“There are so many things to be thankful for in this work I do,” Bonnie Phillips shares. Among them are her memories of watching families grow as she built her business in family photography.
“It’s so special to be part of capturing those memories,” Bonnie recalls. In recent years, her business has shifted to brand photography - including many of the beautiful images you see here in Hyde Park City Lifestyle Magazine.
The switch to brand photography stemmed from a desire to align family goals with work goals. This change in focus has opened up a whole new avenue for her creativity, while still allowing her to build meaningful connections.
According to Bonnie, “being in front of a camera is vulnerable, especially when we’re all used to selfies where we can see ourselves as we snap. One of the biggest parts of my job is establishing trust and making people feel at ease, and I love doing that for my clients. I want them to feel really taken care of.”
With websites being such an integral part of how customers find everything these days, Bonnie focuses on capturing inviting images that showcase what local businesses have to offer. That’s often the beginning of relationships Bonnie Phillips Photography builds with business owners in Hyde Park and across the tri-state. She also offers recurring sessions, as there’s always demand for fresh images across the many ways businesses communicate - from social media platforms to articles, blogs, advertisements and more.
“There is so much talent in Cincinnati,” Bonnie gushes. The volume and quality of talent continues to amaze her. Helping businesses showcase their strengths so they can connect with their clients is an honor, she says.
“Branding tells your story without you having to be in the room,” Bonnie explains. “When I deliver great images, what I’m really doing is helping that business make a great first impression - whether that’s for their virtual storefront and they do commerce online or it gives a good vibe, a reason to visit their physical location.”
Bonnie never leaves a photoshoot without images she and the client both love. She knows every business owner and company has a unique story to tell, and she draws out those interesting threads through her sessions. Phillips considers herself a visual storyteller.
Startups and small businesses are of particular interest to Bonnie and her team. They enjoy helping new brands identify their uniqueness and share their passion with the world. Supporting women-owned businesses and female leaders is a particular joy for Bonnie.
“As women, we put so much time, energy, and effort into literally everything but ourselves. And that kind of trickles down to our businesses, too,” Bonnie reveals. It’s not just about the photoshoot, it’s about taking time to slow down, talk about their origin story and remind them why they’re in business.
“I love working with women.” Bonnie goes on to explain it’s because, “they need a reminder to pause for themselves. And when they see their photos, they’re just blown away. They realize taking the time and investing in themselves and their business is worth it - in so many ways.”
One thing Bonnie thinks people underestimate is the power of a great headshot - or the negative effect of an outdated one. That’s why she offers headshot sessions for individuals and groups. She says it’s a great way for businesses to refresh their image while giving their employees a photo they’ll be proud to show off.
Working with Bonnie Phillips Photography begins with a consultation, which includes tips on wardrobe and space preparation. She refers clients to her curated list of local hair and makeup experts if professional help is desired. Her decades of experience across a wide array of photography settings - from art, to fashion, to families and now businesses - means her clients get top-notch advice and aesthetically pleasing results.
Once she arrives, Bonnie views her number one job as building connection and establishing trust. The benefits are three-fold: her clients feel at ease, allowing her to capture great images; she gets to help local businesses grow; and she gets a glimpse into a neighbor’s world, developing deep connections throughout our community. That last, she says, is the most important: “The fabric of our community is so rich, and I get to see that through my work. It creates a sense of connection and belonging and that’s what I’m most thankful for.”
“There are so many things to be thankful for in this work I do.”
“Branding tells your story without you having to be in the room,”