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, England, Simon is celebrated for his meditative, deeply personal approach to nature photography and his YouTube channel, where he shares honest insights on solitude, creativity, and the quiet rhythms of the forest. In addition to all of this he is also the author of his photographic book 'Gathering Time'.What we discussed:How a "secret ingredient" of emotional connection transformed Simon's photography Simon's journey from website developer to woodland photographer The emotional weight of solitude—and why it’s his creative fuelThe profound healing effect and therapeutic benefits of forest environments Why focusing on the creative process rather than just the final photograph brings greater fulfillment and better resultsThe tension between sharing sacred places and protecting themThe biggest misconceptions about success and validation in photographyHow Simon balances art, business, and staying true to his creative processLessons from the forest: on slowing down, staying curious, and seeing without prejudiceWhy prints matter more than Instagram likes—and how to know if a photo is truly goodBuilding community with the 617 Club and why connection mattersFind Simon's work on his channels:Website: www.baxter.photosInstagram: @baxter.photosYou Tube: @SimonBaxterPhotography_____________________________________________Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
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1:11:39
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, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
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9:02
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 career—and why just starting is often the most important step.What we discussed in this episode:The transition from live TV and theatre into visual storytellingHow travel fuels creativity and self-awarenessBuilding a brand that attracts the right kind of work for youWhy consistency on social media beats viralityDealing with burnout and staying grounded Balancing personal expression with commercial workHow to emotionally move people with photography and filmThe rising role of AI in the creative space—and how to stay humanAdvice for aspiring creators: gear, growth, and getting out thereFind Cam's work on his channels:Website: www.camstables.comInstagram: @cam_snapsYou Tube: @cam_snaps_______________________________________________Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
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58:48
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 and photos that mean something, and whether that's even importantA life-changing moment with a young girl in UgandaWhy the context around the frame matters as much as the frame itselfHow to shoot with deeper intention and connectionA powerful challenge to rekindle your photographic voiceTake the challenge:In the next 48 hours, take one photo that matters to you — and reflect on why. That’s how we shift from taking pictures to creating something that truly lasts.Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
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8:15
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 transformation—both creatively and personally—since his first appearance. Cam opens up about how trauma, community, and a return to simplicity reshaped his photography. What follows is an honest, raw, and inspiring conversation about using your lens to document change—both in the world and in yourself.In this episode, we discuss:How personal hardship can reconnect you with your creative rootsWhy returning to shooting “just for fun” can reignite your passionThe impact of over-tourism and construction on local culture The power of community and storytelling in healing and rediscoveryFinding your unique voice by following what interests you outside of photographyWhy it’s okay to step away from social media—and how to grow without itLetting go of perfection: why raw moments trump curated shotsThe importance of staying true to your art and ignoring the noiseFind Cam's work on his IG channel:Instagram: @camvaughne__________________________________________________Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
In The MOOD Podcast, Matt Jacob, renowned cultural portrait photographer, dives deep into the world of photography and the visual arts, with guests from all around the creative industry, across all parts of the globe, sharing inspiring stories and experiences that will leave you wanting more. With years of experience and a passion for storytelling, Matt has become a master of capturing lesser-told human stories through his photography, and teams up with other special artists from around the world to showcase insights, experiences and opinions within the diverse and sometimes controversial photography world. You can watch these podcasts on his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay.You can also follow Matt's work on his Instagram @mattyj_ay and his website: https://mattjacobphotography.com.
USA