Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Washington.
Hi Gary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I never imagined photography would become such a defining part of my life. My journey started by assisting my older brother at fashion shows, learning the fundamentals and discovering the thrill of capturing moments in ever-changing environments.
In 2013, I lived in Germany for a few months where I fell in love with the architecture, landscapes, and the quiet stories hidden in forgotten places. That experience opened my eyes to the deeper possibilities of photography, and by 2014 I was freelancing professionally with Ambassador Magazine and clients in the television/media industry.
In 2015, I founded Mr. Washington Gallery, building on those early experiences to create a platform for my vision. Since then, my work has grown into a permanent display at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit, and has also led to exhibitions at galleries and community art spaces.
Along the way I’ve been honored with recognition such as Michigan Photographer of the Year, but what drives me is the mission: to use photography as a visual language of hope, to remind people of the beauty that still exists in uncertain times
Every image I create is not just about buildings or landscapes—it’s about resilience, reflection, awareness, and offering viewers another perspective and a safe space to breathe through visual art and storytelling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe the struggles shaped me into the artist I am today. Early on, I made plenty of mistakes—especially while shooting fast-paced fashion shows where the lighting or environment could change without warning—and I had to quickly learn how to adapt.
My brother’s encouragement during those moments kept me moving forward when quitting might have felt easier, and my strength in Christ and trust in God gave me the faith to keep believing in the path ahead. As my career grew, I faced the same uncertainties every creative does—wondering if my work would resonate, if opportunities would come, or if I was on the right path. Those challenges inspired my series Emotions of Strength, a very personal body of work about opposition and resilience that continues to remind me why perseverance matters.
What I’ve learned is that photography is as much about overcoming obstacles as it is about creating images, and each struggle has only deepened my faith and strengthened my purpose to share hope and beauty through my art, trusting God to guide every step of the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in fine art architectural and landscape photography, using dramatic light and atmosphere to tell quiet stories of resilience and hope.
My work is known for treating photography as a visual language—inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and see the beauty in forgotten places.
While I’ve been honored with awards like Michigan Photographer of the Year, what I’m most proud of are two milestones: in 2017, my photograph Arcs of Labor was selected as one of the winners of General Motors’ Your Photo Here contest and transformed into a mural inside Detroit’s GM Renaissance Center; and in 2021, two of my works, Cross the Bridge and Bourbon St., were featured in the Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Art Exhibit’s Local Perspectives, Global Reach catalog. These moments affirmed that my vision—to create art that inspires awareness, reflection, and hope—can resonate both locally and globally.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who believed in me from the beginning. My older brother, Will Clarke, deserves the most credit—he introduced me to photography, taught me the fundamentals, and encouraged me to keep going even when I made mistakes or doubted myself.
His support planted the seeds for everything that came after. Beyond that, my wife, family, close friends, and church family have been constant sources of encouragement, celebrating milestones with me and reminding me of my purpose during difficult times. I also gained inspiration and guidance from the Detroit Fine Art Breakfast Club, a community that helped me better understand the art world and grow as an artist. Their belief in my vision has been just as important as the technical skills I’ve gained, because it gave me the confidence to keep moving forward and build something lasting.
Pricing:
- Fine art limited edition prints typically range from $300 – $2,000, depending on size, edition, and framing.
- Open edition prints and digital downloads are available through my online gallery for more accessible price points.
- Custom commissions and large-scale installations are priced individually based on scope and collector needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mrwashingtongallery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_washington__/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrwashingtongallery/
- Twitter: https://x.com/MrWashinGallery
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.washingtongalleryrelaxa1971
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/MrWashMiniGallery/
