Cologne based Erik Chmil is a well-rounded and accomplished photographer with degrees in both communication and design. Creatively, he is influenced by architecture and fine art. Driven by a real connection to the subjects in his photographs, Erik feels that he can always bring a “human touch“ to his images. Erik’s first exhibition, documentary work about a BMW plant, took place in Leipzig at the Photan Art Photo Gallery, and he continues his fine art photography with his art book SOLITUDE. Previously, Erik collaborated with the chef, Joachim Wissler, for the book JW 4. Commercially, Erik started shooting for BMW, but now works for clients all over the world including Acura, Alfa Romeo, Bayer, BMW, Henkel, Infiniti, Lexus,Mercedes, Porsche, Siemens, Thyssen Krupp, and Volkswagen. Agencies include: BBDO, Carmichael Lynch, Cramer-Krasselt, DDB, Dentsu, Grey, Jung von Matt, Leo Burnett, Red Cell, RPA, Saatchi / Shanghai, Tag:Belgium, and Young & Rubicam He is proud to be a member of both the BFF and the AOP. He has won the ADC Award, BFF Award, AOP Award, the IF Award, Lurzers Archive's Best Advertising Photographers,the Red Dot Design Award, and has been a Kelly Award Finalist. Erik, along with his staff, run a post production company that provides retouching and CGI services.