Phillip Coveney: Mastering Fashion Photography with Authenticity

Style Interpreted

In the fast-paced world of fashion photography, where trends shift in the blink of an eye, authenticity stands as a timeless pillar. Phillip Coveney, a self-taught fashion photographer, embodies this principle, proving that the most powerful form of art begins with a deep understanding of oneself. Phillip's story is one of discovery, self-expression, and the courage to walk away from the conventional to embrace the creative.

Growing up, Phillip was drawn to the arts but never saw himself as the archetypal artist. He admired those who seemed to have an innate artistic talent but doubted his own abilities. "I thought there was something special those people had that I just didn’t," Phillip recalls. This self-doubt pushed him towards a more practical path, leading him to earn a business degree and eventually an MBA. But the corporate world left him unfulfilled. "I wasn’t particularly happy with the work I was doing. It was very information systems and finance-based, which wasn’t aligned with who I really was," he shares.

The turning point came during a podcast he watched, where the host challenged viewers to create the media they wished to see. "That hit something deep in me," Phillip says. He realized that to be truly happy, he needed to be true to himself. This epiphany led him to pick up a camera and pursue fashion photography, despite having no formal training. "I just started learning," he says, attributing his skills to what he calls "YouTube University."

Phillip’s journey is a testament to the power of self-taught skills and the value of mentorship. He emphasizes that anyone with a passion can learn on their own, but also stresses the importance of finding mentors. "You can learn it on your own, but you’re definitely going to want some actual people you can talk to along the way," he advises.

Authenticity is at the core of Phillip's work. His distinct look—dreadlocks in a mohawk, a full beard, and a style that’s uniquely his—reflects his belief in being true to oneself. "Once I decided to be my authentic self, everything changed," he notes. This authenticity extends to his photography, where he captures the true essence of his subjects, whether they're models accustomed to the camera or individuals taking their first steps in front of one.

Phillip’s approach to fashion photography is deeply rooted in the idea that art should be participatory. He was inspired by the concept that the highest forms of art are those that people engage with daily, like the clothes we wear or the architecture we live in. "Fashion is something we participate in every day," Phillip explains. This belief is what drew him to fashion photography, where he finds joy in working with people and creating art that’s both personal and communal.

Chicago, where Phillip now works, offers a unique landscape for fashion. Unlike the entrenched norms of cities like New York and Los Angeles, Chicago’s fashion scene is still evolving, offering a blank slate for creativity. "Chicago is the wild west of fashion," Phillip says with excitement. "There’s no established hierarchy, so creativity can really flourish here."

Despite his rapid success, Phillip remains grounded and committed to the principles that brought him this far. He believes in the importance of professionalism and respect in every creative endeavor. "Everyone involved in the process is equally important," he emphasizes, from the models to the makeup artists to the photographers.

For aspiring models, Phillip offers simple yet profound advice: be professional, open, and communicative. "Professionalism and respect are key," he says. He also encourages models to view their relationship with photographers as a collaborative effort, where both parties contribute to the creation of art.

Phillip’s story is a powerful reminder that success in any creative field begins with being true to yourself. His work in fashion photography is not just about capturing images; it’s about capturing the authenticity and individuality of each person he works with. And as he continues to make his mark on Chicago’s fashion scene, Phillip’s message is clear: when you embrace who you are, you open the door to endless possibilities.