Twenty-seven years ago I picked up a camera and every day since I have honed the craft of image capture.
Mike Butler has etched his name in the realm of architectural and interior photography with over 30 years of seasoned experience. His journey began in the vibrant streets of Bangkok in 1991, evolving from the tactile art of hand-rolled B&W bulk film to mastering the digital landscape. Now, extending his footprint from the sun-kissed vibrancy of Miami, Florida, Mike brings his bespoke imagery to the picturesque city of Raleigh, North Carolina.
With a portfolio that boasts collaborations with hospitality behemoths like Hilton, Marriott, Waldorf Astoria, and CBRE, and notable work for the distinguished architecture firm CRTKL, Mike’s prowess in visual storytelling is unrivaled. His position on the prestigious Hilton Luxury Brand photographers list is a nod to his rarefied skills—a recognition shared by only a select few globally.
In Raleigh, Mike’s expertise offers a fresh lens to the architectural tapestry of the city, marrying his signature style with the locale's unique character. His innovative approach, which includes cutting-edge drone technology and advanced lighting techniques, captures the essence of Raleigh's structures, from historic edifices to modern marvels, in a light never seen before.
Mentored by the illustrious Dan Forer, Mike has refined a style that’s both daring and delicate, combining ethereal magic hour shots with the clear-eyed precision of drone photography. His work doesn’t just showcase buildings; it tells their stories, engaging viewers with every frame.
Venturing beyond still images, Mike’s foray into videography has seen him partnering with industry-leading professionals to create cinematic productions that embody his clients’ visions. His artistry is matched by his vigor for life, as seen in his commitment to endurance sports, exemplified by competing in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
Mike’s dedication extends beyond the lens with his initiative, The Elastic Mind Project, which supports children's welfare in Colombia. But at the heart of his endeavors, his most cherished role is that of a father to his two sons, the driving force behind his ambition and creativity.
As Mike settles into the Raleigh scene, he is poised to cast a new light on architectural beauty, capturing the city's essence through his lens. With every project, whether a grand architectural feat or a serene interior space, Mike’s unwavering standard of excellence ensures that the story behind the space is told with authenticity and artistic flair.
Contact us and let’s work together, crafting a set of images or video production which will set your business apart.
“Mike’s exquisite lighting work, sculpt the spaces bringing up the true essence of the space ”
Non profit work
Mike always seen the world a bit differently than most. He sees the world for what it is, and sees people for whom they are, without the faux gloss that is often times painstakingly applied to cover the obvious flaws and cracks. It is with this vision of the world that he brought together a group of very talented creative minds to tackle a problem often glossed over and forgotten. After a trip to the outskirts of Bogota, Colombia, Mike Co-Founded the Elastic Mind Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicate poverty by means of educative programs aimed to help children in disenfranchised communities. Elastic Mind Project's programs are focused on the arts, with photography as one of the main workshops; children receive disposable cameras and are taught the basics of photography as they explore their own environment and register their life in a medium often more powerful that what they are able to express with words
Mike currently serves as the Chairperson for the elastic mind project, and continues to travel around the globe educating and teaching seminars in what he loves to do the most.
“It is to see that the mankind’s greatest economic assets are not our factories or stock markets but our children and in our great rush forward they are, it seems the one thing we have forgotten”
Partial Client List
Waldorf Astoria
Hilton Hotels
Marriott International
Arquitectonica
Zyscovich Architects
Callison RTKL
Allied Steel international
Intercontinental Hotels
Francis Ford Coppola Blancaneaux
Coastal Times
Van Meter Williams Pollack
Sterling Organization