Avedon: Behind the Scenes 1964–1980

Photographer Lewin pays homage to his mentor, fashion and portrait photographer Richard Avedon (1923–2004), in this lavishly illustrated tribute. Having worked as Avedon’s assistant and studio manager for 16 years in the 1960s and ’70s, Lewin describes highlights including assisting a shoot in 1967, when Avedon photographed Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman in bed to promote The Graduate. Lewin speaks about a range of subjects, such as helping around in the studio, traveling to the Japanese countryside to photograph supermodel Veruschka (von Lehndorff) alongside a sumo wrestler, and the unexpected and humorous difficulties that came with working with Hollywood megastars such as Sophia Loren (who continually motioned to adjust the light) and Raquel Welch (who “demanded to look in the mirror every time Dick pointed the camera” at her). The true strength of the volume lies in its descriptions of Avedon, whom Lewin describes as “totally committed to photography, consciously creating imagery with a fierce determination to leave a legacy.” Lewin’s enthusiastic testimonial will thrill Avedon’s fans. (Nov.)