In The American West

Arthurwg · Jun 2, 2025

Alex Benjamin said:
Richard Avedon, by Irving Penn

What a great portrait. I'd say that part of the story is revealed in this picture. He's obviously hiding, obviously scared. And I believe he envied Penn's happy marriage, something he could not have himself. Penn proved that you don't have to be deeply neurotic and unhappy to be an artistic genius.

Pieter12 · Jun 2, 2025

Arthurwg said:
What a great portrait. I'd say that part of the story is revealed in this picture. He's obviously hiding, obviously scared. And I believe he envied Penn's happy marriage, something he could not have himself. Penn proved that you don't have to be deeply neurotic and unhappy to be an artistic genius.

In Norma Stevens' Something Personal, Avedon is described as spending the better part of an hour studying himself in the mirror, making faces and rehearsing poses for this picture. The photo shows Avedon as he wanted to be portrayed, he intended it to be a parody of a Penn portrait. Penn was apparently nervous and physically upset during the shoot.

Alan Edward Klein · Jun 2, 2025

DREW WILEY said:
Alan - I double checked on Google Earth. That aerial shot does indeed look like the Mt Taylor area southwest of Albuquerque in New Mexico. It's actually in south central NM. Mt Taylor is an extinct volcano over 11,000 ft high, so winter snow would be typical. The long straight lava flow to its south is a Natl Monument.

That would make sense. The Rockies of NM. Tks.

pamphoto · Saturday at 1:12 PM

I went to the Amon Carter second Thursday event they hosted this past Thursday. The theme of which was centered around the Avendon exhibit, complete with a talk from Laura Wilson.
Here are a couple pictures.

AnselMortensen · Saturday at 5:37 PM

Alex Benjamin said:
Richard Avedon, by Irving Penn

Not enough detail in the shadows.
Obviously he should have done Stand Development in Caffenol...and used stop bath.

Dave Lusby · Sunday at 5:32 PM

Alan, FYI, Mt. Taylor isn't part of the Rockies, which are defined by their geologic history and end with the Sangre de Christo range. Rather, it is part of the equally fascinating Quaternary geologic province of western New Mexico, full of photographic opportunities. The Malpais comes to mind, the Jemez mountains, and lots of Native history. Visit, and bring your (film) camera!

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