Tari Segal: Cinematographer, Visionary, and Storytelling Artist
Tari Segal is an acclaimed American cinematographer, producer, and camera operator, celebrated for her ability to blend technical precision with emotional storytelling. With a career spanning film and television, she has made a name for herself as a visual storyteller who infuses every frame with depth, mood, and creativity. Her work has earned her recognition within the industry, culminating in her induction into the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Tari Segal was born on October 10, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, into a family deeply connected to the arts. Her father, Joe Segal, owned the legendary Jazz Showcase, which exposed Tari to the world of improvisation and rhythm from an early age. Growing up around music and performance inspired her to explore visual storytelling, ultimately leading her to a career in cinematography.
Education and Training
Tari pursued her passion academically, earning a degree in Cinematography from Columbia College Chicago, a program known for fostering creativity and technical mastery. After graduation, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue professional opportunities in film and television.
Her early career included an internship on the Oscar-nominated film Sideways, where she worked under the guidance of renowned cinematographer Phedon Papamichael. This experience provided her with hands-on learning and exposure to professional film production, laying the foundation for her future successes.
Career and Notable Work
Film and Television
Tari Segal has built a diverse portfolio as a cinematographer and camera operator. She has worked on high-profile television series such as Chicago Fire and Chicago Justice, where she honed her skills capturing dynamic scenes with authenticity and emotion.
In film, she has served as director of photography for projects including One Small Hitch (2013), and more recently, she has worked on projects such as Long Bright River and Interior Chinatown. Her work demonstrates a balance between visual artistry and storytelling clarity, often drawing on her jazz-influenced sense of rhythm and composition.
Artistic Vision
Tari’s signature style reflects her roots in jazz: she emphasizes improvisation, emotional resonance, and storytelling through light, color, and composition. Her cinematography often captures the subtleties of human emotion, making her work both technically impressive and deeply moving.
Her induction into the American Society of Cinematographers in 2025 is a testament to her skill and the respect she commands among her peers. This milestone recognizes her contribution to the art and craft of cinematography while also marking her as a role model for aspiring women and people of color in the field.
Personal Life
Tari Segal is in a long-term relationship with actress Monica Raymund, known for her roles on Chicago Fire. While she maintains a relatively private personal life, her relationship with Raymund has been highlighted in multiple interviews and profiles.
Tari also credits her family, particularly her father, for inspiring her creative path. Growing up in a household where music, performance, and storytelling were central has profoundly shaped her visual style and artistic sensibilities.
Influence and Legacy
Tari Segal’s work stands out not only for its technical excellence but also for its emotional depth. She brings a musical sensibility to cinematography, translating rhythm and improvisation into cinematic visuals.
As a woman in a historically male-dominated field, her success represents both artistic achievement and progress toward greater diversity in cinematography. She continues to inspire emerging cinematographers to draw on personal experience, culture, and creativity to inform their visual storytelling.
Conclusion
Tari Segal is a remarkable cinematographer whose career embodies creativity, technical skill, and storytelling mastery. From her early experiences in Chicago’s jazz scene to her professional achievements in film and television, she has established herself as a visionary in the art of cinematography. Her relationship with Monica Raymund and her artistic contributions further reflect a life dedicated to both craft and connection.
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