Melissa Phillips is a Los Angeles-based photographer, award-winning filmmaker, and creative director specializing in portraiture, editorial and social justice projects. Her work spans North America, India, and Haiti where she’s been documenting subcultures and micro-economies since 2011 as part of a long-term project. Her photography focuses on underreported stories and unique communities, offering a counterpoint to common narratives of poverty and stigmatization.

In Los Angeles, Melissa collaborates with the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN) in Skid Row, capturing stories centered on housing justice and human rights. She’s created short films for social media, and is currently directing her first feature documentary about her brother living off-grid in Slab City, California. The film explores themes of family, belonging and the meaning of home.

Melissa holds professional memberships with ASMP, NPPA, and SPJ, and is available for editorial and documentary assignments.