Piet van den Bemd
Nature Photographer
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.
“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
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!
Expeditions coming soon
We are currently working on the upcoming schedule.
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