#10:
Imagine during the week of your birthday you get a message saying that your birthday shoot is cancelled. Yes, this happens more often to people than what most want to admit. The best photoshoots are the ones that come to me to figure help out how to make a special event still special as a last minute request. I love doing birthday shoots because when you talk to whoever it always means something special as to why they want to have a photoshoot for their birthday. One of my strengths in my photography is that I am able to find a typical boring location and still make it exciting and fresh for those who haven’t been captured there before. Not only did Candance rock her birthday shoot, but what really helped me was that she trusted me, trusted my editing process, and trusted my vision for her birthday shoot. Remember every shoot is special even if it can't done in studio.
#9:
Over time, I realized that I work best when I all of my ducks in a row, especially when it comes to creative shoots. I asked my old friend from high school that is now a content creator on YouTube and she also has done some work with modeling previously. Tikia had the personality, the energy, and the promptness when it came to directing her on the spot for this creative project located Downtown Detroit. Aside from her whole gallery, I especially liked how sharp this photo was captured from my camera and how the sun really light up her face and smile. Creatives have to link up yo. Black creatives especially. You never know what kind of magic you’ll create together.
#8:
"Not everybody can rock red hair extensions This was the photo that when this photo was captured in my studio and it had me saying: “This looks like it could’ve been a photo from America’s Next Top Model, I really do have the skills.” Not only has Monaye supported my business this year, but I was able to help her break from her shell for her birthday shoot and other entrepreneurial ventures later this year. The support really means a lot to me, so of course I have to go hard for all my clients.
#7:
I love taking corporate and professional headshots. I think many people forget that our online presence is much more than just on Instagram or Facebook. People will eventually need those “typical” professional headshots one day so I always make sure that as a portrait photographer that’s the one skill that I will 100% knock it out the park. I cannot express to anyone that doesn’t have one, to get a yearly, if not quarterly professional headshots taken of yourself (especially if you like to change your looks often.) Corey trusted me and my. business and we were able to set him up for some updated headshots as a young professional.
#6:
One of the best feelings of capturing graduation shoots is knowing that the individual has had a journey and they accomplished it. They completed their education and persevered. They are a living testimony that anything is possible by perseverance and accomplishing their goals. I am so happy to one of my high school peers for graduating with both her bachelors and masters degree from EMU, (even through the Covid-19 pandemic). With my new lens I purchased this Fall, I was able to capture even better quality images for her graduation pictures and we captured a range of looks. It an even better feeling knowing that my friend’s journey is just beginning as a new mother, and graduate, and I couldn’t be any more happier that she chose me to capture her special moment. Congrats again Tyra!
#5:
Many portrait photographers that I know are actually intimidated of capturing children, especially newborns. I’m not. I actually get excited about these particular shoots because they offer a unique challenge you can’t control. I have experience with capturing newborns to even toddlers. (check out more of these from my gallery here). Every child is unique and many have different personalities so that what makes me more excited when I book a client who wants to capture their children’s first professional photos. Its even better that two of my close friends are the parents of this young boy and seeing that they are raising him I will always be forever be grateful for completing Willie Jr.'s 1st birthday photoshoot.
#4:
By having to balance my own work schedule and avoiding the “burnout” many creatives go through, I wanted to think of better ways of coming up with my own style of portrait photography that will be published. This photo of my brother Marlon is my favorite especially considering he’s more comfortable behind the scenes and I was able to direct and coach him in front of the camera. These turned out fire, and it also showed me that no matter how inexperienced you might seem to others with this industry, the talent speaks for itself. You should have the eye and the passion, and I confidently have both.
#3:
When I get booked to do birthday shoots, I’m definitely get an adrenaline rush. Knowing that it’s particularly my friend’s birthday shoot is really a motivation to strive for perfection. This was one of my first times booking a studio outside of my typical studio, and I’m happy that taking that risk has helped me grow in more ways than one! What I like particularly about this shoot is that Candis had great vision down to the outfit, the accessories, and props which excellently compliment the whole look. Sometimes simple is better. Much better.
#2:
Another birthday shoot that just did it for me. When in post production, other than editing the things that look out of place or for quality purposes, I have been using the crop option more frequently. When you crop photos, you bring out more meaning from a photo than originally it was intended. Not only was this photo backdrop blue (I think we know why the color blue has a special place in my heart), but I loved how my client, Logan, was able to be captured in this as it symbolized more than just strength within her ongoing journey battling Lupus. She was celebrating her life, something we all take for granted. Within my industry, you never know what might happen and who you might have helped impact along the way. So I am so proud at how the rest of these turned out. If you like more birthday portraits check them out here.
Within the United States Black History Month is celebrated seldomly, so I wanted to create something special that would help inspire and encourage other creatives to remember our history. Growing up I never quite understood the impact and presence that Angela Davis, (Former Black Panther Party Member, Civil Rights Advocate and Prison Abolitionist), had on many issues that affect African Americans from decades ago to today. Many forget that her legacy as a civil rights activist, and scholar is what pushed her to being something that has made her beliefs even stronger of a conviction.
This photo is really special to me in so many ways because black women were always supportive of black men, (while battling misogyny, domestic violence, and being overlooked as just secretaries within The Black Panther Party). She, like many black women today, inspires others to be leaders and fight for a cause that you believe in, even if you have to go to jail for it. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the duality of the black women, they can be anything they want to be within our modern world and not only fit into this “strong black woman” trope that they historically upheld. Sam held that photoshoot down and she really did an amazing job portraying a simple look that could have been reminiscent of the 1970s. Black Power.
Overall in 2021, my clientele and creative projects pushed me to do more with
Piedmont Blue. This was one of the most successful years I've had while dealing with Covid-19 protocols and trying to be safer for myself and my business. Although Covid-19 has hurted my business, at the end of the day, I will continue to do the best work I can while also creating beautiful portraits for those to look back on and love the way they look. Reminiscing while writing this, I was actually surprised at how many clients I had, and it was hard to select these images since I love many of the images within the gallery for each client. As a portrait photographer, I want to capture people in their best light for any special occasion. From my friends and family that supported me over the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I am excited to go into the year 2022 with a fresh mind and even more ideas that I have yet to complete!
Keep reading and keep it locked!
-Emanuel
***Bonus:
Since this was a 10 top list for the year 2021, I couldn't help but to also add in some of these photos that were also my favorite. I feel these photos are just as strong as the ones from the top ten list in no unique order.
Lideja's clothing brand: I am Beautique
Back in June I had a good friend and client book me for a session, this time I was taking a road trip to Cleveland! Not only did I had a good time site seeing, but the love from the people of Cleveland, the food (it's true, it does slap), and spirit of knowing another successful entrepreneur was working on something they've dreamed of was really motivating! Looking forward to going back for sure! Take a look at the gallery for I AM BEAUTIQUE.
#TruEMU Update: Mia Thompson
I loved being able to contact a previous graduate from EMU, who also helped me think of ways to look beyond the college experience and journey into adulthood. It good to see that I wasn't the only one going through transitional phases! Check out the blog post here to read up more.
Arnez Polk: Graduation Shoot
I initially started shooting graduation photos back in 2017. I'm proud to see how far I have come in 2021. I'm especially proud to see more African Americans graduating from high school and college. With over 79% of African American students graduating high school across the United States and over 4.5 million African Americans recorded in 2021 hold a 4 year degree from a educational institution, I am proud of all of our journeys to make strides through higher education. Check out more graduation photos here.
Clarity Cosmetics Makeup brand Product Shoot:
I normally never shoot products but this product shoot I captured this summer, was exceptionally fun, and I loved how the photos turned out! Never limit yourself to your only lane, you never know what might happen when you explore your talents.
The Black Purge: 2021
This creative Halloween shoot captured back in October was definitely one of my favorites! I had helped from my brothers which was even better considering it was last minute. Only using gels and controlled external studio light the possibilities were endless and it was exciting seeing what I could explore with the mixing of different colors. Thanks to Michigan weather, my original idea got cancelled, but even when things don't go as planned, you have to add a little bit of finesse, like every photographer should.
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