A Look into my world!
If you’re a believer in reincarnation, it wouldn’t be a far stretch of the imagination to assume that Vero Beach local Joe Semkow was likely a dolphin or a sea turtle in a previous life.
“Nothing is more satisfying then feeling free and being in the ocean surrounded by so much water and unknown,” Semkow shared, citing one of his passions in life as being under the water.
Certain a cool personality, Semkow is a fresh breath of positivity with a touch of free-spirit, a glimmer of artistic, and a believer of living in the here and now. He, like so many others, doesn’t consider himself cool, however.
“I like to be a loner,” Semkow explained. “I love to lose myself in the water, wilderness and be at one with whatever adventure I’m on or am seeking. It’s just who I’ve become. The crazy part is I’m a huge talker and can talk to a group of people without a problem, but I choose to be the way I am because I like to watch and learn.”
An observer, so to speak.
“Most people know that I would do anything for anyone more than myself if it meant helping others or giving them some inspiration,” he said.
If you’ve run into him locally, chances are it was at, near, or in the ocean. A freelance photographer, Semkow takes every opportunity he can to capture Mother Nature in some of her most beautiful moments and share those moments with the world, as well as in the offices and homes of his clients.
A Floridian through and through, Joe was born in Hollywood, Fla., and has lived in the Vero Beach community for the past eight years. When he graduated high school in 2005, he knew he wanted to serve his country first and foremost, and so that’s exactly what he did. Not surprisingly, he joined the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in New York City.
“Serving in the military teaches you the definition of being an American, as well as honor, integrity, and devotion to duty,” Semkow explained. He’s proud to have served and values the experiences he had while on active duty.
“I don’t see life as a career or life as working a job,” Semkow said. “The moment we are born is the moment we slowly begin dying. I learned that life is a gift and that we must find and do what we truly love.”
Joe’s love for life and the work that he does is evident in his demeanor, his humbleness, and his willingness to offer the visions of beauty that he is able to capture in a photograph and brighten up anyone’s life. He finds the joy in all of his surroundings.
“I am a man who loves to help others and bring people hope as well as a sense of serenity,” Semkow said. “My photography is to remind people that life is our own story and we write our own book. Nothing is more rewarding than having people reach out to me and let me know that every day they wake up, they look for that motivation to help them get through another day.”
