We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Thomas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeff below.

Jeff, appreciate you joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

As a photographer driven by a deep passion for connecting souls and spreading love and positivity through my work, the legacy I hope to build revolves around fostering a sense of unity and understanding among people. Through my photographs, I aspire to capture the essence of humanity—the shared emotions, experiences, and connections that transcend boundaries.

When I’m gone, I hope people will remember me as someone who used the art of photography not just to capture beautiful images but to touch hearts and inspire minds. I aim for people to say that I was someone who believed in the power of images to evoke empathy, to break barriers, and to showcase the beauty of diversity while emphasizing our commonalities as human beings.

Ultimately, I hope to be remembered for my ability to capture moments that resonate with people on a profound level, fostering empathy and understanding across cultures, ages, and backgrounds. I want my legacy to stand as a testament to the idea that we are all more alike than different, and through this recognition, we can cultivate compassion and unity.

Whether it’s through portraits that reveal the raw emotions of individuals or through broader narratives that celebrate the human experience, I aim to leave behind a body of work that continues to inspire, uplift, and remind people of the universal connections that bind us all together.

Jeff, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Absolutely. I discovered my passion for photography during my youth, where I found connection through capturing moments. It wasn’t something I knew I wanted to pursue until later in life where I realized the profound impact an image could have in fostering empathy and understanding among people.

My creative offerings currently span portrait photography and candid captures that celebrate the human spirit. Through my lens, I aim to highlight the beauty in diversity and creating visual narratives that resonate with viewers on an emotional level. I solve the problem of disconnectedness by creating imagery that bridges gaps between individuals and cultures.

What I’m most proud of is how my work has connected with people, eliciting emotions and encouraging conversations about our shared experiences. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand stands for capturing moments that transcend boundaries, spreading love, positivity, and the realization that we are more alike than different.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is that I have the ability to not only tell stories from just my perspective, but from the lives, experiences and perspectives of many. I’m able to receive and digest information and paint pictures with my photographs, as well as my words as I’m also a songwriter and poet.

I’m grateful for my gifts and how they allow me to connect with people and we’re able to share stories and experiences lived on this journey called life.

As an artist/creative driven by the desire to connect souls, it’s the ability to evoke emotions and provoke thoughts through my work. Witnessing the impact of an image, seeing how it touches someone’s heart or prompts a change in perspective, is incredibly fulfilling.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Certainly, one aspect that non-creatives might find challenging to grasp about the creative journey is the depth of emotional investment in our work. For many creatives, including myself, our art is an extension of ourselves—it’s deeply personal and reflective of our emotions, experiences, and perspectives. This emotional connection to our work, which isn’t always linear, can sometimes be hard for non-creatives to comprehend fully.

Moreover, the creative process itself often involves a rollercoaster of emotions—moments of inspiration and intense focus, intertwined with periods of self-doubt and vulnerability. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows that can be difficult to articulate to those who haven’t experienced this creative process firsthand.

But also, to bridge the cap between the creative and non-creative worlds and connect us, creativity extends far beyond what is traditionally considered “creative” fields. It’s a mindset, a way of thinking and approaching problems or situations with originality and innovation. While individuals in fields like art, music, or writing are often recognized as “creatives,” creativity itself is present and highly valuable in every aspect of life.

In non-traditionally creative areas—such as business, science, engineering, healthcare, and everyday life—creativity manifests in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and finding novel solutions. For instance, a scientist devising a new experiment, an entrepreneur developing a unique business model, or even a teacher crafting engaging lesson plans—all exhibit creativity in their respective domains.

Bridging this gap involves recognizing and appreciating the creativity inherent in diverse fields and activities. It’s about acknowledging that creativity isn’t limited to artistic expression but encompasses the ability to think differently, to innovate, and to bring fresh perspectives to any area of expertise. This acknowledgment helps break the stereotype that creativity is exclusive to certain domains and promotes a more inclusive understanding of its universal applicability in all aspects of life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayelcreates/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Bloom-Expressive-Writing-Poetry/dp/B09NVDSW7J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GTKRJCLQO114&keywords=let%27s+bloom+jeff+lamonte&qid=1701217502&sprefix=let%27s+bloom+jeff+la+monte%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1

Image Credits
Jeanine Bowens, San Basilio de Palenque(Village in Colombia), Zachariah Howard, Real Black American Cowboy