Bored Panda reached out to the social science teacher based in Brussels, who discovered his passion for photography in 2014. Jeffrey was born in 1984 in Kortrijk, a Belgian city, and grew up in Marke, a village just outside of Kortrijk. With a master's degree in political science from Ghent University, he started working as a teacher in Brussels but photography became his favorite leisure-time activity that he now pursues with more fervor. He says, “What started off as a leisure-time activity became a means of self-expression and discovery, which fundamentally changed my perception of reality.”
Photography, particularly street photography, has opened up a whole new world of magical moments and untold stories for Jeffrey. He says, “I try not to think about what I do, but react to what I see.” He does not work or think in themes or projects when he's on the streets, but he begins sequencing and rearranging his shots during the editing process. This organic process has helped him grow as a photographer and a series or project has often grown out of it.
The very idea of change is what keeps Jeffrey motivated to continue his passion for photography. He says, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man." This quote by Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus explains the idea that everything is constantly changing and it applies to street photography as well. No matter how much time a photographer spends exploring the streets, he will always be able to discover something new. The very idea that everything is always changing and that he could create something new out of it, motivates Jeffrey to go out and shoot.
In conclusion, Jeffrey's passion for photography, particularly street photography, has allowed him to explore society and the human mind. He reacts to what he sees on the street, letting his shots grow into a series or project organically. The very idea of change keeps him motivated to continue this passion and to discover something new every time he goes out to explore the streets.
