Biography

Gerd Ludwig was born in Alsfeld, Germany. Initially he studied German literature, political science, and physical education at the University of Marburg, but interrupted his studies to travel in Scandinavia and North America while supporting himself with jobs as a bricklayer, sailor, gardener, and dishwasher. Gerd later returned to Germany and studied photography for five years with Professor Otto Steinert at the Folkwangschule in Essen, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Photo Design from the University of Essen. He co-founded VISUM, Germany’s first photographer-owned photo agency, the following year. In 1975, he moved to Hamburg and began working for Geo, Stern, Spiegel, Zeit-Magazin, Time, and Life, as well as photographing advertising campaigns.

Gerd re-located to New York 1984 and continued to photograph for major international publications. In the early 1990s, he signed on as a contract photographer for National Geographic Magazine, focusing on the social changes in Germany and Eastern Europe. This work resulted in the publication of his book, Broken Empire: After the Fall of the USSR, a ten-year retrospective published by National Geographic, and established his reputation as the world’s foremost color photographer covering the region. Gerd is a veteran of the renowned A Day in the Life book series; he exhibits his work in galleries and festivals, such as the Perpignan Visa pour L’Image; occasionally shoots advertising; and has won numerous photographic awards, including the IPA’s 2006 Lucie Award for International Photographer of the Year.

Now based in Los Angeles, Gerd Ludwig is represented by the exclusive Institute for Artist Management. While he continues to work for National Geographic Magazine, he occasionally shoots advertising, exhibits his photographs in galleries and museums, lectures at universities, and conducts workshops internationally.

Canon Explorers of Light, 2000 – Today
Selected as one of sixty photographers to be included in the program.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Photographie (DGPh), 1973 – Today
Member of The German Photographic Association.

ADC – Art Directors Club of Germany, 1982 – 2010

Kingston Icon of Photography, 2006 – 2008
Member of a selected group of photographers sponsored by Kingston Technology.

The Lucie Award
International Photographer of the Year
2006

International Photography Awards
Book Photographer of the Year
2006

International Photography Awards
Honorable Mention
2004

Picture of the Year International
Picture Reporting Award of Excellence
2005, 2001, 1998, 1994

Photo District News
Photography Annual
2010, 2003, 2002

National Press Photographer’s Association
The Best of Photojournalism Award of Merit
2002

Communication Arts
Award of Excellence
2010, 2008, 2007, 2002, 1994,

Art Directors Club of Metropolitan
Gold Award of Excellence
1999

Overseas Press Club
Citation for Excellence
1994

World Press Photo
Award of Excellence
1990

Art Directors Club
2nd International Exhibition
Award of Merit
1988

Golden Plume Award of Malta
Journalism Award
1983/84

Art Directors Club, Deutschland
Award of Excellence
1981