Humanitarian Photography Services
Visual Storytelling for Humanitarian Organizations
As an international humanitarian photographer, I help mission-driven organizations communicate their impact through ethical, compelling, and story-driven photography.
Whether you're working in global health, climate adaptation, women’s rights, education, or community development, your work deserves to be seen and understood. The right images can humanize complex issues, inspire action, and build trust with funders, partners, and the public.
I specialize in creating powerful, respectful visuals that document your humanitarian programs, elevate the voices of the communities you serve, and help you tell your story with integrity.
A large group of people gather around an outdoor ritual where a man in white robes sprays incense or holy water onto a decorated rug, with smoke rising, while others hold colorful umbrellas.
Vaccination and prenatal care. Bihar, India ©Steven Wade Adams, 2017
A woman in traditional attire herding cattle in a dusty village at dawn with tents in the background and pink sky.
Face washing in Bale Zone, Ethiopia. ©Steven Wade Adams 2017.
Village life in Bihar, India. ©Steven Wade Adams 2017.
Community health workers caring for young child. Uganda. ©Steven Wade Arms 2017
Community dance plays a huge role in cultural identity amongst the Ovahakaona. Angola. ©Steven Wade Adams 2022.
Trachoma surgery in Karamoja, Uganda. ©Steven Wade Adams 2017.
Family bathing in the Irrawaddy River. Myanmar. ©Steven Wade Adams 2015.
A scenic view of a mountain in the distance with a cloudy sky, surrounded by green trees and bushes. Several cows are grazing among the trees in the foreground.
Migrant herder relaxing in his tent. Kashmir, India ©Steven Wade Adams 2023.
A teacher and children in a classroom, with colorful educational posters on the wall, including the alphabet and animals.
A woman and a young girl sit on the floor of a small room filled with traditional and handmade items.
A woman holding a child inside a rustic kitchen with mounted pots and pans on the wall, a stove, and various kitchen items visible.
Group of women in traditional Maasai attire sitting inside a community building, engaging with a woman holding a small child, in a rural setting.
“Steven’s unique contributions extend far beyond what one would expect from most any photographer. In addition to his gifts as a creative artist and storyteller he has partnered with our teams to openly contribute to our thinking on program strategy and communication planning at many levels. He artfully combines his background and knowledge of our sector along with his skill as a photographic storyteller to empathetically capture the universal humanity within all of us and create compelling content and deliver critical visual impact for our programs.”
Carrie Hessler-Radelet, President & CEO, Global Communities and Former Director, Peace Corps
Humanitarian Photography Services
for Nonprofits, NGOs & Humanitarian Organizations
I collaborate with humanitarian organizations by engaging strategically to create and execute compelling visual stories that align with your strategy while celebrating diversity and our common humanity.
Visual Storytelling Strategy
Starting with your core strategic goals and mission, I can work you to refine your storytelling opportunities and translate that a visual storytelling plan with maximal impact.
Field-based photography & film
Documenting impact through narrative photography and film that supports fundraising, advocacy, and donor reporting.
Commissioned, multi-purpose photo libraries
Custom image collections for long-term use across your website, reports, fundraising campaigns, and social media.
A Unique Approach to Humanitarian Photography
Integrating Visual Storytelling with Science Strategy and Collaboration
My Philosophy
Celebrating the diversity and our common humanity at home and abroad is important not only for your humanitarian cause but for all of humanity. I approach each accepted assignment with curiosity and a strategic mindset to align the work with the desired objectives and optimize the value delivered for your important mission.
In each collaboration, I strive to make my impactful contribution by devoting myself to understanding your work and recording unique human stories by highlighting our shared humanity that might help to break down barriers, foster understanding, and create a more compassionate world.
My Unique Approach
My approach to humanitarian photography is unique because I not only bring my photographic skills and commitment to the shared human experience, but also a full career as a scientist, strategic executive in health care and experience as an NGO board member. This collective experience puts me in a unique position to not only quickly appreciate your mission but to more rapidly align with your mission-critical messaging.
Working together, we collaborate to create a compelling plan to generate compelling, personal imagery that communicates the essence of your mission and amplifies the voices of those whom your organization serves. For more information about my background, have a look at my Biography.
Why Work With Steven Wade Adams?
With a professional background in both veterinary global health (DVM, PhD) and humanitarian photography, I bring a unique combination of field experience, cultural sensitivity, and visual storytelling expertise. I understand the operational realities of working in low-resource or crisis-affected areas and the need for media that reflects dignity, resilience, and local context.
15+ years of experience in global health, research, and humanitarian work
Assignments completed across Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Trusted by NGOs, international development agencies, and grassroots organizations
Working with me, you can expect strong communication, aligned strategic intent and close collaboration to create unique images and stories that inspire awareness, understanding, and action among stakeholders and audiences.
One unique tool that I have developed for planning and optimizing communication with my collaborators is the Humanitarian Photography Brief. This template contains many of the key concepts I have found to optimize alignment and deliver the highest quality product.
A Collaborative Approach
I view every assignment as a partnership. I work closely with your teams to ensure ethical practices are upheld, consent is respected, and the stories we tell reflect the strength and diversity of the people behind your mission. When you partner with me, I will work to truly understand your mission and objectives and closely collaborate with you to develop a visual story plan to communicate your true purpose and impact while celebrating those you serve.
Please contact me to initiate a dialog on how we can partner together to bring the strategy of your humanitarian mission of your organization to life with strong visual storytelling.
