Hello!I'm Phil Sunkel.I spent my childhood between Ridgefield, CT, Manhattan, and Vero Beach, but by 2003 my parents knew Vero was the perfect place to raise our family. Growing up surrounded by both small-town charm and big-city energy sparked my appreciation for people, stories, and the moments that connect them—something that would later define my work behind the lens. I went on to study Journalism at Flagler College, where I earned my BA in Communications. It was there that I discovered the power of visual storytelling and began shaping my photographic voice. After college, my career took me across the country for over five years, leading public relations teams at major music festivals. Immersed in the world of live performance, I found my calling capturing the raw emotion, energy, and humanity that make music such a powerful art form. In 2014, life brought me back to Vero Beach, where I joined Vero Beach 32963 as Lead Staff Photographer.
A Love For Photography
A passion for documenting life, adventure and family.
Those years deepened my connection to the community and honed my skills in editorial and documentary photography. Around this time, I met my wife, Melanie, and as our family began to grow, I accepted a position with the 45th Space Wing as a Visual Information Specialist—an incredible opportunity to document the work of our nation’s space and military programs. Today, I continue to pursue photography as both craft and calling—shooting live music, weddings, and documentary projects that celebrate real people and real stories. My approach is simple: create authentic, timeless images that capture emotion, atmosphere, and truth. My greatest joy, however, is still my family. Melanie and I are blessed with four incredible children—Everleigh, Phillip, Emma, and Jake—along with our energetic Goldador, Sadie. Together, we love exploring Vero’s beaches, discovering new places, and finding beauty in the everyday moments that make life worth remembering.
