My name is Michael Stewart aka madnames. I’ve had many nicknames over the years. When I was explaining this to a friend he said, “Yo! You have madnames!” That one comment created my whole online identity. I got an Instagram handle and started sharing my photos and art with the world.
I am blessed to say that art saved me. Photography has challenged me to express myself in an honest way - breaking through many things that were holding me back.
I have gotten the opportunity to take portraits of amazing people, create brand campaigns in Japan (my birthplace), reconnect with my birth mother, and travel the mountains of France. Every day is an opportunity to continue to grow in my craft as a photographer and an artist. I will never take that for granted.
It is an honor to provide a service that has made people feel seen through photography. I strive every day to bring honesty to the world through my lens.
How are you doing today?
Photos @sammckenna
In the process of going through my new and old SSD drives to update my website. It is always a trip to see your old photos. I mostly hate hate hate them and wonder what I was doing. Sometimes I find some gold. Overall, I’m proud of all the work I have put in. It is not easy to learn something new and try to make it more than a hobby. I am very far from perfect but I am proud of myself. All the frames that went wrong are lessons that let me find the right exposures now. Grateful for everyone that has helped my through the struggles.
These are early frames I got to create with some insanely talented movers and shakers. We are in all in different places now but for moments in 2021 I was able to make something with them. Thank you @mecca_allah@_laurynhayes@asiannerd5@cheng_moves@stal_style@asapgamble for working with me when I was just starting. And @rashidazagon for allowing me to work in a studio. It feels a bit magical in my head. That is a testimony to the impact of an image.
Have a good day yall 🌟
#photography #studiophotography #newyorkphotographer
Congratulations to Dr. Robert Michael Rooney @robrooney13 for graduating from NYU. It was an honor to capture this moment for you at The Met. Nothing like members' hour before everyone enters the building.
#graduation #nyu #themet
body of work by @sushibabyart
Another set but this time the words went straight onto the body. Thank you for being open to the idea. Love the way this looks.
@zabu_nyc provided the seated comfort
#caligraphy #japanese #portriatphotography
Photo series with @sushibabyart about art as an action and release.
"She told me she doesn’t think about much when it comes to her art. Calligraphy is a verb. A practice in motion. You know she is telling the truth by the way she works. Time seems to dissipate - the only marker of time becomes the brush strokes covering the canvas. After a while, you also lose track. It is disarming. Her practice is an invitation to let go. "
#calligraphy #newyorkartist #japaneseart
Thank you to @firstpitch.info and @heldhere.co for allowing me to part of The First Course event. Creating these images with each attendee was a treat. So much talent so much style 🥂.
The beautiful set was created by @kindaformal 💐
So much goes into an event like this so shout out to @athenapartington@gabincolour@littlemaisunshine and crew for the hours of bts work.
#photobooth #photography #eventphotography
