Category Archives: Detroit

Falling in Love with the Detroit Riverfront

The dog days of summer have officially ended and now it’s time for fall in the Motor City. The change in weather doesn’t have to stop your fun-filled adventures. We created a guide to help you enjoy the new season on the Detroit Riverfront.

Fall for the Riverfront View:

Whether you’re running joyfully into the change of season or taking a slow stroll into fall, the Detroit Riverfront views are ready for you to explore. Take a walk along the Dequindre Cut Greenway paths, enjoy Belle Isle’s nature trails or take the family on an adventure down the Detroit Riverwalk, the #1 Riverwalk in the USA, to Robert C. Valade Park for fun-filled playgrounds.

If you want to cover a lot of area, you can always park at the GMRENCEN and grab a MOGO bike to breeze around the city with ease.

Fall Food and Cocktails:

The change of season means delicious seasonal cocktails and food. Whether this is your first time or your hundredth time tasting one of the three award-winning restaurants at the GMRENCEN, their new menu items and autumnal views are the perfect addition to any trip to the Riverfront.

Andiamo offers an extensive selection of seasonal Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine. Joe Muer Seafood serves the freshest seasonal catch and impeccable service with its riverfront view. Enjoy Highlands Detroit with its crisp 71st-floor view of the Detroit Riverfront, accompanied by an upscale menu of diverse dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar.

Fall Fun on the Riverfront:

The Detroit Riverfront and nearby areas/neighborhoods are full of fun events year-round, but autumn offers magic for people of all ages. Eastern Market is a Detroit staple with four primary markets on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday filled with fall food, products and experiences. If you’re looking for a way to get some fresh air with your furry friend, join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy guided Pack Walk along the Detroit Riverfront.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership brings nostalgic fall fun with their Cider in the City events during October at Beacon Park. Enjoy crafts, pumpkin picking, hayrides and, of course, donuts and cider!

It’s time to start falling in love with the new season in Detroit. Let us know how you celebrate autumn in the city on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

How to Spend July on the Detroit Riverfront

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore the beautiful Detroit Riverfront! To skip the hassle and focus on the fun, we’ve curated the perfect guide to highlight the hottest happenings in July.

Where to Eat

The breathtaking views and delicious cuisine from one of the three award-winning restaurants at the GMRENCEN is the perfect addition to any trip to the Riverfront. Andiamo offers an extensive selection of Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine, and Highlands Detroit provides stunning views of the Detroit Riverfront from the 71st floor, accompanied by an upscale menu of diverse dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar. If you’re facing a serious seafood craving, head to the #1 Seafood Restaurant in Michigan, Joe Muer Seafood, for the freshest catch and even better views of the river.

What to do on the Riverfront to Stay Active

If you want to stay active this summer, the Detroit Riverfront has multiple opportunities to get moving while enjoying a scenic view.

Expand your knowledge of Detroit while getting your steps in by signing up for the Dequindre Cut Walking Tours with the City Institute. Stroll along the Dequindre Cut as you learn about the greenway’s past and present.

After your walking tour, relax with Yoga on the Riverfront. Enjoy a free yoga class while looking at the stunning view of the Detroit River. Yoga is held Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and Friday at 10 a.m. in Milliken State Park.

What to do on the Riverfront to Experience Local Artists

Did you know you can bike from the Detroit Riverfront straight into the heart of Eastern Market by cruising down the Dequindre Cut?

Eastern Market is a can’t-miss Detroit experience for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a premium market with fresh produce, florals, local artists, unique cuisine and so much more from a local favorite. Markets are open weekly on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Once you grab yourself lunch from Eastern Market head to the Live Music Summer Series with D. Cipher on the Dequindre Cut to watch metro Detroit’s most talented entertainers. Enjoy this all month long with free weekly performances and a curated lineup.

Where to Park

The GMRENCEN offers a variety of parking options located right on the Riverfront and within walking distance to Detroit’s hottest happenings. Click here to check our parking options and choose what’s best for you and your crew.

If you are heading to a concert in the city, check out the multiple show shuttles Andiamo and Joe Muer Seafood are offering for select shows.

There are no dog days of summer with all the exciting happenings in the Motor City! Let us know how you celebrate summer in the city on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

5 Ways to Enjoy the Detroit Riverfront

Detroit Riverfront

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore this beautiful city we’re lucky to call home. To help you get started, we’ve curated five of our favorite happenings right near the GMRENCEN.

Tour the Detroit Riverfront

Start your day in the D with a Detroit Riverfront: Past, Present & Future Socially Distant Walking Tour by the Detroit Experience Factory. This tour offers something for everyone, whether you’re new to Detroit or just looking to gain more knowledge about the city’s rich history. With tour stops including Milliken State Park, Cullen Plaza, Dequindre Cut and Valade Park, you’re sure to experience something new.

Dine Along the Detroit Riverfront

Enjoy views of the Detroit Riverfront at one of the GMRENCEN’s fine dining restaurants! Andiamo offers an extensive selection of Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine. Highlands Detroit offers impeccable views of Detroit from the 71^st floor, accompanied by a diverse menu of handmade dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar. If you’re facing a serious seafood craving, visit Joe Muer Seafood for the freshest sushi and even better views of the river.

Explore the City from the Detroit Riverfront

Eastern Market is a can’t-miss Detroit experience for locals and visitors alike – and you can access the market from the riverfront. Park at the GMRENCEN, then walk, bike or run through the Dequindre Cut that leads right to Eastern Market. Saturday markets are open year-round, while summer markets on Tuesdays and Sundays are open from June to September. Fresh produce and local art are just some of the many things you can expect to find here – so make it a must for your day in Detroit!

Bike the Detroit Riverfront

Mogo

Ride the riverfront on a MoGo Bike! MoGo bikes allow you to rent a bicycle for as long as you’d like and use it at your own pace. You can pick up or drop off your bike at one of dozens of stations in and around the city including a station on the GM Plaza. Prices are flexible based on your length of use. Bike racks are also located around the GMRENCEN.

Enjoy Yoga by the Water

Round out your visit to Detroit with a relaxing Yoga on the Riverfront practice, held in Milliken State Park every Thursday at 6 p.m. and every Friday at 10 a.m. Classes are free – provided by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, just bring your own mat and water!

The GMRENCEN offers parking year-round which is only steps from the Detroit Riverfront to help simplify planning for your day downtown. Hopefully, you’ve now gathered some ideas and are ready to plan your next trip to the D!

Artist Spotlight: Richard Talamantez

The GMRENCEN is Detroit’s most iconic building. It’s at the forefront of just about every photo representing Detroit. You know what it looks like from the outside, but what about the inside? It’s filled with cars, history and art that make up the Motor City.

If you’ve never been inside the building, or haven’t been in years, local photographer Richard Talamantez invites you inside the GMRENCEN as he takes over the building’s Instagram account from Sunday, March 1 through Saturday, March 14 to show you how much the building has changed and the things that make it so memorable. Sit back and let Richard be your guide to experience the GMRENCEN like never before.

Meet Richard

Four years ago, Richard Talamantez and his wife, Chelsea, had just gotten married and were looking for a new place to call home. The two ultimately decided to settle in Detroit, moving across the country from California.

Now, Talamantez works in downtown Detroit. In his free time, he walks around the city capturing anything that catches his eye.

“I like what’s happening in Detroit,” he says. Despite Talamantez getting his start in photography 10 years ago shooting for the professional world, he has since shifted his focus to the people and places in Detroit. “I just fell in love with the city.”

Step Inside

Because he works downtown, Talamantez takes his camera with him on his walk to and from the parking structure, shooting as he goes. And he’s always been drawn to the GMRENCEN.

“The exterior of the GMRENCEN is very photogenic, but everyone sees the building from the outside,” he says. “To me, the interior is just as striking and there’s a lot of visually interesting things going on in there that I think people should see.”

For Talamantez’s interior takeover, expect to start outside the Jefferson Lobby and travel inside to explore the different sights, shapes, colors and more, all from his perspective.

Artful Architecture

According to Talamantez, he was initially blown away by Detroit, particularly by the vibrant history incorporated into the city’s planning. When comparing the city to his previous hometown in downtown Los Angeles, he felt Detroit has significantly more history in its architecture.

“Every time I go out to shoot with other photographers, everyone sees something completely different from one another, such as settings, tones, etc.,” Talamantez says. “That type of diversity makes the experience even richer.”

As for the GMRENCEN, which stands out far from the rest of the city’s skyline, its bold art and architecture are part of the experience, like the glass Borealis art installation found in the Jefferson Lobby.

Motor City Metal

Because Talamantez’s photography is guided by whatever catches his eye, there are plenty of pit stops during his visits to the GMRENCEN. As a car guy living near the Motor City, he’d be remiss if he didn’t experience GM World.

Keep your seatbelt on and enjoy the ride as Talamantez takes you on a cruise through not one but two GM World displays. While the first is a throwback exhibition showcasing the eight generations of Corvette, the other is every driver’s dream featuring brightly colored sportscars.

Come Full Circle

With Talamantez as a guide, you will see the GMRENCEN from his perspective.

“Everyone photographs the city because it’s pretty,” he adds. “I want to use my photography to be the eyes of someone who’s not from the area.”

In his interior takeover, he’ll show off what happens at the GMRENCEN, helping you navigate through the towering levels and winding walkways that lead to the offices, restaurants and stores.

Dine Detroit

Detroit is known as a dining destination, and the GMRENCEN is no exception. As you discover more about the building, keep an eye out for the unparalleled views of Detroit’s hottest restaurant: Highlands.

Talamantez’s first time at Highlands was for a romantic dinner on Christmas Eve. Ever since that night, he knew he had to return to see more of Detroit’s only sky restaurant with the best views of the city. Now you can explore Highlands with him. After all, food, drinks and the views are just better 71 stories up.

Detroit, Inside and Out

“The GMRENCEN is a guide for the city,” he says. “You know where you’re at in Detroit when you see the top of the GMRENCEN.”

Though it’s undeniable that the GMRENCEN is a forever recognizable piece of the city’s skyline, it’s truly what’s on the inside that counts.

From the glass walls and ceilings that let in natural light, to the concrete pillars that hold up its substantial structure, and the glass atrium that opens to the bustling Riverfront – Talamantez is here to show what the GMRENCEN is really made of.

Richard Talamantez works in Detroit and lives in Trenton. Follow him on Instagram to see more of his work.

20 Ways to Refresh Your Office Space and Maximize Productivity

Stuck in a rut at the office? There are plenty of simple ways to refresh your office space to energize and inspire you to take on the day.

The GMRENCEN has thousands of offices in its towers, each offering its own unique views and space. Get a head start on office spring cleaning by taking control of your space and boosting your productivity at work.

Physical

1. Clean out clutter – You know those old papers hiding in the dark corners of your desk drawers? It’s time to recycle the clutter! No more feeling overwhelmed by the pile on your desk. The GMRENCEN even makes it easy for occupants to be “green” by offering a customizable recycling program to help you freshen up around the office.

2. Put a label on it – Talk about important supplies, labels are an essential tool for every office. Naming and labeling make office organization easy, enabling you to identify key files at a glance. Take it from us, a little labeling goes a long way to feeling more productive.

3. Personalize your space – Spring cleaning isn’t always about getting rid of the old. Sometimes, all it takes to feel at home is adding a personal touch or “deskorations.” Pure Detroit has plenty of Detroit-themed pins, magnets, coasters and more to make your space your own.

4. Put up pictures – Our loved ones keep us going. Get inspired by adding a photo of a friend or family member to make you feel more connected throughout the workday.

5. Count the days – When counting the days until the weekend, it helps to have a calendar to keep track. Try adding a daily desk calendar with insightful quotes or silly jokes to brighten your morning each day. It really is the little things.

6. Spruce up your supplies – Office supplies aren’t exactly exciting, but they’re used every day. Free up some space by only keeping things you like, whether it’s your favorite pens or felt-tipped markers. Then scrap the rest to avoid accumulating more clutter.

7. Maximize lighting – As the weather clears and the sun comes out, let it in! Get an instant mood boost by opening the shades and soaking up the natural lighting. It just so happens the GMRENCEN was built with this in mind, offering tenants plenty of natural light to enjoy throughout the workday.

Electronic

8. Organization is key – Your desk isn’t the only park of your space that needs to be maintained. Be sure to organize your computer folders to fit your needs. If you commit to doing this once a week – perhaps on Friday after a long week – it won’t feel so overwhelming.

9. Save your screensaver – You stare at your desktop background every single day. Instead, swap out the generic office desktop to a favorite place, future vacation spot or motivational quote to keep up your energy. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, the GMRENCEN has seasonal desktop wallpapers to inspire you.

10. Customize your computer – Computers and laptops are the ultimate symbol of work. Customize your personal device with a few fun decals that represent you. Whether it’s the company logo or a stylish sticker, you’ll feel encouraged to log in every day.

11. Add to the archive – As you move forward with your office spring cleaning, delete those unnecessary folders and outdated notes. Just like your desk, your computer tends to collect clutter. If you really need the notes from last year’s budget meeting, archive them. Don’t keep them around.

12. Productive playlist – When in doubt, tune it out. Try creating your own hype playlist to motivate you as you knock out your to-do list. Just turn it on, escape the world and work in your own productive paradise.

Personal

13. Set a goal – It happens to the best of us. Dull, dreary weather tends to take the drive right out of us. To combat this, set an ambitious professional goal for yourself. Whether it’s a big project or a small adjustment, challenge yourself to achieve.

14. Protect your eyes – Staring at a screen all day isn’t easy and can be damaging to your eyes. If you find yourself straining to keep your eyes open, it might be time for a visit to Henry Ford OptimEyes. After all, increased vision means increased productivity.

15. Make a list – With your space and your electronics organized, it’s time to get to work! Start by drafting a clear to-do list, then tackle it. Check something off every day, even if it’s not work-related.

16. Get up – Moving allows for better blood flow, which will help get your brain working. Occasionally, get up from your desk and move around. Try taking a lap around the circulation ring at the GMRENCEN – (eight laps around equals one mile!).

17. Take a lunch – We all do it. While eating lunch at your desk may seem like the more productive way to go, stepping away for lunch can help you feel rejuvenated. The GMRENCEN has a wide variety of lunch options in the CAFE and around the building.

18. Desk-ercise – If you can’t step away, take 5-10 minutes to exercise at your desk. The experts at RenCen Fitness have plenty of suggestions to get you some mid-day energy with chair exercises anyone can do.

19. Get into a routine – We’re all creatures of habit. Even the smallest change can create big improvements. Instead of heading right to the office, start your day at the GMRENCEN’s Coffee Beanery or Starbucks. Later in the day, take a long lunch to recharge at RenCen Fitness, or head there before you leave the building for the day.

20. Change it up – While a solid routine can boost productivity, an old one can weigh you down. Don’t be afraid to make a change or adjust your routine here and there.

Refreshing your office space doesn’t have to be a chore. Take control of your space by starting with one thing at a time.

Try changing one or two ideas, (or try them all!) and boost your productivity at work.

6 Detroit Date Night Ideas for Valentine’s Day

A holiday dedicated to love, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to take your significant other or BFF on a Detroit date night. Luckily, the city is home to restaurants offering a range of flavors, atmospheres and activities to eat, drink and experience Detroit.

Here are a couple recommendations if you want a Detroit-style Valentine’s Day celebration:

Classic Italian cuisine from Andiamo

Classic and Romantic

Classic and romantic, Andiamo Detroit has an unparalleled view of the Detroit Riverfront to go along with its signature authentic cuisine. Imagine sitting face-to-face with your loved one enjoying Andiamo’s urban chic atmosphere and listening to Italian music faintly serenading you in the background. What better way to celebrate the “official day of love” than with an authentic Italian entrée and a glass of wine in-hand?

Fun and Games

Want your Detroit date night to have more than just dinner? Take the People Mover and get off at Broadway Station for a night of drinks and entertainment at Punch Bowl Social. Hang out with your date all night long playing Jenga, shuffleboard, billiards, arcade games and, of course, bowling.

A Little History

Interested in learning more about the city? Experience a taste of Detroit’s rich history by sampling the unique food and cocktails at Grey Ghost. Aptly named for an infamous local pirate during the Prohibition era, Grey Ghost offers guests a little history and a lot of craftsmanship.

Joe Muer’s famous coconut cake

Sophisticated Seafood

For a sophisticated night with unbeatable scenery, Joe Muer is Detroit’s prime destination for seafood. Visualize a perfect night, complete with exquisite lobster dinner, chilled wine, a slice of Joe Muer’s famous coconut cake and picturesque views overlooking the water’s edge of the Detroit Riverfront. Looking for exceptional service? You and your date will be well tended by Joe Muer’s knowledgeable and gracious staff seeing to your every need.

Comfort Food

Comfort food is anything but traditional at Townhouse. This restaurant is a favorite date night spot in the city, offering true Detroit flavor in every lunch, brunch, dinner, dessert and happy hour it serves. Sit under the lights at the bar or next to one of Townhouse’s greenery walls to immerse yourself in this Detroit hub.

Highlands offers more than just a beautiful view

New and Exciting

Experience high quality high above the city on the 71st and 72nd floors of the GMRENCEN at Highlands Detroit. As the city’s latest date night destination, Highlands is a truly unique Detroit dining experience in the sky. Whether you’re starting out with a lively happy hour at High Bar, connecting at the casual-cool Hearth71 or ending the night with an intimate dinner for two at Highlands, this new Detroit staple has everything you’re looking for – and more.

The GMRENCEN wants to show you some love this Valentine’s Day! Share your GMRENCEN love story (a fun date, an awesome event you attended, what you love most about the building or Riverfront, etc.) by commenting on the pinned post on the GMRENCEN Facebook page for the chance to win a $100 gift card for a GMRENCEN Detroit date night destination of your choosing at Andiamo, Joe Muer or Highlands Detroit.

Artist Spotlight: Chris Burton

The GMRENCEN is dedicated to the safety of our tenants and visitors. In compliance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order, new procedures and precautions are now in place at the GMRENCEN. Learn more about our new guidelines here.

Local photographer Chris Burton has seen Detroit’s true colors. After moving back to the city from a two-year stint in Dallas, he’s returned with a new goal: showcase Detroit as a beautiful space with cool things to see and do.

In October 2019, Chris took over the GMRENCEN Instagram account to show you Detroit from his perspective.

Here is everything you need to know about Chris and his takeover.

He’s rediscovering the city through photography.

It all started when he moved back. Chris picked his camera up after returning to the city because he was overtaken by all the architecture and art in Detroit.

Though he had a positive first impression of the Motor City, he became more familiar with it through his photography. He spent his nights walking around with his camera to capture the sights that caught his eye.

He’s self-taught.

From first picking up a camera in high school to developing music videos to booking his weekends full of wedding and real estate shoots, his photography encompasses a wide-range of purpose and style.

But for Chris, photography was a self-taught skill. Though he’s only been shooting for about two years now, his work has grown tremendously thanks to his late-night walks trying new things and honing his craft.

He sees Detroit in a positive light.

As he travels, Chris enjoys sharing the beauty he experiences with his audience. Detroit is no exception.

“I personally love Detroit, but I think people’s first opinion of Detroit tends to be negative,” said Chris. “I’d love to change that.”

With his audience reaching across the states, he can introduce his followers to a city they have only heard about. Luckily for Detroit, he has plenty of good things to share.

He thinks Detroit is the most exciting city.

Chris’s work will always showcase something new. Whether it’s a bird’s-eye view of the city’s skyline or a snapshot of dinner and drinks at the hottest restaurant in town, he wants to share his experiences with you.

“I think Detroit is the most exciting city,” he said. “It seems every month, something new is opening.”

He loves a place with a view.

As a photographer, Chris loves any place that allows him to experience cool views, and there’s something special about being high above the city. According to Chris, you can get such a different perspective from up high.

“I love the GMRENCEN”, Chris said. “Volt in the Detroit Marriott is one of the coolest, most lowkey places in Detroit. It’s one of the city’s best kept secrets.”

He also enjoys the exclusivity of some of the city’s newer hot spots, such as the Monarch Club, Little Caesars Arena and Highlands Detroit.

He appreciates the details.

Chris’s photography is based off capturing the intricate details of a city that might otherwise go unnoticed. With an appreciation for the history and culture behind the city’s architecture, he wants to make people aware, seeing the same things they’ve seen before but in a new perspective.

“Detroit has some amazing architecture, but often times, people can walk by some of those finer details without even noticing,” he said. “I want to make people see a photograph of something they’ve seen before, but this time realizing just how cool the details behind it are.”

He is inspired.

For Chris, the whole process is inspiring. His journey of exploring different parts of the city always takes him somewhere new, leading him to create art from his camera.

“I’m trying to help people see their own backyard in a different light,” he said. “I’d love for them to see things in a different way and truly appreciate what they’re walking by.”

He believes in working outside of your comfort zone.

“Take something you’re afraid to do and do it,” said Chris. “Be confident in yourself. If you put in the work, there’s a lot more you can accomplish.”

Chris Burton lives in Detroit. Follow him on Instagram or check out his online portfolio to see more of his work.

15 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Detroit Fist

The Joe Louis Fist serves as an iconic Detroit landmark near Hart Plaza on Jefferson Avenue, right across the street from the GMRENCEN. You’ve drove past it, taken photos in front of it and probably wondered about it. So here are some fun facts you may not know about the city staple.

1. 1. The statue was completed by sculptor Robert Graham in 1986, nine years after the opening party for the GM Renaissance Center.
  2. Graham also sculpted the statue of President Roosevelt at the Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D.C.
  3. The statue pays tribute to famed boxer Joe Louis, who defeated German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938.
  4. Louis’ win was considered an American win during World War II.
  5. The Joe Louis Fist was a gift from Sports Illustrated Magazine, dedicated on Oct. 16, 1986.
  6. At the time, it cost $350,000 to create.
  7. Despite common belief, the monument was not brought to Detroit for Joe Louis’ death, but for the Detroit Institute of Art’s centennial anniversary.
  8. The initial arm was modeled in clay at 14 inches in length.
  9. Its structure is made of bronze and painted steel.
  10. The statue weighs 8,000 pounds (about four tons).
  11. It’s 24 feet long and can be seen from Canada.
  12. When the arm was unveiled, not everyone was pleased—there is still a controversy surrounding the statue.
  13. In response to the monument, sculptor Ed Hamilton created another statue of Joe Louis, which can be found in Cobo Center.
  14. To this day, we don’t know Graham’s exact intentions, as he worked in almost complete secrecy while creating the statue in California.
  15. What we do know is the Joe Louis Fist is abstract so that it may be seen as a symbol of the city. The exact symbol, however, is unknown, allowing people to draw their own conclusions.
  What does the Detroit fist mean to you? Let us know in the comments.

A New Perspective with Detroit Artist James Gates

James Gates is no stranger to Detroit. In fact, he spends most of his time here, capturing familiar sights from different perspectives

He entered the GMRENCEN’s Your Photo Here contest, a contest where local photographers submitted their best shots of the GMRENCEN for the chance to have the photo featured inside the building. It’s where we were first introduced to his work. You can view Gates’ photo on Level 2 in Tower 200. In August 2019, he took over the GMRENCEN Instagram account showcasing Detroit through his lenses.

What motivates you to shoot?

I started photography for the stress relief. I work in IT, and after a particularly grueling day I like to walk around with my camera to clear my head. During the day, people are just going and going constantly. With photography, I can take my time to get the effect I want to get. It requires patience and I like that.

What’s a typical photography outing like?

I always start and end at the GM Wintergarden, right on Atwater. From there I take a long walk along the Riverfront. It’s my favorite place in Detroit. I don’t necessarily know what I’m going to shoot, but I feel more relaxed when I come back.

How long have you been photographing?

I got into photography in the fall of 2014, and 2015 was a learning year, practicing long exposure and other types of shots. It started out inconsistent, but then I got hooked.

What was it like winning the GMRENCEN’s Your Photo Here Contest and being featured in the building?

It’s still such an honor. I had only been into photography for about a year and a half when I took that shot. My friend loved it so much and encouraged me share it. A little while later, the Your Photo Here Contest began, so I submitted my shot. It was a strange coincidence.

That photo is one of the first ones I took, and it’s still there.

What have you learned since then?

I feel it’s important for me to keep up with the times and continue learning new camera settings. I’m just constantly learning from other Detroit photographers.

Always look for a unique angle because you don’t want to be like everybody else.

Do you ever change up your style?

I’m always learning new ways to do things, but I tend to stick to one type at a time. I choose a technique and work on mastering it before jumping to the next thing. Right now, I’m trying to work filters into my photography. I’ll be at that for a while.

What challenges do you face with your photography?

One challenge that affects me is that I’m legally blind. This doesn’t really hinder my work, but it can be frustrating. Sometimes when I’m reviewing my work after a photoshoot, I’ll notice blemishes in my shots that I couldn’t see out in the field. Although this isn’t a huge issue with architectural photography, it would make portrait and other photography more difficult.

What did you want people to take away from your Instagram takeover?

I was born and raised in Detroit, so I have 30 plus years of good memories here, especially of the GMRENCEN. I want people to know I love Detroit and I hope that shows in my photos.

What did you want to convey with your GMRENCEN August takeover?

I wanted to share some of the photos I’ve taken on my walks, with a focus on the GMRENCEN and the Riverfront. It captured the authentic Detroit, complete with Cullen Plaza tulips, Milliken State Park Lighthouse and city sunsets.

James Gates lives in Detroit and is a legally blind photographer. See his work on his Instagram at @james.m.gates or check out his online portfolio at jgatesphotography.com.

Rockin’ on the Riverfront with Marriott

Attending this year’s Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert series? Enjoy the encore and don’t worry about the drive home by booking a room at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.

Conveniently located on the famous RiverWalk in downtown Detroit, the 70-floor hotel is just steps away from the main stage.

Gaze out on downtown, the Detroit River and Canada through floor-to-ceiling windows in its spacious hotel rooms and suites.

The GMRENCEN is a perfection staycation spot for visitors of the city, with more than 25+ dining options, a newly-renovated GM World and its convenient distance from downtown activities.

What more could you ask for? Book your room by visiting marriott.com/dtwdt.

GMRENCEN
400 Renaissance Center, Suite 2500, Detroit, MI 48243
313.567.3126