UWPhoto

Gunleif Helland was born in 1956 at Tau in Ryfylke, right across the fjord from Stavanger, Norway. Already in his childhood he developed a genuine interest of the nature surrounding him, with a special fascination of all living creatures and their behavior.

As many other nature photographers, he started off with birds as a teenager. Although the results at that time did not develop into anything worth mention, he got his first practical field experiences with the camera. Combined with studies of “all” available literature about photography techniques and composition the fundament was established. As family and other activities started occupying his time, he put the camera aside for approx. 20 years.

Gunleif has a background as a technical drafter, working with technical illustrations for the oil industry approx. 17 years, most of the time in leader positions. Working with personnel development, training and coaching, led him into the present occupation; since 1996 he has worked with Supported Employment and training of people with special needs to get employments.

In the ‘90ties he gradually started photographing again, and since 97/98 he has worked more serious project- and goal based. Most of the photographing is done in the local area in Ryfylke, or around the family cottage in Southern Norway. His main intention by photographing wildlife (besides having fun doing it!) - is to show the diversity and beauty of nature, and to share some golden moments with others.

Since ’98 Gunleif has entered a few Nature Photo Contests, which so far has resulted in a 2nd price in the “Norwegian Championship” for a single picture, 2nd Award in (The Norwegian BioPhoto- Picture of the Year”, 4th price in “Norwegian Nature Photographer of the Year”, and a picture to the Semi Finale in "BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year" in the class "Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered Wildlife".