From Military Aviation to Award-Winning Portrait Photography
Photography has been a passion of mine for many years, but the journey that led to Ian Phillips Photography is one I never could have predicted.
My love of photography began around airshows, where I shared a passion for military aviation with my dad. That early interest in aircraft, military history and storytelling has stayed with me throughout my life and continues to influence the way I approach photography today.
I have always been fascinated by history, particularly military history. As a youngster, I was a member of the Air Training Corps (ATC), which fuelled my enthusiasm for aviation and all things military. I also grew up listening to stories from my grandparents about their experiences and the things they witnessed during wartime. Those stories left a lasting impression on me and helped develop my appreciation for people, their experiences and the importance of preserving memories.
Through the Air Cadets, I was fortunate enough to learn to fly gliders and experience flying in a variety of military aircraft. These experiences gave me an even greater appreciation for aviation and photography.
Discovering Astrophotography
During the COVID-19 lockdown, my photography began to become much more serious.
I started exploring astrophotography, once again sharing a passion with my dad for looking up at the night sky. What started as an interest quickly developed into a serious photographic pursuit.
Before long, my astrophotography was being published, I began mentoring other astrophotographers, and my work was even featured by the BBC.
Astrophotography taught me some of the most important lessons I still use today: patience, technical precision, attention to detail and the willingness to keep learning. It also taught me that great photography isn’t simply about owning a good camera. It is about understanding light, composition, timing and the story behind an image.
The Unexpected Journey Into Portrait Photography
Then, in late 2022, everything changed.
In August 2022, I had little interest in portrait photography. I certainly had no idea that portraits would eventually become such a huge part of my life.
After a trip to RAF Lakenheath, my passion for aviation photography returned. I bought a telephoto lens and started photographing aircraft arriving at and departing from Bristol Airport.
During quieter periods, I began photographing anything and everything around me – insects, our dogs and eventually my children.
Then I started experimenting with portraits.
The fuse was lit.
I discovered that I loved the creative process of working with people, shaping light and creating images that showed personality rather than simply recording what someone looked like.
I began learning about studio lighting, experimenting with different techniques and pushing myself to understand what made an image work.
Before I knew it, Ian Phillips Photography had become a reality.
The Heroes Project
In 2023, I started what has become one of the most important projects of my photographic career – The Heroes Project.
Originally, the project was created as part of a qualification, with the intention of photographing just 30 frontline uniformed workers.
I never imagined where it would lead.
Today, in 2026, the Heroes Project has grown to more than 900 individual portraits.
The project has given me the privilege of meeting an incredible range of people, from Second World War veterans to newly qualified police officers, firefighters, paramedics, military personnel, healthcare workers and many others who dedicate their lives to helping and protecting others.
The project has also received wider recognition, including being featured on HTV News.
For me, The Heroes Project is about much more than photography. It is about people, recognition, respect and creating a lasting visual record of individuals who have made a difference to their communities and to the lives of others.
Qualifications, Awards & Professional Recognition
I believe that being a professional photographer means never stopping learning.
I achieved my Licentiate qualification with the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and, in 2025, achieved the prestigious Craftsman qualification with the Guild of Photographers.
I am now working towards my Master Craftsman assessment, which is scheduled for December 2026.
My photography also receives regular recognition through competitions, with awards being achieved consistently throughout the year.
I have been published in the UK and internationally, and my work has appeared in publications including Digital Camera Magazine. I have also been fortunate enough to be invited to share my knowledge and experience as a guest speaker at The Camera Show at the NEC Birmingham.
These achievements are important to me, but they are not what defines my business.
For me, the most important measure of success is the experience I provide to the people I photograph.
Photography With People at the Heart of It
I pride myself on producing photography to a consistently high standard, but I believe professional photography should be about much more than the final image.
It should be about how someone feels during the experience.
Having your photograph taken can be daunting. For some people, stepping in front of a camera can feel uncomfortable or even intimidating.
My job is to change that.
I take time to make people feel comfortable, explain what we are doing and create an environment where they can relax and enjoy the experience.
My aim is for every client to leave my studio not only with photographs they love, but with greater confidence and a genuinely positive experience.
That approach has helped me build strong relationships with my clients and receive dozens of glowing reviews and testimonials.
Model Safety & Responsible Photography
As my work has developed, I have also become passionate about model safety and responsible photography.
I believe photographers have a responsibility to create professional, respectful and safe environments for everyone they work with.
My approach to model safety has received positive recognition, and it is something I take extremely seriously across my portrait and creative photography work.
Whether I am working with an experienced professional model, someone building their first portfolio or a client who has never had a professional portrait taken before, respect, communication and safety are always fundamental to the way I work.
More Than Just Portraits
Although portrait photography has become a major part of my business, my photographic journey has taken me through many different genres.
I have explored:
Every genre has taught me something different.
Aviation has taught me timing. Astrophotography has taught me patience and technical discipline. Landscapes have taught me to look for light. Portraiture has taught me the importance of connection.
Together, those experiences have shaped the photographer I am today.
Always Learning. Always Developing.
One thing I can say with certainty is that I never want to stop learning.
I am constantly experimenting, researching new techniques, developing my lighting skills and looking for ways to improve my photography and the experience I provide to my clients.
I don’t believe you ever reach a point where you know everything.
There is always another technique to learn, another creative idea to explore and another photograph waiting to be created.
That mindset is a huge part of who I am as a photographer.
Why Choose Ian Phillips Photography?
When you choose Ian Phillips Photography, you are choosing more than someone to take photographs.
You are choosing a photographer who has invested years in developing his craft, gaining professional qualifications, entering competitions, working with a wide range of people and continually developing his skills.
I am award-winning, qualified, insured, DBS checked and professionally committed to providing a high standard of service.
But above all, I care about people.
Whether you are looking for a family photographer, portrait photographer, fine art photographer, headshot photographer, model portfolio photographer, dance photographer, wedding photographer or creative studio photographer, my aim is always the same:
Create something you are proud of. Make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. And give you an experience you will remember.
Photography Across Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset & Beyond
Based in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, Ian Phillips Photography works with clients throughout Somerset, Bristol and the surrounding areas, including Clevedon, Portishead, Cheddar, Bridgwater, Taunton and Wells.
I also welcome clients travelling from further afield for specialist portrait, creative and fine art photography sessions.
Your Story. Your Personality. Your Photograph.
Photography has taken me from airshows and military aviation, through astrophotography and landscapes, to portraits, creative studio work and The Heroes Project.
I never planned this journey.
But I am incredibly grateful for where it has taken me.
Every person I photograph has a story. My job is to create an image that captures something of that person – their character, confidence, personality or the memories they want to preserve.
And I am not finished yet.
I will continue to learn, develop, experiment and push myself to do better.
Because for me, photography isn’t simply a business.
It is a passion.
Ian Phillips Photography
Portraits • Fine Art • Weddings • Families • Headshots • Dance • Model Portfolios • Creative Photography • Pets • Cosplay • Aviation • Astrophotography
Ian Phillips Photography – creating photographs, confidence and memories that last.