Philipp Rathmer, born in Düsseldorf in 1968, is one of the most renowned photographers in the international fashion, lifestyle, and advertising industry. After completing his formal education in photography in Düsseldorf, he moved to New York in 1993, where he gained invaluable experience as an assistant to the esteemed photographer Hannes Schmid. Since 1995, he has been living and working in Hamburg, serving as the base for his global projects. Rathmer’s exceptional talent as a portrait photographer and storyteller has earned him an international reputation. Prominent figures such as Lady Gaga, Christoph Waltz, Luciano Pavarotti, and Jay-Z have posed for his lens, with his work consistently striking a balance between technical mastery and emotional depth.
Rathmer’s artistic focus lies in portraiture and the visual narration of complex human themes. His photographs are distinguished by a unique blend of technical brilliance, artistic intuition, and a profound understanding of his subjects’ character. He has an extraordinary ability to capture people in their authentic strength and vulnerability, lending his work an emotional intensity that transcends mere aesthetics. His talent for translating socially relevant issues such as identity, diversity, and social inequality into compelling visual stories has become a defining aspect of his artistry.
In addition to his successful career in the commercial sector, Rathmer is deeply committed to social and societal issues. His campaigns for the German Depression Aid Foundation have helped to break down prejudices surrounding mental health and promote open dialogue on the subject. Through his work for the “Hear the World” initiative, he has raised awareness about hearing loss, providing a platform for those affected to share their stories. With the “Welcoming Out” project, he created a powerful visual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, championing diversity and acceptance.
As a member of the German Society for Photography (DGPh) and the Professional Association of Freelance Photographers and Filmmakers (BFF Professional), Rathmer is a vital contributor to Germany’s photographic landscape. His work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, highlighting not only his artistic range but also his commitment to humanitarian and social causes.
Privately, Philipp Rathmer has been happily married to his wife Nina for over 25 years. The couple lives in Hamburg, which serves as the creative hub for his international endeavors. Among his most notable solo exhibitions are “Ach So” at the Asphalt Festival in Düsseldorf, “Chances, Hear the World” in Hamburg, and the internationally acclaimed series “Five Roads Back Home”, exhibited in cities such as London, Brussels, Istanbul, and Paris. This impressive body of work is complemented by a range of group exhibitions, including “Lost Heimat” in Düsseldorf and Berlin, “Runway, Beautiful Ebene” in Frankfurt, and “Schöne Neue Welt” in Stuttgart.
Philipp Rathmer’s work combines precise craftsmanship with a deep understanding of human nature. His photographs are more than mere images – they are visual narratives that inspire, provoke thought, and build bridges between people. His art serves as a powerful reminder that photography is not only a medium of beauty but also a force for meaningful societal change.
Client List (selected)
Advertising
SKY, DHL, Lufthansa, TUI, PRO7, KAI, Artemis, AMG, ZDF, Weleda, Vodafone, Mercedes, Nivea, Fuji,RTL, ARD, Sat 1, Schiesser
Editorial
ICON, die Stilisten,GQ, Elle, Madame, Glamour, Sleek, Stern, Gala, Bunte
Celebrities
Lars Eidinger, Jürgen Vogel, James Morrison, Tim Mälzer, Nico Rosberg, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Mick, Michael und Ralf Schumacher, Mel C., Wladimir Klitschko, Guido Maria Kretschmer, Max Raabe, Jonathan Meese, Juliette Lewis, Daniel Brühl, Eva Green, Steffen Henssler, Lukas Podolski, Iris Berben, Evelyn Glennie, Kitty Daisy & Lewis
Solo Exhibitions
2017
Ach So - Asphalt Festival, Weltkunstzimmer, Düsseldorf
Five Roads Back Home, Art Thema Gallery, Brussels
2016
Five Roads Back Home, Old Trueman Brewery, London
2015
Five Roads Back Home, Belgian Senate, Brussels
2014
Five Roads back Home, Tophane-i Amire, Istanbul
2013
Five Roads back Home, Joseph Gallery, Paris
2012
Five Roads back Home, Epicentro Art, Berlin
2011
Chances, Hear the World, Galerie Flo Peters, Hamburg
2005
Boxer Kids Cuba, Gastraum 4x, Hamburg
2004
Nebenbei, Gastraum 4x, Hamburg
Group Exhibitions
2024
BFF Ausstellung 15. Aufschlag „Kapriolen“, Play Studios Hamburg
2023
BFF Ausstellung „Future Flash“, Haus der Wirtschaft, Stuttgart
BFF Ausstellung 14. Aufschlag „12seconds“, Barlachhalle K, Hamburg
BFF Ausstellung Triebwerk zum EMOP Berlin „Touche“, Chaussee36 Innenhof, Berlin
2022
Runway, Beautyful Ebene, Hauptwache Frankfurt
BFF Ausstellung 13.Aufschlag „Bewegung“, Barlachhalle K, Hamburg
2021
BFF Ausstellung, 12. Aufschlag, “Future Perfect”, Messe Hamburg
BFF Ausstellung, 12. Aufschlag, “Future Perfect”, Regierungspräsidium Karlsruhe
2019
Lost Heimat, Rathaus Düsseldorf
50 Jahre BFF, Haus der Wirtschaft Stuttgart
2018
Lost Heimat, Kleist Haus Berlin
BFF Ausstellung, 10. Aufschlag, “Das musste sein…”,Barlachhalle K Hamburg
2017
Lost Heimat, Hamburger Rathaus
BFF Ausstellung, BFF JUMP#4 RAW_the decisive moment,
historisches Depot der Rheinbahn, Düsseldorf
2016
BFF Ausstellung, Triebwerk, Kant-Garagenpalast Berlin
BFF Ausstellung, 8. Aufschlag, Rindermarkthalle Hamburg
2015
BFF Ausstellung, Triebwerk, Bikini Berlin
BFF Ausstellung, Wild Card, Westwerk Hamburg
BFF Ausstellung, Oberstdorfer Fotogipfel
BFF 7. Aufschlag, Rindermarkthalle St. Pauli, Hamburg
2014
BFF Aufschlag, On-Off Gallery HafenCity, Hamburg
2013
BFF Aufschlag, On-Off Gallery HafenCity, Hamburg
2012
BFF Aufschlag, On-Off Gallery HafenCity, Hamburg
2011
BFF Aufschlag, Westwerk, Hamburg
2010
Klubfoto Unterwegs, Cap San Diego, Hamburg
2009
Schöne Neue Welt, BFF, Stuttgart
Homage to Irving Penn, Galerie Hiltawsky, Berlin
2008
Klubfoto Privat, Museum of Employment, Hamburg
2007
Klubfoto Berühmt, Martin-Gropius-Bau, Berlin
2006
Klubfoto Berühmt, Gruner + Jahr Pressehaus, Hamburg
2005
Wangenrot, Kunsthaus, Hamburg
2003
Thai Cong, My Parents, Klaus Engelhorn, Vienna
2002
Thai Cong, My Parents, Kunsthaus, Hamburg
Beat It 2, Kampnagel, Hamburg