LOS ANGELES — Longtime industry photographer and publisher Michael Bartholomey, known widely as Mike B, passed away Saturday.
A familiar presence at industry events for years, Bartholomey was widely praised for his generous spirit, sharp eye, and the deep friendships he formed across the community.
MojoHost president Brad Mitchell shared the news in a Facebook post.
“Michael Bartholomey, our dear friend and industry photographe,r passed away about an hour ago,” Mitchell wrote. “His brother reached out to me and asked that I share this news. His kidneys were very bad, his nephew was getting tested to organ donate, and Mike passed while on oxygen. Take a moment of silence, please, and remember a good time you shared with him.”
In addition to his photography work, Bartholomey owned Payout magazine and the Howling Dogs Sports Bar in Cebu, Philippines.
In a statement shared on Payout’s website, colleagues described him as “the proud owner of Payout Magazine and Howling Dogs Sports Bar, two beloved establishments that have brought joy, entertainment, and camaraderie to countless residents and visitors alike.
“Throughout his life, Mike B exemplified dedication, kindness, and an unwavering passion for his work,” the post continues. “He was a great photographer for the adult industry events all over the world. His vision transformed Payout Magazine into a respected publication that celebrated the local scene, while Howling Dogs Sports Bar became a welcoming haven for sports enthusiasts and friends to gather, share stories, and create lasting memories.”
The statement calls Bartholomey “fun to be around, a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs, and a friend to all who crossed his path.”
Mitchell, who counted Bartholomey among his closest friends, shared a fuller tribute to his life and contributions.
“The passing of my dear friend Michael ‘Mike’ Bartholomey leaves a tremendous hole in our community and in my heart,” Mitchell told XBIZ. “Mike photographed hundreds of industry events I attended over the years, capturing not just moments, but the spirit of the people he cared about. He was a kind and truly good person, and I am deeply grateful to have shared so many of life’s important moments with him — both behind and in front of the lens. His friendship meant the world to me, and I know that all our mutual friends feel the same. Mike will be profoundly missed, but his warmth, humor and artistry will live on in every image he gifted us.”
XBIZ founder and publisher Alec Helmy also reflected on Bartholomey’s lasting presence within the industry.
“Mike was so inspirational in the way he dealt with challenges with a big smile and a great sense of humor,” Helmy said. “I’ll always cherish our conversations off to the side at shows, the last one just a couple months ago in Amsterdam. We’re all going to miss you so much.”
Paxum’s Chris Youngs called Bartholomey “a shining light in our industry.”
“Anytime you saw him, he always had a smile and a laugh you will never forget,” Youngs said. “Mike B has given us all a gift we will be able to cherish forever by documenting our careers and world travels. Mike B will be greatly missed.”
Bartholomey’s longtime friend and fellow industry veteran Gunner also reflected on Bartholomey’s positive presence at industry events.
“Of the 50-plus trade shows that I saw Mike at over the last 25 years, I can’t remember a single time he didn’t come right over to me, smiling ear to ear, happy, and motioning me to stand wherever he could get the right picture. I’m going to miss that. I’m going to miss him.”
Steve Lightspeed of Lightspeed Media expressed his gratitude for Bartholomey’s support while Lightspeed was still early in his career.
“This one is hitting me hard,” he said. “Mike was one of my first friends in the industry. He laughed at me when I told him I was terrified of some of the big players. He went out of his way to introduce me to them all and get me started on the right foot.”
Industry attorney Corey Silverstein was similarly appreciative of Bartholomey’s warmth and spirit.
“Mike always had a smile on his face no matter what was going on in his own life,” Silverstein noted. “He lived a loving, caring, and passionate life, and it was my privilege to have gotten to travel the world with him. Trade shows will never be the same again. I will miss my friend.”
Content creator and journalist Mikayela Miller also paid tribute to Bartholomey’s influence and mentorship.
“Mike B was one of the kindest and wittiest people I have ever worked with,” she said. “He gave me a chance to write articles for his publication before any others in this industry, and for that I will be forever grateful. He treated me as a professional from day one and was selfless about sharing his insight and experience to help me better myself in this industry. He was a pioneer in the media and press for adult entertainment and content creators, and built so much in such a short time. May he rest in peace and may his legacy live on.”
Andy Wullmer, CMO of TrafficCaptain, recalled years of traveling with Bartholomey to shows around the world, including in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, Berlin, Prague, Cali, Cascais, and Amsterdam.
“I always loved his sense of humor, and how he was always wrestling with his camera and asking me to walk around with him so he could find the right people for his shots,” he said. “I was really heartbroken when I heard about his passing. His brother Nickolas wrote to me on Sunday morning, and I haven’t stopped thinking about all the great moments I shared with Mike.”
Wullmer also visited Bartholomey three times in the Philippines at his Howling Dogs Sports Bar.
“We had some crazy parties there, and I met so many amazing people through him,” Wullmer recalled. “The first time I visited, he put photos and videos of me on all the screens, so when I arrived, everyone thought I was a big rock star from Germany.
“A true legend of our industry is gone,” Wullmer added. “He was a great brand ambassador for all of us, and he always put a lot of effort and passion into Payout magazine. I will miss him so much. May he rest in peace and watch over us as we continue to visit the shows he covered with his great pictures.”
Mari Blue, founder of ShootX Events and one of Bartholomey’s closest friends and collaborators, offered an especially personal tribute.
“Losing Mike feels like losing a part of the foundation that shaped who I am in this industry,” she said. “For the past 10 years, Mike and I traveled the world together with our cameras, capturing the spirit of an industry that never stops moving. But what he gave me went far beyond images. He shared knowledge, patience, laughter, and a friendship that made every project more meaningful. He pushed me to be better, to see deepe,r and to honor the story behind every frame.
“Thank you, Mike, for a decade of trust, partnership, and brotherhood,” Blue added. “Thank you for shaping the photographer and the person I’ve become. Your influence will never fade. I will honor your memory in the work we built together and in the future I continue building because of you. You are missed beyond words, but your legacy lives on in every frame.”
