A new year, on the first day of which I have added "Lyrical" as a menu item.  Although not adverse to capturing esthetically pleasing images, attractive landscapes for instance, I'm experiencing a desire, even a need, to also produce less conventional photographs.  In part, this is a desire for more self-expression but also is motivated by study of Walker Evans and what he termed a "lyrical documentary" method.  His photos from the rural southern U.S. in 1935 and 1936 are among my most admired of any photographer.  Dorothea Lange, and other Farm Service Administration photographers of the 30's, is another favorite.

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