SUCCESS STORY

Helmut Jeels:

A Journey Through the Lens of Passion and Precision

By Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

Helmut Jeels, whose artistic name is a blend of "jeans" and "heels," is a photographer who stands out for his passion, creativity, and professionalism in the world of portrait and fashion photography. Born in Germany and raised near Bremen in the northern part of the country, Helmut's path to photography was not shaped by childhood experiences but rather developed later in life, offering a unique story of discovery and dedication.

Despite having no direct artistic influences during his early years, Helmut's passion for photography began to flourish in the middle of his career. As a busy professional, he found himself traveling extensively—up to 150 days a year. His hectic schedule left little room for other hobbies, but photography became the perfect outlet. He started with landscape, nature, and urban photography, capturing the world around him while on the road. The rise of online platforms that connected photographers with models led him to explore portrait and fashion photography, which became his primary focus.

Helmut’s approach to photography is deeply rooted in his passion, not profession. With a background in economics, having worked as an auditor for several years before founding his own company in renewable energy for over 30 years, photography remains his creative escape. Yet, his professionalism in the craft is evident in every shoot. From developing ideas, selecting outfits, and arranging models and makeup artists, to executing the shoot and managing post-processing with Photoshop and other software, Helmut immerses himself in every detail of the process.

Although he never pursued photography as a full-time profession, Helmut’s work is undeniably professional. He consistently collaborates with agencies, models, makeup artists, designers, and other creatives, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and dedication. His philosophy is clear: success in photography requires constant learning, whether about equipment, lighting techniques, or post-processing methods. He also emphasizes the importance of staying active on social media and various photography platforms, keeping up with the evolving industry and maintaining visibility within the community.

Helmut's accomplishments in the photography world are remarkable. His work has been published over 100 times in a wide range of magazines, from technical publications to fashion glossies. He has graced the cover of around 40 of these magazines, and his photographs have been showcased in galleries across the globe, cementing his reputation as a skilled and respected photographer.

When asked how he balances his professional and personal life, Helmut reflects that photography, while serious in approach, is ultimately a hobby for him—a source of fun and creativity. It provides a much-needed contrast to his main job in the renewable energy sector. His primary goal in photography is to connect with interesting people, enjoy the creative process, and produce memorable images that linger in the minds of viewers.

Looking ahead, Helmut's ambitions remain centered on collaboration and creativity. He aims to continue meeting new people, creating unique images, and supporting others in their careers, particularly models and makeup artists who are just starting out. His generous spirit and team-oriented mindset have made him a valued collaborator in the photography world.

In essence, Helmut Jeels is not only a talented photographer but also a dedicated team player who loves working with others to bring creative visions to life. His journey from a career in economics to becoming a globally recognized photographer showcases the power of passion, precision, and lifelong learning.

BIOGRAPHY

1. Your artistic name, "Helmut Jeels," is a unique blend of "jeans" and "heels." How does this combination reflect your personal style or the essence of your photography?
   
   In the beginning, I worked with hobby models on street shoots, so the clothing was often limited to jeans and heels. That changed later. Today I have my own studio, but I still do street shoots with jeans and heels as well.
   
   2. You started your photography journey while traveling for work. How did the landscapes and cultures you encountered during your travels influence your photographic vision, especially as you transitioned into portrait and fashion photography?
   
   For me, these are two different areas of photography, even though I often try to combine the nature and landscape of the beautiful region here in Bohuslän with fashion or portrait photography.

   
   3. You mentioned that your passion for photography developed in the middle of your career. What was the turning point that made you realize photography was more than just a hobby for you?
   
   There hasn't really been a turning point, as I still pursue photography as a hobby alongside my normal job.

   
   4. Fashion and portrait photography require a strong connection with models. How do you approach building trust and collaboration during a shoot to bring out the best in your subjects?
   
   As you probably know, people are very different. So it's always about anticipating the person's character and making sure that they feel comfortable and act as naturally as possible.

Photographer: Helmut Jeels - @jeelsphoto
Model: Amelie Tong Olsson - @amelietolsson

5. As someone who comes from an economics and renewable energy background, how do you think your analytical and business skills have helped shape your approach to photography and creative projects?

In my opinion, it helps a lot to prepare and structure the process and to keep yourself focused.

6. You’ve been published over 100 times and featured on 40 magazine covers. What do you think sets your photography apart and keeps you in demand within the competitive fashion and editorial world?

In addition to the quality of the images from a technical point of view, with the main focus on the lighting, it is probably the aforementioned attempt to make the people in front of my camera look as natural as possible.

7. While photography is a serious hobby for you, you've maintained a high level of professionalism. What drives your continuous pursuit of excellence, and how do you keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the photography industry?

Whatever I do, I try to do it as well as I can, which is often a challenge when you look at all the amazing work other photographers do. But looking and communicating with other photographers on a daily basis keeps me on my toes, and I always strive to be better next time.

INTERVIEW

8. What role does post-processing play in your creative process? Do you see it as an extension of your photography, or do you try to capture most of the image’s essence in-camera?

The aim is to capture the moment and take an almost perfect picture, even though I really like post-processing to put the finishing touches to an almost finished picture.

9. Your work has been exhibited in galleries around the world. What do you hope people take away from viewing your photographs in a gallery setting compared to seeing them in a magazine?

Most people today only look at pictures online. A smaller group buys magazines and wants to hold the feeling of paper in their hands. The group of people who visit a gallery is even smaller and, in my opinion, consists of real photo enthusiasts who, when they like a picture, stand in front of it for a while and try to capture the essence of what they see.

10. Looking back on your photography journey, what advice would you give to someone who, like you, balances a full-time career with a passion for creative pursuits?

How can they find fulfillment in both?
Always try to keep your hobby separate from your job. Do not mix them. People photography is the art of capturing your own view of others and, therefore, your view of life.