About Me

Gainesville Photography

Philip Marcel is an in-demand freelance photographer and Cinematographer who specializes in creating beautiful imagery.

Over the past 15 years, Philip has grown his artistic career and clientele in the commercial, editorial, fashion, portrait and event genres. With such an eclectic style, Philip is prepared and eager for any new challenge.

Philip was first introduced to photography at a very young age by both of his grandfathers who were professional photographers. While he always had the family’s creative eye, Philip did not pursue his love for photography until he took photojournalism classes at Norfolk State University. Once he saw the world as a photographer, everything around Phillip began to look different. The most ordinary objects suddenly became interesting and beautiful subjects. Philip could not shake his overwhelming desire to capture and share every moment with the world. With the encouragement of friends and well-respected mentors such as Emeka Okoli and Lateef Gibson, Philip decided to pursue photography professionally after graduating with a BA in advertising.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Philip has adopted a fearless approach to photography. Nothing can intimidate him from getting the perfect shot. He feels comfortable with a camera in his hand, and he always pushes the envelope to find what’s interesting in the subject matter.

Philip has an unyielding willingness to learn and is inspired by observing other masters in their craft. Over the years, he has worked with the likes of Tobechi Tobechukwu, Ryan “RaRah” Stevenson, Glen McClure, Claes Gabriel and Bob Lerner. Philip has received awards for his editorial work as the Chief Photographer for Gainesville Today Magazine and photography submissions at numerous art shows. Periodically, Philip hosts a gallery viewing to showcase his award-winning and recent projects.

Aside from photography, Philip has expanded his creative work to cinema. His interest in film first started at age 11 when he met his classmate and soon to be best friend, Steven Burke. Together Burke (Founder) and Philip (Director of Photography) have established Multifaceted Entertainment as a high quality production company in Orlando for independent films and commercials. Likewise, Philip has served as the Director of Photography for Workhorse Picture films, commercials, and most recently the Black Panther video series that was awarded The Youtube Fan Film of The Year by the 1st Annual Urban Action Film Showcase in NYC.

Outside of the arts, Philip is involved in the community through networks like BNI and the Builders Association of North Central Florida. For the past 3 years, he has been a member of the Gainesville chapter of Business Network International (BNI), a small business referral and networking organization that teaches professionals the skills to become more competitive in their field. Philip believes in giving back to his community. He is constantly donating his photography services to support various causes such as Gigi’s Playhouse, Stop Children’s Cancer, Hope Worldwide, The Muscular Dystrophy Association and The Girl Scouts of America. He also has a strong appreciation for other art forms and has been shooting Hippodrome Theatre’s VIP opening night receptions for their plays going on 3 seasons.

Philip has been based out of Gainesville, FL since 2005 while continuing to serve a local and national clientele base. Currently his art is primarily focused on the commercial and portrait aspect of his business; however, he hopes to have a bigger impact on the editorial world. Philip’s mission is to provide dynamic high quality images to a commercial and private client base.

When he is not shooting on the job, he is spending quality time with his family and friends. Philip is known for his easy-going demeanor and sense of humor. He has a big appetite for life and loves to experience new things: food, music, dancing, traveling and meeting new people. He is also spiritually minded and regularly practices Kung Fu and Qi Gong.