Leo Jung was born in Seoul, Korea two years after the end of the Korean War. In his late teens, he inherited a Fuji manual camera from his father, beginning his love of photography and art. However, with college and mandatory service in the Korean army, photography was left on the back burner.
After moving to the United States, getting married, and raising two daughters, his main priority became his family. His camera was tucked away in the back of his closet, and he picked it up every once in a while to see if its shutter worked.
Now, with his daughters grown and retirement on the way, he decided to pick up photography again. While not using the manual camera, Leo Jung purchased a digital Canon 5D Mach II to start his passion for photography again. With the encouragement of his wife and his photography group, Leo started taking more pictures in earnest combining his love of nature with his love of art and culture.
Recently, he visited Ethiopia where he says he will never forget the faces of the people as they stopped to pose with smiles looking at his camera lens. While religious and civil wars erupt throughout the country, these photos portray a life that continues forward regardless of their surroundings. It is a testament to how life continues in the face of adversity.
Featured photographer: Stairs and 3rd Floor Gallery – October 3, 2022 thru January 2024.