Jahmia Phillips | DP + Editor
(they/them) is a Director of Photography, Producer, and Editor whose work spans broadcast journalism, documentary, branded content, and independent film. Originally from Chicago and now based in New York for over a decade, Jahmia’s creative journey began after their basketball career ended due to traumatic brain injuries. That pivotal shift opened the door to media, starting with an internship at ABC’s 20/20, where they discovered the power of storytelling through producing and learning everything they could on production sets.
Over the past ten years, Jahmia has built a career defined by both technical expertise and a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. Their early years in media were spent at ABC News, where they advanced from Associate Producer to Producer, contributing to primetime programs such as 20/20 and Soul of a Nation. Their work during this period earned significant recognition, including a Peabody Award, a National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Award, and three Emmy nominations. In addition, they were nominated for GLAAD, NAACP, and Webby Awards, underscoring the cultural and social impact of their contributions to news and documentary storytelling.
As a Director of Photography, Jahmia has developed a dynamic portfolio that reflects both versatility and vision. They have filmed projects such as the Gender Liberation March in Washington, D.C., Doll Invasion on Fire Island, and Trans Bodies, Trans Choices, a documentary short that was featured at Outfest, QueerTeenth, Brighton Trans Pride, and more than a dozen other national and international festivals. Their cinematography credits also include collaborations with Elevate News Media, and Wide Angle Productions at Essence Festival, where they consistently bring a cinematic eye to urgent stories centering LGBTQIA+ communities and communities of color.
Jahmia’s work extends beyond nonfiction into music and performance projects. They collaborated with director Khitam Jabr on Discoloration, a music video for Katy and the Drive, which screened at the Garden State Film Festival and the Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival. Most recently, they filmed Rubbish: The Queer Kingdom of Leilah Babirye at The Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, documenting the intersection of art, community, and performance. Their ability to adapt across genres while maintaining a distinctive visual language has made them a sought-after creative partner.
In addition to their cinematography, Jahmia continues to produce work for broadcast. At the end of 2022, they produced their first primetime television segment for ABC’s The Year with Robin Roberts, spotlighting that year’s sports champions and weaving together hundreds of archival assets, interviews, and field shoots into a cohesive, nationally televised piece.
Today, Jahmia is the Founder and Director of Photography of Chroma Obsidia, a production company committed to creating space for Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ voices to tell their own stories. With a growing slate of independent projects and collaborations, Chroma Obsidia reflects Jahmia’s vision for a more inclusive and representative media landscape—one where underrepresented narratives aren’t just seen, but centered.
Through their multifaceted career, Jahmia has balanced editorial rigor, technical craft, and a passion for community-driven storytelling. Whether behind the camera, in the edit bay, or producing for broadcast, they continue to expand the possibilities of what film and media can do when anchored in truth, artistry, and representation.