Photography doesn't have to be limited to the operatory

One of the photos in Dr. Cabrera's exhibit.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Peter Cabrera

Dentistry isn’t Dr. Peter Cabrera’s only passion.

Photography is another important part of this Chicago-based periodontist’s life, and has been since he, at 9-years-old, saw for himself what light can do to a print

“It really is all encompassing,” said Dr. Cabrera, who also is the team lead for DPR’s Perio Clinical 360 team. “It can take you from evaluating the effect of light on a particular nature scene to expressing a mood to capturing an individual’s expression.”

Over the years, Dr. Cabrera has sold a few pieces here and there, but, although he’s thought about it, he’s never put together a show until now. Today, about 30 of his pieces are displayed at Fireside Restaurant in Chicago.

The details
What: Dr. Peter Cabrera’s “Nature Scenes” photography show
When: Now through July 14
Where: Fireside Restaurant, Chicago The show, “Nature Scenes,” includes photos from a variety of places Dr. Cabrera said he’s passionate about, including Yosemite National Park, the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and even some local Chicago spots.

“I love to visit places at various hours and time of the year and look for different ways to shoot something,” Dr. Cabrera said. “Like a waterfall. I’ll go back 10 times to get the right light. That is what makes it a unique picture

As someone who loves nature and hiking, taking photographs just seemed to be a natural fit for Dr. Cabrera. And his hobby also has helped him in his professional life. He’s documented his cases through photography over the years and said he has photos of the rare, interesting cases and patients who have come through his practice.

Another photograph for sale at Dr.Cabrera's show.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Peter Cabrera.

The photos at the show are for sale, with all proceeds going to Children’s Oncology Services’ One Step Camp programs. These programs provide activities for children with cancer, including a two-week summer camp, giving them a variety of fun, empowering experiences they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Dr. Cabrera heard about the organization through colleagues who have volunteered there over the years and thought it had the kind of programming he’d like to support.

“Most of us never think about it, but if you have a 13 year old with cancer, you can talk about technical aspects, such as remission and cure rates, but you still have a developing kid who’s devastated and can’t sit in the house 24/7,” he said. “This organization is just spectacular. It’s treating the spirit as well as the body. That was the inspiration for selling this.”

“Nature Scenes” is up at Fireside Chicago now through July 14.

Renee Knight is a senior editor for DPR. Contact her at rknight@advanstar.com.

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