WS Chronicle

Dyronne L. Mabry Jr. has been supporting his peers in their entrepreneurial pursuits for some time. This year he experienced an “eye-opening” moment that caused a change in direction for himself. “After being in some ways prompted by my pops, who has been a photographer for decades, I finally picked up a camera. Seeing the difference in quality of presentation and ability to flexibly edit the pictures which help to better tell the stories of the moments I intended to capture and promote was eye opening,” he said, adding, “And obviously, it runs in the blood.” 

That was the jump-start he needed to seriously focus on photography and videography. Mabry said, “From then on I’ve been improving my skills, not only in photography but also videography, to better tell the story of my community and those I push to support and help grow.” 

Mabry said his goal is to “do my best to capture that moment of true authenticity” for his clients. “The intention is to identify the story of the client and what they are trying to portray. Like they say, ‘a picture speaks a thousand words’ … they tell an entire story … I’m thankful for the gift to be of some use to my peers and community.”

Using the power of storytelling is essential to Mabry’s work. He said, “I enjoy when the client loves the work, but more importantly, when it has the intended impact and tells a story that they and whoever they are trying to reach can connect to.”

Mabry recently had the opportunity to capture the 55th anniversary of the Winston-Salem Chapter of the Black Panther Party. He said, “One recent event that I thoroughly enjoyed covering was Mama C’s visit to Hazel Mack’s Other Suns Café, where they also were celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Winston Salem Chapter of the Black Panther Party. That day, capturing those moments that are monumental when it comes to our community here in Winston, whether discussing Black workers’ rights or community education and health efforts, was truly an experience. 

“Not only that, but getting the opportunity to hear about the history of how these elders effected change in our community with money not being the center focus, but impact. That type of mindset, community and effort is what I believe is most needed today. Money is a major part of our lives, but if we truly focus on impact and working to build and grow together instead of in competition, there is a lot that can change in our communities which will then in major ways affect each individual and family’s pockets in a positive, more sustainable way. I love opportunities like this.”

Mabry is planning for the future and the growth of his business. He said, “I have a few ideas of independent films, shows, and content that I would love to create that positively impacts the Black community as a whole. Possibly starting my own network.”

His goals will build on the foundation he has already made. “My future goals are to continue to build out the business, including my videography and eventually a production studio.” 

To learn more about Ejikeme Photography or to make an appointment to discuss a project, reach Dyronne L. Mabry Jr. at 336-490-1335 or email dyronne@ejikemephotography.net. Visit the website at www.ejikemephotography.net

 or follow on Facebook at Ejikeme Photography or Instagram @ejikemephotography.