Richard Avedon’s work has inspired me since college. He made the simple details and the unattractive appear beautiful, even if it was sad or superficial. So when Chase Jarvis posted a marked up image by Avedon and a editorial comment, I was ready  with my own two cents.

A story told by Chase. “I just recently overheard a self-described “purist” photographer ranting on about how we’re all cheaters and that the photographic masters before us lacked our current luxury–even desire–to “customize” (read: manipulate/photoshop) images. It was “…all about the the composition, a beautiful subject, and a properly exposed picture”.

So, here are my thoughts…there’s always going to be someone who disagrees with you and the way you do things. Points (pun intended) like this will always be up for discussion. Avedon’s mark ups are a classic example of old school technique going new school. We used to do this in the darkroom for hours…dodging and burning. The only difference is that now we can dodge and burn and layer and add effects at our desks with the lights ON. Photography and all the tools associated with it, have never been a luxury. Photography has always been a beautiful challenge, one that Richard Avedon has mastered. Now our task is to be aware.