Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon (May 15, 1923 – October 1, 2004) was an American photographer. He was the American photographer. There is very little I can write here that can adequately explain how talented or influential Richard Avedon was. He was a photographer, yes, but what he did behind the camera was so much greater than that.

Richard saw in photography it’s ability to capture the soul and personality of its subjects. He was a master at being able to capture something tangible and real about his subjects, even if it was something the subjects weren’t necessarily willing to reveal. It was with these talents that he managed to give America an image, an identity; a reflection of society at its highest and lowest.

He was a true master of his craft.

I am a big fan of both his fashion & portrait work.

Here are some of my favorites...

B.B 1962

Marilyn Monroe as silent screen star Theda Bara. From Life Magazine's fabled, "Enchantress Series," 1958

Marilyn Monroe 1959

Bob Dylan, Central Park 1960

Audrey Hepburn 1967

Nadja Auermann 1995

Dovima in Dior & the elephants taken at the "Cirque d'hiver de Paris" in august 1955

The photograph of Dovima in the black dress with elephants was reprinted many times but the image of Dovima in white was printed only once and the negative no longer exists. “It disappeared mysteriously,” Avedon said

Nadja Auermann Versace 1994

Stephanie Seymour Dress and shoes by Chanel, Paris 1994