The photographer

Arnfinn Johansen is a professional wildlife photographer from Norway. He is an elected member of the Norwegian Nature Photographers Association (NN), a prestigious association of professional nature photographers. In 2017, Arnfinn developed the photography concept behind Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp, an eco safari camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara designed for professional wildlife photographers and dedicated enthusiasts. Arnfinn is also a photo guide for Africa Geographic and Zoom Photo Tours. His images are represented by the NTB Scanpix news and photo agency.

The photography

Through his photography, Arnfinn conveys the magic of nature, communicates its many moods, and reveals its stories and secrets. His images are about more than just excellent composition and technical ability; they offer the viewer an intimate view of nature and a moment of reflection. Some of Arnfinn’s most powerful images show his subjects in their natural environment, combining clean composition with a strong sense of space and landscape. He looks for stories that need to be told, inspiring respect for nature and reminding us to remain humble. When all of these elements come together in a single photograph, Arnfinn knows he has succeeded.

Conservation

As a wildlife photographer, Arnfinn aims to utilise selected images to preserve nature and wildlife. This includes projects such as being an invited member and photographer for organisations like Vital Impacts in the USA, focused on wildlife conservation in South America, particularly the Amazon, and Remembering Wildlife in the UK, dedicated to protecting endangered species in Africa and beyond.

The Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp also prioritises environmental conservation in its operations. Its philosophy is centred on giving back: the safari business aims to have a positive impact on nature and local communities in the Mara. Oltepesi collaborates with health organisations like Right to Sight to prevent cataracts and also funds the Oltepesi Public Pumphouse, providing clean water to around 2,000 people daily. Furthermore, the camp supports the local primary school, Olare Owang Academy, by constructing a new school building. These initiatives are all based on the conviction that conserving wildlife and nature must also benefit local communities. Without this balance, long-term conservation cannot succeed. For more information about Oltepesi’s conservation efforts, please visit oltepesi.com/conservation.

Awards and exhibitions

Arnfinn’s images have been recognised in numerous international nature photography competitions, including European Wildlife Photographer of the Year (GDT), The Big Picture, Bird Photographer of the Year, Asferico, Siena International Photo Awards, Glanzlichter, Por el Planeta, Oasis, Global Arctic Awards, Memorial Maria Luisa (MML), Nordic Nature Photo Contest (NNPC), Nature’s Best Windland Smith Rice International Awards, Black & White Spider Awards, Sony World Photography Awards and Nature’s Best Photography Africa, among others.

His work has been exhibited internationally at museums, galleries and photography festivals across Europe, the United States, Africa and Asia. Exhibitions have included the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC; the Royal Geographical Society, Somerset House Gallery and Patrick Mavros Art Gallery in London; Iziko South African Museum in Johannesburg; Giacosa Theater in Ivrea, Italy; Photo Vogue Festival in Milan; the Museum of Man and Nature in Munich and Stadtmuseum Schleswig in Germany; the White Swan Wildlife International Photography Festival in Sanmenxia, China; Ree Park in Ebeltoft, Denmark; the Natural History Museum in Oslo; as well as exhibitions in Mexico City, Moscow, Kolkata, Oviedo, Fürstenfeldbruck and Lünen.

His photographs have also been published widely in books, newspapers and international photography magazines.

Corporate background

Arnfinn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Business Administration and is a partner and main shareholder in the IT consulting company Styrmand AS, which he co-founded in 2008. At Styrmand, he serves as CFO and Chairman of the Board. He has also worked in the software industry, business advisory and banking.