Interview: Jonas Janss Haugli

Introduction by Floris Smeets

For the past eleven years, I have been running Photo Tours Norway on my own. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey, but in recent years I began to feel that it would be valuable to have a business partner working alongside me. Someone I could fully trust — a person who shares the same vision, the same deep respect for nature, a strong work ethic, good social skills, and a high level of photographic ability. Needless to say, finding someone who meets all of these criteria is not easy.

In 2023, Jonas applied for the intern position for the 2024 grouse season. At that time, I did not know him personally and had no real idea of what to expect. It didn’t take long, however, to realize that Jonas is exceptionally driven, dedicated, and a genuine pleasure to work with. His motivation, reliability, and natural way with both people and wildlife stood out immediately.

By the end of his internship, it was clear to me that I wanted to continue working with Jonas. I carefully discussed with him whether he could see himself doing this kind of work professionally in the long term. To my great joy, Jonas had such a positive experience during the internship that he was more than eager to continue our collaboration.

In 2025, Jonas has already been guiding a selection of tours and has taken on increasing responsibilities. From the summer of 2026, after completing his studies, he will take on an even more active role at Photo Tours Norway. Jonas will be working side by side with me behind the scenes, as well as in the field, helping to create and guide inspiring wildlife and nature photography tours.

I invited Jonas for this short interview so you can get to know him a little better. Enjoy!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your passion for nature and wildlife photography began?

I am a 25 year old wildlife photographer and masters student from Norway. I was born close Oslo and currently live in the south-east of the country, but love to travel all over Norway for my photography. And – since 1,5 years I have had the pleasure to be a part of the guiding team at Photo Tours Norway!

My passion for nature began at a young age. When I was ten, I started birdwatching, and a trip to the bird cliffs at Runde on the Norwegian west coast cemented my growing interest. From there, I started photographing to document what I saw, using a manual focus 300mm. Safe to say, lots of unsharp images! My interest for photography largely stayed at documentation until the end of high school, when I started focusing more on the photography. Soon, my passion for wildlife photography and using photography creatively grew stronger, and became my main focus. And from that point, it has filled every spare moment of my life and has become a source of great enjoyment and meaning.

What motivated you to join Photo Tours Norway, and what excites you most about guiding other photographers?

During my internship at Photo Tours Norway, I discovered the immense joy of creating experiences in nature for others. Helping people capture the images they’ve dreamed of, whether by educating them about wildlife and its behavior or guiding them on camera techniques, brings a deep sense of pride and purpose for me. When the opportunity arose to continue with Photo Tours Norway, the decision was an easy one!

You have a strong background in Norwegian wildlife ecology — which species inspire you the most personally and which ones to photograph, and why?

With a (soon-to-be-completed) master's degree in Natural Resource Management, education in ornithology, a park ranger course, and experience as a National Park nature interpreter, I have witnessed and learned about the harsh realities many of our species face. For many, human impact adds to an already long list of challenges. The species that inspire me most are the ones that, despite the challenges the face, manage to live in the harshest of climates. On the very top of that list for me, is Norway's Wild reindeer. Roaming the vast, barren mountain landscapes, they survive in conditions where few others can. Photographing them requires patience, deep knowledge, and utmost respect. Disturbing them is the last thing I want to do, and my preferred way of photographing them is in small scale within the landscape, ensuring they remain unaware of my presence.

What is your guiding philosophy when working with clients in the field?

I am of the belief that the strongest wildlife images are created when our presence does not influence the animals we are photographing. Allowing wildlife to behave naturally, often requiring some patience, leads to authentic moments that cannot be forced. This approach not only results in more powerful and genuine images, but also creates a richer experience for clients while ensuring ethical and sustainable practices in the field.

Can you describe one unforgettable moment you’ve experienced in nature that shaped you as a guide or photographer?

About three years ago, I was hiking through a Norwegian national park with my tent, hoping to photograph both landscapes and wildlife in the autumn colors. After a long day of fog and rain, I pitched my tent on a hillside overlooking the valley below. Tired, I sat quietly with my binoculars, simply observing. Without moving, and over the course of the evening, I witnessed experiences in nature you can only dream of. I watched nearly the entire alpine ecosystem in motion: a Merlin hunting migrating Fieldfares, a Golden Eagle scavenging, a herd of Wild reindeer moving through the valley, and finally a Wolverine passing less than 30 meters from where I sat. I did not make a single image that evening, but experienced the beauty of an intact ecosystem and how letting the wildlife behave naturally creates unforgettable moments.

What do you think sets Photo Tours Norway apart from other photography tour companies, and how do you hope to contribute to that?

For me, there are two main factors that set Photo Tours Norway apart from other photography tour companies. The first is our focus on sustainability, both through carbon emission offsetting and our ethical approach in the field, ensuring that we photograph wildlife on their own terms. The second is the expertise and dedication to photography, from careful planning and preparation to the execution of the tour. Whether in hides or out in the field, we devote our time and energy to help clients capture the best possible images. These are exactly the qualities I would look for if I were traveling as a photographer myself. I hope to contribute by bringing the same dedication, knowledge, and ethical focus to every tour, ensuring clients have both unforgettable experiences and bring images back home that they are proud of.

When guiding groups, what do you prioritize to ensure both a great photographic experience and the wellbeing of the wildlife?

When guiding groups, my top priority is always to balance creating a great photographic experience with ensuring the wellbeing of the wildlife. For me, these are not opposites, as the wellbeing of the wildlife often leads to the most wonderful moments to photograph. I put patience and observation first, allowing animals to behave naturally, while teaching clients to approach their subjects respectfully and without disturbance. By combining ethical practices with practical guidance, I aim to create experiences that are memorable, rewarding, and sustainable for both people and wildlife.

What do you enjoy most about teaching photography in the field, and which techniques or skills do you find yourself helping clients with most often?

What I enjoy most about teaching photography in the field is seeing the joy and satisfaction on people’s faces when they create an image they are truly proud of. My focus is always on helping clients achieve the images they have envisioned, and the techniques I teach – whether related to camera settings, composition, or field craft – are guided by that goal.

Do you have a dream destination you wish to travel to for photography and why exactly this destination?

The list of dream destinations to visit as a wildlife photographer is, as I suspect for most of us, quite long. For me, the places on the top of my list have two things in common: Animals or ecosystems that are unaffected by humans, and the possibility to work creatively when photographing. As a Norwegian, experiencing a top predator that is not afraid of people is a lifelong dream. The Pumas of Patagonia are therefore among the top destinations I want to visit. The incredible landscapes of Mongolia and Tibet and their wildlife are also among the top. But for me, with a love for birds and bird photography, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, are a clear number one. The otherworldly landscapes, harsh climate, and wildlife that show little fear of humans is a dream of mine to experience. It offers everything you could wish for both as a naturalist and a wildlife photographer looking for new and exciting angles to capture wildlife.

Final question. You are an incredible photographer, with an exceptionally good eye for composition and use of light. Can you showcase 12 of your images which represent the style of photography closest to your own heart?