Today we’d like to introduce you to Josue Jeune.
Hi Josue, 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 started being interested in photography sophomore year of high school when I joined the yearbook committee as a photographer. I was just pointing and snapping photos on automatic mode until I started working with my first mentor from my church. He taught me the basics of the camera and from there, I started photographing weddings and other events. When I left for college, I took it upon myself to really try to master the art of photography and to find a style that suits me.
I was inspired by who is now my favorite Youtuber Peter Mckinnon and from watching his videos, I challenged myself to take not only better but more unique photos. Sophomore year of college was another big step for me, I met another mentor that has become one of my best friends Terrence Nealy, who helped me develop my style. He also pushed me by putting me in front of as many clients as he could so I would become comfortable working with people, he also introduced me to filmmaking. I found a new passion in filmmaking and decided to pursue it; I made two short films before graduation, with the help of another close friend of mine, Mariah Franklin. After graduating from Bethune-Cookman University in May of 2020 during the pandemic, I decided to go back to school and enrolled in Full Sail University’s Film Production Masters program. Which I will be graduating from this year in October.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth at all; my mother passed away from cancer at a young age, so I grew up in a house full of guys. Life wasn’t easy, we didn’t live in the best neighborhood but we made it work. We stayed together during that time even though my brothers are older; I think that’s what helped me keep my head on straight and not do anything crazy on the streets like I watched so many others that were my age do. I am a first-generation college student in my family so when it came to college, I had to figure things out as I went along. Luckily I was blessed with a very supportive family, my father, grandfather, and brothers have been and still are in my corner, cheering me on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Photographer and Filmmaker. My first step into the creative realm was through photography so it has a special place in my heart. My specialty and what I am most known for at the moment is Filmmaking; for the past couple of years, I have been producing short films with friends and classmates. In the past couple of months, I have produced two short films, “Kidnapped,” a film I wrote and directed myself, and “Lilith,” a film that I co-produced with a friend. Those films are being edited now, I have also been a Director of Photography on multiple other films recently, and I am excited to see how they come out. The film I am most proud of at the moment would be “Lilith”; we went through so many challenges trying to make that film come to life, and in the end, it felt amazing to wrap production on it knowing we were able to make it happen.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I was very fortunate to be able to find the mentors that I did. The best places to find mentors are the most unexpected places, When you’re working hard at whatever your passion is and constantly looking for like-minded people, you will find some great connections that can propel you through the next steps of your goals. That’s what I do, I am always learning and challenging myself to be better than I was before and in doing so people will see my work ethic and those who are doing the same will contact me and we’ll collaborate on a project.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: josuejeune.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/joejeune?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joe.jeune
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE0Byi-OzOF6tyDIVQmfE4Q
