Heinz Kluetmeier: Famous Sports Photographer Photographed The Greatest Show On Earth For Three Decades
Heinz Kluetmeier (1942 – January 14, 2025) was a legendary German-born American photographer whose extraordinary career spanned several decades and fields, from sports photography to the circus arts. Best known for his work with Sports Illustrated, Kluetmeier was a pioneer in photographic innovation, capturing some of the most iconic moments in sports history, including the “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Beyond sports, he made significant contributions to the world of performance art, particularly through his enduring relationship with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
For over 30 years, Kluetmeier played a crucial role in the presentation of the Ringling Bros. shows, serving as the primary photographer for their annual productions. Each year, he meticulously captured the vibrant artistry of the circus, photographing the new edition of the show for publicity campaigns and program books. His images showcased the grandeur of the circus—from daring acrobatics to colorful clowns and majestic animal performances. His ability to bring the magic of the circus to life through his lens helped cement the legacy of the “Greatest Show on Earth” in popular culture.
Kluetmeier’s engineering background and creative approach also translated into innovative photographic techniques that allowed him to capture performances in striking detail, preserving the ephemeral artistry of the circus for generations. His work with the Ringling Bros. highlighted his versatility as a photographer and his passion for visual storytelling beyond the sports arena.
In addition to his celebrated circus work, Kluetmeier covered every Olympic Games for Sports Illustrated from 1972 onward, became a trailblazer in underwater photography, and contributed to over 100 Sports Illustrated covers. He was the recipient of the Lucie Award for sports photography and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the first photographer to achieve this honor.
Kluetmeier passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 82, due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease and a stroke. His unparalleled ability to capture both the human spirit and artistic performance in motion remains an indelible part of his legacy.
Editors note: Many of the photos contained with the biography of Heinz are from personal collections of circus artists and professionals. Heinz was beloved by all in the circus community. During his photo shoots for Feld Entertainment shows Heinz insisted that everyone involved in the production pose for commemorative photos. Many of those photos are displayed here. There are also many photos of Heinz with circus cast, crew and management as he was part of the circus family for over 30 years. Many of the photos were sourced from social media postings and news reports of his passing. If any entity finds the posting of his work objectionable please notify our website and we will immediately remove the images. Our only purpose is to honor Heinz as a artist, friend and colleague.