"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 fuel
• The 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 results
• The tension between sharing sacred places and protecting them
• The biggest misconceptions about success and validation in photography
• How Simon balances art, business, and staying true to his creative process
• Lessons from the forest: on slowing down, staying curious, and seeing without prejudice
• Why prints matter more than Instagram likes—and how to know if a photo is truly good
• Building community with the 617 Club and why connection matters
  
  

Find Simon's work on his channels:
Website: www.baxter.photos
Instagram: @baxter.photos
You 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_ay

Learn with me
https://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemy

My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter

Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay