Jeffrey Czum

1. Let’s start at the beginning, tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from? When did you first pick up a camera? What’s your preferred form of breakfast? 

A little about me is that I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, a city used to losing multiple super bowls and pretty much overcast 90% of the year. I actually picked up my first camera at a very young age and always took to photography as a creative outlet throughout the years. As I got a little older, I found myself taking more and more pictures and branching off into trying different techniques and outlets which has led me to where I am now. 

My preferred breakfast is definitely a drive through bagel sandwich.

2. Do any of the above tidbits about yourself play a big role in your photographic style? What sparks your creativity? 

I am the most sarcastic person I know which has certainly contributed to the neon overlays in my work. I love creating context and pushing boundaries to make my somewhat average photos into something that spark interest in people.

3. If you were to describe your photographs using one song, what song would you choose?

Wow! How can I answer this and pick just ONE song? I will say this: I grew up in the 90s / early 2000s where everyone truly let Limp Bizkit become one of the biggest bands in the world at the time (not complaining). 

When you look at some of my more … ‘straight-forward’ art , you might have a better understanding of why. 

I also love that I can give props to LB.

4. What does a typical day look like for you? And please don’t leave out the details on how you cook your pup gourmet meals. 

I am currently in the balance of working 2 full time jobs and feel like I’m living 2 different lives at once. I have my professional ‘tech’ job and then my fun art making job. At this point, I’m going full throttle on both until I either totally crash or burn or figure out a way to balance both. Good news is that I can channel the stress of complete burn out into my artwork so I have that going for me!

Aside from that – My wife and I spoil our Old English Sheepdog, Wallace, every day and provide him with the utmost finest cuisine dishes for his weekend meals.

Wallace’s own Instagram account will make its debut soon…

5. Finally, what words of wisdom would you offer someone who was looking to grow as a photographer, whether that be professionally or as a hobby?

What’s helped me is not comparing myself to others and to not be afraid of trying something different. Take the time to learn the process and develop your own style and editing techniques. Starting over is also OK and don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do.