Jena Cumbo earned a BFA in Painting and Photography from the University of Hartford and an MFA in Photography from SUNY Buffalo. Cumbo assisted under many established photographers including working as Lauren Greenfield’s first assistant in Los Angeles CA in 2008/2009. Cumbo returned to NY in 2009 where she works primarily as a portrait photographer shooting fashion and lifestyle. Cumbo coauthored a photo book with writer Gina Tron of their project “We Met On The Internet” in 2015. Cumbo’s work can be viewed on her website,  jenacumbo.com.

When we asked Jena what one of her favorite quotes was she told us, "Not everyone is going to like you all of the time" which her smart Aunt Jeanie told her. This is something we completely agree with. Our muses like Jena are woman who go out and reach for the stars. Sometimes there will be bumps in the road but it is the hard work and determination and understanding that while reaching those stars that not everyone will like you that is the key to success. Understanding who you are and believing in your goals is exactly what Jena is doing. Thank you Jena for being our Muse of the Week. Learn even more about Jena below in Stacy Igel's BTS Q&A interview: 

1.  Are you a Subway or Car (via, uber, lyft or other (bus/walk /etc) girl?

All of the above. I bike when its not freezing and I don't have too much stuff, drive when I have photo gear, subway when it makes the most sense and walk when I have time to.

2.  Favorite spot to be creative?

Where ever it strikes. I tend to get my best ideas while running, executing them happens in a variety of places.

3. Causes you advocate for?

I drive for meals on wheels, last charity I donated to was a teacher friends effort to get her students the books they need. Its ridiculous how underfunded our public schools are.

Within my own circle of people I like connecting people that can help each other.

4. Favorite quote?

"Not everyone is going to like you all of the time." - my Aunt Jeanie

5. Tell us about your last moment you shared with someone?

Just today I set out to shoot Street Style in BedStuy for LADYGUNN magazine specifically with Black History month in mind. I asked everyone that I photographed what Black History Month makes them think about and was very honored to hear strangers share their thoughts and feelings on race and culture. I really love living in BedStuy and the community here is wonderful.

 All photos by Spencer Kohn

Want to shop Jena's look?  Use the discount code JENACUMBO for 10% off your entire order!