French-Swedish, Julie Chandelier has been based in New Zealand since 2017. A conservation and wildlife photographer, she thrives in remote and new environments, and her greatest joy comes from time spent observing wildlife. Julie has been working as a guide in the Arctic and Antarctica since 2022 — regions that quickly became her favorite places to photograph.
Recent years have kept her busy in the field, from documenting whale research in the Subantarctic Islands to photographing the world’s smallest penguins in New Zealand. Her work naturally raises awareness by sharing honest moments from fragile ecosystems, often through collaborations with individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental and community well-being. At the end of 2024, she began leading photographic safaris in Botswana, expanding her work from polar regions to the African bush.
An avid ocean lover, Julie spends as much time as possible on or in the water — surfing, free-diving, and sea kayaking whenever she can. Her long-standing fascination with marine mammals has led to many memorable encounters at sea and continues to shape her photographic approach.
Having travelled around the world from a very young age, Julie loves the thrill of exploration just as much as slowing down — enjoying a good cup of coffee, practicing yoga and meditation, and taking the time to truly be present in a place.
Wherever she is, she enjoys helping others connect with their surroundings and come home with images that tell a genuine story.
