We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rafael Meneses. Check out our conversation below.
Rafael, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! It’s been a few moments, actually.
I’ve been toying with the idea of becoming a photographer since I was 18, but familial and economic pressures always kept me away from pursuing it 100%. I dabbled in the past, and even freelanced successfully, but never fully took the plunge.
This year, I finally embraced my hobby as something that I want to pursue full-time. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many families to take pictures for their life events. Every baby shower, bridal shower, birthday, and holiday shoot has been an opportunity for me to learn and grow. And with every shoot, I leave prouder of the progress I’m making as a photographer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My brand is Rafael M Photo. I’m a Miami photographer who specializes in taking family and event photos with a pop of color.
I’m also a bit of a contrarian in the field. I’ve never followed trends, and I tend to deviate from the algorithm-friendly images you see on social media. I give families something different — photos that aren’t about the pose, but about the experience and excitement of spending time together.
My event photography is bright, colorful, candid, and modern, while my portraits can be bright and cheerful to moody and intimate. I often bring studio equipment with me to outdoor portrait shoots to add a pop of color and cinematic style you won’t find anywhere else.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I think I was 15 when my dad bought me my first camera. It was a Kodak point-and-shoot. I needed it for a photography class I took as a junior in high school.
For me, that memory was the moment I took my first picture. It wasn’t anything special. It was a picture of my high school’s soccer field (which, in reality, was just a big patch of grass). But that moment made me realize how important photos are. In ultimate cringy high school shower-thought fashion, I thought about how I can never take that same exact photo again. I could point the camera in the same direction, but a new cloud might roll in, or a classmate might run across while snapping the picture.
There was something to that now that I think back. My high school doesn’t look the same. There’s a proper soccer field right now. No matter how bad that photo was, I really can’t replicate it now.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The thought of someone being unhappy with their event photos terrifies me. Portraits aren’t too big of a deal, because I can technically shoot them again if the family agrees. But if a mom doesn’t like her baby shower or bridal shower pictures, it’s not like we can gather 100 guests and book catering at their venue again just to take better pictures.
I only get one shot.
That single fear is what has held me back for years from starting my brand, but I’ve grown immensely as a photographer. I’ve taken several steps to ensure that every beautiful event has equally beautiful photos to go with it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yup! My pictures, brand, tone of voice… everything represents who I am and is true to me in every way.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
What I’m doing right now. Photography is one of those things that has been calling to me since I was 15. It took me almost 20 years to do something with it, but the voice in my head finally won. If I don’t start my photography business now, I know I will always regret it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rafaelmphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafaelmphoto/
Image Credits
Rafael M Photo.
