Jef Janis is a Photographer and Fine Artist residing in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up in Cleveland, he developed a love for documenting the streets and people he saw everyday. This act of capturing his surroundings began with a pencil, drawing was his first passion and still holds a firm grip on his heart.Comic books and movies inspired his creativity and you can still see their influences in his work now. It was while attending John Hay High School his art teacher encouraged him to get a camera to take pictures of things he wanted to draw and paint. This was the catalyst that would open up a whole new world and give his voice a clearer sound. It wasn’t until being accepted into Cleveland Institute of Art, after spending his first three years experimenting with as many art mediums as possible, he would discover how much he truly loved photography. Majoring in Photography with his minor in Film, he had found his calling, focusing on black and white photography.
Jef went on to have his work published in several magazines and work with many amazing artists. He has had his work exhibited in several galleries with his peers as well as many solo showcases. Jef eventually opened a gallery in the Tremont area with his wife and fellow photographer with a desire to help give a platform to other young artists. Which led him to take on the role of teaching artist for The Cleveland Print Room and Metro Health organization. This gave him the opportunity to document the Cleveland streets for the Cleveland Public Library Archives and Artist in Residence at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Currently he has found a new home as a Photographer at NASA Glenn Research Center, documenting History.
