Jeff Phillips

Gallery

LACP Interviews Jeff Phillips

LACP asks Jeff Phillips ten questions about his background, career in and beliefs about photography.

Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?

Jeff Phillips: I am a multi-disciplinary photographic artist, zinemaker, and educator. My work spans genres of documentary, editorial, still life, and vernacular photography. I am most interested in blending traditional photographic process with contemporary methods of presentation, such as self-published books, digital projection mapping, and virtual reality applications.

LACP: How long have you been shooting?

JP: I have been photographing for more than 40 years. It began in 1980 when the teacher in my 9th grade Journalism class and she asked for a volunteer to be the photographer for the school newspaper. She asked for someone who knew how to use an SLR film camera. I’d never even held a camera before, but as the saying goes: Fake it until you make it.

LACP: Where did you get your training?

JP: I studied photography throughout the remainder of high school and throughout college. I was hired as an assistant at a commercial photography studio, which led to a full-time position as a photographer and a promotion to studio manager. Later in life I earned an MA in Photography and Integrated Media from DePaul University in Chicago.

LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?

JP: It dawned on me during another transformative moment in Ms. Herman’s Journalism class. I watched my very first photograph appear in the developer tray, under the warm glow of the safelight. I was hooked.

LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?

JP: My passion for photography has never wavered, although I have taken long breaks from working in the photography business to explore new paths. I always return to it, though.

LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?

JP: When I was much younger, my desire to succeed as a photographer and artist was all-consuming. I prioritized my work over my personal relationships, which suffered until I learned how to achieve a more mindful balance.

LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?

JP: I am grateful for the friendship of many creative and talented people I can now call friends. I’ve grown as a person through many meaningful experiences, including working with young artists on public art projects that focus on issues of social justice.

LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?

JP: I’m currently teaching a Special Guest/Master Photographer course titled, Creating Your Own Photo Zine with Jeff Phillips. Previously I was part of LACP’s monthly Photo Book Discussion series.

LACP: What do you love most about teaching?

JP: I love the feeling that I have when I am working with a class of like-minded artists that have a shared passion for the visual arts — and seeing the amazing work that they create as part of our collaborative experience together.

LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?

JP: I’d say, “Go for it!” In today’s market I’d also recommend that you strive to be a multidisciplinary photographer, so that your practice is not limited to a single type of niche service or ‘style’. Be an exceptional project manager, too. Your client is buying more than your creative vision; they’re also counting on you to deliver awesome images, on time, that will help them achieve success in their business.