Markus

Klinko

*1961
/
Switzerland

Markus Klinko is an award-winning photographer known for capturing some of the most iconic figures in film, music, and fashion. His work is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

He has photographed Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, and Naomi Campbell, among others. His editorial clients include Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar, while brands like Lancôme, L’Oréal, Nike, and Hugo Boss have commissioned his work. His campaign for Keep A Child Alive raised over $1 million in just three days.

Born in Switzerland, Klinko trained as a classical harp soloist, studying at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris before signing with EMI Classics. He won the Grand Prix du Disque and performed worldwide before shifting to photography in 1994 after a hand injury.

Discovered by Isabella Blow and Ingrid Sischy, he quickly rose to prominence, shooting David Bowie and Iman before creating iconic album covers such as Dangerously in Love (Beyoncé) and The Emancipation of Mimi (Mariah Carey).

Recognized as one of the most influential photographers of the 2000s, Harper’s Bazaar USA credited him with "single-handedly defining the decade." His work has been featured on E! News, CNN, and Bravo’s Double Exposure.