Interview with

Celebrity Photographer, Mike Ruiz

Vessel: What a privilege it is to share your remarkable story today! Could you provide us with a brief biography?

Mike: I was born in Montreal… then lived a rich life in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. And I currently reside in a rural town near Princeton, N.J. My biography in a nutshell - I willed my fantasies to fruition. 

Vessel: As a versatile artist with a background in both modeling and acting, could you elaborate on your journey in transitioning to a career in photography?

M: My path was never linear. I've woven so many creative endeavors into the fabric of my self expression. It did start with modeling, but it wasn't until I became a photographer that I began to venture into directing, creative directing, fashion designing, television, public relations and most recently, publishing. All of these thing sewers and continue to be fueled by my passion for photography.

Vessel: What aspects of being a photographer bring you the most joy?

M: What brings me the most gratification is being able to use my work for the greater good.  I'm the happiest whenever I can combine photography with philanthropy.

Vessel: Can you recall the first subject or moment you captured through your lens?

M: Yes, it was my roommate when I was living in Miami in 1992. He also told me that I could never be a successful photographer. He didn't mean it maliciously; he was just looking out for me. I had such visions of grandeur that may have appeared to be quite delusional (at the time). 

Vessel: Could you shed light on the processes you typically employ in planning a photoshoot?

M: I tend to have a hand in every aspect of the process. From conceptualizing to budgeting to assembling the right team to executing the shoot to selecting the final images. I also really enjoy the business of photography. I have a good head for marketing and for maximizing the potential of every project that I work on. I never look at a photo shoot as just a photo shoot. I always try to find as many ways to leverage it as possible culminating in a myriad of other opportunities.

Vessel: Regardless of your shooting location, what essential equipment and tools do you always find indispensable?

M: My brain. That is all I ever really need on a shoot, especially on shoots gone awry. I pride myself on my problem-solving skills and have turned seemingly futile situations into successful shoots.

Vessel: Among your various projects, which one stands out as the most significant milestone in your career thus far?

M: The line for milestones keeps moving. The latest milestone is having had a hand in creating a successful magazine - PhotoBook along with my business partner, Alison Hernon. I've had so many really amazing opportunities that it's impossible to single out just one.

Vessel: For fellow photographers seeking growth, what valuable advice would you offer to enhance and refine their skills?

M: The best advice I can give anyone is to not wait for someone to give you an opportunity. You have to create your own.  

Vessel: We've learned that you're also involved in directing music videos. How did you venture into this realm?

M: It was a natural progression. It was something that I always wanted to do but it wasn't until my friend Traci Lords asked me to direct a video for her cover of “Walking in LA” back in 2004 that I actually did it. From there I went on to direct RuPaul's video for “Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous” in 2005 followed by “Starbooty” the feature film starring RuPaul and Candis Cayne. I've since directed several videos for Kelly Rowland, Jody Watley, Vanessa Williams, Shontelle, Erika Jayne and a bunch of others. I just wrapped a video for Vanessa Williams 2 days ago. 

Vessel: Maintaining passion over the years can be challenging. What strategies do you employ to keep that creative fire burning in your long-standing photography career?

M: Actually, that is a good question. I really don't know what keeps my fire lit. Probably my fear of death. Or maybe my fear of being mediocre? Or perhaps it's my fear of having a mediocre death.  

Vessel: Shifting gears, could you share some insights into your charitable endeavors, particularly your involvement in dog rescue organizations?

M: I always knew that if I ever had any kind of platform, I would use it to help the marginalized and voiceless - two things that I perceived myself to be early in life.  I've always advocated for the LGBTQ community and in the past decade, my advocacy has extended to animal rights. The profound connection that I had with my beloved dog Oliver opened my eyes and heart to the plight of all sentient beings. I've since done everything I can to advocate on behalf of animals with a focus on dogs. 675000 dogs are euthanized each year in this country due to archaic laws, greed and corruption. I do my very best to educate and encourage people to adopt or foster a dog from a shelter or rescue as opposed to buying one from a greed motivated breeder. Sentient beings should never be a commodity. 

Vessel: Lastly, for our readers, could you reveal a lesser-known secret about yourself that hasn't been widely shared?

M: This may not be what you're expecting but when I was born, I was breech and the doctor yanked me out by my right arm, causing my shoulder to dislocate and my arm to break. They sent me home in that condition and when my shoulder finally found its way back into the socket, it was rotated by 60 degrees. Basically, my right arm has been backwards my entire life. 

Vessel: Is there anything else that you'd like our readers to know?

M: YES! It's the 10th anniversary of my animal rescue calendar called Hunks and Hounds with 100% of the proceeds going to Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue. I would be so grateful if everyone would purchase a calendar at this link www.louieslegacy.org/calendar/  

Louie's Legacy saves animals who have been abused, neglected and discarded. 

Photographer: Mike Ruiz

@mikeruizone

Photographed by: CiNava Photography

@cinava_photography

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