Richard Avedon (1923–2004) was a preeminent American photographer who redefined both fashion photography and portraiture. With a career spanning over six decades, Avedon’s signature style is characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, often featuring subjects against a stark white background to focus on their emotional and psychological depth. He famously captured the energy and movement of models, transforming fashion photography from static to dynamic, and his unsparing, intimate portraits of cultural figures and ordinary people became iconic representations of 20th-century American life. Avedon’s innovative work, including his landmark series In the American West, continues to influence and inspire photographers worldwide.
