Trivia

He has been a friend of John Kerry's since 1964 and began photographing and documenting his career and life in 1969. This culminated in Butler filming the documentary, Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry (2004). Going Upriver follows Kerry's first political ascension as a leader of the anti-war vets after his return from Vietnam in 1969.

Mistakenly declared dead by his friend, Charlie Rose, on his PBS Year review show.

Earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Hollins College, now known as Hollins University.

Began his career as a stills photographer.

Butler founded the Oakland Lion, while serving as a VISTA (domestic Peace Corps) member in Detroit.

Founded White Mountain Films in 1972.

Covered the world of bodybuilding as a photographer for Life Magazine and the Village Voice.

Earned a BA in English from the University of North Carolina.

With co-author Charles Gaines he wrote the book "Pumping Iron: The Art & Sport Of Bodybuilding".

Grew up in Somalia and Jamaica.

Graduated from the Groton School in Massachussetts.

Has two sons and a brother.