Customer Reviews

Avedon at Work: In the American West (Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center Imprint Series)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think this is a wonderful book that documents and sheds light on the meaning of Richard Avedon's "In the American West" project. I spent one sunday afternoon becoming totally absorbed into this book and felt like I was there watching and feeling all the emotional things that went on within Avedon and his subjects. The story of Richard Garber made me cry. Much of the subjects suffered some form of tragedy and yet there was something very beautiful, "terrifyingly beautiful" as Avedon would say about them. After reading this book you can really see further into those images Avedon made, and mostly why he chose a particular image over another. Richard Avedon in my opinion is the greatest photographer of all time and I don't think there will be another photographer with his charisma and devotion. My only complaint about the book is that I wanted to experience more stories.

The book is a gem. Not only sheds a bit of light into Avedon's technique and working methods, but also brings to life the often sad stories behind the powerful images. Highly recommended. Now, if they would only re-issue the original monograph..

I think this book is amazing. The stories really gives you a deeper understanding of why Richard Avendon picked his subjects. Laura Wilson does a great job documenting the step by step shoots of Richard subjects "In the American West". I really felt after reading the stories and looking at the pictures again, it meant so much more. These pictures showed the truth and some of the people in the photos agreed that "It's how I feel".

I recommended this book to anyone, who is looking to find a sence of meaning to their craft as a artist. This book makes to think about yourself, and what you can do to give depth to your work.

I wish other art book would explain the process of their work. Then more people would enjoy what they see instead of brush it to the side.

I'm just beginning to really learn more about Avedon; one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. This book, written by Laura Wilson, a fellow photographer who travelled with Avedon around the west for one of his seminal works, offers a small peek into the mind of Avedon.

I must warn you that the insights deal with how Avedon approaches people - there is no technique, no discussion of lighting, nothing technical at all. For me, this is exactly what I wanted from the book. However, if you expecting any of these, you'll want to look elsewhere.

What this book does offer is a wonderful overview of the thoughts behind "In the American West". You begin to feel how Avedon approaches his subjects and how he connects to them. It also gives a feel for the final product came about from both an organic and a very well planned, envisioned if you will, composition.

we have all seen the finished products of any artist but knowing what goes through their mind is fascinating at times. It shows us the human side of the artist which makes him more complete as a person - very nicely done

This is a useful book for anyone who is intersested in Richard Avedon's work "In The American West" and should be considered as a companion volume to Avedon's book. It gives a lot of background, both to individual images and to the "In the West" project as a whole: how subjects were found, how the images were photographed, a sense of the time and effort involved, Avedon's method of work, some comments on particular subjects that particularly struck the crew. My only real complaint about the book is that could have contained more information and would have been more interesting as a result. For example, almost no precise technical information is given. Even so, it does help one to understand Avedon's "In the West project", which I consider a significant piece of work.

After seeing the show at the Amon Carter in Ft. Worth, and listening to an incredible talk given by a most knowlegable man there, I ordered three copies of the book. What appears at first to be simple shots of working people, becomes an insightful slice of peoples lives in the American west.

This is my favourite series of Richard Avedon Works
This gave me a indept view of what was happening and why and shows the signs of the times in that period.
also indicates a few simple techniques Avedon used.5 Stars

A master class for any photographer, how to develop a project, how to approach for portraits, how to persevere during such a long-breathed work. A joy for reading, can't leave before ending it.

This is a beautiful book and easily a perfect introduction to Avedon's portraits. Our granddaughter is very interested in photography and this book explains a little about the process as well as highlighting Avedon's work. Very enjoyable book!