Helgardt Pretorius
Photographer , Filmmaker and Storyteller
Helgardt Pretorius is a passionate visual storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of wildlife photography and cinematic filmmaking. With an eye that goes beyond seeing to feeling, Helgardt captures moments in nature that resonate emotionally and inspire deeper connections to the wild.
From an early age, Helgardt’s profound love for the bush and its inhabitants shaped his creative journey. What began as a desire to share the beauty of the natural world evolved into a dedicated pursuit of visual expression — first through still imagery and now through dynamic motion storytelling.
While his professional life has taken him high above as a full-time airline pilot, his heart has always been rooted in the wilderness. Helgardt uses every opportunity to expand his skills and knowledge, engaging in field guiding studies and contributing to hands-on conservation work with organisations like Care for Wild and Vulture Project SA. His commitment to conservation drives his creative vision, bringing stories of wildlife and wild places to life through both photography and film.
Helgardt’s work has been featured in esteemed publications including Getaway Magazine, Country Life, Africa Geographic, and selected in the Natural History Museum Top 1000.
In recent productions, he has collaborated on high-profile projects — capturing exclusive behind-the-scenes content and crafting cinematic trailers that reflect the raw beauty and drama of Africa’s landscapes and wildlife. Helgardt’s approach blends technical precision with heartfelt narrative, making him a valued creative voice in visual storytelling and wildlife film production.
Helgardt joins Rhulani Photo and Film in the Productions department as Assistant Photographer and Head Filmmaker. Helgardt joins Armand Grobler while working on the next Rhulani Photo and Film Production – The Dark Continent; a project that combines both photography and film to bring the audience closer to the action. For more information on our exciting new project, follow us on social media at Rhulani Photo and Film or subscribe to our Africa Explorer Newsletter on our Home Page.
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Proudly Partnered with South Africa’s Premier Wildlife and Boutique Styled Coffee-Table Book Publishers.Partners in Camera Support
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