The MOOD Podcast
The MOOD Podcast is a long-form conversation series exploring photography, creativity, identity, and the inner life of artists. Hosted by Matt Jacob, the show moves beyond technique and trends to examine why people make work, how creative voices are formed, and what it takes to sustain a meaningful artistic life. Through thoughtful, unhurried conversations with photographers, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world, the podcast explores themes of process, mental health, ethics, purpose, legacy, and the tension between art and industry. Episodes are grounded, reflective, and often philosophical, offering listeners provocation of thought rather than formulaic answers to copy.
Episodes
Why Photobooks Will Outlast the Internet - Matthew Genitempo (Part 2)
THIS IS PART 2 OF A 2 PART CONVERSATION WITH MATTHEW GENITEMPO.In Part 2 of my conversation with photographer and publisher Matthew Genitempo, we go deep into his photobooks Mother of Dogs and Dogbreath, and into Trespasser, the small press he runs with Bryan Schutmaat and Cody Haltom. We talk about making Mother of Dogs on lockdown walks, why its pages are held together with packing tape, and the
If You Still Question Your Photography, You Are Not Alone, So Does Matthew Genitempo (Part 1)
THIS IS PART 1 OF A 2 PART CONVERSATION WITH MATTHEW GENITEMPO. I sat down with photographer Matthew Genitempo, the graphic designer turned photographer and publisher behind the photobooks Jasper, Mother of Dogs and Dogbreath.In part one we go deep into Jasper, the photobook he made largely in the forests of the Ozarks as his MFA thesis at the University of Hartford: the critique that told him to
Andrea Modica's answer to the question every photographer asks eventually: what's the point? E134
I sat down with Andrea Modica, the ‘Italian Story’ photographer (as well many other books) who has made every photograph since 1980 with an 8x10 view camera and prints all her work herself. Andrea studied with Richard Benson at Yale, teaches photography at Drexel University, and has just published ‘Italian Story’ with L'Artiere, 40 personal years of large format photographs made in and about
Your Worst Thoughts Arrive Dressed as Your Best Ideas - Moments of Mood, 4.1
In this week’s Moments of Mood episode, you’ll learn why I believe meditation is the most direct route to a photographic voice that is unmistakably yours, and exactly what it does to your attention, your creativity and the way you see.I make the full case for meditation as a photography practice. I share my own history with depression, anxiety, loneliness and cancer, the years of therapies and fra
Richard Sharum On 600 Deaths And His New Book 'American Homicide', E132
In this week’s podcast episode you'll learn why the photographs you're most proud of are probably the ones hiding you, and what a documentary photographer who has stood at 600 deaths says it actually costs to make work that changes something.I sat down with Richard Sharum, the American documentary photographer behind Campesino Cuba, Spina Americana and the forthcoming American Homicide,
Work Does Not Speak For Itself - Moments of Mood, 4.0
In this week’s Moments of Mood episode, you'll learn the 4 questions curators, juries, and publishers silently ask about every photography project, and how to answer them in 100 words so your work actually gets seen.I take apart the idea that photography speaks for itself, starting with the Vivian Maier story everyone gets backwards, and share what Shana Lopes, photography curator at SFMOMA,
Why Should Anyone Care About Your Photography? Shana Lopes, E130
Learn exactly what an SFMOMA photography curator looks for, what she passes over, and how to get your work seen without an MFA, a gallery, or a 6-paragraph artist statement.I sat down with Shana Lopes, Assistant Curator of Photography at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), to find out how photography actually enters a museum collection. Shana has worked at the Metropolitan Museum of A
Stop Explaining Your Photographs - Moments of Mood, 3.9
In this Moments of Mood episode, I get into the question of whether we as photographers should explain our images or let them try and ‘speak for themselves’, why the readings you want to correct are actually a map to your photographic voice, and the two gaps every photograph has to cross, from Garry Winogrand's famous riddle to a passage in 'Art & Fear' by David Bayles and Ted O
Why Your Photos Are Boring - Photographer David Chancellor Explains..., E128
On this episode, I sat down with David Chancellor, the award-winning documentary photographer behind ‘Hunters’, ‘Handle Like Eggs’, and the Taylor Wessing Prize-winning portrait ‘Huntress with Buck’, for a conversation about the moral grey areas of documentary photography, trophy hunting, wildlife conservation. David has spent decades photographing human-wildlife coexistence across Africa, sleepin
One Photograph Is All You Get Now, and Why That's Good News for Photographers - Moments of Mood, 3.8
Attention has collapsed, and every photographer feels it. In this Moments of Mood episode, I make the case that this might be the best thing to happen to serious photography in a generation. You'll learn why the photographers who matter from here on won't be the ones who make the most, they'll be the ones who compress the best: one photograph dense enough to stop a stranger mid-scro
Odette England Answers Every Photographer's Worst Fear, E126
Odette England makes her photographs and then damages them, and this conversation is about why that is the most honest thing she has ever done with her voice.Odette is an Australian artist, writer and photography professor at Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University, whose latest book Isn't X Beautiful is an autobiographical reckoning with family, memory and the limits of what a ph
How To Find Your Voice Without Building a Signature Style - Moments of Mood, 3.7
In this Moments of Mood episode I sit with a single photograph from my own archive, one I made by accident in under ten seconds, and use it to unpack an idea Cristina Mittermeier gave me: that the photographer is not a messenger but a membrane, a semi-permeable skin whose job is to let a conversation pass between the subject and the stranger who will one day stand in front of the print. I look at
Trent Davis Bailey: Every Photographer Hits The Wrong Notes Before Finding Their Voice, E124
Trent Davis Bailey spent 7 years photographing a remote farming valley in Colorado, convinced he was making documentary work. He wasn't. The pictures knew before he did: he was searching for the family he'd lost to a twenty-year estrangement, and by the end of The North Fork he had found his aunt, his cousins, and the woman who became his wife. Then he turned the camera toward something
The One Skill That Actually Makes Photography Beautiful (It's Not Composition) - Moments of Mood, 3.6
In this episode you'll discover why beauty in photography is made by your attention, not found in your subjects, and how reading your own form reveals the photographic voice you've been searching for elsewhere.In this Moments of Mood, I sit with one idea from my recent conversation with photographer and writer Tim Carpenter: that beauty in a photograph is form, not subject matter. Drawin
The Inner Voice That Stops You Taking the Photo And Lies to Every Photographer, with Rory King - E122
If you have ever felt technically capable but creatively lost, this conversation shows you how one photographer turned a decade of pictures, and the hardest years of his life, into a body of work that is unmistakably his own.In this episode I sit down with Rory King, an Australian photographer who works in black and white, prints by hand in the darkroom, and turned 10 years of images into his phot
What Koudelka's Photos Show Photographers About Finding Their Voice in the Age of AI - Moments of Mood, 3.5
In this solo episode of Moments of Mood, you'll learn why the flood of AI images is about to make real, human photography more valuable, not less, and how to find the voice that's unmistakably yours.I break down what AI really means for emerging photographers, starting with VSCO's "your eye can't be generated" campaign and the paradox that the same company also builds
Why Photographer Ridwan Didot Asks Every Artist "What's Wrong With You?", E120
In this episode you'll learn how to tell whether your photography is actually art, why chasing technical perfection is holding your work back, and how to develop a photographic voice that's unmistakably your own.This week Matt chats with Ridwan Didot, a fine art documentary and wedding photographer from Indonesia who runs the studio Native Visual and approaches commercial work with the e
Your Body Decides the Photograph Before You Do - Photographer Tim Carpenter, E119
Matt sits down with photographer, writer, and educator Tim Carpenter, author of 'To Photograph Is to Learn How to Die' and photobooks such as 'Local Objects', 'Little' and 'Christmas Day, Bucks Pond Road', for a deep conversation on the philosophy beneath the photographic image. In this episode you will learn a way to understand why the form of a photograph,
Zahra Ciardi - The True Self, Limiting Beliefs & Why Photographers Crave Validation, E118
Matt talks with psychologist Zahra Ciardi, founder of Ascendant Bali, to explore the inner life of the creative person: why so many photographers feel their work isn't truly theirs, the limiting beliefs that keep artists stuck, and how to put your work into the world without being ruled by validation.By the end of this episode you'll understand why your photography stops feeling like you
Cristina Mittermeier Explains Why Being A Good Photographer Isn't Enough Anymore, E117
Cristina Mittermeier is a National Geographic photographer, co-founder of SeaLegacy, and author of "Hope." Her work has been featured in National Geographic's series "Photographer" and in publications around the world. Cristinais the photographer who coined the term "conservation photography," co-founded SeaLegacy, and made the starving polar bear image seen by a
The One Question That Helped Rich-Joseph Facun Find His Photographic Voice, E116
In this episode, Matt sits down with Rich-Joseph Facun, a celebrated American documentary photographer, former photojournalist of 15 years, and founder of the independent publishing imprint Liars Corner. In this conversation we discuss his three monographs: Black Diamonds, Little Cities, and 1804, the ethics of street and portrait photography, photographing strangers in Trump-era Appalachia, walki
Pricing, Prestige & The Business Of Photography - Miriam Schulman, E115
In this episode, Matt sits down with Miriam Schulman, professional artist, art business coach, host of the Inspiration Place podcast, and bestselling author of Artpreneur (HarperCollins). Miriam left Wall Street after 9/11 to build a six-figure art business and now teaches photographers, painters, and visual artists how to price their work, sell art online, attract collectors, and build a sustaina
The Psychological Trap Quietly Destroying Your Photography - Moments of Mood 3.4
In this Moments of Mood episode of The MOOD Podcast, Matt returns after a road accident left him physically immobilised for several weeks, unable to photograph, travel, or work, and uses that enforced stillness to examine one of the quietest but most destructive reflexes in modern photography: the need for proof. What happens to your photography, and to you as a photographer, when the images you m
Mark Power - 14 Years Photographing America, The Democracy of Photography & Why Stillness Matters More Than The Decisive Moment, E114
In this episode, Matt sits down with Magnum photographer Mark Power for a wide-ranging conversation about long-term documentary photography, creative process, and what it means to spend 14 years photographing America as a foreigner. Mark discusses the origins of his landmark five-volume series 'Good Morning, America', why he's drawn to photographing the ordinary and overlooked rathe
Chico Review, part 2 - What a Portfolio Review Taught Me About My Photography (That 10 Years Didn't)
Listen to part one hereWatch part one here________________________In Part 2 of this special Chico Review 2026 episode, Matt continues documenting his week inside one of photography's most respected portfolio review events. Featuring conversations with Odette England, Daniel Arnold, Tim Carpenter, Matthew Genitempo, Jesse Lenz, and Lindokuhle Sobekwa — plus fellow attendees pushing the edges o
Chico Review 2026 - part 1: Why Feedback Beats 10,000 Followers
The Chico Review destroyed my confidence. Then built it back...THIS IS PART 1 OF A 2 PART FEATURE ON CHICO REVIEW 2026 - SEE PART 2 NEXT WEEK.I arrived at the Chico Review 2026 thinking my work was ready. 10 formal reviews, 25 reviewers and speakers, publishers, curators, photographers and more — I was scrapping half of it by the end of day one. This is the first installment of 2, about my honest
Every Photo Is a Crime Scene - Brad Zellar on How He Reads Photography and Inspects an Image, E111
In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I sit down with writer Brad Zellar, whose deep relationship to photography, photo books, storytelling, and visual culture makes this one of the most thought-provoking conversations I’ve had on the show. We talk about the future of photography, why obsession matters more than concept, the role of text in photo books, what makes an image unforgettable, how portfo
Before You Improve Your Photography, Read Yourself First - Moments of Mood, 3.3
In this episode of Moments of Mood, I explore why self-awareness is the missing foundation behind meaningful photography. After spending a few days at a silent retreat in Bali, I began reflecting on something I’ve seen repeatedly in my own work, in conversations on the MOOD Podcast, and in our book club discussions. Many photographers spend years learning techniques, buying gear, and consuming end
“25 Years With National Geographic” Joe McNally on What Photography Lost (And What It Gained) - E110
Joe McNally, legendary professional photographer best known for his work with National Geographic, Life, and major commercial clients, and for his mastery of lighting and flash, joins me on the show to discuss an array of topics. We go deep on the future of photography, how the industry has changed from magazines to the digital era, what AI is really doing to trust in images, why craft is the foun
The Mindset of a Hasselblad Master Photographer - Tina Signesdottir, E109
Tina Signesdottir is a Norwegian fine art portrait photographer and Hasselblad Master, known for natural light portraits with rare emotional intimacy. In her first ever podcast appearance, Tina speaks candidly about the origins of her work, the role photography played in survival and self-expression, and what it actually takes to build images that feel real in a world flooded with content. We go d
Your Story Isn’t Needed - Pie Aerts Finds Meaning Within The Pressure Machine Of Photography, E108
In this episode, I sit down with photographer Pie Aerts to unpack the philosophies, struggles, and decisions that have shaped his work over the last decade. Pie is a documentary and wildlife photographer whose practice sits at the intersection of human presence, conservation, and long-form storytelling. He is also the founder of Prints for Wildlife, a platform that has raised over $2.5 million for
Finding Contentment, Craft, And Community In Photography - Answering Your Questions! Moments of Mood, 3.2
What if your best work starts with a quiet cup and a clear mind? We kick off the year with an honest, unscripted 'Ask Me Anything' episode that explores how small rituals, sharper definitions, and a steadier inner compass can change both your art and your days. From an early morning espresso and two loyal dogs to the decision to ignore empty metrics, I trace a path from presence to bette
Why Most Photographers Never Begin - Wesley Verhoeve, E107
In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I sit down with photographer, writer, and mentor Wesley Verhoeve for a grounded conversation about photography process, confidence, and learning how to make meaningful work without waiting for permission. We talk about why so many photographers struggle with self-doubt, why overthinking stalls creative progress, and how showing your work and sharing your proces
The Best Bits of 2025 - Moments of Mood, 3.1
The year didn’t teach us to shoot faster. It taught us to go deeper. We close out 2025 by stitching together the most resonant moments from a season of hard questions and honest answers: why “quick fix” education fails creatives, how pricing for profit transforms freelancers into owners, and where empathy turns a portrait from performance into truth.Art stays at the centre. We explore ambiguity as
Why The Only Reason You Should Be a Photographer is Obsession - Jesse Lenz: E106
In this episode - the last guest episode of 2025 - I sit down with photographer, publisher, and curator Jesse Lenz for one of the most expansive and honest conversations I’ve had on the show - fitting to end the year with such a nice gift-wrapped present. What begins as a discussion about photography and photobooks quickly becomes a deeper exploration of obsession, taste, community, and what it ac
Why Nobody Cares About Your Photography
Nobody cares about your photography. We don’t need more of 'any old' photographers. Yet survival as culture and society with soul is completely dependent on work that matters.In this episode of Moments of Mood, I explore why indifference is the default in modern photography, what it actually means for someone to care about your work, why chasing attention is often the fastest way to lose
The Photographer Who Puts Humanity on Trial: Nick Brandt on Sentience, Power, and Responsibility, E105
British photographer and environmental storyteller Nick Brandt joins the show for a raw, expansive conversation on art, climate collapse, sentience, and the role of photography in an age defined by distraction and decline. Across projects such as Inherit the Dust, This Empty World, The Day May Break, and his latest chapter The Echo of Our Voices, Brandt builds constructed realities that merge port
The Collapse of the American Dream - Photography as Witness: Bryan Schutmaat, E104
Bryan Schutmaat is a photographer, publisher, and quiet poet of the American West. Known for books such as Grays the Mountain Sends, Good Goddamn, and Sons of the Living, Bryan’s work explores the uneasy tension between land and people, myth and memory, endurance and hope. He is also co-founder of Trespasser Books, a small but powerful imprint shaping the future of modern photobooks.In This Conve
What Can We Trust About The Past And Why It Still Shapes Our Work: Kent Andreasen, EP103
Kent Andreasen, a Cape Town-based photographer and filmmaker, joins me to talk about his new photobook Memory Bank (published by Witty Books), which tells the story over a decade shaped by doubt, discipline, and a complicated relationship with memory. Our chat together moves from South Africa’s creative landscape to therapy, trauma, and to this book that feels like a fever dream stitched into sequ
How Photography Helped Him Survive Not Belonging Anywhere: Marshall To, EO102
”What if the stories that shape us are the ones we can't remember?"Marshall To, a photographer whose photobook 'Blank Notes' explores ancestry, memory, and identity through a deeply personal lens, grew up in rural Canada, the son of Chinese immigrants and a Taoist family who ran a small restaurant. His family believed the physical and spiritual worlds overlapped - that we live
Why Photography Works Better When You Stop Faking It - Phil Sharp, E101
Phil Sharp, an award winning British portrait photographer, talks about the human core of portrait photography and why music, language, and time can turn performance into truth. We challenge received wisdom about headshots, explore photography books and business, look ahead to portraits in an AI world, and attempt to dismantle the myth that great images come from gear, tricks, or perfectly control
Do you need a massive following to build a sustainable creative career? Moments of Mood 3.0
Welcome to another episode of Moments of Mood, this time about how to monetise - even just a little bit - the wonderful parts of us that are creative. Turning your creative passion into a sustainable career possible, it's probable if you know where to focus and how to work smart. In this episode of Moments of Mood, I explore how to make money as a creative professional without selling out you
Is Creativity Enough? Chris Do's advice for creatives, content, and The Futur - E100
“If you don’t value yourself, why should anyone else?”Chris Do is an Emmy-award-winning designer, founder of The Futur, and one of the most sought-after creative educators on the planet. With his huge audience and decades of experience building creative businesses, Chris helps designers, artists, and entrepreneurs master the business of creativity and the self-brand. In this episode, we explore th
How to Stay Relevant as a Photographer in the Age of AI , Moments of Mood 2.9
What happens when the world is flooded with AI images, tools, and “perfect” feeds?In this episode of Moments of MOOD, I sit down to talk about what it really means to stay human in your work — and why your voice, your presence, and your lived experience are the ultimate creative edge.This isn’t a doom-scroll about AI taking our jobs. It’s an invitation. To look at what makes your art irreplaceable
Ami Vitale's Vision to Use Photography for Real-World Impact, E099
Step into the world of Ami Vitale, National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and founder of Vital Impacts, as she shares her journey from covering conflict zones to telling the most urgent conservation stories of our time.In this conversation on the MOOD Podcast, Ami reveals why hope and action matter more than despair, the ethical responsibilities of storytelling, and how photographers can sha
The Secret Behind Joel Grimes’ Iconic Photography Style, E098
Joel Grimes doesn’t just take photographs, he creates illusions that make the impossible feel real. In this episode, we dive deep into the mind of a true master, exploring how he uses light, shadow, and imagination to redefine what photography can be. From his early experiments with lighting to the techniques behind his most iconic images, Joel takes us behind the scenes of a creative process that
The Reality of Finding Your Voice as a Photographer - Ed Sykes, E097
Ed Sykes has lived many chapters through photography — from the chaos of war zones and the rush of front-page news to the polished world of fashion editorials. Yet, recognition and success didn’t bring the fulfillment he was searching for.In this conversation, Ed explains how he moved away from chasing approval and found a practice rooted in landscapes, climate, and experimental processes.Today, h
Ask Me Anything: Everything You Wanted to Know About Life & Photography - Moments of Mood, 2.8
I’m answering your questions about photography, creativity, and what keeps me motivated in this AMA. We dive into the real stuff. What inspires me, the struggles I’ve faced, and how I’ve grown as both a photographer and a person. No filters, just honest thoughts and insights. _________________________(00:00) Intro(01:42) Favorite genres of music or video games?(03:46) Favorite Tiramisu Recipe?(04:
The Truth About Building a Career in Photography - Vanessa Joy E096
She’s built a photography business that spans decades, continents, and platforms — but behind the portfolio is a deeper story.In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I sit down in person with Vanessa Joy — award-winning wedding photographer, educator, speaker, and creative entrepreneur — for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build a career that blends art, business, mentorship,
Why Most Creatives Burn Out While Building a Business - Shane Vitaly, E095
If you're building something and wondering how to do it without losing yourself, or if you're a creative caught between vision and survival, this one is for you.Joining me today on The MOOD Podcast is Shane Vitaly, the rebellious designer and founder behind Clocks and Colours, Vitaly, and Etah Love. His jewelry brands have built a cult following by rejecting the polished and embracing th
What Happens When Architecture Meets the Camera? - Stephen Karlisch, E094
"My photographs don't grow up dreaming of being pixels."What does it mean to make timeless work in a digital world obsessed with speed, algorithms, and saturation? In this episode, we explore the philosophy and craft behind one of the most respected names in interior and architectural photography.Stephen Karlisch is a master of interior photography whose refined eye has helped shape
The Performance Trap and Creative Amnesia - Moments of Mood, 2.7
That familiar question we all dread - "So, what do you do?" - is more than small talk. It's a sorting mechanism that triggers our instinct to perform rather than connect. We scramble to sound impressive, to land in the 'interesting' pile, polishing our titles and subtly flexing our achievements. But this performance comes at a cost: the more we perform, the more we forget
Searching for Lost Color: Jake Paul White, E093
"I was one of those kids who really struggled at school... creativity was my saviour."Jake Paul White is a British painter whose earthy, soulful work explores the space between the natural world and the emotional self. Using handmade pigments, natural materials, and a deep inner process, his paintings feel more like memories than objects. In this conversation, Jake opens up about his win
How I’d Learn Photography in 2025 (If I Were Starting from Scratch) - Moments of Mood, 2.6
Welcome back to another episode of Moments of Mood, and this week I break down how I would actually learn photography if I were starting over today. Not from theory — from experience. I reflect on my own path, critique the broken systems of education, and offer a mindset-first, meaning-driven approach to building your photography from the ground up.You won’t find a checklist of gear. You’ll find a
If You Feel Blocked Creatively, This Might Be Why: Ryan Moresby-White, EO92
"If you're not waking up excited about your path, it might be time to ask different questions."Ryan Moresby-White explores how unresolved childhood wounds shape our creative expression and why healing our nervous system unlocks artistic freedom. His powerful insights reveal why many creatives unconsciously create from a place of protection rather than truth. Whether you’re an artist
The number one reason you can't find your voice as an artist, and how I found mine - Moments of Mood, 2.5
In this special episode of Moments of Mood, I’m sharing my keynote speech from the Global Possibilities Summit, where I spoke on a topic close to my heart: How to Find Your Voice as an Artist. This is the story of how cancer, depression, and a camera led me to rediscover myself — and how intentionality, presence, and rebellion can turn your art into something truly meaningful. Whether you’re a pho
Think You’re Not Ready? This Photographer Says Start Anyway - Mitchell Kanashkevich, E091
"Sometimes the photo is the excuse - the real gift is the connection."___________Mitchell Kanashkevich is a travel and documentary photographer best known for his emotive portraits, vibrant visual storytelling, and deeply immersive work documenting disappearing cultures and sacred traditions. With a career spanning two decades, his images have been featured in top international publica
From Private Jets to Creative Freedom: My $0 to Studio Life Story - Moments of Mood 2.4
This is the story of how I walked away from a life that looked perfect on paper to create something that actually felt like mine. It’s not a highlight reel or a 5-step formula — it’s the real journey of becoming a full-time creative from scratch.If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who the world expects you to be…If you’ve ever picked up a camera hoping to express something real…If yo
How to Find Your Voice as an Artist - Jaymin Patel, EO90
"If you don't find your voice, you're probably not contributing to the evolution of humanity in the way you want."__________Jaymin Patel is a global speaker, spiritual mentor, and high-performance coach who blends energetic mastery with deep mindset work. He’s spoken at Harvard, Stanford, and TEDx, and coached hundreds of creative entrepreneurs to overcome fear, find their auth
The Photography lessons that changed everything for me - Moments of Mood, 2.3.
“The most powerful images you’ll ever create won’t come from pressing the shutter. They’ll come from learning how to see — clearly, intentionally, and fully.”______In this episode of Moments of Mood, I share the story of a photography workshop (back in the day) that quietly reshaped everything for me — not just as a photographer, but as an artist and human. What started as a curious endeavour turn
The Hidden Cost of Chasing Success in Photography: What They Don’t Tell You - Erik Almas, E89
“I Don’t Think Photography Will Survive — But I Will.”___________Erik Almas is a legendary photographer known for his cinematic composites and emotionally rich commercial work. With a career spanning 25 years, he’s shot global campaigns for brands like Audi and Pfizer — but beneath the surface lies a deeper story about artistic identity, mentorship, burnout, and the search for meaning.In this inti
The Hidden Impact of Tariffs on Photography - is it too late? Moments of Mood, 2.2
At the time of posting, things are retreating in the tariff landscape but still, the US government's new (temporary or permanent?) tariffs on imported goods are creating a shifting landscape for photographers that could affect everything from gear prices to client bookings. Or are they? Is this just more politic? Another fumbled PR stunt, or maybe even a clever economic negotiating tactic?Wha
From Chronic Pain to Creative Power: Simon Baxter, EO88
"There's more to happiness than just a great photograph."What if the most powerful photo you take has nothing to do with photography—and everything to do with healing?In this week’s episode, I sit down with Simon Baxter, a woodland photographer whose work is as much about emotional connection and personal transformation as it is about trees and light. Based in North Yorkshire, Engla
Why Trust Matters More Than Technique in Portrait Photography - Moments of Mood, 2.1
In this episode of Moments of Mood, I talk about something that many people ask me about: how to get better portraits! And you guessed it, it's not about what gear you use or what lighting you have. This all helps, of course, but really the true magic comes from how you garner connection and trust.Please listen, and I'll explain how._______________________________________Message me, leav
How One Mindset Shift Changed Everything - Cam Stables, EO87
"Nothing will come from doing nothing."Cam Stables is a filmmaker and photographer whose journey spans theatre, television, and visual storytelling with a cinematic flair. From early iMovie edits to directing for major brands like Mercedes-Benz and Canon, Cam’s work is rooted in authenticity, emotional impact, and a love for travel. He joins me to unpack the highs and lows of a creative
Rediscovering Meaning in a World of Images - Moments of Mood, 2.0
“When Was the Last Time a Photo Meant Something to You?”What if photography wasn’t just about what you see — but about what you feel?In this episode of Moments of Mood - each episode now released every other week in between guest episodes - I share a deeply personal story that reshaped the way I saw photography forever. What this short episode covers:The difference between photos that look good an
Why I quit Photography and Came Back Stronger - Cam Vaughne, EO86
“What are you passionate about outside of photography?”Two years after appearing as the first-ever guest on The MOOD Podcast, cultural photographer Cam Vaughne returns for a full-circle conversation that’s both deeply personal and universally relevant. Known for his culturally sensitive storytelling and ability to capture the essence of life in Bali and beyond, Cam has undergone significant transf
The Biggest Lie in Photography Education: Joe Edelman, EO85
Is photography education today more about selling than actually teaching? Are we losing the art of problem-solving in the pursuit of easy answers?Joe Edelman, an award-winning photographer, educator, and mentor, has spent over six decades shaping the industry. From his early days as a newspaper photojournalist to pioneering creative fashion and portrait photography, Joe’s passion lies in helping p
From Avedon’s Shadow to Four Decades of Immortal Frames - Richard Corman, EO84
Richard Corman has spent over four decades photographing some of the most iconic figures in history, from Madonna and Nelson Mandela to Philip Seymour Hoffman and Muhammad Ali. Trained under the legendary Richard Avedon, his portraits are known for their raw emotion, authenticity, and storytelling depth. In this episode, we learn about Richard's extraordinary journey, exploring how he connect
Can Filmmaking Change Lives? Exploring Indi Casa's Moving Journey, EO83
"Life leaves marks etched within us" - how do we turn those marks into purpose? Indi Casa is a filmmaker and photographer whose work bridges the gap between visual storytelling and commercial videography. His upcoming documentary, Indyquay, is an unfiltered exploration of his personal journey—retracing his past, seeking his roots, and capturing the raw essence of human connection. Throug
The Dark Truth of Documenting Humanity: Natalie Keyssar, EO82
When you witness war up close, do you still believe in humanity?Natalie Keyssar is a Brooklyn-based documentary photographer whose work delves into the personal impact of political turmoil, conflict, and migration.With a background in painting and illustration, her perspective has led her to cover some of the most pressing global issues, from Venezuela to Ukraine. Her award-winning photography has
The Brutal Truth About Wedding Photography: Gigi de Manio, EO81
What does it take to capture the most important images of the biggest day of peoples lives?Gigi de Manio is an acclaimed wedding photographer renowned for her ability to capture raw, emotional, and timeless moments. With a background in psychology, she brings a deep understanding of human connection to her work, ensuring every image tells a meaningful story. The discussion highlights the emotional
Are We Out of Time? Jorik Dozy, EO80
“We need to completely change the way we think. Science can give us the data, but what is the solution to greed?”Jorik Dozy, visionary filmmaker and co-founder of Studio Birthplace, speaks passionately about using film as a catalyst for change. Through his work, Jorik amplifies eco-conscious narratives, tackling urgent environmental and social issues with visually striking and emotionally powerful
Is Identity an Illusion? A Conversation with Photographer Benjamin Rasmussen, EO79
What does it truly mean to belong, and how do our stories shape the connections we make?Benjamin Rasmussen is an acclaimed photographer whose work explores themes of identity, belonging, and societal narratives. With roots in the Faroe Islands, the Philippines, and the United States, Benjamin’s multicultural upbringing profoundly influences his storytelling. As well as his work being featured in p
Blurring the Boundaries: Doron Gild, EO78
"Photography is an art form that requires intention, creation, and a willingness to make photos, not just take photos."Doron Gild is a photographer whose work blurs the boundaries between fine art and commercial photography. Known for his ability to create visually striking and emotionally resonant portraits, Doron’s images tell layered stories that reflect the individuality of his subje
Seeing the Unseen: Dr Lauren Walsh, EO77
What's the emotional cost of documenting humanity's darkest moments?Dr. Lauren Walsh is a professor, author, and thought-leader in the realms of photojournalism and visual storytelling, and in this episode she reveals the profound responsibilities photojournalists carry in documenting conflict and crises while addressing the ethical dilemmas they face. We also talk about mental health ch
Against all Odds: Rick Smolan, EO76
What's the secret to finding humanity in the most unexpected places?Rick Smolan is a world-renowned photographer and CEO of Against All Odds Productions. Creator of the groundbreaking Day in the Life series, his illustrious career in photography showcases the transformative power of storytelling through imagery.Rick has spent decades pushing boundaries with his work, which has spanned contine
Capturing Cultures, Healing Minds: Sebastian Belaustegui, EO75
What does it mean to preserve a culture through photography in a world that is constantly changing? Sebastián Belaustegui, widely known as 'Suki', is a cultural photographer whose work spans over 3 decades, documenting the stories, traditions, and rituals of indigenous communities across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Through his portraits and projects like Guardians of Time, Suki has
Change the Way you See: Art Wolfe, EO74
“My goal is nothing less than to change the way you see.” This powerful declaration from Art Wolfe, a world-renowned photographer, perfectly encapsulates his life’s mission of reshaping perspectives through the lens of photography.Known for his breathtaking images of nature, wildlife, and diverse cultures, he has published over 100 books, hosted the Emmy-nominated TV series Travels to the Edge, an
50,000 reasons why I do this - Moments of Mood, 1.9
Photography isn't just about capturing moments; it's about capturing mindsets, struggles, and victories. As we celebrate reaching 50,000 subscribers, I reflect on why I started this podcast in the first place, and what I hope to bring you in the future. We are just beginning, and hope that you can continue to join me for what's to come!Your feedback is my guide though, as we explore
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