Ernst Haas (1921–1986) is acclaimed as one of the most celebrated and influential photographers of the 20th century and considered one of the pioneers of colour photography. Throughout his career, Haas travelled extensively, photographing for LIFE,
Vogue, and Look, to name a few of many influential publications. Though Haas continued to use black-and-white film for much of his career, colour film and visual experimentalism became integral to his photography. He frequently employed techniques like shallow depth of field, selective focus, and blurred motion to create evocative, metaphorical works. He became interested in, as he put it, "transforming an object from what it is to what you want it to be."
Haas supported his adventurous personal work with commercially viable photojournalism, advertising, and motion picture stills photography. While on such assignments, he would make his own photographs, translating his passion for poetry, music, painting, and adventure into color imagery.
Below are some of his images depicting patterns in nature including an ice formation, an aerial view of flamingoes and an abalone shell.
