Richard Maneen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Richard, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A common misconception about my business is how much time and planning goes into each shoot. People often think motorsports content is just about capturing fast action, but I spend a lot of time on things like planning shots and handling logistics.
Another misunderstanding is how expensive and technical my equipment is. It’s not just about buying cameras and lenses; it takes a lot of time and money to get the right gear and learn how to use it properly. A lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into making sure everything works smoothly during a shoot.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Richard, a professional photographer based in Florida who specializes in automotive and motorsports photography.
I hail from Atlanta, where I spent twenty years of my life. After graduating college with a degree in Digital Media and Design, I decided to switch things up and move to the endless summer state of Florida. Since adjusting to beach side living, I have realized that I will constantly miss trekking through a large city. When not behind the camera, you can find me watching college lacrosse, skateboarding or finding the best local restaurant to grab a bite.
Photography has been my passion for eighteen years and I can’t wait to see where it continues to take me. Along my career I have learned that uniting with both creatives and clients who share the same end goal, reinforced by transparent and concise communication, will yield an end product everyone can appreciate.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents were the ones who saw my potential before I could see it myself. They were the ones who bought me my first camera when I was still figuring out what I wanted to do with my life.
When I hit moments of doubt, they were the first ones to remind me that I had the skills and drive to succeed. They didn’t just offer encouragement; they also made sure I had the resources I needed to grow. Whether it was investing in better equipment, helping me plan for shoots, or just being there to listen when I was frustrated, they were fully committed to my journey.
Their belief in me was the foundation that kept me moving forward, especially in the early stages of my career when things were toughest. It’s because of their support that I was able to take risks and push past the self-doubt that comes with starting something new. I’ll always be grateful for how they helped me see what was possible even before I could see it in myself.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me resilience and the importance of staying grounded. When things didn’t go as planned, especially in the beginning of my career, I learned how to keep moving forward even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. It’s easy to stay confident and driven when things are going well, but it’s the tough moments that really force you to find strength in yourself.
For example, there were times when I faced rejection, or a shoot didn’t go as expected, and those moments really tested my patience and determination. It taught me that failure isn’t the end, it’s part of the process. Success, on the other hand, can sometimes make you complacent or overly confident. My personal struggles have taught me humility, to appreciate the small victories, and gave me a deeper sense of purpose in my work.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m deeply committed to is always fostering personal growth. For me, growth is a constant process that shapes every part of my life, whether it’s refining my craft, evolving my business, or developing as a person. In the world of photography things are always changing, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. So, the key to staying relevant and inspired is to keep pushing myself beyond what I know.
Personal growth isn’t just about acquiring new skills or staying on top of industry trends, it’s about pushing past my comfort zones and being open to new experiences and challenges, even when they feel overwhelming. It’s about embracing failure as part of the learning process, rather than something to fear.
Ultimately, this belief in personal growth shapes my entire approach to the work I do. I’m not focused on reaching a final destination or ticking off a list of goals. Instead, I’m committed to the journey. This commitment is at the heart of everything I do because I believe it’s what keeps my passion alive and drives real, lasting success.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I believe I could give everything my best, even if no one ever praised me for it. At the core of my work is a passion for what I do, and that passion doesn’t depend on external recognition. Whether it’s a shoot or any other aspect of my business, the process of creating, learning, and pushing myself is its own reward. I’ve always believed that the true value of work comes not from the recognition, but from the satisfaction of knowing you gave everything you had. I’m passionate about the work itself—about capturing the right moment, telling the right story, and constantly improving my skills.
Praise is nice. It’s affirming and it feels good, but it’s not the driving force behind why I do what I do. What keeps me going, especially during the challenging moments, is the internal pride I take in knowing I’ve put my best effort into something, no matter the outcome. When I see the finished product, or when I know I’ve learned something new or overcome a tough challenge, that’s enough motivation for me. Whether or not it’s acknowledged externally, the growth and progress I see in myself and my work are what really matter.
Furthermore, I believe that true excellence comes from a place of genuine commitment. If you’re doing your work only for recognition or praise, it becomes transactional. But when you’re motivated by the love of the craft, and the personal satisfaction of improving, the results are always more meaningful.
I’ve found that when I work from this mindset, the results tend to speak for themselves. It’s not always immediate, but over time, the quality and consistency of your work build a reputation that’s far more lasting than temporary praise. So, even if no one sees the effort, I know I’ll be giving it my best because it’s about striving for excellence, not for praise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rpmphotographyinc.com
- Instagram: @richardm.cr3
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-maneen
Image Credits
Profile Picture: @lucasacuna94
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
