View The Vikings Instagram Group's photos presented by PrimeSport of the Vikings helmet being showcased around Detroit, Michigan prior to the Vikings Week 12 Thanksgiving kickoff against the Lions.
For each road game of the regular season The Vikings Instagram Group has showcased the Vikings helmet around the opponent's city prior to the game.
Week 12's short week was no different.
The Vikings Instagram Group (The V.I.G.) worked with photographer Joe Gall to show off the horned helmet around the Detroit, Michigan prior to the Vikings Thanksgiving matchup in Detroit.
Follow him on Instagram to view his past work.
Enjoy this Q&A with Joe Gall and view his work in our V.I.G. gallery.
What was it like to shoot for the Vikings Instagram Group and did you ever envision doing work for a sports team?
I have to admit, being recruited as a photographer for the Vikings came as a surprise. Once the project was explained to me, it made perfect sense. Being from Detroit, I know the city end to end and had a lot of locations in mind before the Vikings helmet even arrived. I was very excited to get started!
Tell us about yourself. How did you get into photography and what type of subject matter do you typically shoot now?
I'm Camera Jesus, a freelance commercial/action sports photographer based out of Detroit. I cut my teeth in this business mostly photographing concerts for the local papers. After shooting thousands of bands over the years, I started to focus more on high-end agency work. My clients range from automotive to fashion. In my downtime, I document the renaissance happening here in Detroit. The city's comeback is happening at an exponential rate and to me, it's important to capture the progress.
What do you enjoy about Instagram when it comes to showcasing your work?
The best part about Instagram is the community that you become a part of - the strangers that become you actual friends and inspiration as well as the instant support and feedback you receive.
Making your home in Detroit, what was most important to you to showcase about the city?
Often more times then not, when I mention I'm from Detroit, people's reactions tend to be "why do you still live there?" or "can you still buy a house for a dollar?" It's important for me to shine a positive light on a city that really has an amazing history and future. If my photos of Detroit can intrigue just a few people to want to visit our city, I'm doing something right.
Did you have a favorite shot from your shoots?
My favorite shots would be from Sunset Point on Belle Isle where I had my 10-year-old son assisting me. We had a beautiful sunset looking back at the city's skyline, and I had Von tossing the helmet up into the light to make a perfect silhouette. At the end of the shoot we went through and picked the shot together, and he really felt a part of the production.
What was the most challenging part of the assignment?
Detroit has so many interesting locations it was hard to pick where to go and when. I'm always racing daylight and weather to make each location look it's best with the most variety.
Even though you're not a Vikings fan, will you follow the program going forward to see what other photographers come up with?
I think the Vikings have created something really unique with this concept. I hope it continues in every city they play. I'm looking forward to see how it progresses from one photographer to the next. Thanks again for making Detroit a part of your creation!
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