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René Burri
René Burri (2010) by Erling Mandelmann.jpg
Burri in 2010
Born (1933-04-09)9 April 1933
Zurich, Switzerland
Died 20 October 2014(2014-10-20) (aged 81)
Zurich, Switzerland
Nationality Swiss
Occupation Photographer

René Burri (born April 9, 1933 – died October 20, 2014) was a famous Swiss photographer. He was part of a special group called Magnum Photos. René Burri took pictures of important moments in history and famous people from the second half of the 1900s.

He captured amazing photos of leaders like Che Guevara and artists like Pablo Picasso. He also took iconic pictures of cities such as São Paulo and Brasília. His work helped people around the world see and understand big events.

René Burri's Photography Journey

René Burri started his studies in Zurich, Switzerland, from 1949 to 1953. He learned from talented teachers like Hans Finsler and Johannes Itten. After his studies, he worked as a documentary filmmaker. He even spent some time working for Disney as a cameraman!

From 1956 to 1959, René traveled a lot. He visited many countries, including Turkey, Egypt, Japan, and Brazil. His photos were published in popular magazines like Life and Stern. He also created a photo story called "El Gaucho."

Joining Magnum Photos

In 1955, René Burri began working with Magnum Photos. This is a famous international group of photographers. He became a full member in 1959. Later, in 1982, he was chosen to lead Magnum France.

One of his first photo stories for Life magazine was about deaf-mute children. In 1965, he helped start Magnum Films. This led to him working on a film about China with the BBC. He also made a documentary about the Six-Day War in Jerusalem in 1967.

Photographing Che Guevara

In 1963, René Burri was in Cuba. There, he had the chance to photograph the revolutionary leader Che Guevara. The pictures he took of Che Guevara smoking a cigar became very famous. They are still recognized all over the world today.

Later Life and Passing

René Burri passed away on October 20, 2014, at the age of 81. He left behind a huge collection of important photographs.

Awards and Recognition

René Burri received several awards for his amazing photography:

  • 1998: Dr. Erich Salomon Award from the German Society for Photography.
  • 1999: Cultural prize from the Canton of Zurich.
  • 2006: Honorary Fellowship from The Royal Photographic Society.
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