We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful RICEYFLUSH. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with RICEYFLUSH below.

Alright, RICEYFLUSH thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I wanted to take pictures of the culture in my city, but I didn’t even know how to use a camera. I had no photography education or class lessons, I learned everything from books and YouTube. Some really good friends of mine also were big contributors when it came to me learning photography. It took years of trial and error, taking horrible photos, for me to truly develop a style that I was comfortable with. I don’t really think speeding up the learning process would have been beneficial because everything happened the way it did for a reason. My most essential skills involved the art of mastering natural light. I am a minimalistic artist. I just like to arrive to a photoshoot with a camera and a vision. Because of this I learned how to utilize the available light instead of extravagant light setups. The only obstacles that stood in the way of learning more was myself. I was my own obstacle. My lack of motivation in certain times really slowed the whole learning aspect down.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am photographer from Houston, TX. I like to photograph things that are relevant in my life. The culture, the people, the locations, food etc. I want someone who has never been to Texas to look at my photos and say, “Oh wow! Thats what is going on out there.” What sets me apart from others is the fact that I love to be on the front lines. I like to go to dangerous sides of town, I like to be in the middle of protests, I find comfort where most people would be uncomfortable. I think thats how I get the best photos. I take them where other people wont. Im most proud of the way I represent the city of Houston. Most people like to show the negative first, I like to always keep a positive message behind every photo I take. I want all of my fans to know that everything I post is from the heart. It’s all authentic and real emotion. If I am feeling sad, you’re going to get a sad post on my social media. It’s not a joke and its not a gimmick, its my real life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A major lesson I had to unlearn is to not let people get to you. No matter what someone will have something negative to say about you, this is in human nature. It’s in human nature to be destructive and if you let it, it can consume you. I used to let peoples negative comments really bring my energy down. I would post a photo to social media and people would tell me I should stop taking photos. My work was mediocre. I could be better off if I wasn’t a photographer. Over time I realized people make these comments because they are insecure about something and they are projecting it on other people. Don’t let the hate get to you. Love yourself and keep doing what you’re doing.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

It took me more than 5 years to build my social media audience. How can one person figure out what millions of people want to see on social media? Years of trial and error. Seeing what posts work and what doesn’t work. After I figured out that my audience likes to see beautiful women, nice cars, and the culture, I spent more time taking those type of photos. I recommend to anyone who is trying to build a strong social media presence to learn your audience. Learn what they like to see and what they don’t care for.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.RICEYFLUSH.COM
• Instagram: INSTAGRAM.COM/RICEYFLUSH
• Twitter: TWITTER.COM/RICEYFLUSH

Image Credits
GEORJAH, SLIM THUG, HOUSTEPHH