Keld Helmer-Petersen

Keld Helmer-Petersen is one of the most influential Danish photographers in the 20th Century. He was an international pioneer in colour photography and was a central figure in not only Danish but also European modernist photography. His career lasted 70 years and he had strong interest in modern architecture, industrial areas and structures. He was very prolific and continuously experimented and challenged the many possibilities of photography and imagery.

Keld Helmer-Petersen biography — KELD HELMER-PETERSEN

early life-

Keld Helmer-Petersen born 23rd August 1920 in Copenhagen, where he lived and worked most of his life until his death in 2013. He started photographing in 1938, when he was given a camera as a graduation gift.

he studied the graphic and abstract affects of photography he was self taught and studied technical manuals, journals and photobooks. He also took inspiration from radical image experiments during the war and the avant-garde photography during the Bauhaus period. He collaborated and socialised with architects, musicians, artists and writers who inspired him.

examples of his work
comparison of response

both images were taken at an industrial sight although my image isn’t based around the straight lines in the architecture it shares the same theme that Keld was trying to maintain during his career I managed to produce a 3D image just like he did while still having a good contrast and maintaining the texture of the metal work in the image due to the use of the correct iso for the natural/daylight lighting.

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