Renowned Photographer Thomas Billhardt Dies at 87

Billhardt, celebrated for his Vietnam War images and iconic 'Bruderkuss' photo, leaves behind a powerful legacy of human-centered reportage.

Thomas Billhardt, a prominent German photographer known for his Vietnam War images, passed away at the age of 87 on January 23, 2025.
He captured the iconic 'Bruderkuss' photograph of Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev in 1979, a symbol of the Cold War era.
Billhardt's work spanned over 50 countries, documenting war, suffering, and hope with a distinct and empathetic style.
His photography provided East Germans a rare glimpse into the world beyond their borders during the era of division.
The Galerie Camera Work in Berlin, which manages his life's work, and the Berufsverband Freie Fotografen praised his contributions to photojournalism and his role as a chronicler of human stories.