We recently connected with Bonnie Phillips and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’ve been a photographer for over a decade, but it’s only recently that I’ve started calling myself an artist.

I took a career test in college and the results said I should be an artist. I was so annoyed. This felt like the furthest thing possible I could do for a potential career.

Now, in my 40s, I totally see it. I’ve realized my love for beauty, new places, and adventure isn’t high-maintenance—it’s part of how I’m creatively inspired.

I’ve done the 9-to-5 grind. I was good at it, but the cost was high—no boundaries, constant stress, and missing time with the people I care about. It just didn’t feel like the life I wanted long-term.

For me, being a photographer isn’t just a job—it’s how I see the world. I catch light everywhere, frame scenes in my mind even when I’m just walking around. It’s like a second language—something that took years to feel natural, but now feels fluent and instinctive.

I’m so grateful to be doing what I love, even if it’s not always predictable. My family has had to adjust right along with me, moving through seasons of hustle and rest. But I love showing my kids that it’s okay to take risks, to create, and to build a meaningful life—even if it’s not always easy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Bonnie! I live in Cincinnati with my husband, our two kids, and two very large dogs. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me outside—biking, paddle boarding, exploring the city, or planning our next adventure (always with an iced espresso in hand).

I’ve been a photographer for over a decade, but I’ve had an eye for imagery for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I devoured National Geographic magazines and spent hours in the darkroom during high school. Photography has always helped me feel connected—to people, to places, to moments that matter.

I started out photographing families and eventually found my sweet spot in branding, headshots, and portraits—mostly for small business owners and entrepreneurs. My sessions aren’t just about great photos (though you’ll definitely get those)—they’re about helping people feel seen.

Most of my clients are busy giving their all to everyone else—work, family, community. Our shoot is a chance to focus on them for once. To show up, be celebrated, and leave feeling like the most confident version of themselves.

My superpower? Making people feel comfortable, even if they swear they’re awkward in front of the camera. By the end, they’re relaxed, empowered, and genuinely surprised by how fun it all was. That transformation? It’s magic—and I never get tired of it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is around failure and success—specifically, the fear of failure and the fear of success. They’re totally different, but equally powerful.

Failure, strangely enough, can feel communal. There’s camaraderie in it. When someone shares a flop, we offer support, laugh about it, share our own mishaps. It’s relatable. An epic fail? Great dinner conversation. A social media post about a misstep? Cue the solidarity emoji and comments like, “Same!”

Success, on the other hand, can feel isolating. It’s harder to talk about wins with the same ease and authenticity. Failure invites connection; success can stir up comparison. It feels more competitive.

I’ve had to really work to unlearn that mindset. Or at least recognize it’s there and try to move through it.

Honestly, this is one of the reasons I struggle with social media. Sharing failure feels safe. Sharing success? That’s more vulnerable. But what if we could reframe it—not as a flex, but as a way to show what’s possible?

That’s the shift I’m working on. How can we use our success to inspire community instead of competition? I don’t have a perfect answer yet—but I’m learning.

If nothing else, I’ve learned this: let success be an invitation—not a performance. Let it show others what’s possible.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of a photographer is feeling like I belong — at any table, in any room. Period.

Yes, of course, it’s amazing to get invited to cool places and events. But it’s another thing entirely, to feel like you belong there.

Camera in hand, I have permission to show up confidently and authentically in any situation and I love that so much.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bonniephillipsphotography.com
• Instagram: bonniephillipsphotos
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniemorricalphillips/

Image Credits

Bonnie Phillips (Bonnie Phillips Photography), Hailey Bollinger