Born 01.01.1951 in Berlin

The pictures of Jim Rakete produce an effect similar to that of slow-motion in film: the instant held in suspension allows the viewer to look more closely, to recognize more. Sometimes he thinks Rakete’s portraits are even breathing or moving. They are like compressed films – they never stay two-dimensional, they invariably possess depth and duration.
At the age of four Rakete was given his first camera, and had not the erotic of triggering fascinated him from the beginning things might have turned out very differently. As it was, the native Berliner became the most famous photographer in Germany and also a committed thinker, sharpener, storyteller, discoverer of young talent. At the age of seventeen he began to work professionally as a photo-journalist for newspapers, magazines and agencies.
From 1977 to 1986 he ran “The Factory” in Berlin-Kreuzberg and was known chiefly as the music manager of Nina Hagen, Nena and Spliff. He was a decisive figure in getting German New Wave going.
Film, theatre and music remain Rakete’s passion. He photographs big brands and big stars, receives international commissions and in the meantime also works in Los Angeles and Hamburg. His pictures of Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Herbert Grönemeyer have become icons. Whether he photographs Samuel Beckett, Jenny Holzer or the girl next door, his great dedication lays the instant of encounter bare.
With advertising, editorials or private commissions, decisive is Rakete’s attitude. The idea must grab him. It is probably his capacity for enthusiasm and his impatient work tempo that makes him so attractive to stars. Photo sessions with Rakete never take long. You will hear this from Sean Connery, Natalie Portman, Wim Wenders, Götz George, Katharina and Anna Thalbach. Otto Sander described a session in this way: “With Jim you have the feeling that you give him something – and he takes it gratefully”.
Jim Rakete still maintains his “black-and-white gaze”, even when he uses colour. Precision of composition and striking directness pervade his work. His pictures have long been recognized as art and may be found in major collections such as the German Film Museum in Frankfurt and the Folkwang Museum in Essen.