Reactions to Richard Avedon

510 Words3 Pages
I must first start out by saying that I have never studied a photographer. And not once have I ever thought about the person who was behind the camera. My thoughts were always on the outcome result of the photo. It wasn't until I started this class that I became aware of how many things go into taking a photo. With that being said listening to Richard Avedon on the you tube video along with viewing his work was another great eye opener. With his use of mainly white backgrounds in his photos its as if your drawn right to the detail of the persons face. Whether it be there wrinkles, their freckles, their happiness or sadness, Avedon was able to capture that and get his viewers to see what he saw. Although he was respectful of his clients he knew what he was looking to capture in each photo and was able to accomplish his vision, sometimes not to the liking of his clients. But once again seeing through the eyes of the photographer he knew what he wanted. Avedon's photographs that I have viewed have shown me that even if people try and act happy, another person can see or make someone else see that there is more than just their smile. After looking at the photograph of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy taken by Richard in 1976, I feel that the clothing she is wearing is stylish as in other photos that I have observed her in. She is very lady like, strong attitude, yet if you look closer at the photo as I have I swear I can almost see her smirking just a little bit. I feel that she has been viewed by many as such a strong woman and there is nothing in that photograph that would depict anything different than that. As far as the pose, i don't think it was her choice as I have said in earlier paragraghs it would seem that Avedon has his clients pose or not pose for that matter. He was able to make his clients give him the exact pose he was looking for. While looking at
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