Each weekend we look at a photographer who’s influenced the photography world. Richard Avedon is this week’s subject.

Richard Avedon (19232004) was a fashion and portrait photographer. The New York Times said that “his fashion and portrait photographs helped define America’s image of style, beauty and culture for the last half-century.”

He began his career as an advertising photographer working for a department store. But his work soon caught the eye of the fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar. He went on to shoot for other magazine such as Vogue, Life, and Theatre Arts Magazine. In fact he shot nearly every cover of Vogue from 19731988.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1f3egvLwVE -A]

He is famous for innovative techniques. He bucked standard trends of having models stand motionless and instead focussed on adding movement and emotion. He often shot action shots and outdoor settings, but was also an expert in studio work.

His work wasn’t just limited to fashion though as he made notable photos of many music and film icons as well as politicians and civic leaders. Some of his most notable work though was when he turned his camera to subjects like mental health, civil rights, and the Vietnam War.

Be sure to explore his work and watch the documentary film above.

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