Background
Claus was born on March 27, 1941, in Essen, Germany.
Claus was born on March 27, 1941, in Essen, Germany.
In 1973 Claus earned a degree in photography and design from Fach Hochschule in Dortmund, West Germany, where he studied with Pan Walther. In 1973 he continued his studies at the Ansel Adams Workshop in Yosemite, California, United States under Adams, Wynn Bullock, Marie Cosindas and Paul Caponigro.
Since 1979 Claus affiliated with the Image Bank photo agency in New York City, New York, United States.