Life in Images : A Retrospective

Thomas Hoepker, one of the most important photographers of recent decades, has had a decisive influence on German photojournalism since the 1960s. As a regular photographer for magazines such as Stern and Kristall, as well as a member of the renowned Magnum Photos agency and its president from 2003 to 2007, he developed into a master of “concerned photography”. Hoepker's work is characterized by precise composition and emotional depth, often capturing social issues and the reality of everyday life - always in search of authenticity and truthfulness.

Born in Munich in 1936, Hoepker began taking photographs at the age of 14. After his first successes as a competition photographer, he began his career as a photojournalist in 1959. When he joined Stern in 1964, he not only shaped its visual language, but also presented iconic reportages such as the legendary Muhammad Ali series and impressive shots from the GDR. One outstanding work is his photograph of September 11, 2001, which is considered a symbolic image of the 21st century.

The high-quality photo book “Thomas Hoepker - Stories of Humanity” pays tribute to Hoepker's extraordinary work. The retrospective presents a curated selection of his best works - from early black and white photographs to color masterpieces. These include iconic images from the USA, the GDR and numerous crisis areas around the world. His legendary reportage on Muhammad Ali and the touching photographs from the GDR are particularly impressive testimonies to the times.

Hoepker was honored with the Leica Hall of Fame Award in 2005 and remains an important observer of world history with his timeless images. His works, which range from exceptional situations to everyday scenes, can be found today in international collections and exhibitions. This book showcases his extraordinary life's work and is a must for photography enthusiasts.

Thomas Hoepker (1936–2024) was a German photographer and documentary filmmaker. After studying art history and archaeology, he began working in 1960 for renowned magazines such as stern and Geo, serving as a correspondent in East Berlin and New York, among other locations. Hoepker was known for his elegant photography and compelling reportage. As the first German full member of the Magnum photo agency, he became its president in 2003. His works were exhibited and published internationally, including his books New York (2013) and Wanderlust (2014), both released by teNeues. Hoepker passed away in Santiago de Chile.