Sid Avery: The Art of the Hollywood Snapshot

by Ron Avery (Contributor), Graham Marsh (Designer), Tony Nourmand (Editor)

James Dean on the set of Rebel Without a Cause ; Audrey Hepburn on her bike with pet dog in tow; Marlon Brando taking out the garbage; Rock Hudson emerging from the shower; Elizabeth Taylor soaking up the sun. These are just a few of the iconic images for which Sid Avery is responsible. This sumptuous volume is a long overdue tribute to his prolific talent. The renowned photographer was one of the greatest names working in Hollywood from the 1940s to the 1960s, and became known for his candid portraits of the stars. He made history as the only photographer to shoot both the original 1960 cast of Ocean’s Eleven and the 2001 remake, recreating his iconic group shot around the pool table. Avery was also responsible for establishing the Motion Picture and Television Photo Archive. Run today by Avery’s son, Ron, this publication has been produced together with mptvimages with full access granted to the depths of the archive. This complete anthology of Avery’s work includes outtakes and contact sheets, with over half of the material never-before-seen.

Sid Avery (1918–2002) was one of the biggest names in Hollywood portraiture in the 1950s and 1960s. He later also became one of the top names in advertising photography, as well as a successful commercial director. In the 1980s, he established the Motion Picture and Television Photo Archive. Avery’s son, Ron, has continued this legacy and under his ownership, Mptvimages is today recognized as one of the greatest archives of Hollywood imagery.

286 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is more like viewing photos in a gallery. There is a bit of introduction to set the stage and provide some history about Sid Avery. Then the book proceeds into the photographs ..... star by star ........ with some brief commentary from Sid that appear to be observations made during each photo shoot. The photographs are stunning - and it gives the reader a wonderful glimpse into an elegant period of time in Hollywood.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

SID AVERY the Art of the Hollywood Snapshot is a truly heartfelt tribute to this celebrated photographer; meticulously and lovingly put together by his son, Ron.

Sid's intimate stills of the Hollywood elite are unsurpassed by any other photographer of this genre. His timeless 'snapshots' of celebrities including Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and James Dean (to name just a few) are truly awe-inspiring; an absolute must for anyone with an interest in photography or that era in general.

These candid and many never-before-seen photos offer glimpses into the lives of countless stage and celluloid 'greats' and showcase Sid's remarkable capacity to connect and capture the essence of his subjects.

SID AVERY the Art of the Hollywood Snapshot is an elegantly complied book, full of never-to-be-repeated, behind-the-scenes moments, true stories and iconic images; exuding throughout, a son's love for his father.