Collette Williams was the owner of the renowned Motown Portrait Photography, a beloved staple in Detroit’s history. Mr. Williams founded and operated Motown Portrait Photography on the historic Avenue of Fashion from 1989 until his recent retirement. Since his retirement, he has mainly focused on selected jobs and assignments. He is a highly accomplished and respected photographer, celebrated for his work depicting famous talents including iconic Detroit legends Aretha Franklin, Tommy “Hitman” Hearns, and Anita Baker, and influential political and Civil Rights figures such as Mayor Coleman Young, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Colin Powell, and Rosa Parks. Only a small measure of the noteworthy individuals he was honored to work with.

 

Additionally, Mr. Williams worked for Ebony (Jet) Magazine for 15 years and his work has been featured in numerous locally and internationally known newspapers and magazines. His photos featured in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., are a true testament to the quality and significance of his work.