Korbinian Ludwig Heß

Documenting the artisan world of bespoke shoemaking in Berlin, this project focuses on Korbinian Ludwig Heß, a master craftsman creating exquisite handmade shoes. My workshop photography captures the traditional techniques and meticulous leather craft within his Wilmersdorf atelier.

The goal was to produce compelling brand photography illustrating the journey of creating luxury footwear. These images now form the visual foundation for Heß's own brand presence, used extensively across his website, print marketing materials, and social media channels. Key images from this series were produced alongside Martin Josef Smolka.

Beyond the client's direct use, this visual storytelling showcasing the beauty of bespoke shoes has also earned publication features in prominent outlets including Vogue Germany, the book 'Herrenschuhe Nach Mass', other magazines, and city guides, highlighting Heß's exceptional shoemaking skills.

Hands holding a leather-covered wooden shoe last for shoemaking.
Close-up of hands holding traditional shoemaking lasting pincers.
Shoemaker in apron using lasting pincers to stretch leather over a shoe last.
Hand holding a classic shoemaker's hammer against a plain background.
Shoemaker's workbench cluttered with various tools, lasts, and materials.
KLH monogrammed luxury leather goods including cardholder and case on black background.
Shoemaker working on constructing a shoe sole at a traditional workbench.
Overhead view of hands performing detailed stitching or lasting work on a shoe.
Extreme close-up of shoemaker holding nails in his mouth.
Detailed view of lasting nails securing leather upper to the insole on a shoe last.
Extreme close-up of shoemaker holding the tip of a waxed thread in his mouth.
Finished luxury leather shoe sole with grip detail displayed on a clear stand.
Worn brown leather ankle boot with buckle detail on a clear display stand.
Close-up view of a smooth, finished leather shoe sole and heel stack.
Hands carefully using a pattern knife or tool to cut pieces of leather.
Shoemaker's hands applying adhesive or filler to the heel section of a shoe.
Craftsman intently hand-stitching leather using a traditional stitching clamp.
Portrait of the shoemaker with moustache, wearing an apron and leaning on his work.
Close-up of hands holding and examining stacked leather pieces for a shoe heel.
Shoemaker dramatically pulling taut a long waxed thread during hand-stitching.
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