1954
Born in Geldern, in the Lower Rhine region of Germany, lives in Düsseldorf and Berlin

1973 – 1980
Studies at the Art Academy of Düsseldorf

1978
Receives Art Academy of Düsseldorf’s New York fellowship

1980 – 1982
Performs civilian service

1990
Receives eponymous award from the Werner Mantz Foundation

1993 – 1996
Professorship at the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design

1997
Awarded Spectrum - International Prize for Photography by the Foundation of Lower Saxony

2007
Marries Tara Bray Smith