Wild Mustard Field, Phil Grout, April 2016 (above)
June 2, 1945–January 12, 2025
For 15 years, Phil Grout brought stories to life for Carroll Magazine readers, capturing the essence of Carroll County through his compelling photos and visual narratives. He began freelancing for Carroll Magazine in its first year of publication in 2005 and continued to grace our pages with his work up until just a few years ago. He was always kind and engaging, and he treated every assignment with the same enthusiasm, whether it was photographing members of a roller derby team or documenting the work of our local 911 dispatchers.
I partnered with Phil regularly when I was the freelance writer for a story and he was the freelance photographer. He took joy in his work. He was always inquisitive and took the time to understand the story so he knew how to approach the visual side of it. If you knew Phil, you knew that his work with Carroll Magazine was a piece of a much bigger and very impressive body of work.
He was a celebrated photojournalist who got his start in 1966. Phil’s lens has captured stories across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and India, earning accolades from the Associated Press, the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association, and more. He also published several critically acclaimed photo essays that showcased his unparalleled ability to blend artistry with storytelling.
“Phil saw every assignment as an opportunity to connect with people, weave together narratives, and illuminate the unique spirit of Carroll County. We’re grateful that his talent, dedication, and vision are realized right here on our pages.” – Kym Byrnes
