Mario Schmolka was born in Vienna, Austria. After graduating from the College of Photography, he moved to Milan where, while assisting some of the most influential photographers, he was involved in productions for clients such as Moschino, Prada, Versace, Vogue and Marie Claire.

Mario is known for his strong yet sensual imagery. Besides his fashion and beauty work, he has also portrayed 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, and was followed by two solo exhibitions at the UFO - Space in Frankfurt and Westlight Gallery in Vienna. He was also invited to be a guest lecturer at the Art Institute if NYC. Mario and his family are based in New York City.

Magazines include Vogue Germany, GQ, Glamour, Amica, Issue One, Vanity Fair and Peng! Clients include Astor, Cartier, Estée Lauder, H&M, Leica, L'Oréal, Olymp, Palmers, Pantene Pro V, Procter & Gamble, Panasonic, P&C, Rimmel - London, Swarovski, Silhouette and Wella.