Phil Skulte

How did you get into the industry?

I'm self taught. I always had a camera in my hand since I was young, but took a detour and got a finance degree. I left the corporate world to start my own production company and developed my skills thanks to great mentors and learning hands on.

What inspires you?

People and how complex and mysterious they can be. I love how a good photograph can stop you in your tracks and make you either feel like you know the person or you can fantasize about who they might be. When I pass a stranger and have that feeling or experience that feeling in someone else's work, I want to find a way to capture it myself in my own work.

What is your hometown?

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Favorite restaurant?

Martina

What do you like to do on the weekends?

Long walks with my wife, hikes, bouldering, concerts, tinkering with gadgets and gear.

What is your favorite band or type of music?

Night Moves

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

It's not so much a phrase but a concept. Just keep going. A strong work ethic, thick skin, and keeping your head up can take you very far.

What book, movie read/seen recently you would recommend and why?

Movie: Poor Things. I think this movie and it's style are inspiring to do things differently. There is a lot of repetition in cinema or this pursuit of a replicating what we think a "cinematic" image is (trendy cinema). I can struggle with this sometimes which is why a movie like Poor Things that breaks away from tradition is a welcome reminder to be more creative.

Book: Atomic Habits is also a great resource for helping you realize that many of your goals can be achieved by being more aware of your bad and good habits.

Are you a traveler or a homebody? Why?

50-50. I like to travel to feel inspired and a sense of adventure, but I recharge at home as a homebody.