We had the good fortune of connecting with Lei Phillips and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lei, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The work that goes into continuing your business over time. The office days you have at home working on your marketing, reaching out to new and old clients, the editing of photos if you don’t have retoucher, updating of your work to stay update to trends in the industry, and the list goes on. You are in this continuous growing your business and learning to become better photographer when the industry is changing because of social media.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career is in photography and my emphasis is in fashion. This industry is not easy and it has a lot of competition. But I don’t let that stop me. The challenges that I had so far is figuring out how to start that journey. I feel there are many ways of figuring it out. That way is find people in the industry, connecting with them, networking, assisting another photographer, and or find a mentor. I want the world to know about my brand and story that no matter the challenge keep going, and never take no for an answer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First thing I would do is take them to the beach like Malibu and Laguna Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
From the start there ways other mentors and people that have helped me along way from the start, middle and on going. Let’s start from the beginning my when I was just beginning modeling with my cousin who is now a music artist, Danjul. We would plan shoots to add to our portfolio and any of our friends we would help as well. I got so into planning for shoots I knew it was my love to do something in the creative as a job. Then came in while I was still figuring things out if I wanted to do photography when I was in my blogging days. I would go out to different areas of Downtown LA and take photos of people’s outfits. I went to an event and met a photographer who was in the fashion industry. We were talking and I told him I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get into fashion photography because I didn’t think that I had it in me to do it. And his response was what if it did work out. from there, I decided I would give it my all. Especially when there are people or organizations want to see you win. When organization that I am a part of is black woman photographers. Their goal is to promote to hire black women photographers. It was really to level the playing field. That type of mentorship really does help to see yourself in a competitive industry. and along with that, I have worked with great Studio manager of Ivy studio‘s Mandy Pacheco. She gave me a chance to work with her in her studio. I don’t think she knows but I look up to her as mentor. I really want to see her win. She has had a lot success and she’s so willing to help. So I’m grateful for the people who really care. Especially family and friends who try their best with their support. Like my Aunt and my best friend who have always held me accountable and goes beyond.

Website: leiphillips.com

Instagram: instagram.com/leiphillips

Image Credits
Lei Phillips Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.