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Rating: 
Summary: Extraordinary document on an extraordinary photographer
Review: A must have video document that gives deeper insights into the life and career one of the worlds best portrait photographers ever. There is a lot more to discover than the glamourous photos that made Richard Avedon famous around the world. This video also tells a lot about himself and how he took many of his most famous shots. A must have for everyone interested in photography, particularly in portrait photography.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable
Review: A well done and informative DVD. I use it in my photo classes. My only complaint is that it is not closed captioned for the hearing impaired. I have students who are hearing impaired and this lack of captioning makes it difficult for al to enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: A Thorough Document On An Astonishing Career
Review: Helen Whitney's production, "Richard Avedon: Darkness and Light", provides a comprehensive overview of the career, and also to some extent, of the personal life of this exceptional photographer. The program details Mr. Avedon's work, which over the past fifty years has attempted to "nurture perceptions that most people discard".The first thirty minutes of this film describe Mr. Avedon's journey, from his work in Paris fashion magazines in the year 1946, to around 1966 when he became temporarily disillusioned with the social life within the fashion world. The next twenty minutes work to describe his growth as a portrait photographer. During this period, the human face becomes the "primary focus of attention" of Mr. Avedon's eye, with portrait styles ranging from explosive multiple exposures to serene comments on human dignity. Most of the work of this period was photographed against Mr. Avedon's "signature" solid white background. The documentary then becomes somewhat more personal in describing Mr. Avedon's relationship with his father, a Russian Jewish immigrant, during the final stages of his father's struggle with terminal cancer. Photographs of his dying father were made, however, thoughts regarding possible "invasions of personal privacy" and the meaning of the quality of their relationship at that time are explored. The program describes Mr. Avedon's trip to the American West, while recuperating from health problems. There, he made photographs of working class people, drifters and generally those who exist outside of the gaze of the mass media. The final thirty minutes of the program become more philosophical in nature, with meditations on Mr. Avedon's relationship to his subjects and reflections on his reputation within the world of photography. The subjects of Mr. Avedon's photographic work represent people both known to the general public and those unknown. These images serve as unique documents of the diversity of human experience in much of the later part of the twentieth century. So lovers of photography, and of the arts in general, will not want to miss this captivating documentary.
Rating:
Summary: A Thorough Document On An Astonishing Career
Review: Helen Whitney's production, "Richard Avedon: Darkness and Light", provides a comprehensive overview of the career, and also to some extent, of the personal life of this exceptional photographer. The program details Mr. Avedon's work, which over the past fifty years has attempted to "nurture perceptions that most people discard". The first thirty minutes of this film describe Mr. Avedon's journey, from his work in Paris fashion magazines in the year 1946, to around 1966 when he became temporarily disillusioned with the social life within the fashion world. The next twenty minutes work to describe his growth as a portrait photographer. During this period, the human face becomes the "primary focus of attention" of Mr. Avedon's eye, with portrait styles ranging from explosive multiple exposures to serene comments on human dignity. Most of the work of this period was photographed against Mr. Avedon's "signature" solid white background. The documentary then becomes somewhat more personal in describing Mr. Avedon's relationship with his father, a Russian Jewish immigrant, during the final stages of his father's struggle with terminal cancer. Photographs of his dying father were made, however, thoughts regarding possible "invasions of personal privacy" and the meaning of the quality of their relationship at that time are explored. The program describes Mr. Avedon's trip to the American West, while recuperating from health problems. There, he made photographs of working class people, drifters and generally those who exist outside of the gaze of the mass media. The final thirty minutes of the program become more philosophical in nature, with meditations on Mr. Avedon's relationship to his subjects and reflections on his reputation within the world of photography. The subjects of Mr. Avedon's photographic work represent people both known to the general public and those unknown. These images serve as unique documents of the diversity of human experience in much of the later part of the twentieth century. So lovers of photography, and of the arts in general, will not want to miss this captivating documentary.
Rating:
Summary: If you love real photography get this
Review: That's all I have to say. if you love photography you need to own this tape.
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Summary: The King is Dead. Long Live the King.
Review: This DVD is an amazing insight into the mind and vision of a true genius. His rare talent can be seen in every image, and his own narration makes you feel as though he were sitting there with you, telling you the story behind every photograph. His fabulous joy of life is an inspiration to all.
Thank you for sharing your talent and love of photography with us. We are so much better for having you show us what we could not see ourselves.
We will miss you, Richard, but we will never forget you.
Rating:
Summary: Great insight and well produced.
Review: This DVD was a pleasure to watch as Avedon himself talks about his work and progression as a photographer. He talks about his philosophies when dealing with sitters and other fashion notables lend some interesting insight into his work and life.
You can look at his images and read what he has to say about work, but his vibrancy on video really come out and you can imagine how dynamic and interactive he is on the set.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, Inspiring Documentary
Review: This is a great video to watch if you are a lover of the photography (especially commercial/fashion photography) and the arts.
This dvd is entertaining from beggining to end and is well made.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational "must see" for any person who breaths!!
Review: This moving work is one of the most inspirational profiles for any creative person to review. Whether one creates in the arts or in business, one's creative energy will get an extra boost from this compassionate film. Avedon is very expressive; giving the viewer insight to his creative (thought) process and his control. His body of work is a fascinating documentation of our post WWII culture. His portraits are penetrating. His interpretations of our cultures style are amazing. His history is storybook, and his "inner-light" is therapeutic. I regret the producers do not get proper billing on this page. They document this great American artist with the grace, dignity and interest, that rivals what this artist creates in his camera. We are blessed to have this work produced during this time of the subject's life. You will watch this many, many times, and perhaps, share with friends that you care about!
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