'Locales' tab).  Without going into a description of this amazing land, which I leave to the photos, I'll just says that six weeks later I yet find myself daydreaming about it, and I won't rule out a return.

We only had two rainy days, one of which was spent mostly driving.  During the other, we put on rain jackets, opened our umbrellas, and carried on.  90% of my images were taken with a 24-70mm zoom on a Nikon D700, and all were edited in Lightroom 5, a great tool.

I enjoy telling others about our trip and describing Iceland.  In addition to the readily available information on the Web and elsewhere, if you'd like info about our trip, booking a tour, accommodations, what to expect, etc., I would be pleased to respond.

After a Web-made photo book of Iceland, I'll see if I can get back to a couple other projects by-passed this summer, so I hope you'll keep checking here for new stuff.

Hope your summer was good, and that you enjoy the fall.             ~  Don Fahrenbrink

However, my primary goal of producing a folio of Filipino Children was achieved and is accessed in this site's menu under both 'Folios' and 'The Philippines,' a gratifying effort and accomplishment described in its Introduction.

Preferring outings in warm weather, efforts now shift to actually taking photos, abetted by planned summer trips to Boonville, MO (my hometown), Steamboat Springs, CO and Iceland - the latter a greatly anticipated 12-day circumferential self-drive tour with Minneapolis son Tim.  If you're not aware of the photogenic superlatives of Iceland's landscape, Google some photos and you'll better understand my excitement.  A concluding fall trip may take in Utah's southern National Parks and The Grand Canyon.  Then follows another winter of editing!

All along, I hope to be working on another web-produced book, this one with nearly 100 images captured in the Philippines during the 1970s, the above mentioned Filipino Children being a preview.

If so inclined, I hope you can get out this summer with your camera too.

     For me personally, the subjects remind me of how I witnessed Filipinos striving for dignified lives under circumstances most North Americans would find abysmal.  I don't want to romanticize things, but I do draw inspiration from the approach to life that I think I see in many of the faces here.  Of course, the sheer beauty of much of the land, although selectively chosen to photograph, also is moving.

    Finally, I consider these images valuable as a record of how the Philippines continues to rapidly change.  Since their original capture some 40 years ago, many of the these scenes no longer are available.  Recently, for example, I viewed a current photo of Manila which, although my residence for seven years, I did not recognize.  To me, it looked more like Chicago.

    From time to time, I'll be adding more photos to this gallery, and eventually I may reorganize it according to subject matter.  Meanwhile, I hope you find it worthwhile.

- Don Fahrenbrink, May 2014

Since setting up this site, I have been viewing nearly 1,500 transparencies made while living several years in the Philippines in the 70s (yes, that's how old I am!).  My intent has been to identify enough images to produce several themed and printed folios (landscapes, children, daily activities, etc.) and to publish a web book.  Yesterday, I completed this process and soon will begin the tedious job of scanning these slides for touch-up editing before printing.

In the meanwhile, I likely will occasionally post some of these images here, using a related menu tab.  Some of these images make me miss the Philippines, even after all these years, and I think you will see why.

- Don Fahrenbrink

That last source relates to a long range project of selecting, grouping and editing images for scanning from over 1,000 Ektachrome transparencies made while living for several years in the Philippines during the 70s, something I had hoped to accomplish this winter but have just begun.

Meanwhile of course, if I shoot something I think (there's the catch) of sufficient merit, I'll add this.

Regardless of what's added or not, how satisfying to offer photos for viewing to an amazingly large audience, previously so limited.

Finally, if before March 31 you happen to visit the Starbucks in the Barnes & Noble located in the Denver West mall, in Lakewood, CO, you will see an exhibit of ten of my framed prints, both monochrome and color, ranging in sizes from 11x14 to 20x26 - and for sale.

Stay tuned.      ~  Don