Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rickey Montena. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Rickey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
I believe success come within time. You have to struggle in order to appreciate the journey. You have to sacrifice to see how much you have grown and profit from. Some putting time limit on when you think success should be. You will get there just enjoy the ride and learn.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
First, I got into the industry simply off of an audition. I applied for an internship and out of thousands of people trying out I was the ONLY ONE chosen. From there I got to connect and meet very important people and go to industry parties. From there I wanted to branch out and do my own thing and got blessings from my boss “Beau Bumpas”. I used my entire income tax on my first Nikon camera and studio equipment. I had no idea what I was doing but I knew I wanted to stay in the industry. I just took my camera and walked around and just clicked buttons until I figured it all out. Thankfully I had model friends and they helped me by modeling for me. Things were going good until my Friend Anthony Garrett modeled and things took off from there. I had agency’s contacting me from all over the DFW. I was taking photos of models almost every day. It was amazing and the fact that people were seeing my work was the cherry on top of everything. My goal was to just create pictures, but I notice I was creating art which is my post proudest moment. I want people to know that when they work with me, they will get top notch treatment and a fun time overall.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
To make a long story short. Its ok to do favors but make sure everything is in writing and don’t let the favor turn into multiple favors. I had plenty of friends that would ask for photoshoot and I would tell them my rate, and some can’t afford it and I understand totally. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself NO!!!!!!! If they can’t afford it do not discount or give them service. Its business but more importantly my business. If you support your friends, you support 100 percent.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to learn that you have to keep going and don’t stop because you will lose that fire inside. I almost gave up on photography because I came across “Artist Block” I had a bunch of ideas, but I just couldn’t do it. I started to get lazy, and everyone did not want to pay for my work, and I was starting to give up. However, I learned that social media is the friend you need. If your work is amazing and catches people eye. They will message you and work. Some people really understand the struggle of being an artist and will support. Sometimes a stranger is more supportive than someone you have known for years.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Rickey_Montena
- Facebook: Rickey Montena
Image Credits
Model: Rickey Montena