- Born
- 15 May 1923, New York City, New York, United States
- First work
- 1944 (approx.): Harper's Bazaar debut portraits
- Peak
- 1955 to 1965 (estimated)
- Last work
- 2004: Democracy
- Died
- 1 October 2004, San Antonio, United States; aged 81; natural
Richard Avedon
Photographer: photographer, United States
Richard Avedon was an American photographer whose kinetic fashion images and austere, probing studio portraits transformed photographic aesthetics in the post-war era. Working extensively for Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, he replaced static poses with movement, character, and psychological tension. His large-scale portraits against stark white backdrops captured cultural figures, political leaders, and civil rights workers with unflinching intimacy. His landmark 1985 monograph In the American West documented ordinary working people across rural communities. He remained prolific until suffering a fatal brain hemorrhage in San Antonio, Texas, in October 2004 while on assignment.
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Signature works
- Dovima with Elephants photograph1955
- Observations other1959
- Nothing Personal other1964
- In the American West other1985
- Marilyn Monroe, New York City photograph1957
Honours
- Hasselblad Award, 1991