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Richard Avedon

Person

About

Richard Avedon was a pioneering American photographer born in New York City in 1923. His interest in photography began early, joining the Young Men's Hebrew Association camera club at twelve. Avedon attended DeWitt Clinton High School and later studied under Alexey Brodovitch at the New School for Social Research. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II, where he took thousands of identity photographs, solidifying his photographic skills. Avedon's career spanned fashion, portraiture, and fine art. He worked with top magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, and became the first staff photographer at The New Yorker. Known for his candid, emotive portraits, Avedon blurred the lines between art and commerce, influencing American culture with iconic images and advertising campaigns. His work includes projects like In the American West and The Family, showcasing his depth and versatility as a photographer.