Richard Avedon
Mr. Vedder
Media Arts
Richard Avedon
1923-2004
Richard Avedon was born in New York in 1923.
Avedon went to high school in the Bronx, but never
finished his high school career, as he dropped out at
the age of 17.
A few years later, he got a job as a photographer in
a department store, and supported himself working in
advertising.
Avedon soon became well known and began to
work for Harpers Bazaar and Vogue.
Richard Avedon
Although he began as an advertising photographer,
Avedon would soon reinvent the world of Portrait
photography.
His portraits were intimate and of a wide variety of
models.
Avedon photographed people ranging from coal
miners to The Beatles.
Avedon passed away in 2004 from a brain
hemorrhage while photographing for The New Yorker.
Avedon's photography work will standout through
history.
Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon
Photo Analysis #1
-Texture. One of our basic 7
Elements of Art is what drew
my eye to this Avedon
photograph. The Texture of
the skin, hair and facial hair
seems like you can actually
feel it with your hands.
-The second aspect is the
models eyes. They seems to
stare right through the
viewer. The centered
placement and overhead
lighting of the model add the
to simplicity of the
photograph. Simple, yet
effective.
Photo Analysis #2
-The use if directional,
harsh lighting from the top
right creates a contrast
and dimension of the
models face and skin. The
age of the model is shown
through the use of light,
with the visibility of the
wrinkles and folds of the
skin.
-The smug, rather
frustrated, expression
draws the viewers eye into
the portrait. Why does the
model seems upset? He
looks like he really does
not want to be sitting for
the photograph.
Photo Analysis #3
What drew my eye into this
portrait was the unusual
body position of the model.
She almost seems
uncomfortable, as if she is
about to fall over. The soft,
rather soothing lighting from
overhead, maybe slightly to
the right, help to light the
whole model, adding to the
delicate nature of the
positioning. The lighting
almost makes the model look
like a mannequin. The
photograph also has a
dynamic range of values from
shadows to highlights.
Inspired Photographs
Inspired Photographs
Inspired Photographs
References:
www.richardavedon.com
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes
/richard-avedon/about-the-photographer/467/
http://www.designboom.com/history/avedon.html
Evaluation:
1. Research paper fulfilled requirements. Student
provided historical information about their
photographer.
2. Student analyzed 2-3 examples of their photographers
work. Analysis was in depth and accurate.
3. Student created an inspired photograph in the style of
their photographer. Photograph showed strong
composition and technical proficiency.
4. Students PowerPoint presentation was informational
and met requirements. 8-12 slides were used.
5. Student completed the research paper assignment on
time. All four components were complete.
Evaluation:
I will be checking for grammar.
I will be checking for PLAGERISM. Absolutely unacceptable. Any
Plagiarized work will result in a Zero and departmental action.
Late Research Paper = 10 points off per day.
Any missing components = 5 points off per day.
You will be handing in your research paper and printed
PowerPoint (as slides please, not full pages)
Please follow all guidelines, and HAVE FUN EXPLORING THE
WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY!