Conversations with Riley Mau

Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Mau.

Hi Riley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’m a photographer and videographer, originally from Southern California. I have been using a camera since I was in Boy Scouts, earning a Cinematography Merit Badge. I actually stopped my *very short filming career* shortly after that, and continued to pursue music, being in the marching and jazz bands in high school.

I came to Nashville in Fall 2016 to attend Belmont University, majoring in Audio Engineering Technology. Senior Year came in 2020, and I decided that audio wasn’t my true passion. I thought back to when I loved creating a short film for that Cinematography Merit Badge and decided to pursue photography/videography. So I changed my major, still able to graduate on time.

During my last semester at Belmont, I created my company, Riley Mau Films. It was a rough start because of COVID, however, I love what I do, and no matter what happens, I will continue to pursue my passion for photography/videography.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being in the entertainment industry, especially during COVID, has been tough for the past year and a half. Artists have been stuck inside their homes because of COVID. Therefore, photographers and videographers are not able to work, because the artists do not need the content.

But now, artists and musicians are finally going back to playing writers’ rounds (like The Listening Room), local concerts, and even going on the road.

So, was it a smooth start? Not at all. But I learned to not give up, especially during a worldwide pandemic. It’s like what Dory says: “Just Keep Swimming.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a photographer and videographer, running Riley Mau Films, with expertise in creating music videos, promos, album covers, pretty much any type of content an artist would need in the entertainment industry. I have worked with artists/bands such as Smith & Myers, The 615 House, Raleigh Keegan, Presley & Taylor, The Black Jacket Symphony, and several others. I also have a few videos that have premiered on CMT.

What sets me apart from other photographers/videographers is that I work with artists and musicians to create content that not only entertains but also inspires. I love to capture that feeling of creativity that can be shared and re-lived over and over again.

In addition to the entertainment industry, I am also a wedding photographer/videographer. I love capturing emotion, details, and of course, the love that is repeatedly shown throughout the entire day of each and every special couple.

A couple’s special day is very important, and I want to make sure that every special moment is captured. My job is to make their special day look even better in photos and on film.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
COVID set things back for a while. But what I learned is to not let that keep you from pursuing your passion, doing the things that you love, with the people that you love.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: rileymaufilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileymaufilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rileymaufilms
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RileyMau