Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerome Cabeen.
Hi Jerome, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I couldn’t have imagined that just 6 1/2 years ago I would pick up a camera to fill a void in my life, and now I am a professional photographer traveling the world on photography assignments. Photographing music festivals has offered me an opportunity to interact with cultures and artists I otherwise may have never had the chance to share air with.
I recently returned from Poland this past July, and was in Costa Rica in March. I am grateful to be able to do what I do. It truly is a testament to the artistic spirit, and creative nature of the human heart.
Although my life has been surrounded by, and imbued by the Arts, photography is a medium that came to me in my 50’s. For it to flourish and mature in the manner it has in a relatively short time frame leads me to always say, “Photography chose me! Not the other way around.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing of value in life is ever achieved by a “smooth road.” I imagine my story is not dissimilar to others. Losing loved ones, going through painful separations and self-doubt, and never being quite comfortable with where one is at is quite natural for all of us.
I spent 6 years living in Central America and West Africa, working with some of the most economically disadvantaged people on our planet. This experience certainly gave me the latitude to understand suffering at its most basic foundational form. It helped to create a new paradigm in me, a greater understanding that we can choose to complain or we can choose to be grateful. I choose gratitude.
Zen Buddhism, meditation and prayer have been the foundational support which has helped me to understand the nature of suffering much better. Once something is understood, it is no longer feared. Photography is absolutely part of my meditation journey. It slows me down, helps me to remain in the moment and reminds me to be still.
So yes, have there been tough times? More than I care to count. However, understanding their nature, and then using that understanding to transform the pain into something artistically redeeming, now that is a miracle!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am very blessed to be a Fine Arts teacher at what I consider to be the best school in Texas, Lumberton High School. We have an incredibly effective administrative team, a very dedicated staff and faculty, however, for me, the greatest assets are our students.
This is my first year at Lumberton High School and every student I have has been an incredible gift to me. It is challenging at times to balance so many different personalities and energies, yet each student has been a light on my journey. They are loved, no doubt.
I have also found an avenue for photography through my teaching position. Be it photographing for the school at events, or simply talking to my students about my experiences, being there keeps me close to photography.
With the time off we have during the school year, and the summers, this provides ample opportunity to accept jobs either near or far for my photography career.
While music festivals are my bigger jobs, I photograph a lot of sporting events for Lamar University here in Beaumont, Texas. I work mostly with the women’s softball program, but also have photographed the football, men’s and women’s basketball and women’s soccer teams.
Every year I do about 15-20 graduation photoshoots for local seniors, and I do a lot of company photography for events. I try to stay busy, that’s for sure.
I am currently the Vice-President of the Beaumont Camera Club, and serve on the Board of Directors. In some manner, photography is always front and center on my journey, and I love that.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have done extensive photography work for Buddhist communities here in the United States and France. Being able to document the mindful living of peaceful individuals, such as Buddhist monks and nuns, has been an incredible joy for me. It always reminds me to be grateful for each moment and my talents.
I imagine the final thought I would like to leave with readers is to grab a camera, document what is around you and what you are experiencing, and tell your story! Each of us has a story to tell, and what better way to do it than by picking up a camera and photographing life in all of its mysterious beauty.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jeromecabeenphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DjjCTL9TQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: @JeromeCabeen
