Philip Ringler is an internationally exhibiting artist, educator, and curator whose background spans conceptual photography, photojournalism, commercial photography, and arts leadership. He holds an MFA in Photography from John F. Kennedy University’s Arts and Consciousness Program and a BFA in Photography from California State University, East Bay. His fine art practice explores themes of simulation, artifice, and the nature of reality through photography. Drawing from philosophy, art history, and cultural theory, his work often engages political and social critique informed by extensive international travel and cross-cultural experience. As an educator, Philip has taught photography at the university level, from introductory courses to advanced studies in studio lighting, film and darkroom processes, digital photography, and graduate portfolio development. He has also led photography programs for teens through public libraries and continues to mentor emerging artists. Beyond the classroom, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, further supporting arts education and photographic excellence in the community. Collaboration plays a central role in Philip’s practice, particularly through Relaxing Realism, his ongoing partnership with artist James Saxon. Since 2012, the duo has created large-scale conceptual projects exploring artifice, ritual, and the shifting boundaries between reality and illusion. Philip leads conceptual development and lighting design, while Saxon contributes engineering, fabrication, and experimental techniques. Their collaborative process combines dialogue, experimentation, and technical innovation to produce visually compelling, conceptually layered work. Philip’s artwork, both individual and collaborative, is represented in galleries, museums, and private collections internationally. He continues to exhibit widely at museums, galleries, and art fairs while pursuing new directions in photographic practice.