In the American West

In the American West: Photographs by Richard Avedon is a seminal work of classic American photography. The volume features 120 full-page photographs depicting men and women who work at hard, everyday jobs in country fairs, rodeos, mining camps, drilling sites, and even slaughterhouses. Avedon spent five years traveling across the diverse landscapes of the American West from 1979 to 1984, conducting over 750 sittings and exposing approximately 17,000 sheets of film through his large-format view camera. The book includes an introductory essay by Richard Avedon on his working method and portrait philosophy, as well as a journal provided by Laura Wilson, who accompanied the photography team.