International Humanitarian Photographer
Steven Wade Adams DVM, PhD
“During the development of the documentary on San Diego Community Birth Center, Steve collaborated with my staff and members of our community as a respectful and empathetic partner, patiently listening to their input and validating their concerns. Steve artfully and compassionately created the building blocks which were beautifully woven together to highlight the ongoing injustice and senseless tragedy of the Black Maternal Health Crisis while also creating a sense of beauty, hope and celebration for our community.”
- Nikki Helms, Lead Midwife & Clinical Director, San Diego Community Birth Center
A Passion for Storytelling Through Humanitarian Photography
As an international humanitarian photographer, I am committed to capturing powerful visual narratives that highlight resilience, dignity, and the shared human experience.
My work focuses on global health, social justice, and climate adaptation, creating impactful imagery for NGOs, non-profits, and humanitarian organizations.
Early Career and Influences
Before embarking on my serious pursuit of humanitarian photography and film, I was always fascinated by a wide range of topics in biology and anthropology. Within my photographic work, I often revisit social themes that consider our shared humanity as well as the diverse cultural attributes that provide each of us with unique identity and pride.
My background in science - specifically veterinary medicine and global health - has profoundly shaped my approach to storytelling as a humanitarian photographer.
As a veterinary student at the University of California, Davis, I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Calvin Schwabe, a pioneer in veterinary epidemiology and the One Health movement. The One Health philosophy—recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health—deeply influenced my perspective.
Over time, I realized that my passion for science and my dedication to social impact could merge through humanitarian photography, using visual storytelling as a tool for awareness and change.
My Evolution As A Humanitarian Photographer
As I advanced my photographic and visual story-telling skills, I gravitated to photographing people to capture emotion and empowerment. The application of this skill where I found the greatest fulfilment was in the realm of humanitarian and non-profit photography.
As a humanitarian photographer, I can leverage my scientific and veterinary medical training and create content that has a social impact.
The Role of a Humanitarian Photographer
My work now as a humanitarian photographer is centred on capturing stories that inspire action. Working with NGOs, non-profits, and global development initiatives, I document themes such as:
Public health and healthcare accessibility
Climate change adaptation
Social justice and community resilience
Global health equity
I seek to tell meaningful and empowering stories of people and the health of all species and the entire planet. Photographing people within their environments allows me to share their lived experiences with authenticity.
Whether I’m on humanitarian photography assignments, whether in remote villages, urban healthcare clinics, or disaster relief zones, my goal is always the same: to create imagery that drives awareness and positive change.
Photographing people - especially in their environments, is personally and deeply meaningful to me, as it is our shared humanity that I seek to capture in my images.
Over a Decade of Humanitarian Photography Assignments
For more than a decade, I have traveled worldwide to work on humanitarian and non-profit photography assignments and personal humanitarian photography projects alike.
Through collaborations with global organizations, I have documented initiatives that promote health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Here on my site, I share my passion and purpose along with some notable examples of humanitarian assignments I have completed around the world.
Some of my recent assignments as a Humanitarian Photographer include:
Capturing public health programs in India
Documenting climate resilience efforts in Ethiopia
Showcasing humanitarian aid initiatives in Uganda
You can explore some of my most impactful humanitarian photography projects here.
Visual Storytelling Photographer
As a skilled and passionate artist, I am committed to visual storytelling that evokes powerful emotional responses and inspires your customers, donors, volunteers and intended beneficiaries.
My extensive experience in strategy and strategic planning within the health sector, combined with practical experience in international development, means I can fully collaborate with your strategic communication team.
Together, we can create your communication strategy and leverage a shared vision when on assignment working as your cultural and humanitarian photographer and filmmaker.
Such collaborations maximize the value proposition for non-profit organizations by ensuring the creation of shared communication objectives which ultimately enables the creation of unique, personal and compelling visual stories that align with your strategic communication objectives.
Beyond Photography: Non-Profit Strategic Communications
My work also extends beyond photography. As a scientist and medical professional, I bring unique in-depth appreciation and technical understanding to a wide range of programs in health and global development.
With over 30 years of experience in strategic planning and as an experienced executive and board member at non-profits, I help organizations align their messaging with their mission.
As a former board member of Project Concern International and a co-founder of a children's health initiative in Myanmar (Burma), I understand the critical role that strategic visual storytelling plays in advocacy and donor engagement.
Let's Collaborate
If you’re an NGO, non-profit, or humanitarian organization looking for an experienced humanitarian photographer to help amplify your mission, I would love to hear from you. Let’s create meaningful, impactful stories together.
Contact me to discuss your project.
