Christopher Kilkus — Chris Kilkus — is a fashion, advertising, lifestyle and celebrity photographer and director based in Santa Monica, California. His style is built around vibrant, emotive imagery that captures real feeling, whether through a still photograph or one of the dozens of commercials he has directed.
Originally from San Francisco, Christopher discovered his love of fashion and photography early in life through the influence of his mother, a successful fashion model. He pursued careers in bicycle racing and fashion-model management before turning to photography full time. After starting out in San Francisco, he spent two years working throughout Asia and seven years in New York City, where he developed a reputation for excellent work and a great attitude. Today he splits his time between New York City, Miami and Los Angeles, and has established studios in Los Angeles, New York City, Mexico City and Budapest.
Across his career he has worked with an international roster of brands and publications, including Givenchy, Kenzo, Forever 21, bebe, Macy's, GAP, Banana Republic, Wet Seal, Arden B., Jockey International, Skechers, Billabong, BCBG Max Azria, Hervé Léger, Google, Apple, Samsung, Sony Music, Island Def Jam and Interscope Records, with editorial work for Vogue, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan. He has also partnered with brands such as BCBG, Forever 21 and bebe to build, equip and staff their in-house studios while consulting on creative direction, marketing and operations — a rare blend of artistic and commercial experience.
Sought out by leading designers and magazine editors around the world, Christopher Kilkus has had his work compared to fashion and celebrity photographers including Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton, Horst P. Horst, William Klein, Robert Mapplethorpe, Man Ray and Louise Dahl-Wolfe. At the heart of everything he does is a passion for making visuals that connect with people — whether it's a single portrait or an entire global campaign.
Selected clients: Givenchy · Kenzo · Hervé Léger · BCBG Max Azria · Forever 21 · bebe · Macy's · GAP · Banana Republic · Jockey · Skechers · Billabong · Google · Apple · Samsung · Vogue · Marie Claire · Cosmopolitan