Meet Mike Ruiz, the celebrity photographer capturing Hollywood through a gay lens

Nikki Aye

January 26, 2024 at 11:44 AM·7 min read

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Lance Bass Ruby Rose Wilson Cruz Queen Latifah Miss Fame

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Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Alan Cumming Dominique Jackson Mike Ruiz Leatherman Carson Tueller Jim Parsons

Mike Ruiz’s mark on pop culture is undeniable. An autodidact, having taught himself photography and much of the business that goes along with it, he has become a prolific photographer of our generation. Along with a massive list of celebrity photo clients, his telegenic presence has landed him dozens of spots on television and in film.

Ruiz appeared numerous times on America’s Next Top Model, was a permanent fixture on Canada’s Next Top Model, and appeared on the first six seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race as the photographer on the season opener. Not only does Ruiz excel behind the camera, he has been named creative director and principal photographer for multiple versions of L’Officiel Fashion Book and is the co-owner and creative director of Photobook Magazine.

Ruiz tells us he is most proud of his community service work. He was recently honored with a proclamation from the City of New York and has had the US flag flown of the United States Capitol at the request of Congressman Adam Schiff, all in recognition of his tireless efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. When not behind the camera, he is also a strong advocate for animal rights, supporting dozens of rescues and organizations such as PETA, Stand Up For Pits, FOUR PAWS, and Bark Nation.

I first encountered Ruiz's work while compiling a gallery of his leathermen series. Not only was I captivated with the quality of his work, but the diversity of the people he seeks out to be included in this unique, sometimes subversive sub-community. Having worked with him on a few projects now, I can say I look forward to his photo calendar each year pairing up the likes of 'Mutts & Muscles' or 'Hunks & Hounds' to give us drool-worthy eye candy and help pups in need of rescue. What a mensch!

Scroll through to learn more about Ruiz and to see more of his work! You can also follow Mike on Instagram, @mikeruizone.

Do you know of an LGBTQ+ photographer or artist who deserves more spotlight? Let us know by emailing photoassistant@equalpride.com.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a photographer.

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Neil Patrick Harris

Courtesy Mike Ruiz

The short answer is that I got a camera for Christmas in 1992ish, became obsessed with photography, taught myself everything that I felt that I needed to know and voila! The rest is l’histoire! Within a year of picking up a camera, I was shooting for magazines and ad agencies internationally.

(Pictured: Neil Patrick Harris)

How does your queer identity shape the way you see/portray your subjects?

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Billy Porter

Courtesy Mike Ruiz

Having come out in the early ’80s when it wasn’t the coolest thing to do, I suffered all of the usual indignities: bullying, intolerance, etc. I decided then that if I was ever in a position to celebrate the human experience, I would do it loudly and proudly. Being a photographer/director has definitely given me the platform to impart all of my queer influences into a visual point of view that is very stylized and aspirational.

(Pictured: Billy Porter)

What story do you hope to tell the world with your art?

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects \u200bLee Pace

Courtesy Mike Ruiz

Essentially, the story that I’m telling is a fairytale. Very early on in my career, I realized that the camera was the way that I could create the world that I desperately needed to see; a coping mechanism I suppose. If I had to sum up my work with one adjective it would be “hopeful.” I think that I’m offering an alternative to the harsh reality of the world we live in. A place where everything is pretty and polished and everyone lives happily ever after.

(Pictured: Lee Pace)

Are there specific themes you try to consistently incorporate inyour work?

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Adam Lambert

Courtesy Mike Ruiz

I would have to say that a recurring theme is fantasy. Everything that I do has varying degrees of fantastical hyper reality.

(Pictured: Adam Lambert)

How do you plan a concept and where do you find inspiration?

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Queen Latifah

Courtesy Mike Ruiz

My process is somewhat random. I never know how or when the information that I’ve consumed will manifest itself. Creative ideas that come to me can usually be traced back to a film that I’ve seen, a place that I’ve been, a person that I’ve met or a combination many things.

(Pictured: Queen Latifah)

We often focus on LGBTQ+ people being the subject of art, but not the artists. Can you talk about the importance of having LGBTQ+ artists behind the camera?

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Alan Cumming

Courtesy Mike Ruiz

I feel that an artist’s life experience and creative voice are inextricably linked. I think that LGBTQ+ art is an important documentation of the queer experience of those particular times.

(Pictured: Alan Cumming)

How does being based in NYC impact your work?

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Lance Bass

Courtesy Mike Ruiz

With New York City being a global hub of fashion, art, music, and culture in general, the city provides access to the best of everything for anyone to thrive as an artist. The city's talent pool is so deep and wide which makes it effortless to find like minded creatives to collaborate with. I owe so much to NYC for giving me the tools to accomplish everything that I set out to do.

(Pictured: Lance Bass)

What are you working on next?

Photo Gallery Q&A: Meet NYC based gay celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz and his LGBTQ+ subjects Angelica Ross

Courtesy Mike Ruiz

A lot of my energy is currently going to the magazine that I co-own called Photobook Magazine. I’m very excited and proud of it’s growth and evolution. Aside from that, I continue to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and for animal rights.

(Pictured: Angelica Ross)