Image Source: Cal Jeffery
caliix.com
Today, we’re excited to chat with Cal Jeffery, a talented and dedicated #PIstudent. In this interview, he reflects on his path into photography, the ideas that shape his work, challenges and his experience studying at The Photography Institute.
I’m Cal, the creative mind behind CaliiX. Born and raised on the Newcastle coast, I draw inspiration from the raw beauty of places, people, and process. What began as a simple outlet has grown into a quiet practice of making with intention and heart. My work is produced in small batches, curated to honour craft, share the journey, and build a living archive. CaliiX is not about mass production — it’s about resonance, ritual, and creating pieces that carry meaning.
As a child, I dreamed of being a cricketer, but an accident changed that. Creativity became my outlet, and today I channel that same drive and discipline into photography and storytelling. My work under CaliiX is about making with intention.
I dream of owning a medium-format camera — a tool to capture memories with clarity and to show that, even when life changes course, creativity can become a powerful way to inspire others.
Joy for me is the company of my dogs, when I'm in the presence of my parents, and in the beauty of where I live. Having access to amazing things reminds me daily of how fortunate I am.
My hobbies vary with photography, going to the gym, walking my dogs, and staying active and doing rehab. I also enjoy travelling, curating prints and exploring the outdoors.
Image Source: Cal Jeffery
caliix.com
I started photography because I was inspired by the beauty around me — the places I grew up in, the people I met, and the process of creating. It began as an outlet and was a way for me to show how I see the world, double vision and all.
Photography is a hobby that takes up a fair bit of my time. I wake up, walk my dogs, venture into my home gym, and always make time for shooting, editing, and printing — the part that brings me the most joy.
Image Source: Cal Jeffery
caliix.com
My goals for photography are to master black‑and‑white imagery, make prints that carry meaning, and use my story to inspire others. It’s not about being full‑time — it’s about making with intention, building a legacy, and finding joy in the process.
So far, my photography has already been exhibited twice — once at Watt Space Gallery and once in the Newcastle Art Space 40 x 40 exhibition. Having my work on display has been both humbling and motivating, pushing me to keep creating and inspiring others.
My balance comes from the freedom to create at my own pace. Photography is my outlet, but I keep life healthy by staying active, walking my dogs, and enjoying the beauty around me.
The online community is important for my work as it allows me to share with like‑minded people, gain inspiration, and receive constructive criticism. I value feedback as a way to improve my photography and build connections that support creativity.
Made with intent.
Image Source: Cal Jeffery
caliix.com
Black would be my favourite colour — not for its darkness, but for the way it holds every possibility of light. "Colour is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive: this shows why I like black, it allows contrast, removes distractions and allows the story to shine.
"Colour is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive" - Elliott Erwitt
Tolkien’s books are my favourites, every single one. His writing inspires me with its depth, mythology, and sense of journey — qualities I try to carry in my own photography.
I like movies that mix story, emotion, and imagination. My favourites are The Lion King for its timeless heart, The Lord of the Rings for its epic journey, and Rocketman for its creative spirit and resilience.
Black and white has always been my favourite — it’s timeless and powerful. At the same time, I’m moving into contemporary work, experimenting with new ideas while still keeping intention at the core of my work.
Image Source: Cal Jeffery
caliix.com
My favourite photographer is Mark Mann, whose portraiture inspires me with its emotional depth in both colour and black‑and‑white. I also admire photographers like Ansel Adams and Sally Mann, who mastered black‑and‑white but weren’t afraid to explore colour as well.
Photography institute, I don't follow heaps as I'm only new to Instagram.
Flexible, accredited, and practical — The Photography Institute helps me grow at my own pace.
The thing I value most is the support from Julian and the team. Their guidance and understanding through the situations I’ve faced have made me feel confident to keep going and focus on my creative growth.
My advice would be not to rush it. Take your time, ask for help when you need it, and be open to feedback — it’ll make the journey easier and more rewarding.
As well as my Diploma studies, I’m planning to exhibit in Newcastle in Capture at the Owens Collective next year. For me, this marks a shift into contemporary photography — expanding beyond my love of black and white into new ways of telling stories.
Follow my work on caliix.com or @caliix.studio on Instagram.
Website: caliix.com
Instagram: @caliix.studio
Cal’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you follow your passion, embrace change, and stay open to learning. If his story has sparked your own creative ambitions, why not take the next step? The Photography Institute offers the flexibility and expert guidance to help you turn your passion into a skill—just as Cal did.
Enrol on our photography course today and start your journey!
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