Karim Iliya

Karim Iliya is a photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist based in Iceland. Through his imagery, he takes audiences to hidden underwater worlds and documents natural places in an effort to protect our delicate ecosystems on Earth. He is also a whale swimming guide and the co-founder of Kogia, a nature conservation nonprofit and free media library serving conservationists, activists, and scientists in over 65 countries. 

Karim grew up in the Middle East and Asia and developed an insatiable curiosity for the natural world which has taken him into the midst of exploding volcanoes, battling whales, ice worlds of the Arctic, and many of the incredible places where humans and animals make their homes. While he spends much of his free time documenting arctic foxes, volcanoes, the Northern Lights, and birds living in Iceland, his projects have taken him to more than 50 countries.

Throughout his life, he remains fascinated by the hidden mysteries in our universe—from the smallest creatures and the deepest seas to the great vastness of space. In 2021, Karim was selected as a crew member for the dearMoon space mission, and in 2025, he was name to The Explorers Club 50 list, honoring "fifty people changing the world that the world needs to know about.” Karim is a Hassleblad Master, and he has won multiple awards with his work featured in magazines such as National Geographic; on BBC and Netflix documentaries; and in various international publications.

Language spoken: English

Photo credit: Cat Gundry-Beck