Lee Jeffries (a.k.a. “LJ”) started his career as a UK sports photographer covering football (soccer) games. Then one day he had a brief run-in with a homeless girl on the streets of London and it changed his perception of photography and art. He has since photographed countless homeless people throughout Europe and the U.S., and he always makes an effort to get to know them before asking permission to take their picture. The extent of their conversation is instantly apparent in every picture, as each person seems to be more intimate with the camera than the last. Knowing one’s camera is only half the skill set in a photographer’s tool bag. The other half is knowing your subject and its clear Lee is a people person.
Most of Lee’s work is in high contrast black & white, although he does dabble in the occasional color photo. He seems particularly drawn to weathered physiognomies and leather-like skin. Many of his subjects often hold their hands close to their faces, revealing more of their aged, textured hide. In post-processing, Lee focuses on the eyes, enhancing highlights and giving his subjects a surreal, almost demon-like quality. Despite the dark tone, none of Lee’s subjects look menacing or evil. In fact they come off as kind.
I highly recommend you browse through LJ’s photostream for a look at the overlooked human beauty that reveals itself through poverty and old age.
[Lee Jeffries on YellowKorner]
Do you perhaps know what equipment he uses?