Rico Puhlman started out as a freelance fashion graphic designer in Berlin. Simultaneously he pursued fashion photography in the 50s. In 1970 he moved to New York to become freelance photographer for magazines like Glamour, GQ, and Harper's Bazaar, where he was the primary photographer from 1972 to 1992.

During his career Puhlman worked with most of the top models, stylists and designers in the fashion industry.

Rico Puhlman died in a fatal accident in July 1996.

Marie-Luise Steinbauer at Times Square, 1960