The beautiful Zane Phillips from our cover shoot for @photobookmagazine has left us all mesmerized once again. Captured by renowned photographer Mike Ruiz, these images are so impeccably executed, they might have you second-guessing whether they were created by an AI. But make no mistake, this is pure artistry in its truest form.
In an age where AI-generated content is becoming more common, it’s refreshing to see an image maker like Ruiz demonstrate the unrivaled power of human creativity. The shots showcase Zane in a series of bold, dramatic poses that effortlessly blend classic elegance with modern edge. His sharp features, piercing gaze, and sculpted physique are brought to life through Ruiz’s expert lens, capturing every detail with stunning precision.
The lighting, composition, and color grading in these images are so flawlessly executed that they exude an almost surreal quality. From the perfectly controlled shadows to the high-fashion styling, it’s easy to see why one might think these photos were AI-generated. But the magic here is all real — a testament to the skill of Ruiz and the charisma of Phillips.
Most recently, Zane Phillips had a recurring role in the current season of Freeform’s Good Trouble and starred on stage as Tucker in Pretty Perfect Lives at The Flea Theater in New York City. His star continues to rise, with his multifaceted talents shining through both in front of the camera and on stage.
Ruiz, a visionary known for pushing creative boundaries, delivers yet another masterpiece in this collaboration. His ability to highlight Zane’s dynamic range as a model, while making every frame feel larger-than-life, is a reminder that nothing can replace the human touch when it comes to capturing authentic beauty and emotion.
Zane Phillips continues to ascend, and with images like these, his presence in the fashion and entertainment world only grows stronger. The PhotoBook Magazine feature not only celebrates Phillips’ talent but also reinforces the irreplaceable artistry of photography, proving that no AI can compete with the real thing.
Talent: Zane Phillips @zanethan see full editorial at @photobookmagazine
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz @mikeruizone
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon @718blonde
Story + Interview by Richard Pérez-Feria @richardperezferia
Videographer by Mike Vernazza for MAV CINEMA @mav_cinema
Fashion Stylist: Michael Sui @panda7inc
Custom Crystal Armor, Crowns, Wardrobe: Michael Sui @panda7inc
Fashion Stylist Assistant: Abigail Rojas @officialabigailrojas
Groomer: Dmitry Potapov @dmitrymakeup
Photography Assistant: Dani Sax @danisaxphotos
Original Music: “Revengers,“ Written and Performed by John “J-C” Carr, Courtesy of Peace Bisquit @johnjccarr@peacebisquit
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine @by_danalarcon
