Home

Richard Avedon history
In the essay below I am going to vociferating a research write about Richard Avedon who was the one of the most iconic and influential photographers of the 20th century. I am going to discuss and demonstrate my understanding about the Richard Avedon process and practice. What I mean by process, I actual mean what approach the photographer before the photography, influenced the photographer, strategies development of concepts, ideas behind portraits and the actual application of photography basically the used of lighting, style, unique technique, and the use of composition.
Biography
Richard Avedon was born in May 15,1923, United States, but specifically in New York City. About education, he was attending in The New School, doing his lower standard grades, and continuing to do second level in DeWitt Clinton High School, His accomplishments was taking place in Columbia University, where Avedon became a champion and gradualism. Richard his interest of being a photography began when he was young and used to photograph clothes in his father’s store. In effect, he took a keen interest in fashion. He started to be worked for Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Elle, specializing in capturing movement in still pictures of fashion, theater, and dance.
Avedon photographs began appearing in Junior Bazaar and, a year later, in Harper’s Bazaar. Richard Avedon when he was relocated in San Antonio he was suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage while on assignment for The New Yorker, Richard Avedon fails to resist and that leaded him to death. He died in San Antonio, Texas on October 1, 2004. 
Process Influenced
Richard 
Avedon was the one of the most iconic and influential photographers of the 20th century. His innovative approach to portraiture and fashion photography has left a lasting impact on the artwork (Smith, 2010). Avedon’s work is characterized by its striking simplicity, strong composition, and emotional depth (Jones, 2015). Throughout his Career, Avedon pushed the boundaries of traditional portrait photography, challenging the viewer to see beyond the surface and into the soul of his subjects.
Avedon’s journey as a photographer was deeply influenced by his early experiences growing up in New York City. Born in 1923, Avedon was exposed to the vibrant energy and diverse cultures of the city, which would later inform his distinct style (Brown, 2008). His interest in photography was sparked at an early age, and Avedon honed his skills by working as a photographer for the Merchant Marines during World War II. During World War II in 1942, He was serving as a mate photographers second class. Avedon left the Merchant Marine after two years of service to work as a professional photographer (Johnson, 2013). Initially creating fashion images and studying with art director Alexey Brodovitch at the Design Laboratory of the New school for Social Research. Avedon began to explore photography on his own at the age of 10 years and was immediately drawn to portraiture. His first sitter was the Russian pianist-composer Sergey Rachmaninoff, who then lived in the same New Yorker City apartment building as Avedon’s grandparents. 
Avedon studied photography in the United State Merchant Marine during 1942 to 1944, where he took identification card pictures, and at the New School for Social Research he was doing the same photographing identification card pictures (Lubow,2017).
As Avedon emphasis that “My job was to do identity photographs. I must have taken pictures of one hundred thousand faces before it occurred to me, I was becoming a photographer.” He turned professional in 1945 and experienced 19 years, becoming a regular contributor to Harper’s Bazaar from 1946 to 1965. And Vague (1966-1990), in addition to working on many advertising campaigns. In 1992 Avedon become the first staff photographer at The New Yorker (Roberts, 2012).
Avedon began working as a freelance photographer at the age of twenty-two, primarily for Harper’s Bazaar. At first Avedon resisted the use of a studio by the magazine. He used to photograph models and fashions on the streets, in nightclubs, at the circus, at the beach and using other uncommon locations, employing the endless resourcefulness and inventiveness that became a hallmark of his art (Brown, 2008). Avedon’s fashion pictures have a noticeable difference between black and white colors which gives them a look of serious elegance. 
In his portrait photographs of famous people and others, Avedon made them look dramatic by having a plain white background and making them face the camera directly (Smith, 2010). Lot of his famous photographs are found in a book called observations that was established from 1959.
https://www.all-about-photo.com/images/photographer/A/PHOT-richard-avedon-6.jpg. Dovima with the Elephants – evening dress by Dior, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris, August 1955(source)
A recognized fashion photographer by Richard Avedon in 1955, he took the famous image known as “ Dovima with the Elephant” at this same moment. The most known model was posing between two elephants in the picture, wearing an evening gown by Dior that was black with a long silk ribbon as iconic and breathtakingly original as fashion photography gets, this picture is still one of the best ever. One of the key ideas behind Avedon portraits was his belief in capturing the essence of his subjects. He sought to reveal the inner emotions and complexities of the individuals Avedon photographed, rather than simply creating a flattering likeness. Avedon portraits are unique because they are characterized by their raw honesty and intense intimacy, which often unsettle the viewer and provoke a deeper emotional response. 
What Practice by Richard Avedon during his journey
Richard Avedon is widely regarded as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, known for his distinct style and innovative techniques. Avedon’s photographs are characterized by their unique approach to lighting, interaction with participants, style, techniques, and use of color or black and white composition. Through his mastery of these elements, Avedon can create photographs that are not only visually striking but also emotionally impactfully (Lubow, 2017).
One of the key aspects that set Avedon’s photographs apart is his masterful use of lighting. Avedon was a pioneer in the use of natural light and studio lighting techniques to create dramatic and dynamic images. His ability to manipulate light to highlight certain features or create shadows adds depth and dimension to his photographs, drawing the viewer’s eye to specific areas of the image.
In addition to his innovative lighting techniques, Avedon’s interactions with his participants also play a crucial role in the unique nature of his work. 
Avedon had a talent for putting his subjects at ease, allowing their personalities to shine through in his photographs. Whether capturing the vulnerability of a model or the strength of a celebrity, Avedon’s ability to connect with his participants on a personal level is evident in the emotional depth of his images.
https://www.all-about-photo.com/photographers/photographer/115/richard-avedon.
Ronald Fischer, beekeeper, Davis, California, May 9, 1981(source Ronald) Fischer, beekeeper, Davis, California, May 9, 1981
Avedon’s style is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. He often used minimal props and backgrounds, allowing the focus to remain on the subject. This minimalist approach, combined with his use bold composition and dynamic poses, creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy in his photographs, drawing the viewer into the world of the subject.
Furthermore, Avedon’s unique techniques, such as his use of motion blur or sharp contrast, add a dynamic element to his work, creating a sense of movement and energy. Whether capturing the fluidity of a dancer or the intensity of a fashion model, Avedon’s innovative techniques push the boundaries of traditional photography, challenging viewers to see the world in a new light (Lubow, 2017).
Lastly, Avedon’s use of color or black and white composition is a key aspect of his work. While he was known for his striking black and white portraits, Avedon also experimented with color photography, using vibrant hues to create mood and atmosphere in his images.
According to my understanding, Avedon seemed to prefer whether working in color or black and white, Avedon’s use of composition is always precise and deliberate, guiding the viewer’s eye through the frame and creating a sense of balance and harmony. 
What makes Richard Avedon’s photographs work different from one another is his mastery of lighting, his unique interactions with participants, his elegant style, his innovative techniques, and his thoughtful use of color or black and white composition. Through his creative vision and technical skill, Avedon captured the essence of his subjects in a timeless and impactful way, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Overall, after I read the article, there is a massive impact on my capacity about exactly what photography is. Avedon inspired me to believe in who you are and plan before approaching to do or finalize practical work. Do not undermine yourself rather than that emphasis and believe to who you are because on day you will be a champion and be an exemplary from the others. 
Referencing
Avedon, R. 1989. The iconic Photographer: Richard Avedon. Available: https://www.artnet.com/artists/richard-avedon/. (Accessed 12 April 2024)
https://www.avedonfoundation.org/.