Born and raised in New York City, Phil Nee first learned photography at the age of 16 when a neighbor showed him how to develop a roll of film and make prints in the darkroom. Phil then continued teaching himself by reading photography books and later became the staff photographer for his high school newspaper and senior yearbook. During his senior year, Phil apprenticed at the graphic arts department at ABC-TV in New York City. Two months later, he was offered a full time position. After winning the ABC-TV employee's photo contest for best black & white still life, Phil was moved to the photography dept. and continued studying graphic design and photography at Parson's School of Design, The School of Visual Arts, and The Germain School of Photography. Phil's assignments covered television shows such as All My Children, ABC Evening News, and Good Morning America, for which he received a Certificate of Distinction Award from Art Direction Magazine for his on-air TV graphics. Phil also documented many ABC-TV construction projects for their historic archives.

After more then ten years at ABC-TV, Phil began to pursue standup comedy, and later acting, and has been a member of S.A.G. and A.F.T.R.A for over 20 years. He still tours as a comedian and actor while still freelancing as a photographer. Phil has also worked as a production stills photographer on movie sets, and is union-eligible for The Cinematographers Guild Local 600.