We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Phillips and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always had a creative soul; to me being creative is a stress reliever. I love to take pictures – in front and behind the lens – I grew up watching my papa take pictures as a hobby. So many memories we have to look back on because he captured every moment. I want to create that for people again – memories for them to have and share with their families. I love to collaborate with the ideas people have for a session and bring it to life. It gives me joy to see the excitement on their face to see the final product.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a black lesbian photographer andI shoot EVERYTHING. I feel that sets me apart from other photographers that may only post attention to certain styles. The process is that you reach out to me, give me your idea, and from there we create your vision. We create your memories together, this is something you’ll have for the rest of your life. I’m proud of 3 things – first I was part of Dallas Pride 2019 for the first time as a vendor. We had our own vendor booth and had prizes and giveaways at our table. The photos and videos from that day is something I will truly remember as an exciting time in my career. Second I put together my first vendor fair for Small Business Saturday 2019. It was an awesome achievement that brought small businesses together in the community. And third, I was nominated for the Best Visuals category for The Party Awards in December 2019. I’ve learned that I’m a perfectionist but I’ve learned to use it to help me with my photography and making it the best I know it can be. My team and myself work hard at providing the best experience for each and every one of our clients from beginning to end. My story isn’t complete, there is more to come from me and Eccentric Personas Photography.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have way too many places that I love to eat and visit. Just to name a few places to eat are Gloria’s, Pappadeaux’s, Uncle Julio’s and LoLo’s Chicken and Waffles – they have delicious food as well as drinks to assist with socializing. Deep Ellum and the Cedar Springs area also has some food places and hangout spots to enjoy. I’m a little bit of a nerd so a couple of other places I would suggest are The Perot Museum or the Nasher Sculpture Center, The Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The Bishop Cidercade on Irving Blvd and The Playground off of McKinney is fun and takes me back to my childhood. Overall, it really depends what my friend would want to do and what kind of “trouble” we would want to get into…or we’d play it all by ear and cruise around DFW.
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?
God of course is first and foremost in anything I do, including photography. It’s because of Him that I have this gift. I would love to shout out my grandparents – James & Willie Taylor. They’ve always been so encouraging in regards to anything I decide to do. From the encouraging words, providing motivation, and the examples they shared with me in regards to their own creative endeavors. Their main goal was to ensure that I was happy and enjoying whatever I pursued in life. I have a plethora of family and friends that support me as well – far too many to name. All of them share a different experience with me and have a different purpose in my life for my photography. Shoutout to my EPP Team that helps me in more ways than one with this business – Di’Shandra Moore, Nichelle Phillips, Halie Phillips, and Desiree Grace – you are greatly appreciated. Finally, my wife Joy Phillips – she is my backbone and truly my rider for life! She’s my muse, my motivator, and so much more.
Website: www.eccentricpersonas.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/eccentricpersonas
Twitter: www.twitter.com/epersonasphoto
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eccentricpersonas
Other: TikTok – @epersonasphoto Snapchat – @epersonasphoto
Image Credits
Jessica Phillips with Eccentric Personas Photography
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