Date of Birth: May 15, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: October 1, 2004
Biography
Richard Avedon was an American fashion and portrait photographer known for his unique ability to capture the personality and essence of his subjects. Born on May 15, 1923, in New York City, Avedon began his career as a photographer for the Merchant Marines during World War II. After the war, he quickly became one of the most sought-after photographers in the fashion industry, working for magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. His work is characterized by its stark black-and-white style and its ability to convey deep emotional honesty. Avedon’s influence on photography was profound, and he was known for pushing the boundaries of the medium. He died on October 1, 2004, while on assignment in San Antonio, Texas.
5 Interesting Facts about Richard Avedon
1. Avedon was the first staff photographer for The New Yorker.
2. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2003.
3. Avedon’s iconic portrait of Marilyn Monroe is one of his most famous works, capturing her in a rare moment of vulnerability.
4. He published several books, including “Observations” (1959) and “In the American West” (1985).
5. Avedon’s work often appeared in major exhibitions, including a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1978.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Avedon
1. “All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth.”
2. “A portrait is not a likeness. The moment an emotion or fact is transformed into a photograph it is no longer a fact but an opinion.”
3. “If each photograph steals a bit of the soul, isn’t it possible that I give up pieces of mine every time I take a picture?”
4. “My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph.”
5. “I think all art is about control – the encounter between control and the uncontrollable.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth Richard Avedon achieved was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Richard Avedon had one son, John Avedon, from his first marriage to Dorcas Marie Nowell, also known as Doe Avedon.
Relevant Links
1. [Richard Avedon Foundation](https://www.avedonfoundation.org
2. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Richard-Avedon
5. [Richard Avedon’s Photography on Artsy](https://www.artsy.net/artist/richard-avedon
