“Be yourself!”
–Jeff Hurst
If you live in Toronto, especially the east end Beaches area, you’re likely to see Jeff roaming about with his camera looking for his shot of the day. If not, there’s a good chance you’ve seen some of his other work. Aside from being a great photographer, Jeff is also a fantastic graphic/web designer and musician. He’s helped dozens of companies with their image, branding, website and logo design.
Upon meeting Jeff a few years ago, he soon became one of our best friends. Actually, we first bonded over music. At the time, Jeff owned a record label and was accomplished DJ and producer. He’s one of the most creative guys you’re likely to meet with one heck of a sense of humour. He’s become an integral part of our team here at inkster and has a keen ability to quickly grasp the direction we want to go with design work. He just gets it.
On February 17th, 2015 Jeff accepted a challenge to take one photo a day for an entire year. Which, as it turns out is easier said than done. We recently sat down with Jeff to discuss the project:
Why did you start this project?
I was actually challenged by a friend. When I first picked up the camera he was a huge help, but he was finding it hard to find time to practice. He suggested project 365 as a way to force ourselves to practice. I was basically shooting every day anyways, so I said let’s do it! Little did I know how hard it would actually be.
What got you into photography?
As a kid, I was into art and I was always drawing. I ended up going to an arts high school and took as many art classes as I could. After high school, I focused on Music and DJing. Eventually, I started a record label, and I needed graphics for the label. I just kind of took that on and really got into graphic and web design as a result. So, really, photography was just a natural progression from there. I wasn’t sure how it would evolve, but it’s turned out to be one of my main passions now.
What’s been your favourite part of the project?
How much I have learned and the experiences I’ve had. I’ve found photography has forced me to try new things, and go places I might not go, just to try and get a great shot. Having a camera in your hand gives you an excuse to live in the moment. Like standing in front of the Milky Way for hours, or really exploring a new city. I love having a reason to just get out there.
Why did you keep going?
After 365 days was up, I took one day off, and I was miserable! The next day I started shooting again. I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do with it or how to brand it. In haste, after about a week I came up with Project Infinity. And I say in haste because I don’t know how you end project infinity?
Where’s the 3 coolest places this project has taken you?
Well, the first would probably be going to Tobermory to shoot the milky way. As it turns out, we ended up getting surprised with northern lights as well! That was an awesome sight, and one I won’t forget. Boston was also very cool. That trip I walked 30 kilometers in one day alone, and I saw that fucking city, slowly… (laughs)…in painstaking detail. There’s just so many places. The trip to Buffalo with you guys (inkster crew) was also awesome. There’s something cool and almost scary at times about shooting abandoned places. Same with the time we all went to Camp 30. It was absolutely freezing, like minus 30, but we went anyway and stayed all day because we fuckin love doing it. There’s that collaboration aspect with your friends that adds an extra personal connection and inspiration.
What are you excited about right now?
I leave tomorrow to go to New York, and I’m super pumped about it. In the immediate future, in general, I would say I am excited to just keep getting better, to try new techniques. Just really improve my skills and challenge myself. I am my only competition, so I look forward to expanding my skills as a photographer.
Any advice for someone picking up the a camera for the first time?
Find your style and do what comes natural. Don’t worry about comparing, or not being good as you want to be yet, or not having the greatest gear. Just go out, have fun and find inspiration. Join photo sites and try and get inspired by other photographers, and then just do your thing in your own way.
Thanks once again to Jeff for being an awesome friend and taking the time to sit down with us and chat about Project Infinity. We’re looking forward to seeing what he has in store and where this journey takes him in the future.
If you’re interested in hiring Jeff as a photographer, graphic or web designer, you can contact him directly through email at jeff@kingstonroadcreative.com. You can also check out his website and various social media platforms below:
Website: http://kingstonroadcreative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kingstonroadcreative/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/KRCmedia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingstonroadcreative/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kingstonrdcrtv/
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