Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Phillips
Hi Jordan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
A Philadelphia native, I grew up deeply involved in activism and community restoration. My early years were spent playing football, and saxophone, and enjoying my youth—far removed from anything media-related. It wasn’t until college that I was introduced to filmmaking by my Morehouse brother, Mason Compton, whose work includes VHS footage for 42 Dugg and Lil Baby’s U-Digg video, BTS for Skilla Baby, and coverage of Hunxho at the SpelHouse Homecoming Concert. Mason gifted me my first camera and has been an invaluable mentor ever since. Over the past two years, I’ve dedicated countless hours in the studio and on YouTube refining my craft. Understanding that opportunities must be earned, I’ve leveraged my portfolio and networking skills to access spaces I once only imagined. With the support of my peers, family, and fellow creatives, I’m steadily making my mark in the industry—not by chasing followers, but by focusing on quality and a relentless drive to create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. I have been through some of the worst experiences such as corrupt cards after doing a shoot, not having the right equipment to put out the best product, and imposter syndrome. I have had many hard days where I didn’t know if my work would make any mark on the world or even satisfy my client. Photography is not an inexpensive endeavor. As I have progressed in enhancing the quality of my work product, I’ve had to learn how to budget to purchase or rent the needed equipment just to make it through a shoot. Being a college student, I don’t work in an environment where the shoots can help afford those luxuries. I’ve had to learn how to negotiate with students and bring my rates down even when I know my work may be worth more. I have never done it for the money but for the love of being able to bring my art to fellow students. Starting out I was taking every gig; Whether that was hopping a fence to shoot a music video, traveling to do BTS for an artist for free just to build my portfolio, planning a whole shoot out for the client not to show, or everyone’s favorite “doing it for exposure opportunities.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
JP Visuals(name of business) specializes in photography services in the areas of events, sports, and portraits. I also provide videography services. One of my proudest moments happened most recently. I was featured by the Atlanta Hawks for Black History Month as a “Creator of Color.” Myself and two other Morehouse brothers were highlighted for our work in photography, videography, and graphic design. We were invited to the game and provided a suite to enjoy the game and had an in-game spotlight. They also made a commercial about black creatives which featured all of us. It was a full circle moment from going to basketball games, to now being invited to the game to have my work featured. My mom flew into town to come and support which made the moment even more special. I am proud of my resilience and capability to keep going and take chances on myself even when I’m not at the top of the game or the biggest in the room. I truly believe my ability to network in any space has set me apart in my field. I have shot for artists, been a part of the White House press pool, and worked for government offices just by being able to pitch myself and work a room to explain why I’m deserving of an opportunity. I have received feedback from my peers trying to make sense of how I’ve been able to be in so many spaces so early in the game and produce great content.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Atlanta’s openness to offer new creatives equal opportunities to succeed and work at the same level as other highly recognized creatives. The city embraces anyone who embraces them and since providing services around the city, I have received nothing but love and good feedback. Atlanta is a place where everyone believes themselves to be a “celebrity,” so it gets difficult at times to figure out if someone has a real platform and provides and longstanding opportunity or if they are just looking to leverage followers or slight status to get a cheap rate or free content.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jp.visuals._
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Other: https://www.nba.com/hawks/black-history-month-game
Image Credits
The image of myself is credited to Isiah Thurman(zae.visuals)
