Hélène Binet
Hélène Binet is a Swiss-French photographer best known for her architectural photography. With a career spanning over three decades, Binet's work has been featured in numerous international publications and exhibitions. Renowned for her ability to capture the essence of architectural spaces through her use of light and shadow, she has become one of the most respected photographers in the field. Throughout her career, Binet has worked with some of the most influential architects, such as Daniel Libeskind, Peter Zumthor, and Zaha Hadid.
Early Life and Career
Hélène Binet was born in 1959 in Sorengo, Switzerland. She grew up in a family with a strong artistic background, with her mother being a painter and her father an architect. Binet studied photography at the École Supérieure d'Arts Visuels in Geneva, Switzerland. After completing her studies, she moved to London in the mid-1980s, where she began her career as a freelance architectural photographer.
Binet's first significant collaboration was with architect Daniel Libeskind on his project "The City Edge" in Berlin. This partnership allowed her to develop her unique style and establish herself as a leading architectural photographer.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Hélène Binet's photographic style is characterized by her focus on the interplay between light and shadow, which she uses to create dramatic, atmospheric images that emphasize the architectural forms and spaces. She primarily works with black and white film, believing that this medium allows her to convey the essence of the buildings she photographs more effectively.
Binet's approach to architectural photography involves extensive research and understanding of the architectural concepts and the intentions of the architects. She often visits the sites multiple times, studying the way light interacts with the structure and the surrounding environment. This meticulous preparation enables her to capture images that not only document the architecture but also communicate the emotional impact and atmosphere of the space.
Career Highlights
Throughout her illustrious career, Hélène Binet has photographed a wide range of iconic architectural projects, including Peter Zumthor's Therme Vals, Zaha Hadid's Phaeno Science Center, and Le Corbusier's Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Ronchamp. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, such as the 2016 solo exhibition "Hélène Binet: Fragments of Light" at the Ammann Gallery in Cologne, Germany.
In recognition of her contributions to architectural photography, Binet was awarded the 2015 Julius Shulman Institute Excellence in Photography Award and the 2019 Ada Louise Huxtable Prize.
Photography Gear
Hélène Binet primarily uses a large format film camera for her architectural photography, often a Linhof Technika or a Sinar. She prefers using black and white film, such as Ilford Delta 100 or Kodak Tmax 100, due to its ability to capture a wide range of tonal values and its potential for producing rich, nuanced images.
Photography Books
"Composing Space: The Photographs of Hélène Binet" is a comprehensive exploration of Binet's approach to architectural photography. The book provides insights into her techniques and offers inspiration for photographers looking to develop their skills in capturing the essence of architectural forms and spaces.
"Light Lines: The Architectural Photographs of Hélène Binet" is a collection of Binet's work, showcasing her ability to capture the interplay of light and shadow in architectural spaces. This book offers valuable inspiration for photographers interested in exploring the role of light in architectural photography.
"Hélène Binet: The Intimacy of Making: Three Historical Sites in Korea" documents Binet's exploration of three historical sites in Korea. The book highlights her unique approach to capturing the essence of these sites and offers inspiration for photographers looking to document the cultural and historical significance of architecture.
"Hélène Binet: The Walls of Suzhou Gardens: A Photographic Journey" is a visual journey through the ancient gardens of Suzhou, China. Binet's photographs capture the beauty and intricacy of these spaces, providing valuable inspiration for photographers interested in exploring the relationship between architecture and nature.
"Kistefos-Museet Sculpture Park" is a photographic exploration of the Kistefos-Museet Sculpture Park in Norway. Binet's images document the park's unique blend of art, architecture, and landscape, offering inspiration for photographers interested in capturing the interplay of these elements.
"Helene Binet: Seven Projects" showcases seven architectural projects photographed by Binet. The book provides insights into her approach to capturing the essence of each project, offering valuable inspiration for photographers looking to develop their skills in architectural photography.
"Holocaust Memorial Berlin" is a documentation of the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, designed by architect Peter Eisenman. Binet's photographs capture the emotional impact of the memorial, offering inspiration for photographers looking to document the power of architecture in evoking memory and emotion.
Quotes
"For me, photography is a way of exploring the world, of understanding the world."
"I try to work in a way that I can be true to the building, but also true to my own vision and my own emotion and my own way of interpreting space." 3. "I think light is the most important factor in architecture. It's what makes the space alive, and it's what makes the space have an emotion."
"The idea of finding the soul of a building is quite important to me. I try to capture the essence of the architecture, the poetry and the atmosphere."
"The camera is an extension of my body; it's like my arm or my eyes. I never thought of using a digital camera because I don't think I could have the same relationship."
Legacy and Influence
Hélène Binet's exceptional work has left a lasting impact on the field of architectural photography. Her ability to capture the essence and emotion of architectural spaces has inspired a new generation of photographers and has established her as a key figure in the industry. Her collaborations with renowned architects have also contributed to the greater appreciation and understanding of contemporary architecture.
Photographers who have been influenced by or share a similar style with Hélène Binet include Iwan Baan, Ezra Stoller, and Julius Shulman. These photographers, like Binet, have become known for their ability to capture the spirit and atmosphere of architectural spaces through the interplay of light and shadow.
In conclusion, Hélène Binet's unique approach to architectural photography has solidified her position as a leading figure in the field. Her work continues to inspire both practicing photographers and architecture enthusiasts, while her collaborations with some of the most influential architects of our time have left a lasting legacy on the world of architectural photography.
