I am Terrell Groggins, an acclaimed photojournalist from the dynamic city of Detroit, Michigan. I have a passion for capturing the profound human experience through the lens of my camera. My work exposes social injustices, champions human rights, and spotlights the resilience of communities. I have received worldwide recognition and an array of prestigious awards for my photography.
I was born and raised in the heart of Detroit, where I faced personal tragedy at a young age. In 2008, my family was shattered by the tragic loss of my brother. This deeply traumatic event became the driving force behind my determination to unveil the unseen, to expose the underbelly of society and give a voice to the voiceless through my photography.
My artistic expression was also influenced by the culturally rich landscape of the 1990s. It was during this transformative era that I met Mrs.Boudreaux, an African American Japanese teacher living next door. Her home was a melting pot of cultures, a sanctuary for foreign exchange students exploring the world of film photography. This unique blend of identities and artistic vision left an indelible imprint on my artistic consciousness, laying the foundation for my future endeavors.
In 2012, I immersed myself in Detroit’s vibrant boxing scene. I delved into the lives of local athletes, capturing their relentless determination and unshakeable spirits. This intimate exploration culminated in the creation of the monumental “Shields Strikes Back” series in 2019. The series captured the journey of boxer Claressa Shields towards gender equality in her sport. It became a defining moment in my career.
My work resonated with the global photography community and beyond. I was bestowed with an impressive array of accolades in 2019. The prestigious World Press Photo Award celebrated my ability to document the world’s most pressing issues. The Istanbul Photo Award highlighted my capacity to capture the essence of diverse cultures and stories. The Smithsonian Museum Magazine’s “The American Experience Award” underscored my skill in encapsulating the multifaceted facets of the American identity. Furthermore, my captivating storytelling through photography garnered me the International Photo Award.
My accomplishments are not only a testament to my artistic prowess but also a beacon of hope for change. My imagery transcends the realms of tragedy and triumph, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary, and the invisible into the memorable. My efforts will continue being the visionary photojournalist who challenges perceptions, sparks conversations, and elevates the human experience through the power of visual storytelling.
My art is a reflection of my life, my experiences, and my vision. I use my camera as a tool to capture the human stories that matter to me and to the world. I follow my own rules, which are:
Be honest and authentic. I don’t manipulate or edit my images to create a false impression. I show the reality as I see it, without sugarcoating or hiding anything.
Be curious and open-minded. I explore different cultures, perspectives, and issues that interest me or challenge me. I don’t limit myself to one genre or style of photography. I experiment with different techniques and formats to express myself.
Be passionate and compassionate. I care deeply about the people and the causes that I photograph. I try to understand their emotions, struggles, and hopes. I respect their dignity and privacy. I don’t exploit or sensationalize their stories.
Be bold and creative. I don’t shy away from controversial or difficult topics. I don’t conform to the expectations or norms of others. I create my own voice and vision. I use light, color, composition, and movement to create impact and meaning.
Be humble and grateful. I don’t take my art or my achievements for granted. I appreciate the opportunities and the recognition that I receive. I acknowledge the inspiration and the support that I get from others. I share my knowledge and my experience with the photography community.
These are my rules for my art. They guide me in my journey as a photojournalist who wants to make a difference in the world through visual storytelling.