Birthe Piontek was born and raised in Germany and studied Communication Design and Photography at the University of Essen where she received an M.A. in 2004.
During her time at University, she started working as a freelance photographer for various clients and magazines. To get the experience of living and working in another country she moved to Vancouver, BC in 2005.
Since then her work has been exhibited internationally, and featured in publications and magazines including 'The New York Times Magazine', 'The Globe and Mail', 'Stern' and 'Die Zeit'. Her work has been recognized a number of times, most recently by being honored with the Santa Fe Juror's Choice Award in 2007.
