Up next for our Agency 102 Women In Business Spotlight is Caroline J. Phillips, freelance filmmaker and photographer located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Caroline graduated from Messiah College with a degree in Film and Media Arts, and her work has been featured in Shore Monthly Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Edible Delmarva.
Our team has partnered with Caroline for various client projects, like a recruitment video and photoshoot for a local Volunteer Fire Department. Being able to combine our written marketing with her dynamic video and photography work has proven to be instrumental in telling client stories. We were excited for the chance to catch up with Caroline and talk about her latest projects, and get her perspective on the current freelance landscape.
Tell me about your freelance photography business. How did you start?
I started freelancing about 7 years ago after working as a photographer’s assistant. After we went our separate ways I made some connections on the shore and got some freelance work while I was searching for a new job. After working freelance for a while, I realized that it was something I really enjoyed and could do full time. I work mostly with nonprofits and local brands and businesses.
Why do you think it’s important to collaborate with and support other woman-owned businesses?
It’s important to support women-led businesses because if they succeed, we all succeed. When I see a woman-owned business, I see myself. In order to obtain equity, we have to support all types of businesses, and as a woman myself, it’s important that I lift other women up, especially in business.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to a woman who is trying to freelance or start her own business?
Never lose your contacts, a lot of my freelance work has been the result of catching up with past connections. Having great communication and networking skills is also super important. People don’t hire me just because of my photography skills, it’s because they like me and know that I’m easy to work with.
What are some of the biggest challenges of being a freelancer?
One of the biggest challenges is inserting myself into other people’s teams and not having a lot of time to acclimate to their group dynamic. On the other hand, having the flexibility to create my own schedule and take on projects that I’m really interested in is hard to beat. And being able to spend more time with my family is great, too.
What has been your favorite project/client and why?
I can’t single anyone out because each project is so unique, but I always enjoy working with passionate individuals who I get to help tell their story.
What projects are you working on now?
Right now I’m creating videos and marketing materials for a K-12 private school in Maryland. It’s been a lot of fun working with the kids and getting their perspective on different things.
In your words, why is photography and videography important to marketing?
You can only say so much with words. Pictures and video dig deeper and expand the story that you’re telling. It’s more dynamic and really brings the story to life.
What is your favorite part of the photography/video process?
My favorite part of being in the media business is the people I get to meet. I love being in the moment, working with others on the pre-production and production process. When I get to capture something in its element, I’m in my element.
To learn more about Caroline and her freelance business, visit her website, and stay tuned for more “Women in Business” Spotlights from Agency 102. If you’re a woman-owned business and would like to be featured in this series, send us a message!
