Piet van den Bemd

Nature Photographer

Piet van den Bemd photographer holding camera with long lens

Expertise

Piet van den Bemd is an expert photographer known for his adventurous spirit, keen eye for detail, and deeply personal approach to his work and guests. What sets him apart is his ability to blend technical expertise with a strong sense of curiosity, encouraging clients to embrace the unknown and explore new perspectives while having fun. 

Impact

Piet’s footage and photos have been used in various nature documentaries, newspapers, and scientific articles. He particularly enjoys giving public talks on his photography, nature conservation, and the polar regions have become second nature for Piet. His goal as a photographer is to share stories, create awareness, and inspire people to make a change. 

Style

Piet's openness and enthusiasm for adventure make his approach to both teaching and photography deeply engaging and transformative. His photography is as much about the experience as it is about the final image – it's about being present, embracing unpredictability, and connecting deeply with the world around him. He believes that the best photography often comes from moments of spontaneity and personal connection, rather than rigidly following rules or conventions.

Languages

English English
Dutch Dutch
Norwegian Norwegian

“Exploring remote places on small expedition ships with friends and like-minded people is why I do what I do. Together with Secret Atlas, this all comes together – and the sky's the limit.”

— Piet van den Bemd

Juvinile arctic fox in svalbard
Mountain scenic view in Svalbard Secret Atlas
Large adult Walrus with fighting scars in water photo by Piet van den Bemd
Adult Seal on ice berg in Svalbard Piett van den bemd Secret Atlas

Questions & Answers

My most transformative travel experience

I'm very fortunate to have travelled with my parents a lot when I was young – it inspired me to pursue a career that allows me to explore even further. When I think about my past adventures and all the things I've experienced, I realise how special things have been. There's something particularly memorable about making eye contact with the apex predator, the polar bear, or the king penguin in South Georgia, or seeing the world's largest icebergs in Antarctica.

My exploration inspiration

As I'm Dutch, the stories of early sailors and explorers have always inspired me. None more so than the stories of the great Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz, the discoverer of Svalbard.

My dream adventure

I'm guiding many small-scale trips to both poles, which is always an adventure in itself. But a big dream would be that political situations allow it again and explore the high Russian arctic!  

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour Lite with Piet van den Bemd

From £10,900 From €12,900 From $14,900 From CA$19,700 From AU$20,900 pp

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Piet van den Bemd

Nature Photographer

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Twin/Double

£10,900 €12,900 $14,900 CA$19,700 AU$20,900 pp

Signature Twin/Double on board Vikingfjord
  • Comfortable double bed/twins
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 1
15M²
2 Guests
Signature
Penthouse (Double)

SOLD OUT

Signature Penthouse suite onboard MV Vikingfjord
  • Comfortable double bed
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 3
15M²
2 Guests
Signature
Single

£13,200 €15,450 $17,800 CA$23,500 AU$25,200 pp

Signature Single onboard MV Vikingfjord with Secret Atlas
  • Comfortable single bed
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 1 and 2
10M²
1 Guest
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Signature
Twin/Double

SOLD OUT

Signature Twin/Double on board Vikingfjord
  • Comfortable double bed/twins
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 1
15M²
2 Guests
Signature
Penthouse (Double)

SOLD OUT

Signature Penthouse suite onboard MV Vikingfjord
  • Comfortable double bed
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 3
15M²
2 Guests
Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Signature Single onboard MV Vikingfjord with Secret Atlas
  • Comfortable single bed
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 1 and 2
10M²
1 Guest
Join Waitlist
Signature
Twin

SOLD OUT

Signature twin cabin onboard MV Freya ship Secret Atlas
  • Sleeps two in lower twin berths
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window
Deck 1
10M²
2 Guests
Signature
Penthouse (double)

SOLD OUT

Signature Penthouse suite onboard MV Freya
  • Sleeps two in a double bed
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window
Deck 1
15M²
2 Guests
Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Signature Single onboard MV Freya with Secret Atlas
  • Sleeps one in a lower berth
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window
Deck 1
10M²
1 Guest
Join Waitlist
Signature
Twin

SOLD OUT

Signature twin cabin onboard MV Freya ship Secret Atlas
  • Sleeps two in lower twin berths
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window
Deck 1
10M²
2 Guests
Signature
Penthouse (double)

SOLD OUT

Signature Penthouse suite onboard MV Freya
  • Sleeps two in a double bed
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window
Deck 1
15M²
2 Guests
Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Signature Single onboard MV Freya with Secret Atlas
  • Sleeps one in a lower berth
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window
Deck 1
10M²
1 Guest
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Signature Twin/Double

This comfy cabin option comes with your choice of a double bed or twins. 

The ship’s subtle Scandi design continues into your suite, creating a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere in which to unwind after a long day’s exploration. 

The cabin boasts an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with a desk and chair, wardrobe, and windows.

Signature Twin/Double

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Twin/Double Suite Location

Signature Penthouse (Double)

The spacious master suite on deck 3 is seamlessly designed for double occupancy. 

It boasts a particularly light and airy feel, courtesy of the windows in the main room and ensuite, as well as the cabin’s elevated position on the upper deck. 

The Scandi-inspired penthouse features a desk and chair, along with ample storage space for two guests and plenty of room to relax and unwind in.

Signature Penthouse (Double)

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Penthouse (Double) Suite Location

Signature Single

Ideal for solo travellers, this more compact cabin option still feels spacious and welcomingly serene, thanks to its light design and carefully considered layout. 

Features include a wardrobe, ensuite, and a window on the wall of the main room.

Your cosy home-from-home as you explore the wildest places on the planet.

Signature Single

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Single Suite Location

Signature Twin

The Signature Twin cabins aboard Freya are comfortable and cosy, just like the rest of the vessel. 

The colour scheme of dark blues and golden wood notes, seen elsewhere on the ship, creates a warming atmosphere. 

There is an air of eccentricity harking back to expeditions of the past in the design elements and artwork adorning the walls  – but the rooms are appointed with modern conveniences.

Signature Twin

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Twin Suite Location

Signature Penthouse (double)

The master suite aboard Freya is spacious, charmingly appointed, and has a pleasingly cosy, warming design style. With an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with plenty of storage space, it’s as comfortable as it is attractive. 

The ship’s characterful look – with dark blue walls, varnished wood detailing, and plenty of light – is well-represented in the penthouse suite, providing a cabin-in-the-woods feeling of warmth. There’s a dash of expeditionary eccentricity to many of the design details – we’re big fans! 

It’s just what you want to return home to after an active day of exploration.

Signature Penthouse (double)

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Penthouse (double) Suite Location

Signature Single

The top choice for solo travellers, Signature Singles aboard Freya boast an ensuite toilet and shower room and plenty of storage space. 

You need somewhere comfortable to return to after a long day of adventuring in the wilderness, and with Freya’s quintessentially warm aesthetic – scattered here and there with characterful design details and artworks – you have just that. 

A window lets in plenty of light, gearing you up for another day in one of the world’s last great wildernesses. 

Signature Single

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Single Suite Location

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