Brooklyn Phillips: Director and Photographer Born To Be Wild

Brooklyn Phillips is a California-based photographer, producer, and director most known for her work documenting the lives and livelihoods of working ranchers across the American West. She has worked extensively with iconic Western wear brands such as Boot Barn and Sheplers exploring the themes of grit, adventure, and freedom that represent the Western spirit. I had the chance to speak with Brooklyn and hear her story.

Born on the East Coast, Brooklyn spent her early years far removed from the open ranges of the West. Nonetheless, an early infatuation with horses and an adventurous spirit led to an interest in horseback riding from a young age. That taste for adventure brought her far from home in her college years when she attended the University of Colorado Boulder to study advertising and design.

At CU, Brooklyn spent her time skiing, hiking, and experiencing Colorado’s mountainous landscape. As graduation neared, Brooklyn landed a job in the corporate world like many of her peers. But what was supposed to be only a temporary stint after graduation as a horseback trail guide at a dude ranch quickly derailed those plans. Brooklyn realized she didn’t want a corporate lifestyle. Instead, she spent her first few postgrad years working at the ranch in the summer and as a Jackson Hole ski instructor in the winter.

With her new career trajectory, Brooklyn found herself immersed in the world of ranchers, and before long her Instagram started looking like a Western wear magazine. She always had an interest in photography and a knack for capturing raw, authentic moments –– a gift likely passed down from her mom, a photographer herself. Brooklyn takes inspiration from early Rock ‘n’ Roll and the vintage aesthetic of the 1980s and 90s, drawing on an effortless, dreamlike feel and nostalgic longing in her work. Today, she is particularly drawn to the work of contemporary directors Leigh Powis and Diana Kuntz and looks to their expressive portraits and cinematography for inspiration.

As her mid-twenties came around, Brooklyn decided she wanted to take her interest in photography and film to the next level. A cold email to Boot Barn’s marketing department quickly turned into a job offer from the world’s largest Western retailer. Brooklyn joined their marketing team as a creative director/ director, working on commercials, still campaigns, and other advertising content.

What started as a hobby soon brought her across the country from Alaska to Florida and even as far as Greenland. The subjects of her work have run the gamut from cowpokes, python hunters, pro athletes, conservationists, fishermen, bush pilots, musicians, mule packers, and more. Despite the diversity of Brooklyn’s portfolio, her evocative style doesn’t fail to bring out the emotion of her subjects, telling their stories in true authentic form. It is these stories that stick with Brooklyn’s audience.

Some of her best work can be seen on TV in commercials for Boot Barn and subsidiary Sheplers. Projects such as “Once You Feel It, You Never Forget It” and “Fighting Fire” have not only come to represent the Boot Barn brand but also Brooklyn’s own style as a director and filmmaker. These short films showcase her ability to toe the line between the ethereal and the authentic in her storytelling.

Brooklyn is particularly proud of her recent documentary “Hellbent,” her most extensive project thus far. It tells the story of Jenny Lesieutre, a wildlife conservationist, and her effort to manage the wild horse population in Nevada. With stunning camerawork and intricate storytelling, the film manages to capture both the dramatic landscape as well as the complexity of such a highly politicized issue –– a difficult feat for even the most seasoned director. It is currently running through the festival circuit and will be officially released later this fall.

Following your passions has always been Brooklyn’s guiding principle and her main piece of advice to aspiring creatives. When Brooklyn isn’t working, you can find her surfing, skiing, hiking, or traveling with friends on her next adventure. As her contract with Boot Barn comes to a close, she is excited to embark on the next stage of her career as a freelance filmmaker, which is sure to promise a number of compelling pieces yet to come.

You can find Brooklyn on Instagram and Vimeo, or visit her website. Special thanks to Brooklyn for taking the time. All photos courtesy of her.