Meet Jeff Thomas | Photographer, Author & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue an artistic career because I am a true creative at heart. I’m such a free spirit and in order for me to thrive and be balanced in all aspects of my life, I have to be authentically me. I am my art in every aspect; from the thought process and creative development down to managing the minor details that ultimately make the big picture an overall success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For a long time, I struggled with comparison and trying to live up to the versions of myself that others held of me. I had to come to a point where I had to do away with the noise, set boundaries, enforce them, and live only for God and myself. Because at the end of the day, that’s all I’m left with. Once I started journeying to become my true authentic self, which has not been an easy walk as it is ever evolving, I started to see things change, both within me and my art. I started to live more authentically. The more I started doing that, the more things opened up to and for me.

What sets me apart from others is that there is only one Jeff and I am blessed and favored by God. Everything that is for me and that I am meant to have, is already mine and will find me as I continue to walk this journey and live out my purpose. My brand and story is one of truth. It’s authentically rooted in the love for myself, people and life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Bet!

First day in town, we’re definitely hitting up Deep Ellum! It’s such a vibe and rich in creative energy. We’d most likely stop at Pecan Lodge and feast on some good BBQ. I’d of course warn about the long line, but advise it’s worth the wait lol.

The next couple of days we’d hit up Cris and John. It’s a quaint Mexican Vietnamese fusion street food spot in North Dallas. There is so much you’ll want to try on the menu, you would need a couple days to try it all. We’d also visit the Dallas Museum of Art. Its free and has some amazing pieces of art. I love visiting and discovering things I’ve never noticed before.

We’d most likely hit up STIRR and Sidecar Social in Addison for some good food and drinks and night cap with some delicious cookies from Cookie Society, also in Addison. Many people love Crumble cookie, and they’re cool, but Cookie Society is my go to.

We’d definitely visit Trinity Groves, play some games at Free Play. $12 gets you in and playing all their games for free. While in the area visit the Cake Bar and walk around the outside market area.

We’d lastly visit Sky Blossom Rooftop Bistro/Bar for a dope view, tasty food and good drinks. We’d then finish off with Punch Bowl Social Dallas for more games and drinks.

There’s sooo much more to do and see, but that’ll have to be on the next visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve always loved photography, so I’ve always been behind some sort of camera; cell phone, disposable, polaroid..I think I just dated myself haha. You get the picture. There is one person that comes to mind that propelled me into my professional photography destiny and that is one of my dear friends(more like family) Jeanine Bowens, Founder of Lovely P.U.S.H Boutique. Jeanine hired me on as her main photographer almost 3 years ago, and it’s been an amazing journey. We have both grown tremendously and have captured, both on camera and in our hearts, some pretty incredible moments. I am extremely grateful to her for entrusting me to capture her vision.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayelcreates/

Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NVDSW7J?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_2BZJNKQSR9DVMX0V915D

Image Credits
Models: Jeff La Monte, Jeanine Bowens, Dara Cato & Yakemia