#31
Pharmacist and polar photographer extraordinaire | Steve's Adventure
"It was transformative. I wasn't just taking pictures; I was witnessing a world few people ever get to see."
— Steve Pressman
Secret Atlas is often surprised and delighted to welcome guests who are professional calibre photographers but have a day job that has nothing to do with expedition travel. Steve Pressman owns a pharmacy (Pill Box Pharmacies & Medical Supplies) in Florida, but since he has family who help him run the business, he can take some time off for great adventures. He’s published a coffee table book on wildlife featuring his photos and curates an engaging instagram site called: You’ve Gotta Love Nature.
Q: How did your journey into photography and expedition travel begin?
It's a bit of an unexpected story. Years ago, an adventure travel company donated a polar bear trip to PBS for auction. I won that trip, and suddenly, a whole new world opened up. My first major photography expedition was to the Galapagos Islands with my family. Can you imagine? Birds literally waddling across your path, so close you could almost touch them. That experience changed everything for me.
Q: You've traveled extensively, but what draws you to polar regions specifically?
The unpredictability and raw beauty. Each trip is unique. On my recent Secret Atlas expedition to Svalbard, we encountered thirteen polar bears in just two days. It was like a childhood dream coming true—I was literally hugging everyone on the ship from excitement! The Arctic isn't just a destination; it's a living, breathing ecosystem that constantly surprises you.
Q: Tell us about your photographic approach. What equipment do you typically use?
A: I'm primarily using a Sony Alpha with a 200-600mm zoom lens. It's not about the most expensive gear, but about being present and capturing the moment's essence.
But here's the thing—sometimes you're so close to the wildlife that you could almost use a smartphone! During the Svalbard trip, we went to the ice pack more than 12 nautical miles from land. There, we could view bears from a respectful distance without local regulations which are extremely far away. Polar bears are actually very curious animals. So if the ship is stationary in the ice pack, they often will approach a parked vessel in ice. I was sometimes just ten feet away from polar bears.
Q: You're a pharmacist by profession. How do you balance your professional life with your passion for photography?
A: Photography is my creative escape. Running a pharmacy is structured and methodical, but when I'm behind the camera in places like the Arctic or Antarctica, I'm completely free. Each trip becomes a chapter in my ongoing story. I've even started working on a children's book that explores the relationship between polar bears and penguins, using my photographs to educate and inspire.
Q: What's been your most memorable wildlife encounter?
A: Definitely the polar bears in Svalbard. We were on the Vikingfjord with Secret Atlas, guided by Piet Van Den Bemd. Seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, sometimes just a few feet away from our ship—it was transformative. I wasn't just taking pictures; I was witnessing a world few people ever get to see.
Q: You've mentioned wanting to use photography for conservation. Can you elaborate?
A: Absolutely. Photography isn't just about beautiful images—it's about storytelling and raising awareness. My goal is to show people the incredible, fragile beauty of these remote ecosystems. Whether it's through my books, calendars, or potential future lectures, I want to inspire people to care about protecting these extraordinary environments. I contribute my photography to conservation organizations which they use to help raise awareness for their causes. This is a very fulfilling aspect of my recent work as a photographer.
Q: Any advice for aspiring expedition photographers?
A: Stay curious. Don't just take pictures—tell stories. Be prepared, but also be flexible. Some of my best shots have been completely unplanned. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. It's not about the perfect shot, but about the experience and connection with the natural world.
Q: What's next for you?
A: I'm heading to Churchill soon to photograph polar bears, and I'm continuing to develop my children's book project. My wife travels with me, which makes these expeditions even more special. Life is about having the next adventure planned, always looking forward.
For those inspired by Steve's journey, his gorgeous wildlife photography book is available at:
Other relevant articles
#16 Inside ‘Svalbard: Symphony of the Seasons’...
Inside ‘Svalbard: Symphony of the Seasons’, A Short Film by Ross Dixon and Secret Atlas
#13 Annie’s Svalbard Expedition: A Life-Changi...
Annie’s Svalbard Expedition: A Life-Changing Arctic Micro Cruise
#35 Csilla’s Spring salute to May in Svalbard:...
Csilla’s Spring salute to May in Svalbard: where winter lingers and icebergs glow
Phone
USA
USA+CAN Toll Free
AUS Toll Free
