I love taking photographs. I love the challenge of getting a photograph “right”. Not everyone agrees on what is “right”. For me, the original is rarely good enough. I believe it can always be improved. Thus, I either re-shoot as often as necessary, or, edit my photographs while trying to preserve the meaning of the original . If I was a better photographer that would not be necessary!

I have been a “serious” photographer since joining the Osher Lifelong Learning (OLLI) program at Northwestern University in 2027. I have a wide range of photographic interests. Capturing Chicago is probably at the top of my list. There is so much to explore. People, Landscapes, Architecture, and Motion and Emotion are just some of the subjects I enjoy. On this website you will find in addition to Capturing Chicago, Abstract Photography (both in camera and post-camera), scanned Cancelled Postage Stamps (note the fine and often excellent artwork), Glass Art, Blended Images, Travel Photography, Flora and Fauna (AKA friends and family), Drone Photography and most recently the underrated IPhone. Whenever possible, I will include something moving in the photograph either still or blurred (often trains, boats, planes, runners etc.) as well as images from Circus Sarasota which display the great physical performances seen at their annual contemporary circus show. Throw in humor, once in a while.

Finally, I continue to explore new types of photography and editing…. I hope to bring the viewer and the photographer face to face.

Most recent edit: September 1, 2026.

Jeffery Semel

jefferysemelphotography.com