Award-winning pop-culture documentarian Markus Klinko has captured some of the world’s most iconic musicians, actors and models, while defining his unique photographic style.
Actress Jaime King, who has worked with Markus in the past, honored the photographer at the 9th Hollywood Beauty Awards, presenting him with Outstanding Achievement in Photography.
Stars who attended and presented at the HBAs included Emmy-Winning actress Lynn Whitfield, Dave Bautista (“Dune 2”), two-time Academy Award nominee Judd Hirsch, P.J. Byrne (“Wolf of Wall Street,” “Babylon”),“Oppenheimer” star David Krumholtz, actress Jaime King (“Lights Out”), Saniyya Sydney (“King Richard”), Rochelle Aytes (“S.W.A.T.”) and more.
Born in Switzerland, Markus originally trained to become a classical harp soloist at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris. After landing a recording contract with EMI Classics, he performed with symphony orchestras around the world. After suffering a hand injury, Markus had to rethink his career.
He became a fashion photographer and was noticed by Isabella Blow at the London Sunday Times and Ingrid Sischy, at Interview Magazine. The up-and-coming photographer was eventually hired by Iman and David Bowie for their respective projects, “I am Iman,” and David’s album cover “Heathen.”
Placing Markus on the map, he went onto shoot prominent album covers including Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love,” and Mariah Carey’s “The Emancipation of Mimi.”
His lens has captured Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Jay-Z, Anne Hathaway, Will Smith, Naomi Campbell and many more.
Creating campaigns for Lancôme, L’Oréal Paris, Nike, Hugo Boss, Pepsi and more, Markus has shot for top publications over the years, from Vanity Fair to GQ, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue.
With global exhibits, including at Lincoln Center, he has published multiple archival books, including ICONS. An avid philanthropist, Markus raised over $1 million in three days for children with AIDS with his “Keep A Child Alive” campaign.
Today, the legendary Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino displays Markus’ esteemed works in the Tuscany Villa, the once personal suite of Elvis Presley, which is now named the Markus Klinko ICONS Sky Villa.
