12.7.2024

In memory of Thomas Hoepker

In memory of Thomas Hoepker

It was with great sadness that we learnt today that a wonderful photographer has passed away.

Thomas Hoepker passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on 10 July 2024 surrounded by his family in Santiago de Chile.

"Good pictures are rare. That's the beauty of photography. That you can't define them with words."

Thomas Hoepker was an internationally renowned German photographer who knew better than anyone how to capture things and, above all, people in a very special way. He captured all kinds of things on his many journeys, whereby 'harmony' in pictures was particularly important to him.

Thomas Hoepker had a good eye for photography from a very early age. At the age of 14, shortly after the end of the World War, he was given his first camera by his grandfather and has hardly put it down since. His talent was recognised during his studies, which is why he was offered a permanent position at "Münchner Illustrierte" even before he graduated. In 1989, he was the first German photographer to become a full member of the internationally renowned Magnum Photos agency, where he was appointed Vice President in 1992 and finally became President of Magnum Photos from 2003 to January 2007.

 

"There is this concept of 'concerned photography', the photographer who cares about his fellow human beings, about problems in the world, about suffering people, who brings compassion to his work."

Despite his success, he was very modest and described himself simply as a "picture maker". The people who were able to accompany him in his work particularly noticed and remembered his curiosity and openness. He was one of the first to explore and use colour photography, while the majority still used standardised black and white photography. He was always open to new situations and people, no matter which continent he happened to be on.

For many years, teNeues Verlag had the honour of working with this interesting man and bringing his photographs to the public in illustrated books with inspiring texts. It was only at the beginning of this year that "New York - Revised Edition" was published - a revised new edition of the book first published in 2013 - which contains some of Hoepker's most famous photographs. 

Thomas Hoepker has moved many people at all times with his work and captured unique moments for eternity with his skills. 

Rest in peace, Thomas.

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