Thomas Hoepker

The gift of a record camera makes it possible for Thomas Hoepker to take photographs of teachers and schoolmates, which he could sell directly to them. After his schooldays, which leads him via Stuttgart and to graduate school in Hamburg, he begins his studies in art history and archeology in Munich and Göttingen. At this time he takes part in photo competitions and twice won a prize in "Jugend fotografiert" at the Photokina.

The photo agency Magnum Photos starts already in 1964 to archive Hoepker's pictures and to promote his favor. In 1974, he became the first photographer to be accredited to the then GDR with his then wife (star journalist Eva Windmöller) to document the local life of the citizens there. As a Stern correspondent, both are drawn to New York in 1976. Between 1978 and 1981, Hoepker worked as director for the American edition of Geo magazine. After these years he moved again to Stern in Hamburg, where he was Art Director from 1987 to 1989.