Richard Avedon. Dang. Here is a photographer that I admire greatly. His work has been an inspiration to millions, and has helped define the American view of style and culture for years. Even though he has passed, his work continues to be loved by many. There are two elements to his photography that capture my eye and attention. The first is the simplistic nature of his portraits and fashion work. For a majority of his frames, he places the subject up against a plain white back drop. What I love about this technique is that it puts the attention fully on the subject. And Avedon knows how to get the best out of his subjects, be it a celebrity, supermodel, political leader or a miner from the American West. The second element that I love about Avedon's work is his ability to capture movement in such beautiful ways. In a lot of his fashion work, he has his models moving, and interacting with the clothes or the environment around them. The results are beautiful.
Looking at his work causes two kinds of reactions in me. The first being that his work shines a HUGE spotlight onto the areas of my photography where I need to grow. It sets a bar for me and shows me what opportunities I have to move my photography forward. And on the days where I am overwhelmed by everything, seeing his work, and this spotlight, I just want to put my camera down and leave it to the masters.
BUT, I like the first reaction better.
He inspires me to move forward, to get better, to challenge myself. I love this crazy journey known as photography. So Avedon, thanks for showing me how much I suck, but at the same time for showing me where I can be. I'm coming for you.
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And you see, even in film days photogs edit their photos!
-will
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1 comments. Add yours!:
Photo manipulation has been happening since the 1800s, LONG before film was even invented :)
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