Looking Through Avedon's Lens
The NYT has a wonderful article about iconic photographer Richard Avedon this week. His work is the stuff of legend. Pulling moments and actions out of models that others would have missed or never intended to capture. Avedon was - and is - in a league of his own.
For me, it is his ability and need to capture movement. As you know, I believe candid shots tell the most compelling stories and give the subject the greatest opportunity for a flattering image. But more than that, the contain a glimpses into a real moment in time.
Life is not posed. Life moves. Life is real. Life is fluid and constantly evolving. True, you can argue that fashion photography is anything but candid, but the models were in motion... moving...dancing, bending, swaying, breathing and living. And some 60+ years later these images still have life in them. That's artistry. That's genius.
This says so much about his methods:
It's too early for me to go on at length about what is truly a visual craft, but if you happen to be in NY, please do go see the retrospective on view at the International Center of Photography, from May 15 to Sept. 6. In the meantime, enjoy these dreamy photographs from the master himself.
The first picture you posted quite surprised me! My friend is an amateur photographer and as I am a dancer, he asked me to pose for him doing the pose from the first picture! I must tell you that I feel for the model because what the photo does not capture is the fall right after! But capturing that movement was the hardest part and I very much admire Richard Avedon for that aspect of his work.
Posted by: Audrey Fair | May 20, 2009 at 06:41 AM
yes! and have you gone to the Met yet to see the exhibit - Model as Muse? They have this iconic image and it's on one huge wall so you can truly appreciate it. so much inspiration.
Posted by: Chessa! | May 29, 2009 at 09:39 PM