Famous Hungarian Photographers

Robert Capa was a Hungarian-American war photographer and photojournalist, renowned as one of the greatest combat and adventure photographers. He fled political repression in Hungary as a teenager and covered five wars, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Capa risked his life numerous times, notably landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. His work was published in major magazines and newspapers, earning him the Medal of Freedom for documenting World War II. He co-founded Magnum Photos and is honored with a stamp and gold coin in Hungary.

László Moholy-Nagy was a Hungarian painter, photographer, and professor at the Bauhaus school. He was a leading figure in the integration of technology and industry into the arts, influenced by constructivism. Known for his relentless experimentation, he worked across various mediums such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and film. Collaborating with notable artists, he co-founded the School of Design in Chicago, a significant achievement in modern art education. Moholy-Nagy also authored works advocating a utopian vision of high modernism.

Brassaï, a Hungarian–French artist, gained global recognition in 20th-century France as a photographer, sculptor, medalist, writer, and filmmaker. Alongside other Hungarian artists in Paris during the interwar period, he thrived in the art scene. In the early 21st century, the discovery of over 200 letters and numerous drawings from 1940 to 1984 offered scholars valuable insights into his later life and career. Brassaï's diverse talents and innovative work continue to inspire and influence the artistic world.

André Kertész was a Hungarian-born photographer known for his innovative contributions to photographic composition and the development of the photo essay. Initially facing challenges with his unconventional style, he eventually gained recognition for his work. Embracing photography independently, he found success in magazines before moving to Paris, where he thrived in the artistic scene. Fleeing persecution during World War II, he resettled in the United States to rebuild his career, eventually achieving international acclaim across distinct career periods: Hungarian, French, American, and International.

Sylvia Plachy is a renowned Hungarian-American photographer known for her impactful work featured in various New York City magazines and newspapers. She gained recognition as a significant staff photographer for The Village Voice. Plachy's photographs capture diverse subjects and moments with a unique perspective, showcasing her talent for storytelling through visual imagery. Her contributions to the field have garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a talented and influential photographer in the industry.

György Kepes was a versatile Hungarian-born artist and educator known for his work in painting, photography, design, and art theory. After moving to the U.S. in 1937, he became a design teacher at the New Bauhaus in Chicago. Later, he founded the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT in 1967, where he continued to teach until his retirement in 1974. Throughout his career, Kepes made significant contributions to the fields of design education and visual arts, leaving a lasting impact on the artistic community.

Cornell Capa was a Hungarian-American photographer and member of Magnum Photos who co-founded the International Center of Photography in New York. He started his career working for Life magazine and Magnum Photos before establishing himself as an ambitious photo enthusiast. His passion for photography led him to create the International Center of Photography in 1974 with assistance from Micha Bar-Am. Cornell's dedication to the art of photography and his contributions to the field have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Ylla Koffler, known professionally as Ylla, was a Hungarian photographer celebrated for her expertise in animal photography. Throughout her career, she captured striking images of various animals, showcasing a deep understanding and connection with her subjects. Her work was highly acclaimed, and she was regarded as the foremost authority in animal photography worldwide. Ylla's distinctive style and ability to convey the beauty and emotion of animals through her lens set her apart as a pioneering figure in the field, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of photography.