Phil Merlino

Phil Merlino is an Adirondack Mountain photographer, inspired by the weather and splendor of the region. His photographs bring attention to the details that are often overlooked in this ever changing natural environment. Phil hopes that his photographs inspire others to explore the Adirondacks and raise awareness of the natural world, while working to promote its conservation.

Phil Merlino has been a full-time resident of the Adirondack Park, North Hudson, for ten years. He was born in New York City and a graduate of The College of New Jersey where he met his wife, Grace. They soon married, had three daughters and lived in Monmouth Junction, NJ and Newtown, PA while their kids grew up. Phil took his first photography course while living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and never looked back, developing a love for photography and his camera.

The family traveled often to the Adirondacks where they hiked in the high peaks. Phil worked as a teacher at the New Jersey School for the Deaf, Pennsylvania School For the Deaf and Coached Division I basketball at St. Francis College, Brooklyn in the Northeast Conference. Phil refined his photography skills while attending the Mike Glenn Basketball Camp for the Deaf in Atlanta, Georgia with his Deaf basketball players; coaching and photographing camp activities and games. The camp is for Deaf basketball players from across the United States. He published the Program Book for the Mike Glenn Camp for many years.

Phil’s father was an artist. He left high school to attend The Leonardo da Vinci Art School in NYC and was forever following his art dreams. As a young man he was contracted to paint a portrait of the Mayor of NYC, Fiorello La Guardia and and painted giant murals in the Union City, NJ Public Library depicting life in the Old West. Phil most likely developed an eye for art while growing up watching his dad paint.

Phil, his family, and his camera have been frequenting the Adirondack Mountains for some 40+ years. He is an Adirondack 46R, an avid fisherman, and enjoys all mountain sports. He is in these mountains, lakes and rivers with his camera everyday, and has been “Hooked on Photography” his entire adult life.

Phil wishes to thank NorthCountryARTS for the work that they do in promoting The Arts in our area. Their Web Page, the Events Calendar, and Web Members page are wonderfully done. I realize the hard work that goes into maintaining such an organization and appreciate the opportunity to share my work with you all.