Jeffrey is a resident at Regis Cranbourne and describes himself as “a typical person,” but his life tells a very different story. Jeff is a talented photographer, a published poet, a musician and a devoted father and grandfather.
His love for photography began in childhood when his father, who worked at Kodak, gave him his first camera, a Box Brownie. From that moment Jeff never stopped taking photos. Over the years photography became more than a hobby. It became a lifelong passion.
Jeff has taken thousands of photos and his favourite subjects are seascapes, landscapes and people. He loves capturing the world as it unfolds, the ocean, nature and the character of those around him. He is inspired by everyday moments and interesting people. “Taking the perfect picture at the perfect time inspires me to take my time and be patient,” he says.
One of his most memorable shots was taken at a concert. A performer was singing when Jeff instinctively lifted his camera and captured the perfect image. It remains one of his favourites and reminds him of how wonderful spontaneous photography can be.
Jeff embraced the move to digital photography and enjoys editing his own photos, bringing out his artistic vision in every image. “Modern technology has only made photography more exciting,” he says.
Even now Jeff continues to take photos at Regis Cranbourne. At the recent Oaks Day fashion parade he was out with his camera, later editing the images into beautiful final shots. After a stroke made it difficult to hold the camera with both hands Jeff adapted by using an attachment stick, proving his determination to keep doing what he loves. His advice for anyone wanting to take up photography “Forget the rules of photography and study the perspective rule of art.”
Jeff also used to develop his own film, enjoying the full creative process from start to finish. Outside photography he is a published poet and has a love for music, playing guitar, bass and drums. He began with classical music before moving into modern styles.
He is a proud dad of two, a son and daughter, and grandfather to four. His daughter lives nearby and visits often while his son lives in New South Wales. Before retiring Jeff worked as a Senior Team Leader at an ice cream factory for 15 years. After retiring he spent eight years living on the Bass Coast.
Jeff enjoys spending his mornings catching up with fellow residents, chatting about current events and sharing stories. He has made many friends and is a regular at events, always showing a genuine interest in the people around him. Jeff’s story is a wonderful reminder of the creativity and resilience our residents bring to Regis Cranbourne. His passion for photography and art continues to inspire those around him.
