Aurora photographer captures beauty of nature
"The world is fine art," Michael Jessup likes to say. "It depends on how you appreciate it."
The Aurora photographer uses his camera to try to reflect that philosophy by capturing the beauty, grandeur and variety of life and nature and preserving it on film.
In photos he has taken on travels around the world, it's not unusual to find whales cavorting in the ocean, lighthouses standing majestically by the sea, or landscapes that inspire feelings of both awe and tranquility.
Jessup, who calls himself M.J., will showcase his work at the MJ Wild Things Photography & Fine Arts studio show and sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 2388 Sunrise Court, Aurora.
"My show is all about my work," he said. "I have a library of film from around the world."
The former marine researcher, who has a doctorate in the sciences, said he has a special affinity for wildlife that allows him to photograph a wolf at 20 feet or approach creatures under the sea.
"I get up close and personal to wildlife," he said. "Maybe I'm the Dr. Doolittle of photography. I've been called that."
Jessup, now in his early 50s, got into photography early while growing up in Hinsdale and California.
"I was 9 years old and just messing with my grandfather's camera out in the country," he said.
He later led environmental expeditions with National Geographic and the Explorers Society, and won awards for his underwater, landscape, wildlife and lighthouse photography.
Family connections returned him to the Western suburbs two years ago, where he runs his studio out of his home.
He says he plans to move with his fiance to the East Coast and open a fine arts studio, but his ultimate goal is to have a floating fine arts studio that would sail to different ports around the world.
"I've always been on the go," he said. "I've always been involved in numerous things in life."
He's a regular at art shows throughout the region and says he's seen his work bring tears to people's eyes because it reminds them of places they've visited.
"A lot of my photography gives people good memories," he said. "My photography brings heart and soul to you."
As a researcher who has spoken out on environmental causes, Jessup also hopes his photos cause people to better appreciate nature and want to preserve it. The oceans he loves are endangered by pollution and over-fishing, he says.
"It's a beautiful world out there no matter where you're at, what country you're in. Love it. Don't destroy it," he said.
Attributing his own success to an eye for color, Jessup says even novices can learn to capture their experiences with digital or 35mm cameras. He's led photographic expeditions to Africa, Nova Scotia, the East Coast, Hawaii and Alaska. He's developing new tours for the coming year, he said.
In addition to wildlife and nature, Jessup has shot exotic weddings, pets in their natural settings and models who wanted to redesign their portfolios. He also uses his photos to create customized greeting cards.
Naperville resident Dawn Miller, a longtime friend, said the photographer's eye for color shows not just in the pictures he shoots but in how he mats and frames them. Jessup framed a couple pictures for her kitchen.
"He pulled all the colors of the kitchen together," she said. "He has a good sense of interior design."
Jessup also gave Miller and her husband a framed photo taken in Hawaii when her husband was recovering from major surgery. The couple had visited Hawaii twice, and Jessup had personalized the photo by using a computer to write their names in the sand.
"It was just a very thoughtful thing he did," Miller said. "That's Mike. He's a very giving person."
Jessup said his prices start at $15 for an 8-by-10-inch matted photo. For examples of his work, visit www.mjwildthings.com.
If you go
What: MJ Wild Things Photography & Fine Arts show and sale
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: 2388 Sunrise Court, Aurora
Info:(630) 710-6722