EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Mike RUiz
A committed photographer.
Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre
1- You discovered photography at the age of 28. Did you think you would have the success you currently have when you started?
When I was 13 or 14 years old, I used to have vivid fantasies about being in the entertainment industry. So, by the time I started shooting at the age of 28, I had already convinced myself that I would be successful. I never had any doubts in my mind, which is interesting because now that I reflect on it, I realize how naive I was about the industry. If I had known then what I know now, I might have been too intimidated to continue.
2- You have worked with many celebrities as a self-taught photographer. How did you manage to enter this very exclusive environment? And who was the first celebrity you photographed?
I have always been quite bold. The way I initially started working with celebrities was by approaching them at the gym and saying, "Hey! I'm a photographer. Would you like to do a photoshoot with me?" About 95% of the time, they would look at me like I was crazy, but it did work out a few times. Through those initial connections, I met their publicists, who then introduced me to some of their other clients. Before I knew it, I was shooting for various entertainment magazines and working with 3-4 celebrities every week. The very first celebrity I photographed was Karina Lombard. She had just starred in a film with Brad Pitt at the time, and I was soooo nervous. After about 5 minutes of being with her, I realized that she was just as nervous as I was!
3 - Photography is a much more challenging job than many people may think. When you started, did you have any doubts about pursuing this career path? If so, why?
Honestly, when I began my journey in photography, I had such a deep passion for it that I seriously considered turning it into a career. I was shooting every day of the week, completely consumed by it. My career naturally evolved from there. It was after about a year of shooting and earning a decent income that I realized this could actually be my lifelong profession. I was so busy at that point that I didn't have time for doubts.
4 - We noticed that you were part of the cast of A-List New York. What was it like having your everyday life filmed and exposed for the world to see?
I participated in that show for very specific reasons. It wasn't to seek fame, per se, but rather to have a platform within the LGBTQ+ community that I could utilize to advocate for people who, like me, had experienced marginalization during their youth.
I was very deliberate in my actions and words on the show. In response to your question, no one truly witnessed my "real" everyday life.
Mike Ruiz is a renowned American photographer known for his captivating work with some of the world's biggest celebrities. His impressive portfolio includes photographing numerous high-profile individuals and being involved in popular television shows such as "America's Next Top Model" hosted by Tyra Banks. With his talent and dedication, Mike Ruiz has made a significant impact in the world of photography, capturing the essence and beauty of his subjects with his unique vision.
Portrait Of The Month ( Janv 2020)
INTERVIEW
3 - Photography is a much more challenging job than many people may think. When you started, did you have any doubts about pursuing this career path? If so, why?
Honestly, when I began my journey in photography, I had such a deep passion for it that I seriously considered turning it into a career. I was shooting every day of the week, completely consumed by it. My career naturally evolved from there. It was after about a year of shooting and earning a decent income that I realized this could actually be my lifelong profession. I was so busy at that point that I didn't have time for doubts.
4 - We noticed that you were part of the cast of A-List New York. What was it like having your everyday life filmed and exposed for the world to see?
I participated in that show for very specific reasons. It wasn't to seek fame, per se, but rather to have a platform within the LGBTQ+ community that I could utilize to advocate for people who, like me, had experienced marginalization during their youth.
I was very deliberate in my actions and words on the show. In response to your question, no one truly witnessed my "real" everyday life.
5- You are a talented individual who is also committed to important causes, which is what attracted us to you. Racism in all its forms is a scourge on society, whether it affects the LGBTQ community, the Afro community, or other marginalized groups such as the disabled.
What was your reaction to the recent events in New York City following the death of George Floyd?
Like the rest of the world, I could not tolerate another act of racial injustice going unpunished. I was filled with anger and a strong motivation to contribute to bringing about change in any way I could. As a child and teenager, I personally experienced discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, and weight. This has given me deep empathy for anyone who is marginalized, and I refuse to stand by and let such injustice occur to humans or animals. I have been very vocal in expressing my support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the Black Trans Lives Matter movement. It is disheartening and shameful to see how few people in the fashion industry are using their voices to advocate for change. Racism is deeply ingrained in the fashion industry, starting from the top with figures like Anna Wintour. I believe that the BLM movement has rendered her and those who blindly follow her irrelevant. We need more leaders like Edward Enninful to guide the industry forward. We have reached a critical juncture, and if we do not collectively bring about change, we will all suffer.
6- You describe yourself as a frank person when it comes to political issues. Can we hear your opinion on the policies of President Donald Trump and also of French President Emmanuel Macron?
I refer to Donald Trump as "Dump," as I find him to be a disgraceful individual. I had the opportunity to spend a day in 2011 photographing Melania Trump at their Fifth Avenue apartment. Even back then, he displayed despicable behavior, but we brushed it off because he was seen as a harmless clown. However, now he poses a threat to global safety, the economy, the environment, and social order. He must be stopped at any cost. To be honest, I am bombarded with Dump's idiocy on a daily basis, which makes it challenging for me to form an educated opinion on Macron.
7- What does the program "America's Next Top Model" mean to you? As a professional photographer, what advice would you give to young people aspiring to be successful models?
Participating in a few episodes of ANTM was enjoyable, but given the current state of affairs in the world, it all seems rather absurd. My advice to anyone aiming for success in their career is to ensure that you truly love what you do. Additionally, tenacity and consistency are key factors in achieving success in any field.
Credit photo: Rick Day
8- Prior to discovering photography, what were your professional ambitions? Did your family support you in this change of perspective?
To be honest, I had no clear professional ambitions before discovering photography. I dabbled in culinary school for a while but eventually quit. I also tried my hand at acting, but it didn't ignite a strong passion within me. At one point, I even pursued learning to fly with the goal of becoming a pilot, but I realized it wasn't making me happy either. Throughout this process, my family didn't provide much encouragement or discouragement; they were mostly indifferent. While this might sound disheartening, it actually motivated me even further. Whenever someone told me "NO," I would work twice as hard to prove them wrong.
9- As someone who is influential and well-respected in the LGBTQIA community, could you share your perspective on the past, present, and future?
My perspective on the LGBTQ+ community is shaped by ongoing struggles. I have witnessed the devastating loss of numerous friends to AIDS in my lifetime. As medical treatments improved, we were able to shift the fight towards human rights, where we made significant progress in a relatively short period. After the Obama administration, I believed we were heading in the right direction. However, with the rise of Trump, an environment of hate and intolerance was created, and it feels like we have to start from square one. I hope that the fight against racial injustice will also encompass all civil rights. Even before Trump, Covid, and the BLM movement, I advocated for the rights of all marginalized individuals and animals, and I will continue to do so until my last breath.
10- Finally, if you have any advice for the child you were, what would it be?
I would tell little Mike that the pain is temporary and that he will overcome his fears. I would assure him that a life filled with magic, love, and purpose awaits him, and that he will grow up to be a man that his mom would be proud of.
Model: Jourdan Dunn
Model: Madisin Rian
Model: Lewis Hamilton
Model: Rose Mc Gowan
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