Gerhardt Heltman's photographs are based on the work of Helmut Newton, a German born photographer known for his provocative black and white photographs of women.
The character of Gerhardt Heltman appears to have been inspired by art and fashion photographer Helmut Newton. As is the case with fictional Heltman, Newton's family escaped Nazi Germany. Newton was famous for his controversial photographs of women posed in positions of dominance and empowerment.