OHLALA GETS PERSONAL WITH MIKE RUIZ

If you don’t know celeb photographer Mike Ruiz, you will soon. This fall, he will be appearing as a judge on two national TV shows: RuPaul's Drag Race and Americas Next Top Model.

The former model has made a name for himself behind the lens shooting stars like Kirsten Dunst, Vanessa Williams and Lindsay Lohan. Most recently, he shot Kathy Griffin for the next season of her show, My Life on the D-List, and Mario Lopez for his hosting gig on TV’s entertainment news show, Extra! Beginning this month, Ruiz fans will be able to buy signed prints of his brilliant celebrity photographs at the online art gallery, Shutterlounge.com.



We saw you on the new season of America’s Next Top Model!

I was a guest photographer on the third episode this season, which aired on the 10th of September.



Next up, you’ll be appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Yes, I’m excited! RuPaul and the executive producers of the show are friends of mine. It was a blast and the show should be a gigantic hit! I was so honored to guest judge alongside of one of my idols, Bob Mackie.



Tell us about shooting Kathy Griffin. Is she as crazy as she seems?

Kathy is awesome. I work with her a bunch, since she requests me for everything. What about Mario Lopez? Did he strip down and show off those chiseled abs? Unfortunately, we only had two hours to shoot all of the marketing for the show so sadly, no topless stuff. Oh well. I can still dream.



What can you tell us about the new show you are developing, The 10 10’s?

It's a story that is loosely based on the eccentricities of me and the posse of super hot guys I ran around with in the early 90's. It was brilliantly written by the super-talented Benjamin Morgan. We've only begun pitching it and the response has been very positive. It's early on in the process so all I can say about it is that it is freaking HILARIOUS in a dark and super-sexy way.



Shutterlounge.com recently announced they will be selling Mike Ruiz prints!

It’s true. Shutterlounge.com is an online gallery that was formed by curator Frank Roller and I was the first artist to be invited to participate. Frank and I selected some of my favorite pieces and we will offer them as limited edition prints to collectors.



Sounds like the perfect holiday gift for art lovers.

Check it out at Shutter Lounge.



Before we bid adieu, we hear you moved into an amazing new apartment in Manhattan.

O-M-G! I still can't believe I live there! It's a brand new, super-fancy, white glove, high-rise condo building in Chelsea and my apartment has the most unbelievable, sweeping views of Manhattan. I fall asleep looking out of floor-to-ceiling windows at the Empire State Building. It's totally my dream home and I have to pinch myself sometimes when I walk in the door, since it's nothing like the filthy trailer I grew up in!

For more information on Mike Ruiz, visit Mike Ruiz.com and Shutter Lounge.com