'My first memory is of seeing the most beautiful thing ever, it was a shimmering intricate magical thing and I remember trying to touch it - but my chubby fingers were so slow and uncoordinated that it flew away before I had the chance. It was purple, green and glittered silver in the sunlight, it was a alive and part of nature, I remember thinking fairy, and it wasn't until later that I learnt the name dragonfly'.

Born and brought up in Southern Snowdonia, Helen Iles is a qualified Mountain Leader  and active member of the local South Snowdonia Mountain Rescue Team. She has been a member of Barmouth RNLI crew for over 23 years. She also holds a mountain CasCare First Aid certification and many navigation qualifications. 

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Helen is a photographer and mountain guide. She has been published in magazines such as 'The Great Outdoors' and 'Outdoor Photography' on many occasions, She has been shortlisted numerous times in 'Landscape Photographer of the Year' and 'Outdoor Photographer of the Year' and her work has been printed in the accompanying books. 

Article in January 2021  'The Great Outdoors'. Cadair Idris 

Shortlisted in 'Outdoor Photographer of the Year 2018'

Shortlisted in 'Outdoor Photographer of the Year 2017'

Published in 'The Great Outdoors' August 2016

**Short Interview with 'Outdoor Photography Magazine' here:

http://www.outdoorphotographymagazine.co.uk/latest/articles/2016/06/short-exposure-helen-iles/

Highly commended and exhibtited in MOMA Wales open art competition. July 2016

Exhibition - St John's Gallery, Barmouth. June 2016

Image: Glyder Fawr Dawn in 'The Great Outdors' May 2016.

Shortlisted in Take a View's 'Landscape Photographer of the Year 2015'.

Exhibition at Venue Cymru - Llandudno.

1st July until 26th September 2015.

*Article in Outdoor Photography - 'Lie of the Land' - July 2015.

* 4 images shortlisted in 'Outdoor Photographer of the Year 2014' competition.

*Highly commended in the MOMA Wales open Art competition 2012.