Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillinda Roy
Hi Phillinda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into photography began unexpectedly during my high school years when I joined the yearbook staff. It was during this time that I got my hands on my first camera – a film camera. This early exposure to photography sparked a passion that would shape my entire career. As fate would have it, I found myself modeling during college, which opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing photography as a profession.
This realization led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Photojournalism at The University of Texas at Austin. During my time at university, I further honed my skills and expanded my knowledge of photography. This formal education in photojournalism built upon the basics I had learned in high school, providing me with a solid technical background and developing my keen eye for visual storytelling.
In 2013, I made a pivotal decision to focus on lifestyle photography, particularly in advertising and fashion. This shift allowed me to combine my passion for visual storytelling with the dynamic worlds of fashion and commercial advertising.
Over the years, my style has undergone a significant evolution. Coming out of university, I had what I considered a mediocre portfolio. However, I quickly learned that to land big or well-paying clients, you need to showcase stellar images. This realization pushed me to elevate my work to a higher level of production value. I found myself drawn to and excelling in high-production photo shoots, which aligned perfectly with my aspirations to work with my dream clients.
One of the biggest challenges I faced when starting my photography business was learning how to market myself effectively. It took time and dedication to build a portfolio that I felt truly confident in. Over the past few years, I’ve focused intensely on refining my work, and now I can proudly say that my portfolio attracts the brands and clients I want to work with.
Living and working in Los Angeles has provided me with diverse opportunities in both studio and location photography. My ability to seamlessly transition between these environments stems from my comprehensive education, including studio photography and theatre lighting courses at university. These experiences honed my skills in manipulating light effectively in any setting. As a photographer, I’ve developed an intuitive understanding of light, allowing me to assess exposure and visualize outcomes instantly, whether in a controlled studio or on location.
My approach to photography doesn’t differentiate between studio and location work – they’re one and the same to me. This versatility has been crucial in establishing myself in the competitive Los Angeles market. As a small business owner, I’ve strategically positioned myself to work with brands and agencies that align with my artistic vision, regardless of the shoot location. While it’s taken time to establish myself, I’m committed to continually growing my business and creating opportunities that showcase my ability to deliver high-quality results in any photographic setting. This adaptability has been key to my success, allowing me to take on diverse projects in advertising lifestyle photography & fashion lifestyle photography.
My proudest moment in my photography career so far came recently when I landed a $50,000 one-day photo shoot. This accomplishment not only validates all the work I’ve put into developing my skills and business but also marks a significant milestone in my journey as a professional photographer.
Looking back, my path from high school yearbook staff to professional lifestyle photographer has been filled with learning experiences and growth. Each step, from my early assignments with a film camera to my time as a model and my education in photojournalism, has contributed to shaping the photographer I am today. As I continue to evolve and take on new challenges in the world of advertising lifestyle and fashion lifestyle photography, I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to becoming a successful professional photographer hasn’t always been smooth, but I’ve faced the challenges with persistence and determination. One of the biggest hurdles I encountered was the transition from being a photography student to a professional photographer. While my education provided me with strong technical skills and a keen eye for visual storytelling, it didn’t fully prepare me for the business side of photography. Learning how to run a photography business and effectively market myself proved to be significant challenges.
Interestingly, while Los Angeles is known for its competitive photography scene, I found that working beyond just one location has been beneficial for my career. The city itself hasn’t held me back; rather, it was my initial lack of marketing skills that posed the greatest challenge to my career progression. As I’ve improved in this area, I’ve seen corresponding growth in my business.
Throughout these challenges, I never considered giving up on my photography career. My passion for my craft and my tenacity in pursuing my goals have been constant driving forces. When faced with obstacles, I’ve always viewed them as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as reasons to quit. This persistence has been key in navigating the ups and downs of building a successful photography business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I take immense pride in my recent achievement of landing a $50,000 photo shoot, a milestone that validates the quality of my work and marks significant career progression. What sets me apart in the field is my unique perspective as an African-American female photographer, combined with my formal education in photography. As a lifestyle photographer, I focus on capturing the essence of brands by showcasing genuine and authentic emotions in the scenes I create. This approach results in imagery that resonates deeply with viewers and effectively communicates my clients’ messages.
My commitment to excellence has been recognized in the industry, as evidenced by my inclusion in One Eyeland’s Top 100 Photographers list in both 2022 and 2023. Throughout my career, I’ve been guided by principles of truth, honesty, and integrity. I believe in being knowledgeable about my craft and persistently pursuing excellence. These values not only shape my work but also influence my interactions with clients and subjects, fostering trust and enabling me to consistently deliver results that exceed expectations.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis presented unique challenges and opportunities for growth in my photography career. During 2020, when work came to a standstill, I used this time to focus on improving my online presence and marketing strategies. I dedicated myself to creating a stronger social media presence and learning more effective ways to market my skills and services.
Recognizing the need to stay competitive in a changing market, I made a conscious decision to elevate my photographic portfolio. This period of reduced work became an opportunity for self-improvement and creative exploration. To stay motivated and tap into my creativity, I diversified my interests, delving into social media content creation and even exploring a new craft – creating custom felt, burned, and embellished cowgirl and cowboy hats. While these activities were separate from my photography business, they helped maintain my creative spirit during challenging times and potentially opened new avenues for future projects or collaborations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phillindaroy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillindaroyphotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillinda
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Me/Phillinda Roy, Emeline Smith, Hannah Dannelly & Celina Krogmann
Image 1
Talent | Shani Resnick, Allea Storm, Katelyn Gray
Makeup Artist | Anna Monge
Hair Stylist | Terri Corelle
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend
Image 2
Talent | Lulet Ayalew, Kalaria Obasi, Zaire Bennet, Amelia Zerbe
Makeup Artist | Erik Troppe
Hair Stylist | Terri Corelle
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend
Image 3
Talent | Chrisy Bori
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend
Makeup Artist | Erik Troppe
Hair Stylist | Terri Corelle
Image 4
Talent | Zaire Bennett & Chrisy Bori
Hair Stylist | Terri Corelle
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend
Makeup Artist | Erik Troppe
Image 5
Talent | Lulet Ayalew
Makeup Artist | Erik Troppe
Hair Stylist | Terri Corelle
Image 6
Talent | Hannah Dannelly & Ronni Hawk
Makeup Artist | Anita Bahramy
Hair | Brian Oliver
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend
Image 7
Talent | Celina Krogmann
Makeup Artist | Anita Bahramy
Hair | Brian Oliver
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend
