Richard Avedon is known for his portraits and fashion photographs. His portraits consist of famous and ordinary Americans, which I think is interesting because it shows to very different lifestyles. Originally, Avedon majored in philosophy at Columbia University for two years; however, this major did not stick with him. After those two years, Avedon had a job with the Marines where he photographed soldiers. Avedon has also worked for Life, Look, Graphis, and Theatre Arts. Eventually, he did fashion photography for Vogue. Avedon's fashion photography spoke to me because it is so unlike fashion photography today -- Avedon's subjects are always doing something theatrical or artsy in the pictures, but today it's ALL about selling the clothes and nothing else. I feel Avedon's work really shows a creativity in fashion photography that is now lost in present fashion photography.
http://www.moma.org/collection/artist.php?artist_id=248
http://www.moma.org/collection/artist.php?artist_id=248