My name is Espen Helland,

I’m a wildlife & Conservation photographer and videographer based in Perthshire, Scotland.

I’m originally from Norway, so I should probably say Hei! But since moving to Scotland to study wildlife biology some time ago, I now say 'aye'!

My passion for wildlife and conservation started back in 2002, when I read a book called “Last Chance to See” by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine. In the book, the author and the zoologist travel the world to share the stories of some of the animals that are on the brink of extinction.

This book was a real eye-opener for me, forcing me to acknowledge how humans are destroying the natural world at a rate that can only be called a mass extinction.

Since reading this book, I have found a purpose to my life's journey. Going back to school to catch up on necessary credits meant I could study Zoology at university, and hone my interest through a MSc in Wildlife and Conservation. 

This education, coupled with 5 years of working as an Ecologist in Scotland, brought me closer to the species I have come to know, and inspired me to get serious about using my camera as a tool for conservation. I use my camera to share the incredible wildlife we still have through photos and videos. I also work directly with scientists and conservation organisations to help tell their story about the important work that they do with the public.

We need science and data to understand what we need to do to make changes for the better, but I believe that it’s through good storytelling that we can actually change the world.

It was after all, a well told story that changed the trajectory of my life.