Terralynn Joy Mikell is a portrait artist based in Richmond, Virginia, whose work captures the beauty and individuality of those around her. With a lifelong passion for creativity and visual storytelling, she uses her artistic eye to highlight the essence of her subjects. Once drawn to chasing sunsets and capturing the fleeting colours of the sky, Terralynn now turns her lens toward people, showcasing their beauty and light through her portraits.
In this interview with Special Sense, Terralynn shares how her early fascination with light evolved into a passion for portrait photography, the meaning behind her soulful approach to creating art, and the lessons she has learned throughout her journey as a photographer.
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Your journey with photography began with a love for chasing sunsets and capturing their fleeting beauty. How did that early fascination with light evolve into a desire to capture people and their stories?
At my core, I am someone who is always gravitating towards the light, whether it be from the sun, in a situation or in a person. To capture the light in someone, is to showcase a piece of their soul. It’s something that you can see but you can’t, all at the same time. It is a special and delicate experience that I love to highlight in my work.
You describe photography as a soulful experience. What does creating a portrait mean to you beyond capturing someone’s physical appearance?
Illuminating someone’s essence. How they exist, feel and move in that moment in time. It’s almost like nostalgia caught in real time.
When planning a photoshoot, how do you approach bringing your creative ideas to life through your camera?
I have an overall theme and styling in mind, so I know the direction that I want to go in. During the shoot, I feel like I enter a flow state. Being present in the moment while also finding a balance for synchronicity; what atmosphere is the shoot giving in real time and how can my creative ideas bring it to life.
Your photography includes graduations, birthdays, maternity sessions, engagements, and weddings. What do you enjoy most about capturing these important moments in people’s lives?
I believe it is so important to document the milestones in your life and celebrate them. I love to be able to put a pause on these moments, while my clients can freely exist in them.
Is there a photograph or photoshoot from your portfolio that holds a special place in your heart? What makes it meaningful to you?
I would say my lace photoshoot with Tru at the end of 2025. I was in a creative rut for a while. Working with Tru reminded me not only of why I love photography but why I love creating art. I feel like I tapped into a creative side that I had been dormant for some time.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers who are developing their skills and finding their own creative style?
I think it’s important to learn the foundations, which will give creativity room to flourish. Youtube is a great place to learn. Jessica Kobessi, Jessica Whitaker and Pixemperfect have helped me a lot throughout my photography journey.
When it comes to finding your creative style, listen to your intuition. When you visualize creating, where does your mind instantly go? When you think of a favorite shoot or admire a particular shoot, what was it and why? Follow that and you will find your creative style.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about as you continue your journey as a photographer?
Possibilities! I can plan a shoot but I can’t preplan a moment. I am excited to continue to learn, grow and hopefully explore more of the world around me.
If you could go back to the beginning of your photography journey, what is one thing you would tell your younger self?
I would tell myself to be consistent and committed. I have, and sometimes still, have a habit of perfectionism. One thing that I appreciate about the very beginning of my photography journey was how that didn’t bother me. I think it’s important to grow and improve, but to also not delay creating until you reach that point.
What is something about being a photographer that you wish more people understood?
The gear that you have is definitely useful but your eye is most important. Nurture and listen to your creativity.
If you could photograph anyone in the world, anywhere in the world, who would you choose and where would you want to take their portraits?
I would love to work with Sonia Tucker. She exudes grace and elegance, which is something that I really love to showcase in my work. I’ve always wanted to take pictures at the White Sands National Park in New Mexico. It seems like the perfect backdrop, an oasis that still leaves enough space for creativity.
