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.
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
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.
Whispers of the Andes: A Journey Through Garagoa’s Forgotten Landscapes Colombia is not just a country—it is a palimpsest, a place where history is etched into every mountain ridge, every winding road, every shadow cast by the drifting clouds. My wife’s lineage is woven into this tapestry, her blood tied
