Avedon is regarded as one of the pioneers of fashion photography, later combining that skill with a passion for fine art. In doing so, he created some of the most artistic and aesthetically praised photographs.

He is also distinguished by his epic prints, sometimes over three feet in height. His portrait work of drifters, miners, cowboys and others from the western United States became a best-selling book entitled 'In the American West', and is regarded as a hallmark in 20th century portrait photography.