Welcome back to Photography Matters. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a surprising truth: one of the best ways to grow as a photographer… is to teach. You don’t need to be an expert—just a little further down the path than someone else. I’ll share stories, lessons, and a few metaphors that helped me realize how teaching can sharpen your skills, clarify your thinking, and deepen your creative voice. Let’s get into it.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

74 pages, published 2/3/2020

The post EP 147 – If You Want To Be A Better Photographer, Be A Teacher appeared first on Photography Matters.

In a city that never sleeps, Saul Leiter found stillness. While mid-century New York pulsed with noise and energy, Leiter captured its quieter truths—moments slipping between raindrops, reflections in fogged windows, lovers in soft morning light. His photographs weren’t loud declarations, but whispered stories full of color, intimacy, and grace.

In this episode, we explore the life and lens of Saul Leiter—his commercial success, his deeply personal work, and his unique philosophy that turned everyday scenes into poetic imagery. Join us as we uncover how this humble painter-turned-photographer left an indelible mark on the world of visual storytelling, simply by choosing to see differently.

Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

84 pages, published 3/3/2020

The post EP 146 – Saul Leiter: The Quiet Poet of Photography appeared first on Photography Matters.

In the heart of Manhattan’s flower district during the late 1950s and early 60s, a crumbling loft at 821 Sixth Avenue became an unlikely sanctuary for some of the greatest jazz musicians in history. Behind its battered doors, photographer W. Eugene Smith created an extraordinary archive of sound and image — a hidden world where art was raw, real, and unfiltered.

In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into The Jazz Loft Project — exploring Smith’s relentless passion, the nightly jam sessions with legends like Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus, and the profound impact this secretive chapter had on his life and career.

Join us as we open the door to a lost New York, where creativity lived free, and where one man sacrificed everything to capture its fleeting magic. Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

74 pages, published 2/3/2020

The post EP 145 – The Jazz Loft Project – W. Eugene Smith’s Secret World appeared first on Photography Matters.

Alright, today, we’re setting down the technical manuals, stepping away from the shiny new gadgets, and journeying into something far more important. We’re diving deep into the soul of photography — into that quiet place where passion is born and meaning takes root. Because when all is said and done… it’s not what you photograph that leaves a mark on this world… it’s why you do it. So settle in. Take a deep breath. And let’s talk about creating images that come from the heart — images that live, breathe, and carry a piece of you within them. Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

48 pages, published 5/11/2022

The post EP 144 – It’s Not What You Photograph… But Why appeared first on Photography Matters.

Man, if you’ve been a photographer for more than a minute, you know that being a good photographer is so much more than things that pertain to your gear or even your knowledge of exposure and other photography stuff. You will always come up against challenges. The higher ability you have in solving problems, the better photography you will be. You guys know this stuff. Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

74 pages, published 2/3/2020

The post EP 143 – Photographer = Problem Solver appeared first on Photography Matters.

In tonights episode I come back and visit one of my common talking points… Passion. Art is not technical. Art is about creating a feeling. Passion. I also share a bit more info about the AI tools I talked about in the last episode.

Enjoy

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

48 pages, published 5/11/2022

The post EP 142 – Rules? …meh Passion? Yes! appeared first on Photography Matters.

Man, I have had a blast this week working with AI, especially in image creation. For those of you who know me, know I haven’t been very supportive of AI up this point, so it might be a little surprising to hear my thoughts on it now.

Don’t worry, I’m still the old-school cat. That’s what’s in my heart. But, I did just want to share with you, my current thoughts on AI, particularly for image creation.

Enjoy

Here are some of the images I’ve created over the past few days. Fun stuff. This is definitely a creative tool that can definitely have it’s place in your bag.

Click on the thumbnails to see the full image.

The post EP 141 – The AI Conversation appeared first on Photography Matters.

I want to talk about something that is so important, but many photographers haven’t even thought of. Photography is alive. Enjoy

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

74 pages, published 2/3/2020

The post EP 140 – Photography Is Alive appeared first on Photography Matters.

Meditation… man, meditation is one of the things that contributes the most when it comes to just living and navigating life. Do you guys meditate? If not, think about it. It really can make a difference in everything you do. In this episode I’ll talk a little about how, the way that I shoot, I equate photography with meditation. Let me know what you think.

Enjoy

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

84 pages, published 3/3/2020

The post Episode 139 – Photography = Meditation appeared first on Photography Matters.

Inspiration… man, that is the blood that runs through every part of my life. Recently I’ve connecting with different creative people on Facebook; creatives who’s artwork is incredibly fresh to me. Very inspiring. I’ll share my thoughts.

Enjoy

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

48 pages, published 5/11/2022

The post Episode 138 – What Inspires You… Besides Photography appeared first on Photography Matters.