Born in Vienna, Mario Schmolka graduated from the College of Photography before moving to Milan, where he assisted at the legendary Superstudio 13 as well as for some of the most influential photographers and was involved in productions for clients including Prada, Versace, Vogue and Marie Claire.

Mario is known for his strong yet sensual imagery. Besides his fashion and beauty work he has also taken portraits of numerous celebrities including Tommy Hilfiger, Aerin Lauder, Karim Rashid, Manolo Blahnik and Bar Rafaeli among others.

His first book, 'Intense', was published by daab - Verlag in Germany followed by two solo exhibitions. He was also invited to be a guest lecturer at the Art Institute of NYC. Mario and his family had been living in NYC for the past six years and have just recently relocated to Los Angeles. He divides his time between LA, New York and Europe.

Selected magazines and clients include Vogue (Ger), GQ, Amica, H&M, P&C, Swarovski, Pantene, Rimmel and Leica.