Meet Jérôme Scullino | Founder & principal photographer at Jérôme Art & Photography

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

Hi Jérôme, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Brian McLaren wrote, “We were lovers who … decided to make the world a better place by slowing down long enough to pay for its improvement — by paying attention, the reverent, even holy attention of love.”

This quote transformed my career and shaped my work and I could say the way I approach life as well. It helped me understand my photography process. It was an “eureka” moment. When I am behind the camera, “I pay attention”, with one intention, to see the extraordinary, with no judgement… with compassion.

That is the cornerstone of what I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve learned that the end result—the portrait itself—is entirely shaped by the experience my clients have. I don’t ask them to perform. I don’t direct them into roles. I ask them to simply be present. Within that space, something shifts. They soften. They arrive. And that’s when the real portrait happens—not of a face, or a body—but of something deeper.

We are not our bodies. That’s not what I photograph. I’m after something else entirely. At first, those words might sound abstract or poetic to my clients—but as we move through the process, something clicks. And when they finally see the image, they recognize something in it they weren’t expecting: themselves, fully seen. That moment is often quiet. Sometimes emotional. Always real.

For most, the result becomes more than a portrait—it becomes a treasured piece of art. This approach—of not documenting the physical, but honoring presence and shifting the energy from performance to authenticity—is what sets my work apart. It’s not about looking perfect. It’s about showing up as your best, truest self. And that, to me, is the real art.

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.
If my best friend were visiting Miami for a week, we’d start where I always feel most inspired—Wynwood. There’s an energy there that feels alive and unfiltered. We’d definitely visit the Wynwood Walls and the Graffiti Museum, which is one of my personal favorites. It’s like stepping inside the creative pulse of the city.

At night, we’d head back to Wynwood for tacos at La Birria King, a food truck that’s low-key legendary. I could eat there nightly if I had no self-control—okay, sometimes I do. labirriakingfl.com

While we’re in the neighborhood, I’d make sure we hit Zack the Baker. Their flourless chocolate cookies are next-level—my wife swears by them. In her words: “They have the best freaking flourless chocolate cookies, man!” zackbaker.com

Later in the week, we’d head to Coral Gables and stroll Miracle Mile. It’s charming, a little upscale, and great for wandering. We always make a point to eat at Maiz y Agave—an incredible Mexican spot we fell in love with. maizyagave.com

We’d also take a trip up to Delray Beach—something about that area just slows you down in the best way. And one of the highlights for us, always, is catching a performance or exhibit at the Adrienne Arsht Center. It’s such a gift to the city.

Of course, we love walking along Miami Beach, taking in the ocean breeze and commenting on the Art Deco architecture—it’s like stepping into a living time capsule.

And if the timing is right, we’d wrap it all up with Art Basel—Miami’s creative chaos at its finest: art, energy, inspiration, and a little bit of madness. The perfect finale.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely—there’s no question that my journey has been shaped by the unwavering support, inspiration, and love of a few key people.

First and foremost, my wife, Nisha Parikh Scullino, has been the cornerstone of both my life and my career. She’s the one who first encouraged me to pursue photography and art as something more than a passion—she saw it as a true calling long before I did. For over 23 years, she’s been my partner in the business, my motivator, and the steady force behind everything I create.

My eldest daughter, Anousha, taught me how to connect with children—not just photograph them, but really see them. Before she came into my life, I felt awkward around kids. Through her, I found ease, empathy, and a new way of relating. That completely transformed how I work with families.

I’ve also been deeply influenced by photographers whose work opened new windows for me. Keith Carter’s photographs have always stirred something in me—his sense of poetry and atmosphere continues to inspire. And Mark Robert Halper changed the way I saw my own work; his approach gave me permission to strip things back and see with greater clarity.

Finally, my youngest daughter, Aimée, has been a quiet but profound source of motivation. Her presence reminded me of the importance of balance—of succeeding not just as an artist or entrepreneur, but as a father. She keeps me grounded in what truly matters.

This journey has never been a solo act. If there’s any success in my story, it’s because of the love and influence of those around me.

Website: https://www.jerome.art

Instagram: @jeromeartphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromescullino/

Other: https://medium.com/@jeromescullino

Image Credits
All images captured by Jérôme Scullino
Nisha Parikh Scullino (for mixed media artwork collaboration)