Ken Hermann Captures the Power of Community Through Portrait Photography

Name:
Delsey Paris x VISUALPLEASURE
NEW HORIZONS - WORLD TOUR 2024
DAnish Artist of the week - Ken Hermann
Photography:
Ken Hermann
Words:
Erica Nichols

We meet up with Danish photographer Ken Hermann in his home country of Denmark, though it’s more often that you’ll find him on the road. Hermann specializes in portrait photography, traveling the world to uncover the untold stories of everyday life in every kind of community. His work’s been featured in National Geographic, Wired, and CNN, and in galleries around the globe, introducing people to the candid faces and places most wouldn’t know. Here, we talk about his love for travel, how he finds his next subject, and what he created for our DELSEY Paris collaboration.

What do you find to be the most impactful aspect of portraiture?

Ken Hermann: For me, it’s the meeting with other people; the chance to connect with a person's essence beyond their surface. A portrait is more than just an image; it captures a moment of shared understanding between the artist and the subject. It is an exploration of identity, emotion, and the many facets that make someone unique.

You explore projects that touch on cultural and social commentary. Can you talk about what draws you to those projects and how you approach capturing those photos?

Traveling has always been a big part of my life — the further away from my own culture, the better. This constant exploration and immersion in different environments have shaped me into the photographer I am today. When I travel, I’m not just visiting a new place; I’m seeking to understand the deeper layers of each culture, the unique stories that make up the fabric of a community, and the social dynamics that influence daily life.

This curiosity is what draws me to projects with a cultural and social focus. I believe photography has the power to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and evoke empathy. Through my lens, I aim to highlight the beauty, struggles, and resilience found in diverse communities. I strive to go beyond surface-level imagery to capture moments that reveal the true essence of a place and its people — their hopes, traditions, and the societal issues they face.

This process has taught me that photography isn't just about what you see but also about how you see it — an approach that is deeply rooted in my own journey of understanding the world and my place within it.

How does place or location influence your work?

Location plays a vital role in my work because it helps shape the story and adds depth to each portrait. The setting isn't just a backdrop; it’s an active element that brings out different emotions and layers in the subject, making each image more compelling. That’s why I prefer shooting on location, where the surroundings contribute to the narrative I’m trying to convey.

When do you know when a project is complete?

Generally, I know it’s time to wrap up when I start losing interest or feel that I’ve exhausted the creative possibilities. It’s a sense of completion that comes from knowing I’ve explored the concept thoroughly and captured everything I intended to.

How does travel influence your worldview as an artist?

While many people take a year off to travel after finishing school, I spent nearly ten years traveling on and off, which is why travel is such a huge part of my work and where I naturally find inspiration. I’ve spent over two years in India, and it holds a special place in my heart; I have countless beautiful memories from there.

I’ve also been deeply moved by my time in Inner Mongolia, where I worked on a project about shamanism. That experience taught me there’s much more to life than what we perceive in the Western world. I remember one shoot on the grasslands under a clear blue sky. I wanted to capture movement in the images, so the shamans began to dance, drum, and sing. To my surprise, they called forth a thunderstorm, and an hour later, we had to run for cover as dark clouds and lightning suddenly appeared on the horizon.

Experiences like these remind me how much travel shapes my understanding of the world, adding layers of meaning and mystery to my work as an artist.

How do you decide when to plan a shot or rely on candid movement?

Deciding between setting up a shot or capturing candid moments depends on the story I want to tell and the mood I aim to convey. When I choose to set up a shot, it’s usually because I want to control the elements in the frame to highlight a specific aspect of the subject or location. This approach allows me to create a deliberate composition and bring a certain vision to life. I might set up a shot if I’m aiming for a particular mood or if the environment needs to be arranged to tell the story more effectively.I work a lot with light to create the right atmosphere and style, which oftentimes forces you to set things up.

Looking back, what are some projects that you’re most proud of?

I’m most proud of my Flower Men project from India. It was featured in National Geographic and later became a book, marking a significant milestone in my career. The idea for this project took shape over almost two years. I first encountered the Flower Men while working on a different assignment in Calcutta, where their presence in the flower market immediately captivated me. Although I didn’t have time to shoot them then, I eagerly waited for the opportunity to return and pursue this concept. I’m grateful I did, as it turned out to be an immensely rewarding experience.

Talk to us about what you’re creating for DELSEY.

For this project, I wanted to blend my personal touch with the brand’s identity. I chose to shoot outdoors in nature, reflecting my love for location-based photography. My vision was to create a mix of fashion and portraiture with a surreal twist. I’m not a traditional fashion photographer, so I aimed for a unique aesthetic with a touch of the unreal and different kinds of beauty. I kept the approach simple, using varied lighting techniques to build atmosphere and style. Collaboration was key to this shoot. Working with a great team allowed me to learn and capture the magical moments that arise from creative teamwork.

What’s in your DELSEY?

Camera Gear: My camera and lenses are crucial for capturing moments and scenes, whether for personal projects or professional shoots.

Comfortable Shoes: For long days of exploring and shooting, having comfortable footwear is a must.

Travel Adapter: This is indispensable for keeping my electronics powered up in different countries.