National Geographic photographer Sam Abell returns to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the University of Oregon campus at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 for the lecture, “My Journey in Photography.”

Abell’s photography is included in the new Schnitzer exhibition “National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West,” which opens to the public the same day. The exhibition, on view through Dec. 31, includes photographs by Abell, Ansel Adams, William Albert Allard, Edward Curtis, David Alan Harvey, William Henry Jackson, Sarah Leen and Joel Sartore.

Each of the exhibition's four sections focuses on a different aspect of the American West and its importance to our national identity. “Legends” portrays some of the cowboys, Native Americans and landscapes that define the vast area. “Encounters” showcases the interactions among the people of the West, visitors and wildlife. “Boundaries” features places where endless skies, boundless plains and dramatic mountains meet natural and manmade limits. “Visions” explores the growth of the American West and where its story may go in the future.

Abell has worked with the National Geographic Society since 1970 and has photographed more than 20 articles on various cultural and wilderness subjects. His book credits include “Australia: Journey Through a Timeless Land” and “Seeing Gardens.”

Abell and Torbin Ulrik Nissen premiered an exhibition and accompanying book “Amazonia” at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in 2010. Abell lectures on photography, teaches workshops and exhibits his images throughout the world. He is currently working on the multi-volume Sam Abell Library.

He will also attend the free public reception for “National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West,” on Sept. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

- by Katherine Cook, UO Office of Strategic Communications intern