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

Hi Zameena, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
When I was 12, my grandfather let me use his Nikon DSLR camera. Every second I got, I snapped photos of the things happening around me. I would do my friend’s makeup and hair, just so that I could orchestrate a photoshoot in my living room! As someone who struggles with anxiety – I found it soothing to feel in control of something when things felt overwhelming and out of control. Looking through that lens was like opening my eyes to a world of color, smiles, and experience. Most of all, I felt a sense of inspiration. After years of snapping photos in my Florida hometown – I felt it was time to share my love for photography with a broader audience. I want the world to experience the world through my eyes. Photography is love. Photography documents history. Photography is one of the most powerful and influential crafts, to ever be created.

My mission is to capture the special moments and give my clients, the ability to relive them with a tangible memory. I treat every client differently, as they have varying needs and desires for their shoots. I want them to feel comfortable and able to be their authentic selves – as they grant me the honor of capturing them on camera.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I refer to myself as a shutterbug, because I am eager to hone my craft. When you work with anyone who has been in a field, for a long time – it can be told that they sometimes lose that fire that they started with. Based on past experiences and where I am today, I can say that I won’t be losing that fire anytime soon. I have a drive and passion for not only success but making others feel confident. For years, I had struggled with confidence, which is extremely common whether spoken about or not. I have the desire to make my clients feel like their best and most-confident selves. I am passionate about facilitating an experience that will pull out the confidence, that some of my clients may not possess or have lost due to negative experiences. I look at photography as therapeutic for both parties involved (behind the camera and in front).

I want the world to know that hard work, determination, and dreams are the key to success.

“Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.”
– Dreams, Langston Hughes

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.
This is a great question! On a week-long trip, I’d take my best friend to:

Eat:

– Kyuramen (Great atmosphere with select unconventional seating, a robot, and AMAZING ramen & Octopus Balls)

– Waffle House (Believe it or not, Waffle House is a late-night ATL ritual! After a night of clubbing, it’s good to refuel over some waffles! Although… the price changes pretty much every time you go haha!)

– Mojave (Bottomless mimosa that are made with fresh fruit and they have various flavor options. The atmosphere is very pretty and is a great place for brunch.)

Drink:

– Punch Bowl Social at The Battery ATL (Passes the vibe check and has some great bartenders and indoor games!)

– Fat Tuesday at The Battery ATL (Resonably priced, can get you buzzed, and most-importantly…the alcohol is undetectable!)

Visit:

– Arabia Mountain (Great place for photos and the top is only a short hike with a breathtaking view!)

– Piedmont Park (Fun place to have a picnic and the sunset is to die for! Great for an impromtu but totally promptu photoshoot!)

– Krog Street Tunnel (Amazing place to view street art/graffiti in ATL. It leads along the beltline, which provides many many spots for a photoshoot with a variety of scenery!)

– The AUC (I am a Spelman College graduate and find it imperative to introduce my friends to a huge part of the history of ATL and my personal history!)

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?
My clients: I would like to shout out to anyone who let me take their photo – being in front of the camera is one of the most vulnerable places. That takes courage and trust. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to live out my dreams.

My Pop-Pop:
For teaching me to use his camera at 6 and letting me take the reigns when I turned 12! He has given me continuous support and resources and for that, I will always be thankful.

Ma:
For always believing in me and pushing me to chase my dreams!

My Friends:
For staying ready when I had a photoshoot idea and for being the first people to embark on this journey with me!

Website: https://zeephillipsphotogr.wixsite.com/zpphotography

Instagram: @zeephillips_photography

Other: Tik Tok: @zeephillips_photography

Image Credits
Zameena Phillips (Zee Phillips Photography)

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