This week we are featuring landscape and commercial hybrid shooter, Adam Phillips. Adam has been an avid customer of pictureline for quite some time! We love seeing customers succeed and expand their business to new heights. Today, we get a glimpse into Adam's creative journey. Let's get started!
1. What inspired you to start a career in photography and videography?
One of the biggest things that inspired me with photography was seeing the images come to life. I started with film, and you didn't get that instant gratification we see with digital. However, seeing the back of the camera or a source monitor as the images unfold is still exciting. For me, it was fun to go out and explore the world around me and not know exactly what I would come home with and see in the dark room. Aside from the internal self-learning and everything that came from that, there were the connections I made with the people I photographed, whether it was a portrait or an action photo, and the honor and privilege of telling their story.
2. What is your favorite part about your career?
That is a tricky question to answer. It's only because of many favorites but if I were to pinpoint one thing, my favorite part is the spontaneity and helping people, from photographing construction jobs to running brands on the trails of Michigan, Ski mountaineering in the remote mountains of Alaska, or white background studio images for web use. It's constantly changing, and learning to navigate that and be flexible so I can better help my clients meet their goals or solve their problems is truly rewarding!
3. Who was your first most significant client, and how did you land the job?
First and most significant...That's hard. La Sportiva showed me that I could do photography in any discipline and make it a career. We climbed near Moab and got some fun images that shared our day and the story they wanted to license. It showed me that I could make work fun.
I landed that work and some future work with them, because I went to the Outdoor Retailer trade show with this portfolio, which was different from any other photographers there. I was walking around with a box filled with twenty-four 16x24 loose prints. I wanted to do something out of the norm for those showing up with an iPad or even a tiny flip book.
4. What's next on your wish list at Pictureline?
I've had my eye on the Canon EOS R5 C for a while, along with some longer lenses like the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and more video lights. Many clients ask for photos and videos; having something that works for both disciplines is a great option.
5. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started?
Be patient when learning or growing a successful business; nothing will happen overnight. If you want commercial work, email 5 to 10 potential clients weekly. Don't let fear get in your way of asking, starting, or trying something different or new. Take your photos from some of the most obscure angles if you want to stand out. Don't be afraid to try something new. And don't let the chase of trying to make photography a career ruin the excitement and fun of creative expression!
Get to know Adam:
My journey with photography has been my passion since childhood, sparked by my father's video camera and my mom's film SLR. High school photography classes refined my skills, leading to a career spanning over seventeen years. I've dedicated my expertise to empowering brands and businesses, capturing the authentic stories behind them. My portfolio includes collaborations with various recognizable brands, highlighting genuine moments and skilled craftsmanship.