Mike Butler – Architectural Photographer
DJI drone restrictions are reshaping professional aerial photography, leaving few viable alternatives for working photographers in the U.S.
In the modern photography industry, copyright isn’t just a legal formality — it’s income. Veteran architectural photographer Mike Butler explains why registering and protecting every image is essential for survival in today’s “free-image” culture, where clients expect unlimited rights and photographers must fight to preserve the value of their work. This is a realistic, boots-on-the-ground look at how copyright sustains creative businesses when the market slows.
Photographing a tower like World Tower Block E in the heart of downtown Miami isn’t something you simply show up and shoot. In a city this dense, every angle, every detail, every moment of light takes planning. There’s always a walkthrough before we even start, and often the first day on site becomes almost a second scout — testing perspectives, chasing light, and finding those angles that only work at certain hours.
Lighting the Legends: A Scottish Castle Adventure By Mike Butler | Architectural Photographer & Visual Storyteller Hero Shot: Slains Castle under the stars – Cruden Bay, Scotland (57.4162° N, 1.8413° W) As visual makers, we often find a niche and cling to it — for better or worse. For me,
Hospitality Photography in Action: How Flexibility and Creative Teamwork Deliver Stunning Hotel Marketing Images in a Single Day How careful pre-planning, creative teamwork, and flexibility behind the camera deliver diverse, high-impact hospitality images—on a single shoot day for Hilton Carillon Park. By Mike Butler, Architectural Photographer, Miami Lifestyle first: capturing
Commercial Residential Photography with VStarr: A Magazine Story Client: VStarr InteriorsContact: Sonya Haffey There’s something distinct about working with VStarr and Sonya Haffey—every project becomes a creative dialogue. Modera Academical Village is a commercial residential development, and photographing these spaces calls for a unique approach—one that balances the grand scale of
A full-scale hospitality production at Hilton Casa Marina, Key West — combining cinematic video, architectural photography, and social media content. I directed, produced, and shot across rain-soaked days with a seasoned crew, delivering high-impact visuals designed to elevate brand presence and drive bookings.
I’m honored to have been recently featured in VoyageMIA, a publication known for spotlighting local creatives and professionals making an impact in the Miami community. The interview dives into my 30-year journey as an architectural photographer—starting with a Nikon F-3 in Bangkok and evolving into a career dedicated to capturing the soul of built environments around the world.
Shooting Komodo, a stunningly designed restaurant, was both a privilege and a challenge. Designed by ICRAVE, the space is a blend of high-end design, immersive ambiance, and intricate details, which made it a perfect setting for a photographer looking to push their limits. With its lush greenery, sculptural lighting, and
I am thrilled to announce that my latest project, “La Foto,” has been officially selected for the upcoming Hollywood Florida Film Festival, scheduled to take place from March 21st to 23rd, 2025. This festival, located just twenty minutes from Miami and ten minutes from Fort Lauderdale, is renowned for celebrating cinema under the Florida sunshine. Known as “Hollywood by the Sea,” it offers the perfect blend of sun, sand, and stellar filmmaking.
