Richard Avedon (American, 1923–2004)
Avedon is known for his work in the fashion industry and for his minimalist, expansive photographs that reveal the inner lives of their subjects. He was enthralled by photography’s ability to convey the character and energy of his subjects. He recognized the crucial, illuminating components of a picture like posture, mood, hairstyle, clothing, and accessories.
Born in New York City, Avedon developed a keen interest in photography at a young age and, at the age of twelve, joined the Young Men’s Hebrew Association camera club. He co-edited The Magpie, the school literary magazine, with James Baldwin while both of them were students at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. In 1941, he was chosen as New York City High School’s Poet Laureate. In 1942, Avedon enlisted in the military and served in the US Merchant Marines as a Photographer’s Mate Second Class before leaving to pursue a career as a professional photographer. At the Design Laboratory of the New School for Social Research, he focused on fashion photography while studying with art director Alexey Brodovitch. Avedon started working as a freelance photographer at the age of 22. He then undertook fashion photography for advertisements, fashion houses, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Vogue for many decades.
