The Art of Seeing: Terrell Groggins

Every frame tells a story. Mine began in the heart of Detroit, where the rhythm of the city and the pulse of its people shaped my vision of the world. As a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker, I learned early that the most powerful stories often hide in plain sight, waiting for someone brave enough to see them.

In 2008, a personal tragedy struck when I lost my brother. That moment became my catalyst, transforming grief into purpose. I picked up my camera with a new mission: to unveil the unseen, to give voice to the voiceless, and to capture the raw beauty of human resilience. The streets of Detroit became my classroom, and its people, my greatest teachers.

My journey took an unexpected turn in the vibrant boxing gyms of Detroit. In 2012, I found myself drawn to these sanctuaries of sweat and determination, documenting fighters whose stories extended far beyond the ring. This immersion led to the creation of "Shields Strikes Back" in 2019, following Olympic champion Claressa Shields in her fight not just for titles, but for gender equality in boxing. The series captured more than just athletic prowess—it documented a revolution in motion.

The stories I tell through my lens have resonated far beyond Detroit's borders. My work has earned recognition from the World Press Photo Award, Istanbul Photo Award, and the Smithsonian Museum Magazine's "The American Experience Award." But more meaningful than any accolade is the trust placed in me by those who share their stories.

As founder of My Art My Rules, I've collaborated with global brands like ADIDAS, Everlast, DAZN, Showtime Boxing, and HBO Boxing. Yet whether I'm directing a commercial campaign or documenting social change, my approach remains rooted in the lessons learned from my earliest days: authenticity is non-negotiable, and every story deserves to be told with honesty and respect.

My work isn't just about capturing moments—it's about preserving legacies. Each image becomes part of a living archive, a testament to the power of visual storytelling to bridge divides and inspire change. In my world, there are no small stories, only small ways of seeing them.

Today, I continue to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, guided by the same principles that drove me to first pick up a camera: be honest, be bold, and never forget where you came from. Detroit taught me that the most compelling stories often come from the places others overlook. It's these stories—raw, real, and richly human—that I'm committed to telling.

The Philosophy Behind the Lens

Every frame must serve the truth
Beauty lives in the unvarnished moments
Stories are meant to be felt, not just seen
Technical excellence meets emotional depth
Innovation drives impact

Based in Detroit. Creating Globally. Always Learning.