Hellmann was born in Löwen (Lewin Brzeski), Prussian Silesia.

[2] Upon review of these microphotographs, Hellmann noted a large difference in the snowflake pictures he took, and the ones Wilson Bentley had taken.

Hellmann's snowflakes were irregular, there were various types, sizes, shapes, and forms.

Hellmann was perplexed by this, and openly questioned the accuracy of Bentley's work.

Although the argument never formally ended with one side winning, it is still Bentley's snowflake the world thinks of when they see snow fall.