This website illuminates my life and adventures. My longing for freedom has led me to over 2600 of the world’s 3978 provinces, to every country on earth and to the summit of the highest peak on each continent (thank heaven for good weather!). In my travels, I learned to respect the intelligence and ingenuity of people of all races and callings both past and present. Come see the world as I see it: as a peaceful place, full of nature and beauty. With the right spirit and intent, we can make our world a virtual Garden of Eden.
DISTINCTIONS: BBC 2017 Travel Pioneer • Journal Articles • Explorer’s Club Flag Expeditions
World Parks Project • Walk Across South America • Jeff Shea Travel Map
Latvia, Rigas Prov, School -
Turkey, Nevsehir Prov, Pide Chef
China, Yunnan, Er Che Du Ma With Sunflower, 1994 - I visited Moshuo Lake on the border between Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. The tradition there was for the women to be the property owners. The man would call at the house at night, and as long as the woman answered, he had a home. Er Che Du Ma, the lovely girl in the photograph, was tending a small store. I asked her if I could photograph her. She enthusiastically ran home and changed into her traditional clothes. I shot about fifty 8x10 images of her. I felt I was in love with her for a long time after. I wrote to her. I think she wrote to me once. I was surprised to learn she was going to the city to study. Moshuo Lake was far removed from modern life in 1994. I eventually lost contact. I forget if I ever wrote to her that I loved her._Prov,_Dead_Tree,_2009,_IMG_3303-700x1156.jpg)
UK, Waltham Forest (London) Prov, Dead Tree
Singapore, View, 2003 - I didn't much like Singapore the first ten times I went there. Now I love it. It is safe. They do not allow billboards. There is no grafitti. I stay at a place on Robertson Quay (pronounced "key") that has no traffic. I can run along the canals. 
UK, Wrexham Prov, Bus Stop Girl
Thailand, Ranong Prov, River Buddha
Latvia, Ventspils City Prov, Soup -
Tibet, Everest Summit, Jeff Shea Standing, May 24, 1995, 9 a.m. -
I stand on the summit of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. Tsering Dorje is behind me to the right in the photograph. Lhakpa Gelu took the photograph with my small Leica pocket camera. I am grateful to Lhakpa Gelu and Tsering Dorje for their guidance on the summit day. They patiently waited while I took photographs and scooted across sections of the descent in a sitting position!
Grandmothers, 1996 Romania, Transylvania - 6x6cm film