Meet Kirkwood Photographer: Andrew Phillips

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Phillips.

Andrew, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In undergrad, I would always go to the photo department to see if I could get reference shots for my illustrations. One day I just decided to try and work in the department because it would make life much easier if I was just already always there. So I lied and said I was very experienced with all the gear. After working in the department for a while and teaching myself the gear, my images started becoming good enough not to want to draw them. So now I do more photography than drawing.

Has it been a smooth road?
Not a smooth road at all. Everything was trial and error. I was fortunate enough to have a buddy who was professional named Adam Reign who I could ask questions but over all my work use to SUCK BAD. You have to go through that to humble your ego though.

Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over?
There are always tough moments where I feel like quitting. When a client tries to still you on a bill. When you don’t have enough money to truly execute your vision. When you don’t have work for 60 days. All these things make you want to throw in the towel and get a regular 9-5. But I am a spiritual guy and I remember where my faith is and how if I give up now then I would be doing an injustice to the talent I was blessed with. There are so many people that would love to do what I do but can’t (not in a cocky way) I also remember what I hear people who do have the 9-5 say which is man I wish I had the freedom to create. So I just have to reel in my thoughts and take my hand off the panic button and push forward.

What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
If I had any advice it would be network network network. A lot of times it’s not what you know its who you know that can get you where you need to be. Atlanta is a social town that has so many connections. You need to get out there are rub elbows with people in the field you want to be in. You can learn from their mistakes and you can probably get some good scraps that fall off the table.

What are you most excited about these days?
I am most excited to have mo own functioning studio. I want one big space with all the gear I need. I can create my own work and have the ability to satisfy client needs with ease. I want to be a big name in the Atlanta and the east coast in general. I want a photo of me wearing glasses with no lenses and a top hat with a tweety bird sticker on it on a billboard on 85 south by Thanksgiving 2017.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AndrewMichaelPhillips.com
• Phone: 3235235315
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @idruthat
• Other: @idruthat – Twitter