Community Highlights: Meet Deb Davis of Detroit City Headshots

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Davis.

Hi Deb, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for photography began early in life. I would say I was around 10 or 11 years old. Even then, I was captivated by the magic of photos captured in real time. I became the one with the camera, the designated family documentarian at every gathering and event. Whether it was birthdays, reunions, or church functions, I was always there with a camera in hand, preserving moments as they unfolded.

As I built a successful career in retail management, photography gradually faded into the background. Life has a way of shifting priorities. But everything changed in 2018 when a back injury forced me into early retirement. I knew I wasn’t built to sit on the couch and watch life pass me by, so I picked up where I left off, only this time using my iPad to capture moments at church events and community gatherings.

Then something unexpected happened. After photographing a church event, my pastor paid me. That moment lit a spark in me. I thought, Wait a minute. I can do what I love and get paid for it? That realization shifted everything. It was no longer a hobby. It was a calling. I decided this would be my second career.

I became intentional. I began immersing myself in photography communities, attending classes and conferences, and learning everything I could. I was determined not to be someone who simply picked up a camera and called themselves a professional. I wanted to become one, properly and with integrity. It took me a long time before I was even comfortable using the title professional photographer.

In 2019, I invested in my first professional camera. That marked a turning point for me. I photographed everything. Events, seniors, models, fashion shows. You name it, I wanted to shoot it. I was building skill, experience, and confidence. Then, like for so many others, the pandemic hit in 2020. With all my events canceled, I was forced to pivot.

That’s when I turned my focus to headshot photography. During that time, I found my mentor, world-renowned headshot photographer Peter Hurley, and became one of his Headshot Crew Associates. Studying under him helped me refine my craft, my eye, and ultimately my confidence.

I rebranded my business to Detroit City Headshots, and today I’m proud to be one of the sought-after headshot photographers in the Detroit and Southfield area. My studio is located in Southfield, Michigan, where I specialize in modern, professional headshots for individuals, corporate teams, and organizations.

What began as a childhood fascination evolved into a passion, then into a purpose, and now a business built on experience, education, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen at their best.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. The road has been anything but smooth, but I believe the rough patches helped shape who I am as a business owner and as a woman.

Starting over after a long career in retail management was already a major adjustment. Being forced to retire due to a back injury meant I had to grieve the loss of one career while stepping into something entirely new, with no guarantee it would work. There was fear, uncertainty, and a whole lot of imposter syndrome in the beginning. I didn’t grow up with a roadmap for entrepreneurship. I had to learn everything from scratch. From photography techniques to lighting setups to client management, it all took time, and more importantly, it took grit.

Financially, it was tough in the beginning. I was investing in equipment, education, and tools without always seeing immediate returns. There were days I questioned whether I had made the right decision. And as a woman of color in a competitive industry, I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove my value and to earn trust in spaces where I wasn’t always expected to show up, let alone stand out.

Covid was another curveball. All my events were canceled almost overnight, and I found myself asking, what now? But sometimes the pivot is where purpose is waiting. That’s when I leaned into headshot photography, and eventually found the clarity I had been searching for.

I also battled internal struggles. Confidence, pricing my worth, learning to say no, and allowing myself to be seen as an expert took time. I was building a business, yes, but I was also rebuilding myself in the process.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been meaningful. Every setback taught me something. Every challenge stretched me. And looking back, I can honestly say the hard roads were necessary. They helped me discover a deeper resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m the owner of Detroit City Headshots, a professional photography studio based in Southfield, Michigan. I specialize in high-quality headshots for individuals, business owners, corporate teams, and organizations. My goal is to help people show up with confidence, clarity, and connection.

What I do is more than take pictures. I guide clients through a process that helps them feel at ease and look their best. Most people aren’t comfortable in front of the camera, and I understand that. With coaching, expert lighting, and genuine interaction, I help bring out natural expressions that feel authentic and professional.

I focus entirely on headshots. That’s what I’m known for, and it’s where I’ve dedicated my training and attention. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to create a consistent, polished look across all my sessions, and I’ve built an experience that removes the pressure from clients and delivers results they can actually use. That includes headshots for LinkedIn, websites, business cards, speaking engagements, and more.

Detroit City Headshots also offers team sessions, new hire headshot programs for companies, and branding packages for entrepreneurs and executives. Whether I’m photographing one person or fifty, I bring the same care and intentionality to every session.

What I’m most proud of is the level of trust I’ve built with my clients. Many come back again and again as their careers evolve. That tells me they value the process, the results, and the way they’re treated.

At the heart of Detroit City Headshots is the belief that your image should work for you. It should open doors, build credibility, and leave a lasting impression. That’s what I deliver, every time.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to take your time and build your foundation the right way. Don’t rush the process just to feel “established.” Learn your craft. Study it. Practice it. And stay curious. There’s power in being a student of your own potential.

When I started, I thought I needed to do everything to be seen. Events, fashion shows, seniors, anything I could photograph. That season taught me a lot, but I wish I had given myself permission to narrow my focus sooner. Once I did, everything shifted. So don’t be afraid to find your lane and stay there long enough to become excellent at it.

Also, community matters. Surround yourself with people who are doing what you aspire to do. Not for comparison, but for growth. I invested in mentorship and education, and those relationships pushed me forward in ways I never could have done alone.

And finally, give yourself grace. There’s a lot of noise out there. It’s easy to feel like you’re behind or not doing enough. But trust the seeds you’re planting. You don’t have to call yourself an expert before you feel like one. Just show up every day, do the work, and stay aligned with your “why.”

If I could go back, I’d remind myself that it’s okay to start small. It’s okay to not know everything. And it’s okay to grow quietly. What matters most is staying consistent, staying teachable, and building something with integrity.

Success is not about speed. It’s about staying the course.

Pricing:

• $350.00 Session Fee
• $150 Per Image Fee

Contact Info:

• Website: https://detroitcityheadshots.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroitcityheadshots/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debmarie.detroitcityheadshots
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/detroitcityheadshots/