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Photography video: Richard Avedon

Darkness and Light: a documentary about Richard Avedon

“Darkness and Light” is a compelling film that sheds light on the fascinating career of one of the masters of photography, Richard Avedon.

Richard Avedon (1923-2004) is widely regarded as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, with a remarkable career spanning over six decades. His unique artistic vision and technical skills revolutionized the fields of portrait and fashion photography, earning him numerous accolades and a permanent place in the canon of masters of photography.
The New York Times said of him that “his fashion and portrait photographs helped define America’s image of style, beauty and culture for the last half-century”.
His seminal book capturing American Western figures: In the American West (1985), which we selected as one of our 20 favourite photography books.

The title of the documentary, “Darkness and Light,” reflects Avedon’s approach to photography, which often juxtaposes stark contrasts to create visually striking images. The film explores the deeper meanings behind Avedon’s work and the influence it has had on the art of photography as a whole.

Life and Career

Richard Avedon was a true master of photography whose work has had a significant impact on the art form. Born in New York City in 1923, Avedon began taking photographs at a young age and quickly realized his passion for the medium. In 1944, he began working as a photographer for the merchant marines and later became a staff photographer for Harper’s Bazaar magazine, where he gained recognition for his innovative approach to fashion photography.

Avedon was known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects in his portraits. His photographs of celebrities and political figures were famous for their raw, intimate quality, and his fashion photography was praised for its elegance and grace. He was also a pioneer in the use of large-format cameras and strobe lighting, which allowed him to create stunningly crisp and detailed images. He revolutionized portrait and fashion photography but Avedon’s impact can also be seen in other forms of media. His influence can be seen in fashion design, advertising, and even in film and television.

“A photographic portrait is a record of a face, but more than that, it is an expression of a human being.”

“What I’m trying to describe is that it’s impossible to get out of your skin into somebody else’s. That somebody else’s tragedy is not your own. And if you think that it is, you’re a goddamn fool, you know. On the other hand, if you really want to try to understand somebody else’s experience, which is the life that has been led, you can’t do that without empathy and compassion. Not sentimentality, but being able to stand in somebody else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes.”

Throughout his career, Avedon experimented with different techniques to achieve his artistic vision. He often used stark backgrounds and dramatic lighting to create a sense of space and emotion in his photographs. Avedon’s photographs are also known for their minimalist approach, where he would often crop out extraneous details to create a focus on the subject’s face and expression.

He taught photography courses at The New School in New York City, where he created a course that emphasized the importance of understanding the subject’s psychology in portrait photography. Avedon believed that a successful photograph was not just a result of technical skill, but also an understanding of the subject’s personality and inner life.

Avedon’s Iconic Images

Avedon’s portfolio is filled with iconic images that have stood the test of time. His portrait of Marilyn Monroe, taken in 1957, is one of the most famous photographs of the movie star. The photograph captures Monroe in a moment of vulnerability, looking away from the camera with a pensive expression. Another well-known image is “Dovima with Elephants,” which depicts a model posing in front of a pair of elephants at a Parisian circus. The image is a classic example of Avedon’s fashion photography, showcasing his ability to capture movement and elegance in a single shot.

Avedon’s Influence

Avedon’s impact on the world of photography is immeasurable. His unique artistic vision and innovative techniques have inspired countless photographers to experiment with their own style. Avedon’s legacy continues to be felt in the worlds of fashion and portrait photography, where his influence can be seen in the work of numerous contemporary photographers.

Avedon’s use of stark backgrounds and minimalist approach has influenced the work of contemporary portrait photographers like Albert Watson, Annie Leibovitz and Bruce Weber.
His use of dramatic lighting and unusual poses has also influenced the world of fashion photography, where his impact can be seen in the work of photographers like Steven Meisel and Mario Testino.
Avedon’s work continues to be exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, inspiring new generations of photographers to explore their own artistic visions.
Avedon once said, “I always prefer to work in the studio. It isolates people from their environment. They become in a sense… symbolically self-contained.” Avedon’s photographs are indeed self-contained, capturing the essence of his subjects in a way that continues to inspire new generations of photographers today.

Overall, “Darkness and Light” is a testament to Avedon’s impact on the photography world and his enduring artistic vision. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in photography and the history of the art form.

 

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