While she was growing up in Bremen, Germany, Hildegard Sandhusen's father hoped she would become a dentist, but her desire was always photography. She began as an apprentice and studio assistant, and within two years became a roving photo correspondent for a group of German picture magazines. Afer reaching the top rank of photographers on the Continent, she moved to America, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

As a professional photographer in New York,, she worked for Life magazine and took freelance assignments. Later she moved to Miami, where she continued freelance work, specializing in aerial photography.

In 1980 Sandhusen visited friends in Franklin, NC. She enjoyed the lifestyle of the small town so much she decided to settle here. The natural, scenic and historical landscapes of the mountains have since become favorite subjects of her roving camera.