About photographer:

Jarome Simon is a physical therapist by trade and a passionate photographer from Negros Oriental. After falling in love with photography in 2015, he balances his everyday job and pastime by honing his skills to create stunning photographs using only the most basic tools. He captures exquisite photographs of birds while finding serenity, comfort, and solace in nature's wonders. Jarome has a profound passion for nature and a propensity toward helping communities that had made an impact in wildlife conservation and protection.

 

Last year, Jarome launched his first ever calendar project, and all his profits went directly to his chosen beneficiary, the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Farmers Association Inc. (BTLFAI) in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. This association holds a special place in his heart, as the people serve to guide and take care of the natural beauty and all species within Twin Lakes Balinsasayao Natural Park. This year, Jarome explores a new calendar project for 2023, called “Eye See You,” showcasing intimate eye contact with his subjects. Jarome believes that establishing eye contact with his subjects is one of the most intimate ways to connect with nature. This enhances one’s ability to elicit emotion, which is one of the qualities in achieving a good photo.

In every photo, Jarome aims to showcase emotion to obtain his viewers’ introspection and help them see their relationship with nature in a new light. He finds wildlife photography to be a thrilling endeavor and hopes to showcase Negros Oriental's natural beauty to others. Through his wildlife photography, he wants to convey an experience unlike any other and reach out to more people.