- The character played by Fred Astaire in Funny Face (1957) is based on him. In fact, it is Avedon who set up most of the photography for the film, including the famous face portrait of Audrey Hepburn unveiled during the dark room sequence. The ditsy role of Marion was played by Dovima, one of the top fashion models of the day, who often worked with Avedon.
- Redefined fashion photography as an art form while achieving critical acclaim through his stark black-and-white portraits of the powerful and celebrated.
- Famous photographer.
- Graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, New York.
- Died while on assignment for The New Yorker magazine.
- His second wife, Evelyn Franklin, was the ex-wife of Milton H. Greene.
- Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 21-23. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.
- A retrospective pictorial spread of his black & white photographs appeared in the UK's Guardian newspaper supplement with commentary provided by British historian Simon Schama (27 Sept. 2008).
- Worked as a darkroom and errand boy for the photography brothers Steve and Mike Elliot (nee Lipset) from Brooklyn who had a studio near Carnegie Hall.
- In 1942 he joined the US Navy Auxiliary (Merchant Marines) where he became a photographer's mate second class and was stationed at the Sheepshead Bay Maritime Service Station where he photographed identification photos for the sailors in America's Victory Fleet.
- At DeWitt Clinton High School during his senior year was the Editor of the school newspaper Magpie.
- Made his photographic debut in Junior Bazaar Spring 1945.
- Attended DeWitt Clinton High School with James Baldwin.
- Studied sculpture at the Art Students League in New York City.
- Sold photographs to Bonwit Teller to earn money to attend the Design Laboratory.
- While in the US Naval Auxiliary (Merchant Marines) he worked on the base magazines The Helm and The Mast as photographer and assistant to his former boss Mike Elliot who was the editor.
- Was friends with screenwriter Leonard Gershe while serving in the Merchant Marines.
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