Photography video: René Burri

René Burri, was born in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1933. He has left an indelible mark on photojournalism. Burri’s iconic photographs have captured some of the most important moments, people, and places of the 20th century, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire photographers today. In this video, we will take a closer look at six of his most notable photographs, exploring the stories behind them and their significance in the world of photography.

René Burri was not only a talented photographer but also a deeply empathetic person. He had a gift for capturing the essence of his subjects, whether they were world leaders, ordinary people, or the cities and landscapes he encountered in his travels. He was a romantic at heart and always saw the beauty in everything he photographed.

One of the things that set Burri apart was his ability to see beyond the surface of his subjects and capture something deeper and more meaningful. He believed that photography and photojournalism in particular had the power to change the way we see the world, and he used his work to communicate important messages and inspire empathy and understanding.

“Photography is an instrument for expression and communication,” he once said. “It is a way of seeing the world, a way of exposing reality.” Indeed, René Burri’s photographs continue to do just that, inviting us to see the world in a new and profound way.

The photos that René Burri covers in the video are about Che Guevara in 1963, Men on a roof in Sao Paulo in 1960, Pablo Picasso in 1957, Women entertaining GI’s in Korea, the San Cristobal Stables in Mexico and the Suez Canal reopening in 1974.
The image of Guevara has been reproduced countless times on t-shirts, posters, and other merchandise, becoming a symbol of rebellion and anti-establishment sentiment.

After a long and highly successful career, Burri passed away in 2014 at the age of 81. If you are in tereted in photojournalism, check Nick Danziger’s masterclass here.