Research - Andre Kertesz 1894 - 1985

Andre Kertesz was a Hungarian photographer born in Budapest, known for his contribution to composition in photography  He also produced photo essays which is a series of photographs which tell a story to the viewer.  Kertesz style of photography was photojournalism and early magazines is what inspired him to learn about photography.  Although his family wanted him to work as a stockbroker or follow a career in business he pursued his passion for photography.

During the first world war and aged just 20 years old he was sent to the front line of World War 1 where he took photographs of life in the trenches.  Unfortunately these early photographs were destroyed in the fighting.

In 1925 Kertesz moved to Paris and worked commissions for several European magazines in Germany, France, Italy and England.  In 1927 Kertesz was the first photographer to have a one man exhibition.When the Germans threatened war on the Jews he decided to flee to America were he had to work hard to build up his reputation.

This image taken at a high angle down on the street below has been taken in the rain which adds reflection and contrast to the street below.  The main focus is on the forefront street lamps which clearly show the composition aspect of lines and the rule of thirds across the whole image.  I like the focus being on the street lamps shot was a narrow depth of field this has allowed the cars and the man with the umbrella to be blurred out.  Shot with the forefront in focus and the background blurred.

Chairs of Paris was taken in 1927 and clearly shows that even the most simple of image can be really interesting.  This photograph is mainly high key with an area of low key in the background.  This style of image reminds me of Henri Cartier Bressons Jardin de Tuileries in 1974 and clearly shows and forefront middle and background within an image highlighting the rule of thirds across the whole image.

This image The Eiffel Tower taken in 1929 has been taken looking down off the Eiffel Tower and taken at a really good time of day which has allowed the light to create shadows across the photograph.  This is a good example of how light can be used in photography and how well shadows work with black and white photography.  The shadow has allowed the image to have a good tonal range with equal amounts of high key and low key elements.

This image is predominately high key although it may not be if not viewing a tiny image on the Internet.  Stairs of Montmarte was taken in 1925 and clearly shows the composition aspect of lines and the rule of thirds.  There is a good use of light created with the shadows cast down from the sunlight.

Kristal Ball is a image with the composition aspect of reflection which can be seen as the main focal point within this image.  This image has been shot at a high angle looking down and has really nice shape and tonal range.

The compostion aspect of reflection, the rule of thirds, pattern and texture are present within this image.  Rain and puddles can create fantastic images and rain adds a reflective composition which is really nice in images.  I like the pattern created by the cobbles on the ground and the way the puddle reflects the head of the subject whilst only his legs are caught in the image.

There is so much going on in this image your eye is easily guided around. Taken with a really good perspective and at a nice angle.  I love the way the train has been caught in the background and the man with the picture under his arm.  A really nice tonal range with equal amounts of low and high key tones.