“Avedon’s distinct style of portrait photography is nothing short of iconic” (“Richard Avedon- Artist Biography”). Richard Avedon is a name that many photographers recognize. During the years of the late 1940’s through the decade of the 1950’s, fashion photography became more dynamic mainly due to the innovations introduced by Richard Avedon.
Many viewers see fashion photography as an art form that is wasteful of great talents. However, it is the “third-largest industry in the country and it is responsible for the existence of a considerable publishing business” (Odell). Without this type of photography, Vogue would not be nearly as successful. When a viewer opens the magazine, they are seeing a sophisticated lifestyle being put on a pedestal.
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Growing up, his parents had a clothing business and Avedon took a great interest in fashion from a very early age (“Richard Avedon”). The photography that was all around him made a huge impact on him. When Avedon was twelve-years-old, he joined the Young Men’s Hebrew Association Camera Club (“Richard Avedon”). By joining the club, it allowed Richard Avedon to develop on hone his skills in the photography field. Between the years 1945 and 1965, Avedon worked as a fashion photographer, “revolutionizing the craft”. Avedon began photographing women at Harper’s Bazaar and then for Vogue (“Richard Avedon- Artist Biography”). While working at both magazines, Avedon became a “driving force behind photography’s emergence as a legitimate art form” (“Richard Avedon”) Through his enormous skill and edgy techniques, he completely broke through every boundary.
Avedon’s “controversial and provocative pictures” did not line up with the norms at the time (Hill). Many photographers wanted to portray the subject as someone to be praised. Avedon simply wanted the public to see them for what they really were underneath the mask. He is one of the most memorable photographers of the time because of his edgy techniques. Avedon is also remembered because of his drive to reinvent fashion photography into more than simple pictures. (Hill). Avedon aimed to show the public “basic human emotions and relatable expressions”. (“Simply Stunning: Richard Avedon’s