Swedish photographer Björn Persson has spent years trying to capture something more than a pretty picture of an animal. His goal is to show that wildlife are “sentient, emotional, and intelligent beings,” not just subjects for a lens.
Persson’s new book, The Earth We Share, releases worldwide on September 8, 2026. It comes with a preface by Dr. Jane Goodall and a foreword by Ellen DeGeneres. The release follows his 2019 book, The Real Owners of the Planet, which he personally handed to Sir David Attenborough and Jane Goodall when he met them.
A Rhino’s Touch
One story from Persson’s career shows exactly what he is after. He approached a white rhino on foot and sat patiently in the grass nearby. Eventually, he was just over a meter away from the animal.
The rhino got curious about the unfamiliar visitor. It reached out and touched his camera with its horn.
For Persson, that was an unforgettable moment of connection. He said it made him feel “part of something greater than [myself].”
Kenya and the Soul
Kenya holds a special place in Persson’s heart. He describes the country’s open plains and abundant wildlife as a place where his “soul has wings.”
His connection to wildlife has taken him around the world. His photography focuses on the character and presence of the animals he encounters, along with the fleeting moments of connection that define his approach.
The Earth We Share
Persson’s latest work, The Earth We Share, follows his 2019 book. Goodall wrote the preface, and DeGeneres wrote the foreword.
The book is an extension of the vulnerable, personal body of work he started in 2019. With The Real Owners of the Planet, he opened up a vision of nature that felt deeply personal. Now, he is sharing that same world with a global audience again.
A selection of Persson’s wildlife photography has been shared for readers to explore, showing the remarkable animals and landscapes that define his portfolio.
Book Details
- New book: The Earth We Share
- Release date: September 8, 2026 (worldwide)
- Preface: Dr. Jane Goodall
- Foreword: Ellen DeGeneres
- Previous book: The Real Owners of the Planet (September 2019)
Persson’s work asks viewers to slow down and see the natural world differently. It is a reminder that the animals we share the planet with are not so different from us.
Source: boredpanda.com
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