Romain Blanquart is a visual journalist and the co-founder of Capturing Belief, a grassroots Detroit-based mentoring Lab that strengthens communication skills through creative processes.
He studied photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology before joining the staff of the Naples Daily News and the Detroit Free Press, where he worked for 16 years. Since 2019 he has been devoting most of his energy to Capturing Belief as Co Director and a teaching artist.
Romain was named Michigan Photographer of the Year twice, and has received numerous national and international awards for his photography and video work including from the NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism, The Michigan and National Emmy Association, PX3 Prix de la Photographie, The National Association of Black Journalists, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and The New York Photo Festival.
Romain lives in Detroit, MI.
“As a visual journalist, I look to actively engage with the unknown, and to understand and connect with others. I attempt to translate into photographs, the feelings, thoughts and actions that define people. I am continually searching for clarity by capturing moments that minimizes the clutter of preconceived notions and expectations.
Documentary photography can be a guide to other’s histories and experiences. It has value when we take the time to look closely at what defines others and realize that we are essentially looking in the mirror. Recognizing the commonality of what unites us, sparks compassion and promotes acceptance and celebration of our differences. This is what drives my work.”