Artist Spotlight - RW1609 - miPic

Richard describes himself as “just a guy with a passion for his hobby”, but most of his pictures are so professional they make us rethink the word “hobby”. We are all doing things we call hobbies, but most of them couldn’t be shown to the public. Richard could easily have his own exhibition. Find out how he started, and what keeps him going.

What is your miPic username?
@RW1609

Where are you from?
Leeds, United Kingdom

What brings you to miPic? Art, photography or both?
Photography

Do you use any Apps to edit or manipulate your photos?
I try to do as much as possible in the camera, but if I need to edit anything i would use the mobile Photoshop app and save it as a new image.

Social media is the most important window of opportunity nowadays, what has been your biggest success from using Instagram or Facebook etc?

I mainly use instagram (@rw1609) to share my images, the biggest success’ I have had to date would be Audi UK sharing one of my images on the official social media post. The main thing I love about sharing my content is the friendships that have come from it and the collaboration opportunities I get emailed.

Does miPic solve a problem for you in requests to buy and own your work?

miPic has certainly solved a problem of people requesting my work. Previously I had no means to print and post work due to work commitments, not only that, miPic offers a range of products that may have taken years to expand into. The quality of the prints and products are better than any high street printing alternative.

When did you start creating and sharing your work online?
I first started sharing my photos on Instagram in late 2013 after buying my first camera. Due to social media, I have taken inspiration from other photographers and really developed as a photographer.

Is creating art / taking photos your full time job? If not, what do you do 9 till 5?
I would love to do photography full time, I’m working towards it. 9 to 5 I am a Digital Marketing Manager.

Do you have any creative ideas in the pipeline? What’s next for you?
I have some idea’s I want to experiment with, mainly smoke, light and cars. I have a few automotive shoots in the pipeline, some collaborations with some other photographers and fashion shoots planned in the summer. I’m really trying to push my own boundaries and see what I’m good at before choosing a route to follow.

What tips would you give to any budding photographers out there who are just starting out?
Don’t be scared to make mistakes, I am self taught, shoot, review, amend, shoot. For every good photo I’ve taken, there will be 5 bad ones. Your style isn’t going to suit everyone’s taste, don’t let criticism and negative feedback get you down. Learn from it and never stop learning.

What are you most proud of?
Witnessing how far my photography has progressed technically and being recognised for my work by very established photographers.

What music are you listening too right now?
‘Sunset Lover’ Petit Biscuit.

Anything else that you would like to share with us?
I really looking forward to any new products that miPic partner with and can’t thank miPic enough for giving me a platform to promote my work with the addition of being able to earn from it.