Marc Schmidt

Marc Schmidt is a German-American photographer based in Miami, whose work blends documentary storytelling with artistic vision. Originally trained as a medical doctor, Schmidt first gained recognition in 1994 when his photographs of the Rwandan refugee crisis were published in a German news magazine while he was working in refugee camps in Zaire. Soon after, he left medicine to pursue photography full-time, founding Mount Ray Studios in Hamburg and CU-1 Gallery in Miami.

Over the years, Schmidt has documented extensive global travels, worked as a behind-the-scenes photographer on major film sets, and focused on capturing the evolving cultural landscape of Miami. His compelling street photography and documentary work have been featured in award-winning exhibitions and publications worldwide.

Schmidt’s artistic achievements include winning the MSPF Leica Street Photography Award in 2015 for his Martin Luther King Day series, selected by a panel of renowned judges including Magnum photographers David Alan Harvey and Bruce Davidson. His work has been showcased at institutions such as the HistoryMiami Museum during Art Basel, Snap! Space Orlando, and Feiertag Galerie in Berlin, among others.

Schmidt’s photography is a testament to his ability to capture raw moments of human experience, urban landscapes, and street life with an unfiltered, intimate perspective. His ongoing projects continue to shape contemporary documentary photography, making his work a significant contribution to the field.