Meet Phillinda Roy | Advertising Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Phillinda, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been drawn to photography, even as a kid. I wasn’t exactly sure what a career in it would look like, but I knew I was happiest when I was behind the camera or in front of it. The act of shooting or modeling ignited a spark in me—It was like magic, creating something out of thin air.

I am not particularly skilled at drawing, so photography was my way of expressing my creativity. After my 2nd year in college , I decided to go all in. I picked Photojournalism as my major – seemed like the smartest route for a black woman to break into the photography world. But here’s the thing: I never actually wanted to work for a newspaper. However, my ultimate dream was always to be out my own a independent photographer, rather than working for a newspaper or other traditional media outlet.

This path allowed me to blend my artistic vision with the technical skills I picked up, laying the groundwork for what I do now in advertising lifestyle photography. It’s been quite a journey, turning my passion into my profession.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my own photography business back in 2013. It was a pivotal moment for me – I realized I was tired of working for others and making their dreams happen. I decided it was time to chase my own dreams.

Building my portfolio was the first step. I reached out to modeling agencies to create a diverse and strong body of work. This approach helped me showcase my skills and style right from the start.

Like any business owner, I faced my share of challenges. The business side of things was tough, especially marketing. Keeping myself and my work on the minds of brands and ad agencies is a constant hustle. To overcome this, I created a solid plan and stuck to it. Consistency is key in this industry.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of having advisors and helpers. You can’t do everything alone, and you need people who can guide you in making the right moves for yourself and your business. It’s okay to ask for help and lean on others’ expertise.

When it comes to my brand, I strive to embody integrity, professionalism, and a sense of fun in every project. For me, integrity means being true to my artistic vision while respecting my clients’ needs. Professionalism isn’t just about delivering on time; it’s about exceeding expectations at every turn. And fun? Well, that’s the secret ingredient that makes every shoot memorable. I believe in creating an atmosphere where creativity flourishes and everyone feels comfortable to express themselves. This approach has built a level of trust with my clients that goes beyond just taking great photos. It’s about creating experiences and relationships that last.

Right now, I’m focusing on ramping up my marketing efforts for the last two months of this year, setting the stage for a strong 2025. In this business, you always have to be thinking ahead and planning for the future.

It hasn’t always been easy. I’m proud of the business I’ve built and the relationships I’ve formed along the way. Every day brings new opportunities to create, to grow, and to push the boundaries of what I can achieve as an advertising lifestyle photographer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Hollywood and West Hollywood (Weekday)
* Start with breakfast at Blu Jam Café on Melrose
* Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
* Lunch at The Butcher’s Daughter in West Hollywood
* Don’t miss their amazing vegan fish tacos made with jackfruit
* Explore Sunset Strip
* Electric Owl for Happy Hour
* Dinner at Crossroads Kitchen

Day 2: Griffith Park and Los Feliz
* Morning hike in Griffith Park
* Visit Griffith Observatory for stunning city views
* Lunch at the Vegan Joint DTLA
* Explore Los Feliz neighborhood
* Dinner at Bacari Silverlake + Bar Bacari

Day 3: Santa Monica and Venice
* Morning at Santa Monica Pier and beach
* Visit The Getty Museum
* Lunch at Café Graditude
* Explore Venice Beach and canals
* Dinner at The Butcher’s Daughter on Abbot Kinney

Day 4: Downtown LA

* Breakfast a Wild Living Foods
* Then Hangout at Verve Coffee Roasters on Spring Street
* Head to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, I know it’s touristy but I like going there.
* Lunch at Mixt DTLA
* Visit the nearby Los Angeles County Museum of Art
* Happy Hour/Dinner at Redbird

Day 5: Orange County

* Start out at Vacancy Coffee in Newport Beach
* Then Hangout at Corona del Mar State Beach
* Lunch at Flower Child, Newport Beach
* Do a little shopping in Downtown Orange
* Spend our last night a home I cook and we make drinks

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing influences along the way. I’d like to give a big shoutout to my Professor Dr. Julianne Newton and her late husband, Professor Rick Williams. Their guidance and mentorship during my time in college really shaped my approach to photography and visual communication. Julianne was the first person to see my real potential; she even helped me get admitted to the photojournalism program in the first place. It’s worth mentioning that Julianne is currently at the University of Oregon, continuing to inspire and guide new generations of photographers.

Website: https://www.phillindaroy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillindaroyphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillinda

Other: I am in the process of adding new content to my website I should be finish by the end November 10th.

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Me/Phillinda Roy, Allea Storm & Chloe Perry-Pelletier

Image 1
Models | Allea Storm & Chloe Perry-Pelletier
Hair Stylist | Terri Corelle
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend
Makeup Artist | Erik David

Image 2
Models | Lulet Ayalew, Amelia Grace Zerbe, Zaire Bennet
Hair Stylist | Terri Corelle
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend
Makeup Artist | Erik David

Image 3
Models | Angelina Patania, Ronnie Hawk, Serena Morizio
Hair Stylist | Bryin Smoot
Wardrobe Stylist | Anthony Bermudez
Makeup Artist | Judy Pena

Image 4
Model | Angelina Patania
Hair Stylist | Bryin Smoot
Makeup Artist | Judy Pena

Image 5
Models | Brooke Brazelton, Jack Schneider
Hair Stylist | Bryin Smoot
Wardrobe Stylist | Anthony Bermudez
Makeup Artist | Judy Pena

Image 6
Models | Jemma Currie
Makeup Artist | Erik David
Hair Stylist | Terri Corelle
Wardrobe Stylist | Kathy Friend