HI, I’M MIKE!

I am an artist in the medium of photography who lives in Los Angeles, California. My artistic journey started as a child in the shadow of Mt. Rainier within the great Pacific Northwest for 30 years until I moved to Hollywood to pursue my passion for filmmaking and photography in 2019. Blending my passion for monster movies, anime, music, light, cinema, travel and people, I craft my photography with a distinct style and vision that is uniquely my own.

1. At 15 in 2005, I discovered my passion for photography, honing my skills using my extensive movie monster action figure collection amassed since childhood. I never stopped taking photos of my toys, l often practice my new photography techniques with my collection. I have an Instagram and Youtube account dedicated to my toy photography called Mike's Monsters. I suggest checking it out!

2. Infused with inspiration from a favorite anime from my childhood, Dragon Ball Z, I employ in-camera experimental lighting effects to recreate the dynamic and energetic ambiance of the series in my photography. Through dedicated experimentation, I feel like I’ve successfully captured the lively spirit and vibrancy of the anime in my artistic work.

3. My first word was "Batman".

4. With a musician father, l've been immersed in music throughout my life. For 25 years until 2018, my family hosted Grahamstock, a lively three-day weekend rock concert in our backvard. featuring musicians connected throuah my dad. It's my hometown of Graham, Washinaton combined with Woodstock to make the name. Clever, I know.

5. I reside in the Los Angeles area with my girlfriend, Chelsea, and our two whimsically unique cats, Milo and Rigby. I actively contribute to the production of Chelsea's podcast, 'Horror Babe Show’, where she engages with industry experts and horror film enthusiasts.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

6. One of my earliest memories is watching a Godzilla movie with my dad in the late 80's, and since then my passion for the iconic monster has only grown. With a Godzilla tattoo on my arm, an extensive collectibles collection, and even photographing a Godzilla film director for a magazine, to attending the Hollywood red carpet premiere of the critically acclaimed Godzilla: Minus One in 2023. I've had a uniquely wild ride as a fan.

7. Driven by a passion for monster movies and photography, I relocated to Los Angeles. My earlier years were dedicated to learning Photoshop and photography, fueled by behind-the-scenes features of iconic films like ALIEN, PREDATOR, and Jurassic Park. Since my move, I've had the privilege of collaborating with special effects powerhouses such as Studio ADI, Legacy Effects, and Lightstorm Entertainment, forging connections with the brilliant minds behind my favorite movie monsters.

8. Pizza is my favorite food!

9. My cat Rigby sits like a person.

CLIENTS

World of Studio Ghibli via Bandai - Social Media & E-Commerce Photography 2023 - Present
Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America - Media Production 2022 - 2023
Wonderland Dreams - Photography 2022 - 2023
Alexa Meade - Director of Digital Content 2019 - 2020 | Photography 2019 - Present
Wax Thématique - Vinyl Record Photography & Videography 2019 - Present
Sprite x UPROXX - Moxie Knox Music Video Release Event Photography 2019
Universal Standard - Fall 2017 Road Trip Photographer & Videographer
Nordstrom.com - Photographer & Digital Tech 2012 - 2016
3LAU - Photographer & ‘Is It Love’ Lyric Music Video Production 2015 - 2016
Zulily.com - Editorial Photographer 2014 - 2017