Photo: Getty Images
This article is part two of a dive into the city’s influencer culture and the young entrepreneurs at the helm of defining Detroit and its residents based on how they view themselves.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Emanuel Terrell
Emanuel Terrell, 27, is a photographer and owner of Piedmont Blue Enterprise, a lifestyle and portrait photography and videography studio in Detroit. His work captures the Black community as they see and know themselves—”bright, bold, beautiful and vivid.”
Check out his Instagram pages at @officialmannyyfresh and @piedmontbluent
Q: How would you desc
ribe your personal approach to photography and the people you capture?
Terrell: “I primarily shoot African Americans, but of course for all people, but I really like those types of portraits where people are natural, expressive and being able to capture a full person in color. A lot of times, depending on the genre of photography, people don’t know how to capture people of color’s skin tones. I hate when I see wedding photographers and the people are looking orange. And I’m like, oh my god! How did you not use color grading or the lighting…that’s not how Black people look like, especially ones that are darker toned.
“It’s important to me to decipher skin tones from not only an aesthetic view, but really who they are as an authentic portrait. That’s why our slogan is: “Be you, Stay True, Piedmont Blue!”
Q: What are your favorite types of photo projects to work on?
Terrel: “Family shots are always great to celebrate and capture people’s time together. Also, I love working with small businesses, particularly [businesses owned by people] of color. I connect with entrepreneurs of color, just because it’s the same struggle. A lot of times our community doesn’t get enough exposure, starting from the ground up and building their platforms. I love knowing my work can help elevate their work.”
Q: If Detroit was a visual brand, how would you describe the city through your lens?
Terrel: “I would definitely say Detroit is full of energy and passion just like a Phoenix rising from the dead! There are many creatives and created brands that are local/born and raised here and that eventually their passions will inevitably arise and there will be new opportunities for all people to shape the future! Imagine the backdrop of the Detroit skyline with a Phoenix that is blue/red/orange rising!”
Social Blog
Darwin Gordon (“Detroit Dar”)
Dar Detroit is a Detroit native content blogger promoting people, places and things in the city from chic fashion to food, entertainment and hot spots. After 10 years immersing himself in New York City’s high fashion industry, Gordon decided to move back after witnessing all of the changes and opportunities in the city.
Check out his Instagram at @detroitdar_ and Detroit Dar on Tik Tok.
Q: Why did you decide to create content around exploring all things Detroit?
Detroit Dar: “When I came back, I wanted to be involved in the city. I would go to places that I’d read about online or heard of and started recording my experiences. It turned into content creating. I discussed what there is to do if you’re going to explore these places. The first video I did was at the skate park near the Ambassador Bridge, told people where you can take fun pictures, encouraged them to see the park and hang out at the bridge. There is so much in Detroit and if I post photos and videos about where I am, it helps people know what’s here and to try something new. Food or local traveling, I try it so people can try it with me. I’m excited about all the changes in this city and I want people to feel my excitement in these videos.”
Q: What kind of opportunities have come your way with all the exposure you give the city?
Detroit Dar: “Opportunities with Pepsi, Tropical Smoothie, the Lions, Jet’s Pizza. I’ve gotten some really cool sponsorships with them. Helping promote small businesses has been really important to me because they understand the power of social media. It’s been cool to go to different places and collab in order to bring people out.
“From here, I want to expand more to other cities in the Midwest, like Chicago or places in Ohio, where Detroiters can easily drive to and explore.”
Q: If Detroit was a social brand, how would you define it?
Detroit Dar: “It would be a cool streetwear brand…but with an edge, some grit to it.”
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