We recently had the chance to connect with Jeffrey Byrnes and have shared our conversation below.
Jeffrey, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
My mentor, Christina Force.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jeffrey Byrnes — or simply, JeffreyB. As an advertising and commercial photographer my brand engages and interacts with viewers by telling dramatic stories. I create a sense of mystery by using a theatrical and dramatic approach to image-making. I like to leave people thinking and asking more questions than they arrived with. I bring achievement to life through the lens.
My personal work is centered around my connection to the ancient past. For me, image-making is a way of preserving the mysteries of the world — and I like to splash a bit of that intrigue into my commercial work whenever I can.
My friends would say I’m a “coffee snob,” and they’re probably right. I take my love for coffee and photography seriously — it’s about the process and the precision. It’s the same mindset I bring to my work behind the camera, or in front of it when I’m directing.
I see the world as my stage. People are the main characters, and it’s my job to tell their stories. I aim to collect as many experiences as I can, from as many places as possible — always with a cup of coffee in hand and a curiosity for new connections.
When I’m not working, I can be found in the sky flying helicopters or in the gym.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
We all have those ah-ha moments in life where things click. As much of cliche’ as it is, seeing a photograph appear for the first time in the developing tray in a dark room really brought to life the power of photography. It was that moment that really lamented for me that photography
isn’t just a way to view the world, it’s my way of viewing the world and creating something from nothing.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Kid, you’re doing it. You stayed true to the first dream you had, be known and be recognized for doing something. You will turn that desire into success and keep on repeating it. Your creativity isn’t just creativity, its power, its vision, its talent, its every part of who you are. It will take you a few failed relationships, some hard years, some tough work, but once you find your stride, the only looking back you will be doing is checking to see who you can bring on the ride with you. Remain focused and you will keep building and succeeding. Remember, no one will hold you back if they truly believe in you.”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Sometime in 2018 I watched an episode of Parts Unknown featuring Anthony Bourdain, a profound influence on my work, my life, and how I travel and eat. In this episode he traveled to Laos and told stories that captured my attention and inspired me. I am in the pre-production stages of a project I am going to photograph and film in mid 2026. I failed to travel to that region of the world in 2024. Timing didn’t work in my favor. After nearly a decade of desire to create this work, I am finally going to produce this project.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
He didn’t hold back. He had vision and talent and used those skills to create opportunities and built something incredible. He lived his life according to the path he made for himself and was kind enough to give back to the world in his time here and in his absence still gives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jeffreybyrnesstudio.com
- Instagram: @jeffreybphotography
Image Credits
Headshot by: Ben James
