Approach Quote by Walker Evans
![“What I believe is really good in the so-called documentary approach to photography is the addition of lyricism.[this quality] is usually produced unconsciously and even unintentionally and accidentally by the cameraman.” quote by Walker Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bfe/walker-evans-14813_approach_what-i-believe-is-really-good-in-the-so_209744.jpg)
“What I believe is really good in the so-called documentary approach to photography is the addition of lyricism.[this quality] is usually produced unconsciously and even unintentionally and accidentally by the cameraman.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Photographer’s Eye, Walker Evans, 1975
The documentary style gains depth when photographers unintentionally embed poetic, lyrical qualities, enriching visual storytelling.
In simple terms: Lyricism adds depth to documentary photos.
Key Takeaway
Embrace spontaneous poetic moments.
Themes
photography
documentary
lyricism
visual storytelling
Mood
thoughtful
inspired
Type
reflective
artistic
When to use this quote
- photojournalism
- art exhibitions
- personal projects
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
aesthetic
intentionality
serendipity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance factual reporting with poetic expression?
- When does lyricism enhance versus obscure meaning?
A Different Perspective
Lyricism may distract from factual clarity.
![“[Documentary photography] is unwittingly literary, because it is nothing other than an observation of contemporary life apprehended at the right moment by an artist capable of seizing it. (1928)” quote by Pierre Mac Orlan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8de/pierre-mac-orlan-59102_art_documentary-photography-is-unwittingly-l_2407575.jpg)
![“Nobody should touch a Polaroid [camera] until he's over sixty” quote by Walker Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ccc/walker-evans-14813_cameras_nobody-should-touch-a-polaroid-camera-un_963399.jpg)
