Commemorating 100 Years
Sid Avery and his Hasselblad
Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor – iconic American photographer Sid Avery photographed them all, many of the shots taken with his Hasselblad 500C. Known for capturing the stars of Hollywood’s golden age, Sid showed another side of these celebrities in a candid, intimate way. Born on 12 October 1918, his centennial year was celebrated on 12 October 2018, commemorating his contributions to the art of photography and the preservation of Hollywood history through his lens.
© SID AVERY / MPTVIMAGES.COM
JAMES DEAN ON LOCATION FOR "GIANT" IN MARFA, TEXAS 1955
© SID AVERY / MPTVIMAGES.COM
Raised in Los Angeles, California where he was mentored by his uncle Max Tatch, a landscape photographer, Sid learned the ins and outs of photography and the darkroom processes. While working at Morgan's Camera store on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood, where many big-time photographers came by, Sid studied the craft by night at Art Center. This was followed by a position as a darkroom assistant. Finally, he opened his own studio shooting portraits of female theatre dancers.
Sid was then shipped out to Europe during Word War II where he ran the US army's photography division. Returning to Hollywood during its golden era, Sid became the celebrity photographer of choice during the 40s and 50s.
ELIZABETH TAYLOR SUNNING HERSELF WHILE ON LOCATION IN MARFA, TEXAS FOR THE FILM "GIANT"
© SID AVERY / MPTVIMAGES.COM
MARLON BRANDO AT HIS BEVERLY GLEN HOME IN LOS ANGELES 1953
© SID AVERY / MPTVIMAGES.COM
Being invited to their homes or simply catching them off guard in between filming scenes, Sid captured a side of Hollywood stars that no one had ever seen before. Thanks to his genuine, friendly nature that made his subjects feel at ease, he was able to show the public the private side of the biggest names in entertainment.
Sid Avery passed away on 1 July 2002. He was 83 years old.
AUDREY HEPBURN WITH HER PET DOG, FAMOUS, ON THE PARAMOUNT STUDIO BACKLOT 1957
© SID AVERY / MPTVIMAGES.COM
SAMMY DAVIS JR., DEAN MARTIN, FRANK SINATRA AND JOEY BISHOP
STAGE A FIGHT DURING THE MAKING OF "OCEAN'S ELEVEN" 1960
© SID AVERY / MPTVIMAGES.COM
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