From the beginning, Helga's photographic attentions were drawn to documenting Indian artists and their works. Her photographs superbly capture the many personalities and processes of traditional pottery, basketry, textiles, and carving as well as document new developments in the arts.

Through her work, Helga continued to build close friendships with many artists. Her images of their art, along with her books on Hopi pottery and basketry, not only advanced the goals of the Arizona State Museum but also supported the careers of the artists she depicted.