Meet Jerome Cabeen | Professional Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerome Cabeen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerome, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My father was a successful architect and my mother was a wonderful painter, artistic creativity runs in our family. Personally, it has been a vehicle to express my view of our world and to tell a story. There is literally no boundaries or end to what art, and in my case, photography, can express that words cannot.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art from Sam Houston State University and a Masters Degree in Theology/ Ministry, and while one may not seem to relate to the other, for me it certainly does. My first loves were oil painting and drawing. I can’t remember a time growing up that the smell of turpentine wasn’t permeating our home. My mother was always painting.

While I was always moved and inspired by great photographers such as Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lang and Alfred Stieglitz, photography is a medium I have only been seriously immersed in since 2019.

Nothing good….as in genuine…..authentic….meaningful….is ever easy. You either put in the work or you don’t. This is true for each our journeys, not just professional endeavors. With photography the common saying is “put in 10,000 hours of practice and maybe you will be on to something.”

My photography is sacred to me, not in a religious manner, however it is very spiritual in that everyone and everything I encounter around the world is a reflection of the One in which all our seeking ends.
For me that is love.

I would like others to know that your dreams are important, however, you have to work for them. You should want to tell a story each and every moment of your journey. As well, society in general, puts too much of an emphasis on age. I didn’t fully immerse myself in photography until I was 52. I am 54 now, and I am loving my life more than I ever have.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Beaumont, Texas so deciding where to eat would be difficult because there are so many great restaurants. I am a vegetarian, so definitely there would be visits to Elsa’s Greek Grill, Chaba Thai Cusine, Sweet Basil Noodle House, and for breakfast, a trip to Toasted Yolk would be in order.

Tyrell Park Botanical Gardens/ Cattail Marsh, The Big Thicket, Shangri-La, The Jefferson Theatre, The Art Museum of Southeast Texas and the Museum of the Gulf Coast would be on the itinerary. If they were a music fan, as I am, a trip to see Janis Joplin’s childhood home in Port Arthur would be a must, as well.

The Golden Triangle (Beaumont, Port Arthur, & Orange) is replete with great food, great music and people, and an absolutely endless array of nature. It’s a great place to be a photographer!!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without hesitation, the two biggest influences on my journey with photography have been Jim Turner and Keith Carter. Both have been inspirational and encouraging. So my shout out goes to them!!!!

Website: www.jeromecabeenphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeromecabeenphotography

Twitter: @jeromecabeen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerome.cabeen