We recently had the chance to connect with Jason Wiggins and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Jason, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
For the past ten years I have been walking a very intentional path. I had created a series of smaller strategic goals that would ultimately lead me to my dream career. I’ve been steadily checking each of them off over time, and this past May, I achieved the final one, earning my associates degree in CAD. That was a milestone I worked had for and was proud to reach. Since then, life has been busy, and I haven’t had the opportunity to sit down and define my next set of long-term goals. So while I wouldn’t say I’m aimlessly wandering, I am looking for a moment of reflection so that I can reset and map out the next steps in my professional journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jason, the founder of Man Pedal Photography. I started this venture out of a lifelong passion for motorsports. There’s something truly captivating about race cars, both in how they look and how they’re built. What sets my work apart is that I don’t just take pictures of these machines, I understand them. With a background in welding and an associate degree in CAD, I’ve spent years hands-on in the world of racecar fabrication. That technical knowledge gives me a unique perspective behind the camera. I aim to capture not just the beauty of the cars, but the craftsmanship, precision, and hard work that go into building them. Man Pedal Photography is all about honoring that unseen effort and bringing it to life through compelling, detail-focused imagery.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my grandpa. Growing up, it was just my mom and me for a long time, and during tough times, we’d move in with my grandparents. My grandpa worked the night shift at the docks in Tampa, and after that, he’d head to work with his brother-in-law at the business they started together. He was an entrepreneur, but he always made sure there was a steady income to support the family. What really stood out to me was his balance—he worked incredibly hard, but he always made time for his family. He showed me that meaningful work isn’t just about what you do to earn a living… it’s about how you do it, who you do it for, and finding purpose in it. One thing he always told me: ‘If you do a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ That mindset has shaped how I approach my own career and goals. He passed last year at 87, and has remained an inspiration to me.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has been the fear of not being good enough. From a young age, I struggled with self-doubt, largely shaped by experiences where I felt overlooked or underestimated. That left a lasting impression, and for a long time, I internalized the idea that no matter how hard I worked, it might not measure up. It’s a mindset I’ve had to actively challenge over the years learning to trust my skills, recognize my growth, and give myself credit for how far I’ve come. Even now, that fear doesn’t disappear entirely, but I’ve learned to use it as motivation rather than a roadblock. It pushes me to keep improving, stay humble, and stay driven.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I think the difference between fads and foundational shifts comes down to intent and longevity. For example, in the car photography world, there’s been a trend of heavily stylized, blurry images. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of it because it shifts the focus away from the subject, the car, and more onto the camera technique itself. That said, I still explore it from time to time because it challenges me creatively and pushes me out of my comfort zone.
I see fads as opportunities to grow new skills, even if they don’t align with my core style. In contrast, foundational elements; like composition, lighting, or the rule of thirds, are timeless. They’re principles that continue to apply, no matter what trends come and go. I think it’s important to stay open to experimentation while also staying grounded in the fundamentals that truly make an image resonate.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
For me, that would definitely be photography. It’s something I’ve been deeply investing in over the past few years, not just financially, with new equipment, but also in terms of time, effort, and learning. My skills have grown a lot, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, but it hasn’t turned into a consistent income stream yet. Right now, I barely break even, and that’s partly because photography isn’t my full-time job. Still, I see it as a long-term investment. I’m building a foundation, developing my style, refining my process, and gaining experience. I believe that if I stay consistent and intentional, the work I’m doing now will pay off in the years to come, both creatively and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://manpedalphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manpedalphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562165702090
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManPedalPhotography
Image Credits
Man Pedal Photography
