My dad and I went to the SFMOMA today to check out the Richard Avedon exhibit.  Whether photographing politicians, artists, writers, fashion models, or movie stars, Richard Avedon revolutionized the genre of portraiture. Over 200 images of his work spanning over 40 years of photography were on display.

From room to room you were presented with larger than life faces of various people: famous, ordinary, and even infamous. Almost every shot had a solid white background drawing attention directly to the human subject. There was nothing else to interpret as there was little background and no props – just the person.  The images were so clear you could see every sun-flecked flaw in the skin, the loose threads in their clothes, and the creases in the eyes.

Although I have never really been interested in people as a subject in my amateur photography, this exhibit has inspired me to try. Quite a contrast from the grandiose set designs of an Annie Leibovitz portraiture, Richard Avedon’s work is all about the person, not the scene. Though with just a camera, some good lighting, and maybe a simple backdrop I may be able to try my own Avedon-esque  portraits, its the years of experience and the colorful subjects of Mr. Avedon’s photography that will stand the test of time against most if not all photographers.

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