Danny Lyon

Title: "Bikeriders" collection

Artist: Danny Lyon

Medium:

Year: 1967



Give a brief description of the movement, photographer, or term you researched. How are they significant to the history of photography (50-75 words)?

Danny Lyon started as a self-taught photographer who eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. Soon after, he worked at photographing during events such as the Civil Rights Movement and committees to prevent violence, as well as many others. He also created books and films and photographed other subjects on his own time. One of his well known collections is called "Bikeriders." I really liked almost all of these images because each one was different, capturing a new view on what it means to be a part of a biker gang. The one I chose features the jackets of the late '60's bikers. While still appearing to be a completely "badass" image, it shows off the fashion of being accepted into the bikers. While the focal point is still the back of the man's jacket, it also give's an insight to a possible everyday hangout spot for all the bikers.







Write a short personal reaction to the movement, photographer or term you researched. What is interesting or not interesting about the work (50 – 75 words).

Like I said before, I really like the fashion statement made here. I also really like the way the leather shines, and the overall amazing contrast in the image. Because the jacket has so much going on, the detail had to be brought out really well and I think Danny Lyon did a really good job on that as well. The picture is absolutely perfect- I love the way everyone's looking in the same direction because it leads your eye from the focal point (the jacket) to the left- all the way off the page, because I want to know what's going on and what they're all looking at. The ONLY thing I might change, if he wanted to bring the jacket more and make it more striking, is take out all the other people except the guy wearing the jacket. I think it would bring out the detail even more, but again, the image isn't staged which in this case seems like a good thing.









Name (please only include if it is ok to publish on blog): Shannon