30 years since the photographer embarked on what would become one of the most prolific careers in pop culture and fashion photography, he talks to Wonderland about his latest showcase at Los Angeles’ Pacific Design Center.

If you mention Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love album to anyone, chances are they’ll be able to conjure up an image of its cover art in an instant. In shades of silvers and blues, the fresh-faced star posed in a diamond spiderweb top and low rise jeans, with her arms creating a frame around her face. It’s a photograph that’s, frankly, difficult to forget. And for that — and so many more images that have become staples of pop culture — we have Markus Klinko to thank.

Alongside Beyoncé, David Bowie, Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian, and Lady Gaga are a few of the many names that the award-winning international photographer has captured throughout his three decade-long career in the world of fashion and celebrity culture. More comprehensively, his portfolio spans album covers, magazines, and advertising campaigns, with brands such as Lancôme, L’Oréal Paris, and Nike as clients. Bringing his signature vibrant, eye-catching style to every project, he has become one of the most highly sought-out photographers of the modern age.

“I think my style is quite consistent,” he tells Wonderland as we discuss his new showcase at the Pacific Design Center. “I strive to create work that is iconic, timeless and that defines the era.”


Beyoncé, Dangerously in Love by Markus Klinko

Read the interview…

Hi Markus! How are you doing?

I am thriving! This summer actually marks the 30th anniversary of my photography career, and there is a strong sense of coming full circle. 

Can you tell us a bit about your early years as a classical harpist? Had you been working on photography during this time as well? What made you turn to fashion photography from music?

Indeed, from my earliest childhood, I only had one goal, which was to become the world’s most successful concert harpist and recording artist. In 1991, this dream started to become reality, as I got signed by EMI Classics, and literally was the only harpist in the world with a major label contract! As I toured the world performing, I was often the subject of various photo shoots, and became somewhat interested in photography, but never actually took any pictures myself.

In 1994, a hand problem forced me to abandon my career as a performer, and after a short moment of confusion, I decided quite randomly to become a fashion photographer! Since I had absolutely no training, I decided to teach myself by trial and error, and used my acquired discipline of practicing for hours a day in my new chosen field. After less than a year, I got some lucky breaks, and began shooting for magazines in London and Paris, and actually got my first L’Oreal Paris campaign. What is quite remarkable is that coinciding with my 30th anniversary as a photographer this year, Warner Music just re-issued my classical harp recordings from the 90s, so for the first time those are now on all streaming platforms! 

Some of your early high profile work was for album covers. Do you think your background in music influenced the way you approached the visual side of the artistry? Does it still?

It is possible, however initially in my photography endeavours, I had zero interest in photographing anyone but models! But once David Bowie came calling for me to shoot his 2002 Heathen album cover, I changed my outlook, and started really loving working with artists and personalities, rather than models. 

Take a look at some of Klinko’s photography of Bowie…

David Bowie, Natural Villains by Markus Klinko

David Bowie by Markus Klinko

You have worked with some of the biggest talents, brands, and magazines. Was there a specific project that you remember making you feel like you had “made it” in the industry?

It was somewhat of a gradual build up. Once I shot Beyonce’s Dangerously In Love cover, I was offered a string of major advertising campaigns, covers, and eventually a very long list of celebrities engaged me to collaborate.

How has your visual style evolved over time?

I think my style is quite consistent, I strive to create work that is iconic, timeless and that defines the era. I don’t follow trends. I am a very technical photographer, but also like to be spontaneous when that’s the best way to get the shot! 

Congratulations on the Pacific Design Center show! What excites you about Art Solutions and how did this partnership come about?

I couldn’t be more excited to return to the Pacific Design Center! I had a large scale exhibition there in 2009, in fact my very first art exhibition. The new showcase is therefore of particular interest to me, as in recent years I have focused much on my art career, and had solo shows all over the world, building a wonderful collector base that includes major stars such as The Weeknd, Beyonce, Tom Cruise, but also captains of industries and business leaders. PDC is the world’s most iconic hub for the best interior designers.

I am also thrilled to collaborate with Nick and his ArtSolutionsLA entity. Our partnership focuses on bringing my work into some of the most exclusive properties in LA, while at the same time I also produce new work in these exquisite locations! It’s a win win that is part of my brand development, and allows me to keep growing as an artist. 

Can you tell us a bit about the pieces you selected to showcase?

My work with David Bowie is by now amongst the most collected celebrity photography in the art business. Many of these limited edition prints are nearly sold out. Particularly the works with David and the wolves, but also various others. So I selected some of these greatest hits, along with some other work, featuring Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, Jennifer Lopez, and Laetitia Casta, for example.

See more of Klinko’s work photographing Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Ice Spice, and Britney Spears…

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen over the course of your career in the industry, particularly with evolving technology and mediums, and for you, what is the balance of sticking with your methods and experimenting with the new?

It’s quite funny when people look at my work that I created 20, 25 years ago, and and say that it looks AI generated! In fact, I was the first photographer in 2004 to switch from film to digital for major cosmetics campaigns. I worked with computer post production way before Photoshop became the standard. I continue to be much involved in all technology aspects, and have a very long standing partnership with Fujifilm. It seems after many years of adapting an Instagram type aesthetic, major brands and publications are now increasingly interested in technical photography again, which is really what I love myself! 

If you were to have a mission statement that encapsulates your work, what would it be?

I just love to document pop culture! That’s what it really is all about! 

Thank you to Wonderland Magazine for the Original Feature