Mike Butler – Architectural Photographer
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.
Some places feel like they exist outside of time—Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is one of them. Scattered with sun-bleached trees, their twisted trunks and sprawling branches create a dreamlike landscape where nature and the elements have sculpted something truly mesmerizing.
Photographing this place isn’t just about capturing its beauty; it’s about telling the story of resilience, transformation, and the raw power of nature. In this post, I’ll share my experience photographing Driftwood Beach, the techniques I used to highlight its ethereal qualities, and what makes this location a must-visit for photographers and travelers alike.
This blog post highlights my extensive experience in hospitality photography, tracing my journey from a major shoot at Marriott Marco Island in 2004 to a recent, year-long project at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando in 2023. The Waldorf Astoria shoot involved over 100 shots, captured in multiple phases, showcasing the hotel’s grandeur and elegance. The success of this complex project was due to meticulous planning, a dedicated client team, and a refined workflow that ensures every image is technically perfect and emotionally impactful. The post underscores the importance of professionalism and collaboration in delivering exceptional hospitality photography.
Luxury isn’t just about high-end design—it’s about an experience, a feeling, a story told through space and light. Whether it’s a five-star resort, an exclusive residence, or a world-class hotel, photographing luxury requires more than just technical skill—it demands an understanding of atmosphere, mood, and the subtle details that define sophistication.
In this post, I’ll share my approach to capturing the essence of luxury, from composition and lighting to the finer details that make a space feel truly extraordinary.
Exciting news—La Foto has been officially selected for the Columbus Film & Photography Festival! This recognition is another milestone in the journey of a film that explores the profound impact of a single image.
From its inception, La Foto was driven by a passion for storytelling, uncovering the layers of meaning behind a photograph and the lives it touches. Being featured at a festival that celebrates both film and photography is a perfect fit, and we’re thrilled to share this work with a new audience.
Stay tuned for more updates, screening details, and behind-the-scenes insights as La Foto continues its festival run!
Navigating the complexities of photographing a building amidst a cluster of other structures requires a thorough approach. As a seasoned Miami photographer specializing in architectural and exterior photography, I began with a detailed scout of the area, utilizing my Canon R5 and DJI Mavic 3 drone. Despite the drone’s creative potential, the tight urban environment posed challenges, limiting its effectiveness. Through multiple visits and exploring unconventional angles, I captured the building’s unique essence, proving the importance of persistence and creativity in architectural photography.
Camcon Construction Group enlisted me to photograph their remarkable project in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood district. The featured property, Clima Home, caters to top designers in Miami, showcasing multiple floors of cutting-edge designs.
In the world of documentary filmmaking, few subjects possess the power to captivate like the intersection of architecture and human experience. “La Foto – Revealing Salmona’s Architectural Masterpiece” is one such award winning documentary that takes viewers on a compelling visual journey into the heart of the Virgilio Barco Library
