Louis Held facts for kids
Carl Heinrich Louis Held (born December 1, 1851 – died April 17, 1927) was a German photographer. He was a very important early figure in photojournalism, which is like telling stories with pictures in magazines and newspapers.
Contents
Who Was Louis Held?
Louis Held was a German photographer who lived a long time ago. He is remembered for being one of the first people to really use photography to tell stories in magazines. This made him a pioneer in what we now call photojournalism.
Early Life and Training
Louis Held had a tough start. Both of his parents passed away in 1860 when he was just nine years old. After that, he was raised by other family members.
When he was older, Louis first learned a trade in a company that made silk fabrics. But he didn't stop there! He decided to try something new and began a second apprenticeship to become a photographer. This shows he was keen to learn and explore different paths.
Becoming a Photographer
Louis Held opened his very first photography studio in a town called Liegnitz in 1876. He worked there for three years. Then, he moved his studio to the big city of Berlin. After another three years, he moved again to a city called Weimar.
Working for Royalty
In Weimar, Louis Held became good friends with a famous musician named Franz Liszt. This connection helped him a lot. In 1888, he was given a special job: he became the official court photographer for Carl Alexander. Carl Alexander was like the ruler or a very important leader of the region called Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Being a "court photographer" meant Louis took pictures for the royal family and at important events.
A Pioneer of Photojournalism
Starting in 1890, Louis Held began to travel all over Germany. He wasn't just taking portraits in a studio anymore. Instead, he took pictures for popular magazines that showed what was happening around the country. This was a new and exciting way to use photography, making him a true pioneer of photojournalism. He helped people see the world through pictures in a way they hadn't before.
Later Innovations
Louis Held was always interested in new things. In 1912, he opened a cinema (a movie theater) in Weimar. This shows he was also interested in moving pictures, not just still ones. Later, in 1923, he even started experimenting with color photography. This was very advanced for his time, as most photos were black and white back then.
