Thomas was born on the 10th of June in 1938.
He is a German photographer famously known for his photojournalism and being featured in many international magazines. As a child he was given a traditional camera from his grandfather, the camera had a harmonica and ground glass. The photographs were all taken on glass plates, and he developed them in his kitchen, to which he would turn into a makeshift darkroom at night. he won a 35mm film camera for a prize in a youth contest which he participated in and this was the beginning of his film photography journey. His photographs consist of very vivid colours and dreamy, rich tones. He describes himself as a "photojournalist simply searching for everyday situations". Thomas travelled to many different places including Ethiopia, Peru, Italy and the USA. He studied art history and archaeology at Göttingen University from 1956 to 1959. |
|
Thomas was rather fond of art museums, although when he would visit them he would be more fascinated at the people viewing the artwork more than the actual artworks themselves.
Thomas moved to Chicago and while he was there he was working for Stern magazine, who enrolled him with the task of photographing Muhammad Ali, the world champion boxing star and political figure, documenting his life both personal and public.
He shot a large range of photographs of him, including his matches, training and he even managed to capture the moment he met his third wife, in a small bakery in the south side of Chicago.
It makes me rather sad that photojournalism and the press today have become so mainstream and intrusive, trying to get any gossip they can get their hands on, whereas Thomas was great friends with Muhammad Ali.
During the horrific tragedy of 9, 11 Thomas was in his appartment when he heard the news. He then set off to drive to Queens, and during his journey he spotted the great black cloud of smoke. Thomas took advantage of this one-time opportunity and captured 3 photographs of the tragic event across a river, with a group of people hanging out in the foreground, although he pushed them photographs aside as he did not think that it depicted the horror and confusion of the moment.
However, a curator from one of the museums came to visit Thomas, and he was bewildered at the contrast between the peaceful group of people in the sunshine and the burning buildings in the background.
Thomas currently lives in New York city with his wife, with whom he produces TV documentaries.
Thomas moved to Chicago and while he was there he was working for Stern magazine, who enrolled him with the task of photographing Muhammad Ali, the world champion boxing star and political figure, documenting his life both personal and public.
He shot a large range of photographs of him, including his matches, training and he even managed to capture the moment he met his third wife, in a small bakery in the south side of Chicago.
It makes me rather sad that photojournalism and the press today have become so mainstream and intrusive, trying to get any gossip they can get their hands on, whereas Thomas was great friends with Muhammad Ali.
During the horrific tragedy of 9, 11 Thomas was in his appartment when he heard the news. He then set off to drive to Queens, and during his journey he spotted the great black cloud of smoke. Thomas took advantage of this one-time opportunity and captured 3 photographs of the tragic event across a river, with a group of people hanging out in the foreground, although he pushed them photographs aside as he did not think that it depicted the horror and confusion of the moment.
However, a curator from one of the museums came to visit Thomas, and he was bewildered at the contrast between the peaceful group of people in the sunshine and the burning buildings in the background.
Thomas currently lives in New York city with his wife, with whom he produces TV documentaries.