Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Delphine Francois. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Delphine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
I currently work in two professions daily: tour guide and photographer.
In both cases, the city of Detroit has been my source of inspiration.
I arrived in Michigan as an expatriate in 2013, and my first visit to the city of Detroit was a shock. I struggled to understand how a city with such a glorious past could be so damaged and seemingly abandoned by all. I then wandered through it, street by street, with my camera slung over my shoulder to capture and preserve my discoveries. I wanted both to understand and to bear witness.
As I delved deeper into history books and spoke with Detroiters, I came to grasp the fate of this fascinating city. From that moment on, I’ve been dedicated to sharing its story as a guide with my clients.
Through photography, I quickly realized that my camera was more than just a tool for capturing memories; it was a powerful means of expression, another way to share my perspective on the world. By nature, I’m caring and positive, easily amazed by the little things, and I believe it’s this energy that draws my photography clients to me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Moving abroad is often an opportunity to start fresh and reinvent yourself.
When I arrived in 2013 In Detroit, my first goal was to open my mind to a new culture, a new city, and a new life. But actually the move revealed a new version of myself: Delphine Francois 2.0. I reconnected with the artist within me through photography, as well as with my passion for history and understanding the world.
Today, I am fortunate to live a unique adventure with two fulfilling careers. As a tour guide, I take you on my architectural tour—a 3-hour stroll through Detroit where we discover stunning buildings like the Dime Building, the Guardian, and the Book Tower, while also exploring the city’s and the nation’s history. Alternatively, you can join my street art tour to dive into Detroit’s vibrant artistic scene.
As a photographer, I bring a compassionate perspective to the world, capturing moments of joy after success, pride in a job well done, and shared moments of connection and happiness through my lens.
I feel lucky to live here and my greatest pride comes from the smiles and satisfied expressions of my clients.
I am also very proud to be featured in the new Michelin Green Guide published this year on Detroit and its surroundings.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Life as an expatriate is a daily challenge. Far from family and your roots, you have to learn to stay true to yourself while embracing the unknown. As the wife of an expatriate, I didn’t have a job waiting for me here in the United States, nor in Germany, where I also lived for five years. Each time, I had to reinvent myself while remaining strong and steady for my husband and children.
So, resilience? I know a lot about it.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As a tour guide, my ultimate goal is to change the way visitors see the city of Detroit. I want to share my love and passion for the city with them so when they go home, they say nice things about Detroit !
As a photographer, my motivation is twofold. I capture life’s little moments of joy through my lens and love sharing them with my clients. And, very selfishly, I strengthen my daily belief that life is beautiful and deserves to be lived to the fullest. It’s almost a therapeutic process! :-)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://delphinefrancoisphotography.com/en/home/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delphine.f.photography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delphine-francois-235920a3/
Image Credits
credit : delphinefrancoisphotography.com