PORT EWEN, N.Y. — It’s been more than 30 years since Jeffrey Lewis of Esopus underwent a life-or-death operation in which half his brain was removed. Now, 36 years old, Lewis is doing well, showcasing his photographs of eagles throughout July at the town’s public library in Port Ewen.

Jeffrey lost the right side of his brain in a surgery treating Rasmussen’s encephalitis, a rare disease that eats away brain tissue. As a result, he lost the use of his right arm and suffered significant vision loss.

While Jeffrey is doing well, his mother, Lynda, said it hasn’t been all smiles. “Last March, he had a major, life-threatening crisis,” she said. “He had blood clots in his legs that traveled to both of his lungs.”

“He’s now going to be on blood thinners for the rest of his life,” she added.

During his medical emergency, Jeffrey could not go out on his almost daily walks, which inspired much of his photography. His dad took him out for rides in the car in the meantime.

Despite recent medical struggles, Jeffrey is back outside, taking photos around Esopus. “I bounced back bigger and better than ever,” he said.

Jeffrey spends much of his time in nature around the town, taking photos of everything from clouds to birds, to chipmunks. He said many of his photos come from his walks in the Black Creek Preserve.

While Jeffrey photographs a range of subjects, his work on display at the Town of Esopus Library, 128 Canal St., focuses on eagles. All of the photos of the birds were taken in the town. The series, titled “Eagles in Esopus,” is on display for the entire month of July.

Jeffrey said his favorite part about being in nature is not knowing what he’s going to see. “Every day is different,” he said. “I tell my parents all the time: I take the same walk and a lot of the same pictures, but every season is different.”

Lynda said she was impressed that Jeffrey was able to capture photos of younger eagles, which she said are more skittish. “I swear some of the eagles know him,” she said.

In addition to eagles being on-theme for July, Lynda said this month marks an important milestone in Jeffrey’s journey. “The 21st of July is 32 years since had his radical brain surgery,” she said. “He’s been 32 years with half of a brain and no seizures.”

Jeffrey credits local Esopus photographer Rob Hite with encouraging him to pursue the craft. “We thought it was a fun hobby,” Lynda said. “But Rob really saw his vision; that he was not only taking pictures but because they were just raw, unedited, that he definitely had a little talent going.”

“I was an art major,” she laughed.

Jeffrey said he enjoyed showing the raw, natural beauty of the area, without editing or filters. “Whatever I take is what I take, and I take pride in that,” he said. “I don’t like to add things, I don’t like to take away things.”

According to Lynda, Jeffrey’s work has gained some popularity. He makes calendars every year, showcasing his top 12 photos. “He makes 100 calendars every year, and usually he’s sold out by the second week in December,” she said. “He’s got work hanging in people’s houses.”

While Jeffrey’s work has been on display in the library since the beginning of July, an open reception will be held on Friday, July 12. The reception will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with light refreshments, and Jeffrey will be on-site to greet guests and talk about his photos. Jeffrey’s brother is flying in from South Carolina for the occasion, along with his fiancée and daughter.

“We are expecting a large turnout,” Lynda said. “He’s got great community support.”

“He’s had amazing support from the time he was in school, community, church,” she added. “Everybody knows Jeffrey Lewis.”