Artist Bio
Director and Photographer Michael William-Paul is an artist who’s vision and work has earned him a reputation among his contemporaries as a creative professional, an insightful entrepreneur, and a dedicated humanitarian.
Working with worldwide “A” list celebrities, while receiving commissions from dignitaries of high statures in government and business. A director with a keen eye for new talent, he has supported early career development of young artists who have become paramount in the creative industry today.
Michael’s major contract lasted over ten years as the portrait photographer for North America’s leading Women’s Lecture Series “Unique Lives and Experiences”. He has worked with and been influenced by Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLain, Erin Brockovich, Isabella Rossellini, Maya Angelou, and Teraji P. Henson to name a few.
Michael’s fashion photography both editorial and advertising has been commissioned and published in international magazines which include: Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Town and Country, Flare, Wedding Bells, Today’s Bride, Arise, Idoll Magazine, and The New York Times Including various special edition book publications including “New African Fashion“. His fashion film swim shoot in 2017 of Curvy Model Michelle Vidal earned her earned her a finalist spot and ultimately a contract with Sports Illustrated for their annual international #siswimsearch competition.
Acting in his early career he co-starred in the popular internationally syndicated TV series “In Your Space” playing himself as the “handy man” in a 23 episodes. More Recently he has also contributed to guest appearances for E Network Television Shows and VH1.
Perhaps his greatest motivation to create is inspired through such achievements as his dedicated and ongoing political, philanthropic and humanitarian ventures. His name and work is highly regarded in an extensive client list of elevated government officials, which have led to elite coverage and assignments, from directing the stage for International Forums and World Summits, to commissioned portrait work throughout the world, covering Heads of State including the Former President of the United States Barak Obama. He chaired the panel for the 1st ever Fashion World Forum at the United Nations Headquarters on International Womens Day in 2013 with moderator and fashion icon Fern Malis and Carloyn Hardy of UN Women.
His work in the United Nations has helped to shape a frontier of issues pertaining to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals or the Global Goals for Sustainability. As Founder of Universal Models for Peace (UMP), and the Elements Planet Preservation Foundation, his service work continues to have a wide reach.
Recognized for his achievements Michael was honored with the distinguished Zambrano Foundation Award “Defender of Democracy” which he accepted on behalf of his foundation in Feb. 2016 in Miami Florida during the Presidential High-Level Reception of the Cumbre Latino Americana Event. He celebrated alongside other distinguished recipients former President of Mexico H.E. Vincent Fox, and the Mayor of Medellin Columbia Federico Gutierrez Zuluaga.
Based in New York City and Miami Beach Florida, but available for International Projects and Select Assignments.
Invited on the board of directors for “Rattle the Cage Productions” An award winning Film and Production Company focused on Animal and Wildlife Welfare and Environmental Conservation.