Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Max Riehn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Max, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I chose this question because I feel like I am in the middle of developing my confidence and self-esteem as we speak. I think there are a lot of people who look at what I do for a living as a commercial photographer and assume that confidence and self-esteem come to you once you have pursued and gotten your dream job. However, I’m still not as confident about my work as I would like to be. The fact is, if you deeply and passionately pursue something, the more you learn about it, the more you realize how much you don’t know. You will meet people who know way more than you do about the subject matter, perpetually.
For me, confidence and self-esteem are built through accomplishment. They don’t happen during the act of doing; they happen afterward when you have undeniable proof that you can do the things you say you can do, create the things you say you can create, and be the person you say you are. So you have to embrace the discomfort, even when you feel like it sucks (and it actually might suck), and keep going. If you are truly committed to the craft of creating something, whether it’s a business, an art career, or coding the next tech giant, just keep going. The confidence and self-esteem come from that place—the act of doing, reviewing, and witnessing improvement. And that only happens if you keep going, even when you aren’t feeling confident.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Currently, my primary focus revolves around the growth of my production company, Maxson Media, and the continuous development of my skills as a photographer and videographer. My wife, Ash, and I work together to manage the it. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. These days, there are many individuals capable of capturing high-level photo and video. But, technical expertise alone does not guarantee effective communication, foresight, or the ability to empathize with clients. My background in the hospitality industry helped me hone these skills, shaping the way Maxson Media approaches client interactions and how we plan each shoot.
Ash has taken this philosophy to heart and created a comprehensive pre-production process that serves as the bedrock for every project we undertake. The feedback we consistently receive reinforces that our approach is distinctively our own, and I am most definitely proud of that. Fundamentally, it’s about treating people with kindness and striving to be a person of integrity. I’ve found that people resonate with that and want more of it.
Currently, my primary focus revolves around the growth of my production company, Maxson Media, and the continuous development of my skills as a photographer and videographer. My wife, Ash, and I work together to manage the it. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. These days, there are many individuals capable of capturing high-level photo and video. But, technical expertise alone does not guarantee effective communication, foresight, or the ability to empathize with clients. My background in the hospitality industry helped me hone these skills, shaping the way Maxson Media approaches client interactions and how we plan each shoot.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Consistency, a willingness to learn, and kindness—all have played a crucial role in propelling my journey forward.
Consistency requires constant development. Admittedly, there are plenty of times when I have stumbled and veered off track, but I never let that setback define me. That’s where the ‘Keep Going’ mantra we’ve embraced comes in. I’m not immune to the same challenges that affect everyone else. The difference lies in how quickly I recognize those setbacks and course correct, time and time again. While some individuals may naturally possess the ability to have extreme consistency, but I believe they’re the exception rather than the norm. Like everything else, with practice, consistency becomes easier over time.
The value of a willingness to learn only really dawned on me once I was out of school. In that structured environment, I was reluctant to embrace new knowledge. However, immersing myself in the company of individuals who possess greater expertise in subjects I’m passionate about has proven to be invaluable. Instead of pretending to know it all, I’ve learned to ask questions and, most importantly, put that acquired knowledge into action. Many fall into the trap of endlessly consuming online content, like a string of YouTube videos, without truly absorbing the information. By extracting valuable insights from the wide range of sources available (online and in person) and actually applying them to my work or craft, significant improvement follows.
Kindness often gets shrugged aside as a quality that can positively impact both one’s career and personal life. While financial success may be attained by disregarding kindness, I’ve made a conscious decision not to compromise my moral values in that pursuit. Acts of kindness extended to strangers, not driven by personal gain, but simply because it’s the right thing to do, resonate with others. Most people can quickly discern whether the kindness is genuine or just a facade for self-interest. Combining kindness with a willingness to learn yields long-term benefits.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
An ideal client for Maxson Media is one that is willing to invest the time in working through all stages of creating something new. They understand that collaboration is essential for all parties involved to achieve their desired outcome, and they are as committed to the project as we are. While having a decent budget is great—we all deserve to be compensated for our work—what truly matters is collaborating with good people who can navigate the give-and-take of a complete creative process. That dynamic usually leads to a better end result that benefits everyone involved.
Maxson Media’s goal is to work with bigger brands, on bigger sets, with bigger names. With time and consistent effort, I have full confidence these things will come to fruition.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maxsonmedia.com
- Instagram: @maxson.media
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-riehn-5869058/
Image Credits
Trenton Gordon, Renato Macassi
