ABOUT
Jan Helmer Olsen
Capture the Moment – Tell the Story
The wind sweeps across the tundra. The light shifts from deep blue to fiery red. A dog sled team cuts through the open landscape, or the northern lights explode over a frozen lake. These are the moments I chase—moments that tell a story greater than themselves.
My name is Jan Helmer Olsen, and I live in Karasjok, Finnmark—a place where nature sets the rules, where the cold bites, and where the light creates magical scenes few others get to witness. Here, under the Arctic sky, I find the subjects that drive me: the raw power of nature, the spectacular northern lights, the proud Sámi culture, and the unique way of life in the north.
With my camera and drone, I capture landscapes from new perspectives. Whether it’s the changing skies of the polar night, reindeer herds in motion, or the Finnmarksløpet sled dog race unfolding in the frozen wilderness, I always seek authenticity—the moments that tell a story and evoke emotion.
To ensure the highest quality in my photography and cinematography, I use professional equipment designed for the demanding Arctic environment. My DJI Mavic 3 Pro CINI, DJI Inspire 2 with the Zenmuse X7 camera (Super 35 sensor with high resolution), and DJI Mavic 3T allow me to capture stunning aerial footage. On the ground, I work with Sony A7RV, Sony A7S III, Panasonic GH5 with Atomos Ninja V, Canon XF400, and Canon 5D Mark III. To achieve maximum sharpness and detail, I rely on high-quality lenses, including Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM, Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II, and Sony FE 200-600mm F/5.6-6.3 G OSS.
Sound is a crucial part of storytelling, especially in documentary work. I use the Zoom F6, a recorder with an extremely high dynamic range, along with Sony XLR-K3M, DJI Mic 2, Sennheiser EW 100, Røde NTG-2, and Røde VideoMic Pro to ensure crystal-clear audio in every recording.
My images and films are more than visual impressions; they are moments frozen in time, stories told through light, shadow, and sound.
Jan Helmer Olsen was born in Karasjok in 1972 and has always had a deep connection to nature. He thrives outdoors, especially when the cold sets in and the landscape is covered in frost and snow. The harsh winter conditions of Finnmark are not just a part of his daily life but also a source of inspiration for his photography and filming.
In 2001, he was affected by an illness, which changed his life completely. Facing these challenges, he found a new purpose in nature. The silence, the light, the seasons, and the ever-changing landscapes became not just an inspiration but also a way to find strength and peace.
Jan Helmer is also deeply inspired by Sámi culture and reindeer herding, a way of life closely connected to the rhythms of nature. Through his camera, he not only captures landscapes but also the people, the animals, and the traditions that have shaped Finnmark for generations. His images tell stories of Sámi herders on the tundra, the migration of the reindeer, and a culture that balances between tradition and modernity.
When he is not capturing the magic of nature through his camera and drone, he spends his time hunting, fishing, and exploring the wilderness – all year round. For Jan Helmer, it is not just about documenting nature but also about living close to it, understanding its rhythms, and respecting its forces.
Do you have a project or vision that needs to be captured from a unique perspective? Get in touch!
📧 Email: golleaja@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +47 95104974
WHO AM I
Jan Helmer Olsen
Jan Helmer Olsen lives in northern Norway, more specifically in Karasjok in Finnmark. Karasjok is located a good distance within the Arctic Circle. He has a very good skillset when working in extremely low temperatures & during the hours of darkness with all of his camera equipment.
16 years with drone
Jan Helmer has worked in the filming industry since 2005 and with drones since 2010. Work he has been commissioned for with his drones are for the Netflix, BBC, Maramedi, National Geographic, ARD German TV, The dog race Finnmarksløpet, NRK, TV2 and many more companies.
My office
A hobby that has become a passion. Do you need a photographer who sees opportunities. I have most of the equipment you need to be out in the harsh nature that is here. Contact me if you have any questions.
Here, you can explore some of the projects Jan Helmer Olsen has been involved in as a filmmaker. With a passion for capturing the raw beauty of the Arctic, Sámi culture, and extreme natural conditions, Jan Helmer has contributed to various productions, using both traditional cameras and drones to bring unique perspectives to life.
These are just a few of the many projects he has worked on over the years. His experience ranges from documentaries and TV productions to commercial work and event coverage.
Take a look and experience the north through his lens.
