We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jayde “Scooby” Graham. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jayde “Scooby”, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’m a little bit of both. I know the general destination of where I want my journey to take me, but the road getting there isn’t a straight line—it’s long, full of twists, forks, and sometimes even unpaved stretches. And honestly, that’s what excites me. I’ve always embraced the adventure of the unknown.
Being an Army brat, my whole life has been a wandering journey. Moving from place to place taught me how to adapt quickly, find beauty in uncertainty, and make a home anywhere I landed. That constant change became a part of me, and it still shapes how I move through life today. I’ve grown comfortable with not having everything mapped out, because I trust that each step—whether deliberate or spontaneous—still pushes me forward.
Even in my day-to-day life, I often go with the flow. I can be very spontaneous, from everyday choices to hopping on a flight for random trip across the world, or even a quick road trip somewhere in the US. I see those wanderings not as detours, but as meaningful side paths that add richness to my journey. At the same time, I carry a sense of direction—I may not know the exact turns I’ll take, but I know the kind of life I want to build and the person I want to become.
So for me, walking a path and wandering aren’t opposites—they work together. Wandering gives me freedom, while the path keeps me grounded. Together, they make the journey uniquely mine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jayde Graham, and I am the founder of Caerus Multimedia, a photography and film production company based in Austin, Texas. Through Caerus Multimedia, I specialize in portraits, nature photography, music videos, short films, and branded content. Alongside that, I run a travel brand called Catching Caerus, where I document my journeys around the world through blogs, vlogs, and social media content. My goal with Catching Caerus is to inspire people to explore new places and show them that travel doesn’t have to be intimidating—it’s often more accessible than they think.
My passion for film and photography goes back as far as I can remember. As a kid, I’d stay up late with my mom watching horror films, fascinated by how stories came alive on screen. In high school, I dove deeper into the craft by taking video production classes, and I was fortunate to learn from mentors who helped shape my path. I owe much gratitude to my teacher and counselor, Mr. Cunningham of Vilseck American High School, and Tony McKinney of AFN Bavaria the Eagle, who gave me the chance to intern at a local radio and television broadcast station while I was living in Germany. Those early experiences gave me both the skills and the confidence to pursue my passion professionally.
When I returned to the U.S., I settled in Texas and began filming music videos for local artists. That opened the door to new creative collaborations, including working with artist marketing company PRMTD, where I helped produce live showcases and promotional content for Austin’s vibrant music scene. In 2020, I entered my first film festival with one of my music video projects—and to my surprise, I won several awards. That moment was a turning point, reaffirming that my work could resonate beyond my immediate circle.
Today, I continue creating with artists, businesses, and individuals across Austin, while also expanding my reach beyond Texas. With more than 10 countries traveled, I combine my love of storytelling with my love of exploration, finding opportunities to film, photograph, and share my journey with audiences worldwide. Whether it’s through cinematic projects at Caerus Multimedia or global adventures with Catching Caerus, my mission is the same: to tell stories that inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impression.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my parents. From a young age, they instilled in me the values and perspectives that continue to guide who I am today. Growing up as an Army brat meant I had the privilege of seeing the world early on—moving from place to place, being exposed to different cultures, foods, people, and environments. My parents made sure I embraced each new experience with curiosity rather than fear.
That upbringing gave me more than just memories of different countries—it gave me a deep love for travel and an appreciation for the diversity of human experience. At the same time, it taught me something even more important: no matter how different people may appear on the surface, we share many of the same hopes, values, and connections at our core. Learning that at such a young age shaped not only how I see the world, but also how I see myself—as someone who bridges cultures, adapts to change, and seeks connection wherever I go.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
In my experience, suffering and failure are often greater teachers than success could ever be. Success feels good in the moment, but it can also make you comfortable, even complacent. Failure, on the other hand, has a way of humbling you. It forces you to reflect, adapt, and grow in ways you wouldn’t if everything always went right.
Suffering teaches resilience—it shows you how strong you really are when you’re tested. It teaches patience, because sometimes you have to sit with defeat and really feel it before you can move forward. And most importantly, it teaches clarity. When things fall apart, you’re often given the chance to rebuild with a sharper vision, a better understanding of yourself, and a deeper appreciation for the journey.
In short, success can reward you, but suffering shapes you.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the film, photography, and art industries is the idea that creativity must fit neatly within rules or guidelines. There’s often this unspoken belief that there’s a “right” way to shoot a scene, frame a subject, or tell a story. While I do think having a strong foundation is valuable, I’ve never believed that art should be confined by those limits.
To me, art is limitless—it thrives when boundaries are challenged and norms are broken. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the only way. In fact, some of the most powerful and memorable work comes from people daring to push past those so-called rules. At the end of the day, art is deeply personal, and it can be whatever you want it to be, so make it yours, and stay true to your vision.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
It’s funny—when I was younger, even though we moved around a lot, Kansas always felt like home. Yet at the time, all I could think about was leaving, exploring new states, and experiencing other countries. Now that I’ve had the chance to do that, I realize I feel most at peace when I’m back in Kansas with my family. Living a couple states away in Texas, I don’t get to see them as often, but whenever I’m with them, my mind, body, and soul are completely at ease.
A close second would be anytime I’m out in nature or solo traveling. There’s something grounding about connecting with the outdoors or setting off on a journey alone. Solo travel, especially, allows me to move at my own pace, reflect, and simply breathe—it’s one of the most peaceful feelings I know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caerusmultimedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catchingcaerus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatchingCaerus/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatchingCaerus
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@CaerusMultimedia
https://www.tiktok.com/@catching.caerus
