Thomas Kettner- The Visionary
For over four decades, Thomas Kettner has transformed dreams into images, stories, and legacies. With L’Hommage, he offers not only his artistry, but his philosophy: to never give up on your dreams. Thomas Kettner — The Dream Enabler.
A Storyteller of Life, Not Just of Images.
Thomas Kettner — renowned photographer, creative director, film director, and publisher — is the visionary behind L’Hommage. Internationally recognized and honored with prestigious awards, including the Design Award of Germany, Thomas is more than a visual artist: he is an enabler of life dreams. His philosophy is simple yet profound: to help people step beyond the familiar and into the extraordinary.
A Life of Vision and Courage.
Born in Germany in 1960 and raised in Johannesburg/South Africa, Thomas has spent more than 40 years creating for the worlds of fashion, advertising, and fine art. His clients and collaborators value his professional mastery and his relentless pursuit of authenticity. He seeks what cannot be staged — images that evolve through time, trust, and courage.
An Experienced Visionary, A Young Creative Team
Working alongside a dynamic, talented team, Thomas merges experience with innovation. Together, they embrace new technologies and bold ideas, creating magic across photography, film, and bespoke book publishing. With empathy, authenticity, and a human approach, they accompany each client with care — whether on a windswept desert journey or in a meticulously designed production.
Authenticity. Empathy. Responsibility.
Thomas Kettner is deeply engaged in social projects and conservation efforts, including supporting the survival of cheetahs in South Africa through the CCF. His works are regularly sold at auctions, and as publisher of NL MAGAZINE, he nurtures young artists. For 12 years, he also served as a member of the board of Europe’s prestigious Photographers and Filmmakers Alliance.
A Legacy of Excellence.
Thomas’s career is decorated with numerous international honors, from the German Photobook Prize to the Red Dot Design Award and the London International Advertising award. His inclusion in Lürzer’s Archive: 200 Best Photographers Worldwide across multiple years affirms his place among the world’s most celebrated visual storyteller.
Trusted by Icons of Design, Fashion, and Luxury.
Thomas has created for some of the world’s most prestigious brands — from Mercedes-Benz to Givenchy, Paloma Picasso from Guebelin, Davidoff to Villeroy & Boch and many more. Each collaboration reflects his ability to merge artistry with vision, producing work that is as timeless as it is bold.
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” — Walt Disney
Thomas and his team, based in Hamburg, carry this spirit to every project, every adventure, every dream. With L’Hommage, they offer not just a service, but an homage to your imagination and legacy.
Selection of Thomas Kettner awards:
1998 – All Japan Calender Competition -Silver
2005 – International Calender Show – Silver
2006 – International red dot design award
2006 – German Designers Club – Silver
2006 – Annual London International Advertising Award – Finalist
2007 – German Photobook Prize
2008 – Nominated for the Design Prize of Germany
2010 – International red dot design award
2011 – Designpreis Deutschland
2014 – Deutscher Designers Club – Award
2013 – BFF Magazin Award Merit
2015 – BFF Terra Incognita – Silber
2018 – Black&White Spider Awards – Fashion&People
2019 – TOP 10 Fine Art Photo Contest – Portrait
2019 – TOP 10 Fine Art Photo Contest – People
2019 – Black&White Spider Award – Merrit of Excellence
2019 – Black&White Spider Awards – Outstanding Achievement in Photojournalism
2021/22 – 200 Best World Wide Photographers – Lürzers Archive
2023/24 – 200 Best World Wide Photographers – Lürzers Archive
2025/26 – 200 Best World Wide Photographers – Lürzers Archive
Some REFERENCES in alphabetical order: Baldessarini, Bosch, Boss Orange, Breuninger, Carl Gross, Celesio, Cerrutti, C&A, Davidoff, Daniel Hechter, Duravit, Friends of Bently, Givenchy, Guebelin, GQ, Hans Grohe, Hansa, Kadus, Kempel, Koralle, Lancia, Laufen, Lufthansa, Men´s Health, Mercedes Benz, Otto, Oriflame, Paloma Picasso, Peek& Cloppenburg, Peter Hahn, Pierre Cardin, Quelle, Riani, Schwarzkopf, Sheego, STIHL, Sport 2000 Deutschland/International, Studio Untold, Tamron, Tchibo, Villeroy & Boch, Wella a.m.m.
© THOMAS KETTNER 2025