Istvan Kerekes isn’t just a photographer; he’s basically a magician with a camera. With over 5,000 awards (yes, that’s three zeros), including the Excellence FIAP Diamond3 distinction, this Hungarian artist knows how to make us feel things.Whether he’s trekking through the Carpathians or hanging out in communities where life is anything but easy, Kerekes captures humanity in its rawest, most real form. “Photography is my passion,” he says—clearly an understatement when you’re racking up more trophies than most people have selfies. His photos don’t just tell stories; they pull you in, slap you with emotions, and leave you staring, awestruck.More info:kerekesistvan.comThis post may includeaffiliate links.

Istvan Kerekes isn’t just a photographer; he’s basically a magician with a camera. With over 5,000 awards (yes, that’s three zeros), including the Excellence FIAP Diamond3 distinction, this Hungarian artist knows how to make us feel things.

Whether he’s trekking through the Carpathians or hanging out in communities where life is anything but easy, Kerekes captures humanity in its rawest, most real form. “Photography is my passion,” he says—clearly an understatement when you’re racking up more trophies than most people have selfies. His photos don’t just tell stories; they pull you in, slap you with emotions, and leave you staring, awestruck.

More info:kerekesistvan.com

This post may includeaffiliate links.

A man with a weathered face holds a black cat, showcasing resilience and beauty in everyday life.

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Young girl with a scarf stands beside a cow, showcasing resilience and beauty in Istvan Kerekes' photography.

A man holds a puppy inside his jacket, showcasing the resilience and beauty of everyday people in Istvan Kerekes' photography.

Asked to recall some of his most memorable experiences in over 20 years of photography, Istvan noted that his adventures have been many and varied. From near-misses with charging elephants to diving into epic underwater scenes, his portfolio attests to the excitement and unpredictability of his pursuits. Still, his overarching commitment to documenting life in a sincere, unfiltered way remains the foundation of all his work.

A girl in a floral headscarf, representing the beauty of everyday people in Istvan Kerekes' photography.

A young person with a yellow headscarf, captured by Istvan Kerekes, embodies resilience and beauty in everyday life.

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Summarizing the overall message or emotion he strives to convey through his photographs, Istvan put it simply: “I want my photographs to create a sense of connection, to make viewers stop and feel something deep – whether empathy, admiration or even contemplation. In such a fast-moving world, photography can capture moments, highlight the beauty and hardships of everyday life, and remind us of our common humanity. Ultimately, my work is about authenticity. Whether it’s a portrait or a documentary, I want my images to be honest and timeless and speak directly to the people who view them. If my photographs can evoke emotions and make people think about the world and the people living in it, then I have achieved my goal as a photographer.”

Young girl with a gentle smile and a patterned headscarf, captured in a portrait symbolizing resilience and beauty.

An elderly man with a cat in a rustic room, illustrating resilience and beauty of everyday people.

An elderly man carries a sheep amidst a flock, showcasing resilience and beauty in everyday life, with industrial backdrop.

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Children looking through a cracked window, captured by Istvan Kerekes, showcasing resilience and beauty of everyday people.

Shepherd leads sheep in a misty landscape, depicting resilience and beauty of everyday people, photograph by Istvan Kerekes.

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A rugged man with a lamb draped over his shoulders, showcasing resilience and beauty captured by Istvan Kerekes.

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