Meet Mike Jordan | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Jordan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up in Detroit, I was always surrounded by raw emotion, movement, and stories that didn’t make the news—but needed to be seen. Photography gave me a way to capture that. It became more than a hobby—it turned into my purpose . I didn’t chase art because it was trendy, I chased it because it felt like my purpose and the only way I could really express myself.

I pursue a creative career because there’s power in documenting real life as it happens. A camera in my hands is more than a tool—it’s a mirror to the world I know, and a window for others to understand it. I’ve seen how one image can stop someone in their tracks or make them feel something they didn’t expect. That kind of impact is what keeps me going. I’m building something meaningful not just for me, but for my city, my family, and for those whose stories often go untold.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is rooted in truth raw, unfiltered, and personal. I shoot the world how I see it, through my own lens and emotions. What sets me apart is that I’m not just taking pictures I’m telling stories. Stories that feel like home, that carry emotion, and reflect the soul of the people and places I capture. That’s why I say “beauty is in the eye of the shooter.” I want folks to feel something when they see my work.

I’m most proud of staying true to my vision. Whether it’s shooting a local artist on stage, catching a quiet street moment, or getting into a galleries I didn’t fake anything to get here. I did it my way, step by step, with passion and consistency.

It hasn’t been easy and honestly won’t ever will be, and I’m cool with that. There have been times I questioned myself, felt overlooked, or didn’t know if my work would ever get the recognition I hoped for. I overcame that by leaning into the art and letting the camera be my voice when I couldn’t find the words.

I’ve learned that patience, self-belief, and staying connected to why you do it are everything. You can’t rush greatness, and your path won’t look like anyone else’s and it’s not supposed to either.

What I want the world to know is I’m not just documenting life, I’m putting real soul into every shot. Eye of the Shooter is bigger than just photography it’s love for the people, for the culture and for the overlooked moments that matter most.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m making sure they get the full experience — the real Detroit, not just the tourist stuff.

First stop, we hitting Bugsy’s for some wings that’s mandatory. Then we’re cruising through the city, especially downtown Detroit. These days, you can just walk around and randomly run into fire restaurants, hidden gems, and cool shops. It’s one of those places where you look up and realize you’ve walked into a good time without even planning it.

We’d definitely slide through Eastern Market on a Saturday catch some art, live vibes, and good eats. One day we’d hit up Belle Isle just to chill out, walk the trails, maybe catch the sunset. It’s peaceful but you still feel the city heartbeat out there.

When it comes to food, we’re for sure going to Lou’s Deli they never miss. And of course Coney Island has to happen at least once. Late-night or early morning, it’s going to slap.

At night, we might check out Deluxx Fluxx, Marble Bar, or El Club if there’s a show. There’s always something creative going on in Detroit if you know where to look.

But honestly, the best part of the trip would be just catching that summer in Detroit energy. the block parties, the old schools cruising by, the music floating through the air, the people outside enjoying life. That’s when the city shines the brightest. That’s the Detroit I’d want them to remember.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely — I wouldn’t be where I am without the village behind me. First and foremost, I want to shout out my mom. She’s always let me express myself, even when she didn’t fully understand or agree. That kind of freedom, love, and support means everything — it gave me room to grow into who I am.

My daughter NovaRae inspires everything I do — her smile keeps me grounded and focused on building something that lasts. My girlfriend Courtney has been a rock too, always reminding me of my worth and standing beside me through every up and down.

Detroit — for shaping how I see the world and giving me raw, unfiltered beauty to capture.

And to all my friends — really family at this point. who always show up and show out for me. That love never goes unnoticed. Whether it was giving me a shot, reposting my work, or just saying “keep going,” all of that matters. I carry it with me in every photo I take.

Website: https://eyeoftheshooter.darkroom.tech/

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/eots313