The Sundance Film Festival began as a program of the Sundance Institute, founded by Robert Redford. With nearly 50,000 attendees each year, it is now one of the largest independent film festivals in the United States. In April of this year, Time magazine named Redford one of the most influential people in the world and the “Godfather of Indie Film.”

“He is such a meticulous and brilliant filmmaker and artist,” said noted photographer, Michael William-Paul. “He has so much respect, care and understanding of the camera, the lens and the process of storytelling.”

Michael William-Paul grew up in his father’s portrait studio, where he learned the basics of photography and lighting before his ninth birthday. He continued to learn and gain experience in the world of photography until he received his first camera as a high school graduation gift. Michael William-Paul took his studies and his camera to Russia where he witnessed and photographed the devastation of the Ruble Crash of 1998. His documentary of the crisis, “The Exhibition,” gained international recognition, leading to the beginning of his future projects.

Aside from Redford, some of Michael William-Paul’s greatest influences include his family, professors and mentors, as well as many artists, actors, directors and producers, whom he says helped hims along his journey. After working internationally and throughout a variety of countries that most people dream to visit, his influences are as widespread as they are eclectic.

“Working as the official photographer for the Vagina Monologues as one of my first major assignments when I was in my early twenties was also a major influence,” he said. “That, and covering the world’s largest women’s lecture series for ten years.”

His time and experiences with the iconic women he covered gave Michael William-Paul a refreshing perspective. This inside look helped shape his projects in fashion, both commercial and high-fashion. His work in the fashion industry combined with his experiences with the United Nations eventually led to the launch of his Model Ambassador Program (MAP). MAP is an initiative which promotes worldwide peace and sustainable development. It is open to any of those who wish to participate.