Andre Kertesz Biography

Hungarian-born Andre Kertesz was a photographer who was one of the pioneers of the concept of photojournalism and photo essays. Even though he is today hailed as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, he personally felt that he never received the credit or the recognition he deserved. He was one of the first photographers who attempted not just to capture a moment with his camera, but to tell a story with his photographs. He felt that the visual medium was a powerful one and one strategically shot photograph can convey emotions and feelings a lot better than words can. His interest in photography had its roots in his childhood which was spent in the countryside, observing the leisurely pace of life around him. Having lost his father at a young age, he grew up with the support of his uncle who hoped that the boy would become a stockbroker. But the creative and artistic Andre had other plans for himself. Fascinated with the idea of photography, he decided to pursue it as a profession. After the World War II he immigrated to the United States where he passionately pursed photography and became one of the major figures of photojournalism.