Michael Stears is a New York-based photographer who was brought up splitting time between Colorado and Montana. Looking at the subjects of his photos, it is easy to see how he capitalizes on the dualities of these two sides of himself. He is just as much in his element photographing models and celebrities in a New York City studio as he is standing in literal bull shit, capturing a rank bull throwing a cowboy at a small-town rodeo. Stears thrives on these contrasts, weaving them into the fabric of his artistic vision.

His artistic practice defies convention, as he explores a diverse range of formats including 4x5, expired Polaroid, digital, and everything in between, continuously pushing the boundaries of his comfort zone.

Known for his meticulous approach, Stears often chooses the most challenging, inconvenient, and costly methods, firmly believing that limitations breed creativity and yield superior results. His expertise extends to alternative printing techniques such as Kallitype, Vandyke Brown, Cyanotype, and he has a particular affinity for the nuanced artistry of Platinum Palladium printing. Each of his handmade prints, meticulously crafted in the darkroom, exudes tangible depth and craftsmanship that invites viewers to engage on a tactile level.

Beyond capturing traditional beauty, Stears is deeply attracted to what he describes as "beautiful, ugly things" — moments and subjects that defy superficial aesthetics and provoke profound emotional responses. His work reflects a raw, gritty aesthetic that speaks authentically to the human experience, offering viewers a glimpse into truths often overlooked or ignored.