Leica Camera AG has recognized the lifetime achievements of acclaimed German photographer Herlinde Koelbl by inducting her into the prestigious Leica Hall of Fame. The award ceremony will be a highlight of this year’s Celebration of Photography, held from October 9-10 at Leica Headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany. A special exhibition of Koelbl’s work will be showcased at the Leica Gallery Wetzlar until January 19, 2025, and one of her photographs has been selected as the Leica Picture of the Year 2024.
Koelbl, celebrated for her in-depth, sociological photo studies, has spent five decades capturing powerful and evocative images. Her work often blends documentary photography with personal interviews, resulting in poignant projects that explore human nature, politics, and society. Among her most famous works is Traces of Power, an eight-year study of German politicians, including Angela Merkel, which showcases her unique ability to chronicle transformation through photography.
A Lifetime of Capturing History
Born in 1939, Koelbl first studied fashion before discovering photography in the mid-1970s. Since then, she has developed a reputation for her long-term photo projects, often accompanied by interviews, published in over 20 books. Notable projects include Jewish Portraits, where black-and-white photographs of Jewish individuals were paired with in-depth interviews, offering a reflective view of contemporary German history. She has also explored themes like power, society, and human transformation through series such as High Society and Metamorphoses.
Throughout her career, Koelbl has consistently used Leica cameras to capture the finest details of her subjects, earning her a well-deserved place in the Leica Hall of Fame. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Leica Picture of the Year 2024
One of Koelbl’s recent works from her Metamorphoses series, which focuses on the beauty of wilting flowers, has been selected as the Leica Picture of the Year 2024. This limited-edition print will be available exclusively through Leica Galleries, continuing a tradition of honoring outstanding photographers.
The Legacy of the Leica Hall of Fame
Since its inception in 2011, the Leica Hall of Fame has celebrated photographers who have made a significant impact on the world through their art. Previous honorees include legendary photographers like Steve McCurry, Barbara Klemm, and Elliott Erwitt. Koelbl’s induction marks the 14th addition to this distinguished group of visual storytellers whose iconic images have shaped history.
Alongside Koelbl’s recognition, this year’s Leica Oskar Barnack Award winners will also be celebrated during the Celebration of Photography, with their work on display at the Ernst Leitz Museum until January 19, 2025. This event, dedicated to honoring the world’s most influential photographers, will continue to inspire the photography community and enthusiasts alike.
