From 1936-42 he worked for the WPA (Works Progress Administration) processing artist's applications and taking photographs. During this time he was involved with the Photo League, becoming President in 1938-9 and sharing an apartment with Aaron Siskind. Edward Steichen bought prints from him for the Museum, of Modern Art, and also, together with Edward Weston, backed his successful Guggenheim Fellowship application in 1953. From 1954 to 1975 Yavno ran a successful commercial photo studio in Los Angeles, before retiring to concentrate on his personal work. Max Yavno: Underneath Third Avenue El, 1938
Max Yavno: Underneath Third Avenue El, 1938