Thommy S. Mardo is a freelance photographer, gallery owner, author, and filmmaker from Mannheim. He grew up in the Mannheim district of Gartenstadt. After completing his high school diploma, he trained as a banker at VR Bank Rhein Neckar eG and subsequently worked there as a full-time employee. His maternal grandfather, Walter Pahl, was a city councilor and honorary citizen of both the city of Mannheim and the city of Baltimore (USA). Thommy Mardo is a sought-after commercial photographer, working with renowned companies and artists from both Germany and abroad. He has photographed famous figures such as musicians from the Rolling Stones, Cliff Richards, and Midge Ure. Additionally, companies like L’Oréal, Philips, and Bauhaus AG are among his regular clients. His most frequently photographed subjects, however, remain “Xavier Naidoo” and the “Söhne Mannheims,” about whom he published a photo book in 2004 (Söhne Mannheims – Mitten unter Euch). In 2007, he moved into his current studio in the former “Rex” cinema in the Schwetzingerstadt district of Mannheim. On more than 500 square meters, he offers studio space for photo productions, video shoots, and small exclusive events. He also exhibits his work (primarily featuring Mannheim motifs) for interested visitors and sells his prints, which can be as large as 4 meters. Smaller pieces in classic glass frames are also displayed. His connection to Mannheim is evident in the countless photo subjects of his hometown. Some of these works can also be found in various games, such as a Ravensburger Mannheim Memory or a Mannheim-themed card game. Mardo was honored by dpa subsidiary OBS with the title of “Best Portrait of the Year." <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thommy-mardo.de">www.thommy-mardo.de</a>