Richard Avedon.

Another photographer whose work falls into the fantasy/dream category is Richard Avedon (1923 – 2004). Avedon’s photography career started in the early 1940’s and by 1946 he had set up his own studio. He produced work for Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue as well as other publications. 

Avedon did not follow the typical route of capturing stationary models, instead choosing to capture movement and action. His images were full of expression and emotion, something not common at the time. The majority of his images were done in black and white and he is one of few fashion photographers of the time who really explored digital manipulation. Avedon started off taking photos outdoors but was not satisfied with daylight so opted to take most of his later work inside a studio.

The first image captures a woman in mid-air hopping from the pavement. The narrow depth of field ensures that all focus is on her. The woman’s body language contrasts against her hopping because usually when you hop or jump, your body is loose, whereas she seems to be completely in control and still manages to look elegant.

The second image is particularly memorable and shows Avedon utilising digital manipulation. It shows Audrey Hepburn in five different positions displaying different expressions. Her body has been edited over by a black paint effect, ensuring that the focus is on her face. The image is unusual and eye-catching, so unusual it’s almost humourous.

The third image has an element of shock as it’s unusual and unexpected to see a woman posing in such a way with elephants. There is also a sense of grandeur as the elephants are much larger than she is and heighten how small she is. The fact that the model seems completely unafraid of the wild animals suggests that she is powerful and in control. She seems to fit in with the elephants and be in sync with them, suggesting she herself may have a wild side.

The fourth image captures shape and movement fantastically. The curves of the models bodies are balanced with sharp straight elbows and knees and the metallic tones of the clothing worn stand out against the neutral colours. The women in this photo are most definitely dominant and the men seem to be there just to be used as props. Both of the bottom images convey messages that woman are strong, powerful and in control.

From analysing Avedon’s work I can see how extreme digital manipulation can make an image much more eye-catching and unusual.