Darms was a photographer and printer. According to Arthur Schmidt, Darms at one time also operated a stage line.

Born of Swiss immigrant parents (Baldazar and Elizabeth [Trueb] Darms), H.A. Darms lived in Yountville (Napa County), California, before moving to Dawson in 1898. He established himself as a printer under the name Darms Printing Co. and worked at this business until at least 1902. His business address was Third St.

Although how and where Darms learned to photograph is unknown, Elder and Grainger believe he apprenticed under a Dawson photographer. One possibility as an instructor is Lorenzo E. Robertson whose work Darms published in October 1903. Darms toured Yukon mining sites in the spring 1904 and an account of his trip was published in the Whitehorse Daily Evening Star.

By 1905 Darms added a third career skill to his repertoire: photo-engraver. He published The Yukon Illustrated booklet that January which was intended to be issued on a weekly basis. According to Elder and Grainger (1989), several versions were published over the course of 1905. Darms again travelled that year: in July he went with the American Institute of Mining Engineers to several mining sites. On his own that same month he visited the N.A.T. and T. operations on Miller and Glacier Creeks.

From Camera Workers: The British Columbia, Alaska and Yukon Photographic Directory, 1858-1950 - D - Volume 1 (1858-1900), by David Mattison