A Tribute to Thomas From Friends and Colleagues

“When I look at Thomas’s photographs I strongly feel the presence of someone who has brought me into his world, a friend guiding me,” the late Paul Fusco wrote for the book Magnum Magnum about his friend, and colleague, Thomas Hoepker. “I feel the compassion and empathy of this strong and gentle man who has traveled through much of the world to revel in the discovery, understanding and photographing of life with a vision that is broad and encompassing.

“He shows the desires, yearnings, fears, triumphs, loves and fantasies of the human being,” Fusco continued. “He is a master of the ‘language’ of photography and uses it with the insight of a Renaissance painter. His pictures compel us to evaluate life that he has come upon in his wanderings, and preserve it for all to see, feel and ponder.”

Following the sad news of his passing on July 10, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Hoepker’s colleagues were quick to send in floods of messages, memories, and photographs from over the years.

“As we mourn the loss of Thomas, we celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind,” writes Chien-Chi Chang from his home in New York. “His timeless imagery will continue to inspire and move us. My heart goes out to his family and all touched by his artistry. Rest in peace, Thomas. Your vision will be deeply missed, but the light you brought will never fade.” 

David Hurn follows on with: “Thomas was such an honorable, decent man and of course a wonderful photographer. He was always an example to me of how a Magnum photographer should behave, seemingly always working for others.”

“I am very touched by the death of Thomas,” adds Raymond Depardon. “I too had great admiration for the man and his photos, which were elegantly composed and always very political.”

“I have always been amazed by both Thomas and [wife] Christine,” adds Bieke Depoorter. “They were so welcoming and incredibly open towards me, and to everyone. They continued to travel, make work, curious about new photographers and exhibitions… Thomas kept being an example, even if talking became more difficult, he continued communicating with his images and I think he never stopped making photos.” 

For many, Hoepker was as much a mentor as an exceptional source of inspiration. “I have very fond memories of Thomas’s kindness and elegance as well as his generous support when I joined Magnum. I loved his work and will miss him dearly,” writes Paolo Pellegrin. “I met Thomas a few times when I was a nominee,” adds Jérôme Sessini. “I remember a very kind and elegant person. It is sad to think I won’t see him again, it reminds me of the importance of taking care and showing love to people when we still can.”

For Alessandra Sanguinetti, the support of Hoepker and his wife Christine was a fundamental part of her first experiences at Magnum: “The summer I became a nominee, Thomas and Christine held a day party at their place upstate. I was new and shy, but Thomas was so generous with everyone and treated me as if I’d always been part of Magnum,” she explains. “He continued to reach out throughout my early years and was always a kind, gentle presence. A great photographer who will be missed.”

“Thomas was so kind and welcoming when I joined Magnum. I think many of us have fond memories of his warm smile and gentle manner,” writes Peter van Agtmael. For Van Agtmael, like many others, his passing was not only a moment to pay tribute to his nature as a friend, colleague, and mentor, but also to reflect on some of the era-defining photographs that have stayed in public consciousness and continue to inspire generations of photographers. 

“Editing the Magnum America book [due to be published this fall] was an opportunity to dig deep and see his extraordinary range and keen instinct for unusual icons. His 9/11 photograph to me is one of the most powerful and troubling images ever taken (and strange to recognize someone I went to high school with in the photo…,” he continues.

“Indeed such sad news and great loss for all that knew Thomas, and for the countless others that he touched and empowered through his work,” Moises Saman adds. “Just to follow up on Peter’s comment about Thomas’s incredible 9/11 photo, he also managed to take one of my favorite photos of New York City ever, the twin towers shining in the background at the height of their splendor in the 1980’s, seen from Lover’s Lane in Brooklyn. We will miss you, Thomas.” 

Peer-Olaf Richter of the Herbert List Estate contributes a rare image of the young Hoepker, in his late 20s, captured by Max Scheler, a colleague from the German Stern magazine and lifelong friends. Scheler has captured Hopeker as the bright-eyed, enthusiastic photographer that he was, two cameras in hand.

For Cristina de Middel, now president of Magnum Photos, the legacy that Hoepker leaves behind is entwined with the cooperative’s own. “A true visionary, Thomas’s contributions extended beyond his remarkable, playful, poignant photographs. As President of Magnum Photos from 2003 to 2006, he led with unwavering dedication and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of photographers and securing the future of the agency as a relevant entity. His legacy within the Magnum community is one of inspiration, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence combined with kindness and generosity.”

“Thomas Hoepker’s work will continue to inspire and educate, reminding us of the power of photography to shape our understanding of the world,” she continues. “He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, friends, and admirers around the globe.”

“Thomas has seen much, cared much, loved much,” Fusco concluded in his extract for Magnum Magnum. “He throws a great long swatch of life before us. We are overwhelmed, we are disconsolate, we are inspired, we roar with delight, renewed, awed by a vision that is fired by a deep reverence for life and humanity. We can hope. Thomas is an optimist.”

More on this: 

Remembering Thomas Hoepker (1936–2024)