Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Maneen.
Hi Richard, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My father was the one who piqued my interest in the art of photography. He was in the Air Force for 15 years, so growing up, he always showed me old film strips and photos from his adventures overseas. Once I was older, I started to take an interest in automobiles and read magazines such as Import Tuner, Car and Driver, and Super Street to look at the pictures, furthering my interest in photography. Reading these magazines excited me to the point where I saved every penny I could to purchase a camera. That dream became reality when I bought my first camera in 2008, a Canon Rebel XSi. I would take this camera everywhere, even if it were a quick run to the grocery store. I never wanted to miss a moment that would help me grow as a photographer. As the years passed, I started my own business and began my journey into the freelance photography market. I started shooting portraits and sporting events for free to build my portfolio and client base. I eventually decided that I wanted to pursue my love for automobiles and jumped into the world of automotive photography. That has changed a bit as my full-time job now photographs executive aircraft. I went from photographing cars to shooting jets; who would have thought? Photography has brought more value and purpose into my life than I could have ever imagined, and I am thrilled that I decided to pick up a camera. Photography has been part of my life for 16 years and counting. I’m incredibly passionate about it and will never grow tired of it.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenge getting to where I am today. The problem with the photography market is that cameras are inexpensive, so most people usually have one. The biggest challenge I ran into was separating myself from the everyday photographer and marketing myself to companies/brands in a way that made them understand that I could provide the type of imagery they were searching for. I also struggled with confidence and believing my work was good enough for assignments. Once I overcame that struggle, I flourished as a creative individual.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I started my business, RPM Photography INC, in 2012. I began shooting portraits and sporting events, only to realize that this kind of photography didn’t satisfy my creative flow. I took time to reflect and decided to specialize in automotive photography due to my obsession with cars and racing. I’m most proud of having had the courage to turn away from “safe” photography markets and jump into a market that is constantly growing with new photographers every day. After a few years of shooting commercial-style automotive photography, I took a full-time job shooting executive aircraft. My business now consists of automotive/motorsports and aircraft clients, which I am excited about. My attention to detail is one key trait that sets me apart from others. Taking the time to position a car or aircraft perfectly, even if it means moving it a few times, can be the difference between a decent photo and an incredible one.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is a necessary aspect of personal growth. I’ve taken many, many risks, both personally and professionally. My most significant professional risk was when I started acclimating to photography; I quickly outgrew my entry-level gear. I decided to invest my life savings at the time in more professional gear. This isn’t to say that you need the most expensive equipment to be successful. But, if you’re passionate about something, invest in yourself and make it a personal goal to succeed at what you decide to invest your time and money into. I took a full-time photographer position at an executive aircraft company in Florida four years ago. This meant uprooting my entire life in Georgia, moving eight hours away for a job that, on paper, was everything I ever wanted as a creative. Taking the risk paid off quite handsomely, and I’m happier than ever, personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rpmphotographyinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardm.cr3/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-maneen
