William Helburn

William Helburn was a prominent American fashion and advertising photographer known for his innovative and influential work during the mid-20th century.

His exceptional talent and creative eye allowed him to capture captivating images for esteemed brands such as Oleg Cassini, Van Heusen, Cole of California, Supima Cotton, Cuddle Coat, Napier Jewelry, Ohrbachs, Volkswagen, DKW Auto Union, Cadillac, Chrysler, Buick, Polaroid, Coca-Cola, Revlon, Helene Curtis, Yardley, and Max Factor.

Biography of William Helburn

William Helburn was born in 1924 in New York City, USA. After completing his primary education in Manhattan, he pursued his artistic inclinations by attending both public and private schools. Additionally, he took classes at The Art Students League of New York before joining the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942.

During his time in the army, William Helburn was deployed to the Pacific theater, where he had a significant experience alongside his future partner, Ted Croner. Together, they learned to make contact sheets and develop film, including the first pictures of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima.

After the war, William Helburn and Ted Croner were determined to embark on careers in the fashion industry. Encouraged by a visit to the renowned Fonssagrives studio, the duo decided to pursue their passion. They rented a studio space in Manhattan, laying the foundation for their aspirations. With a shared vision, Helburn and Croner commenced capturing images of aspiring models.

Soon after, Helburn and Croner seized an opportunity to further refine their skills by enrolling in the Design Laboratory led by Alexey Brodovitch, the esteemed Art Director of Harper's Bazaar.

Studying with Brodovitch led Helburn to his first significant professional assignment - a ten-page editorial shoot in the March 1949 edition of Junior Bazaar, a supplementary publication of Harper's Bazaar.

William Helburn maintained a prolific career as a fashion and advertising photographer well into the early 1980s. However, as the demand for his still photography gradually declined, Helburn seamlessly transitioned into a new realm of creative expression. He ventured into the world of television commercials, lending his artistic vision to various notable campaigns, including those for The Partnership for A Drug-Free America, Mobil Oil, and Napier Jewelers.

William Helburn passed away on November 3, 2020, at the age of 96. 

Helburn's Achievements and Recognition

William Helburn's remarkable talent and exceptional contributions to the field of photography were recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. Among his accolades, he received an impressive total of thirteen "Certificates of Excellence/Fifty Advertisements of the Year" from the esteemed American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). 

In addition to his AIGA honors, Helburn's artistic excellence also garnered him three "Clio Awards for Advertising Excellence Worldwide."

To ensure the exposure and appreciation of his fine art prints, Helburn sought representation from esteemed galleries across the United States. Notably, he is represented by the renowned Staley-Wise Gallery in New York City. His work is also featured in the prestigious Peter Fetterman Gallery in Santa Monica, California.

Helburn's artistic vision can also be experienced at Jackson Fine Art in Atlanta. Additionally, the Robert Klein Gallery in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as another platform where Helburn's fine art prints find a home, captivating viewers with their timeless allure.