Phil Clarkin first developed his love for photography as a kid with a manual advance Kodak film camera, running around in the woods near his family’s farm in the Kansas Flint Hills. What started as a hobby turned into a profession with Phil Clarkin Photography. 

His work has taken him across the country to legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks. He is the lead house photographer (under the name Phil Clarkin Photography) for BOK Center, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa Theater, Osage Casino and Guthrie Green. 

What makes you good at this job? I’m always willing to learn, and I hope to never stop evolving as a creative. I’m musically inclined, which helps with my ability to capture the feeling of a show and to anticipate what is about to happen. I’m also a people person. I love to meet all the wonderful and interesting folks that make this industry happen! 

What is the most challenging part of your work? Finding new clients and building the business side of my brand when all I really want to do is make cool stuff. Being a business owner is the hard part. Being a photographer and director is the rewarding part. 

Any thoughts on the Tulsa music scene? We’re so lucky to live in a place full of musicians who play on the level they do, while all trying to build each other up. This town has a beautiful dynamic you don’t see everywhere else.