4. Richard Avedon. Red Owens, oil field worker, Velma, Oklahoma, June 12, 1980.
This image is from Avedon's In the American West portfolio. I had a girl in one of my classes once who absolutely abhorred Avedon. She said that he made all of his subjects look the same, the way he wanted, and not how they really were. I say, what's wrong with that. Aren't we all trying to create a memorable piece of work. Does this mean that it's the photographic law to portray your subjects exactly how they are. No. There are so many of our own judgements that go into capturing a moment. How can anyone capture their subjects exactly the way they are? And who says OUR view of them is correct anyway. This image and many more of his really make ordinary subjects striking and beautiful. The tones are great and allow you to see every detail.
This image is from Avedon's In the American West portfolio. I had a girl in one of my classes once who absolutely abhorred Avedon. She said that he made all of his subjects look the same, the way he wanted, and not how they really were. I say, what's wrong with that. Aren't we all trying to create a memorable piece of work. Does this mean that it's the photographic law to portray your subjects exactly how they are. No. There are so many of our own judgements that go into capturing a moment. How can anyone capture their subjects exactly the way they are? And who says OUR view of them is correct anyway. This image and many more of his really make ordinary subjects striking and beautiful. The tones are great and allow you to see every detail.
1 comment:
Good point... as long as you (as the subject) are on good terms with the photographer ;)
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