Kertész was born in 1894 in Budapest and grew to become one of the pioneers of modern photography. His career took him from Hungary to Paris and later to New York. In 1920s Paris, he made a name for himself with his personal way of photographing and befriended artists like Piet Mondrian and Alexander Calder. Later, he moved to the United States, where he worked for many years for House & Garden, among others.
Although his work is now admired worldwide, his career did not always progress smoothly. In New York, he did not receive the recognition he deserved for a long time. It was only in the 1960s that this changed, partly due to a major retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
More than just photography
For this biography, Patricia Albers conducted extensive research. She spoke with people from Kertész's circle, delved into archives, and studied previous publications. In doing so, she looks not only at his photographs but also at the person behind the camera.
This includes topics that often receive less attention, such as his experiences during World War I, the influence of the Holocaust on his life, and his personal relationships. Additionally, the book provides insight into the photography world of the twentieth century, in which names like Brassaï and Robert Capa played an important role.
For photographers who want to look further
With over 540 pages, Everything Is a Photograph is not a book you can read in one evening. It is a comprehensive biography that shows how Kertész developed into one of the most influential photographers of his time.
For anyone interested in the history of photography, street photography, or documentary visual storytelling, this book offers an interesting introduction to a photographer whose influence is still visible in the work of contemporary image makers.
Book Information
Title: Everything Is a Photograph: A Life of André Kertész
Author: Patricia Albers
Publisher: Other Press
Publication Date: January 27, 2026
Extent: 544 pages
Format: Hardcover and e-book
Price: approximately €46.95 (hardcover) / €17.95 (e-book)
