Jérôme Photography

Jérôme Scullino’s journey as a photographer began at age 11 in his hometown of St. Raphael, France, when a school assignment captured his imagination. His route was not a traditional one, however, and lead him to study art in England, to New York where he studied philosophy, anthropology, and creative writing, followed by a foray into professional photography in the Dominican Republic, and finally to Canada where he completed his BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science, all to return to where he began at age 11: behind the lens of a camera.

It was in Canada where Jérôme met his wife and muse, Nisha. Despite Jérôme’s initial doubts that photography could be a viable career, and with Nisha’s support, Jérôme started his own photography company and has never looked back.

It wasn’t until 2007, however, that Jérôme’s true vision for his business began to take shape.

Les Invisibles, a vernissage of the elders of Collioure, France, was unveiled by the town’s mayor and captured the cultural richness and potential of Collioure’s elderly. The fine art exhibition inspired and motivated Jérôme to strive for more from himself as an artist.

“It gave me kind of a push in my confidence, where I felt that I could be good… and I realized I liked doing that art, and so I decided to call myself Jérôme Photographer… I felt it had more of a fine art feel and it was very personal. I was still working from my home then, and one of my dreams was to have my own space where I could go and create.”

That dream was realized in 2009 when Jérôme Photographer moved into 1171 Bank Street. Today, the studio is a reflection of Jérôme’s colourful personality and energetic work style. Jérôme attributes the new look, a departure from the black and white style of his previous brand, to an April 2010 visit to Antelope Canyon in Arizona.

“That was a spiritual journey for me” explained Scullino, “I realized I needed to push further into that and I needed the art to translate into all the work I did, whether it was family portraiture, or commercial work or even weddings… so I changed the logo against nearly everyone’s advice… I wanted to have colours that reminded me of what I am and where I started, and that was in the South of France… St. Raphael which is between Cannes and St. Tropez and which has beautiful gorgeous red rocks plunging into a blue sea.”

Beyond aesthetically pleasing images, artistic and spiritual empowerment are a large part of the experience Jérôme strives to create.

It was with this mindset that Jérôme greeted a young journalism student in the spring of 2011 who came to his studio in search of a job.

“I recognized a talent, I recognized a will to do something more than “just a job” and I appreciated the candidness… I developed a whole mentorship idea where someone could come to me and I could help them in realizing their dreams, or at least get them on the right track.”

And so Jérôme Photographer became Jérôme Photography. Alongside the development of his new associate photographers, Jérôme is also planning school and community workshops.

“It’s an opportunity for me to go out in the community, explain to people what it is I do, and teach about art history and what is art through my eyes and see if that inspires them to create more art… I think I can help a lot of people find their own expression through photography.”

In addition to his community based work shops, Jérôme also runs a very active charity program, supporting local organizations with his talent and enthusiasm. These initiatives not only allow Jérôme to give back, they are also an important way for him to connect with his community, a reciprocal relationship he cherishes.

“I believe that art is part of our lives, it’s not a luxury, it’s something that we need.”

With a determined focus on mentorships, artistic projects and a strong commitment to community, Jérôme is passionate about the future of his studio and his brand and hopes to continue making a difference in the life of everyone he meets.

Accomplishments

2007 – ‘Les aïlleux de Collioure’
Centre Culturel de Collioure, France

2007 – ‘Les aïlleux de Collioure’
Galerie de la vielle mairie de Collioure, France

2008 – ‘The Montreal Urban Stables’
Galerie Café des Arts, Montreal

2009 – ‘Horse and Rider, the Melissa & Skylar study’
Galerie Café des Arts, Montreal

2009 – ‘Integration: Image and Fashion’
Griff 3000, Montreal

2010 – ‘Antelope Canyon, a spiritual journey’
Galerie Café des Arts, Montreal

2011/2012 – ‘Antelope Canyon, a spiritual journey’
Agora Gallery, New York