When it comes to photography, vision is everything. Cameras, lenses, editing tools — those are important, but they’re not what makes a photograph unforgettable. What truly matters is how a photographer sees the world. Vision and photography are inseparable, because your unique way of seeing is what gives your images meaning, depth, and power.

In this episode of Photography Matters, we explore why your personal vision is your greatest strength as a photographer. Vision is your creative fingerprint. It’s what makes your work stand apart from countless other photos online. Without vision, an image is just another picture. With vision, it becomes a voice.

We’ll look at the way legendary photographers built entire careers on their vision:

What ties these masters together is that they didn’t follow trends. They didn’t copy what everyone else was doing. Instead, they trusted their own vision — and that’s why their photography still resonates today.

If you’ve ever wondered how to discover and develop your own vision, this episode also shares practical ways to find it. From paying attention to what truly moves you, to embracing creative limitations, to shooting consistently, you’ll hear how vision is something that grows and strengthens over time.

As Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” And what you make comes directly from your unique way of seeing.

Vision and photography go hand in hand. If you’ve ever felt pressure to shoot what’s popular or chase quick likes on social media, this episode is a reminder that the most powerful thing you can bring to your photography is yourself.

Tune in to Photography Matters and discover why your vision is your superpower — and why following it is the key to creating work that lasts.

Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

48 pages, published 5/11/2022

The post Vision and Photography appeared first on Photography Matters.

Photography inspiration from nature – Have you ever stood outside on a summer evening and listened closely to the night? The birds, frogs, crickets, and insects all chime in, creating a living soundscape—a natural symphony that rises and falls with breathtaking rhythm. None of these creatures studied music theory. They never sat through a lesson in harmony or composition. And yet, the beauty they create is undeniable.

In this episode of Photography Matters, I explore what photographers can learn from this instinctive music of nature. Just like the chorus of the night, our most meaningful photographs don’t always come from rules, formulas, or technical perfection. They come from instinct, presence, and honesty.

We’ll talk about the importance of silence and negative space, how to move past overthinking, and why the images that resonate most deeply often emerge when we simply let go and create. Whether you’re struggling with creative block or just looking for fresh photography inspiration, this episode will encourage you to trust your vision and listen to your own rhythm.

Tune in and discover how the music of nature can help you photograph with more heart, more intuition, and more freedom. Photography inspiration from nature.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

48 pages, published 5/11/2022

The post The Symphony of the Night: What Nature Can Teach Us About Photography appeared first on Photography Matters.

You’ve seen it, I’ve seen it — “AI is taking over photography.” Scroll your feed for five minutes and you’ll probably see an AI-generated “photo” that makes you stop and think, wow… no camera involved? And yeah, I get it — that can feel a little unsettling.

In this episode of Photography Matters, we’re getting real about AI and photography — what it means for our industry, where it’s actually replacing certain kinds of work, and why I think that’s not the whole story.

We’ll talk about the reality first: there are certain commercial spaces where AI is already taking a bite. Stock photos? Some product shots? Even a few fashion campaigns? Yep, AI is doing that now. And that’s important for us to understand — not to panic, but to see where the changes are happening so we can adjust our game.

But here’s the other side of the coin — AI can also be a huge asset for photographers. I’m talking about marketing your work, brainstorming creative ideas, pre-visualizing concepts for clients, even cutting down on all the boring admin work. The kind of stuff that keeps you from doing what you actually love: making images. Used right, AI can help you get your photography out into the world faster, more often, and with more impact.

And then… we get to the part I’m most excited about. The stuff that AI will never replace. Your vision. Your eye. Your ability to connect with people, to be in the moment, to tell stories that you’ve lived and experienced. The feel of being on a shoot, the trust you build with a subject, the way your personality and taste show up in every frame — there’s no code for that.

So yeah, AI and photography is a conversation we need to have. Not from a place of fear, but from a place of clarity. This isn’t about trying to out-robot the robots. It’s about doubling down on the parts of your work that are purely human.

Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s talk about what’s changing, what’s not, and how to keep making the kind of photography that really matters.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

84 pages, published 3/3/2020

The post AI and Photography: What Photographers Need to Hear appeared first on Photography Matters.

Let’s be honest — even the most passionate photographers hit a wall sometimes.
You stop picking up your camera. You scroll past your own work with indifference. You start wondering, “Do I even love this anymore?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This week’s episode is a deep, honest conversation about photography burnout — and how to find your way back to the joy.

In this episode of the Photography Matters Podcast, I’m talking about what happens when the passion fades — and how to navigate the journey of photography burnout recovery.

We’ll explore why it happens (spoiler: it’s more common than you think), how to recognize the signs, and more importantly, how to gently reignite your creative flame. This isn’t about hustling harder or pushing through with more pressure. It’s about reconnecting with the reasons you fell in love with photography in the first place.

You’ll hear personal stories, reflections, and some small, practical ways to begin again — one frame at a time.

If you’re feeling uninspired, unmotivated, or just plain tired, this episode is for you. And if you’re riding high on creativity right now? Bookmark this one — we all face these moments eventually, and knowing how to move through them with grace is part of growing as an artist.

So whether you’re holding a camera or just thinking about picking it back up… join me. Let’s talk about passion, purpose, and what it means to keep creating, even when it’s hard.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or right here on the site.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

48 pages, published 5/11/2022

The post When the Passion Fades: Reigniting Your Love for Photography appeared first on Photography Matters.

The Soul of the Subject… What does it really mean to capture the soul of a subject?

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we’re diving into something that goes beyond gear, lighting, or technique. It’s something that speaks to the heart of every passionate photographer—The Soul of the Subject.

Whether you’re shooting portraits, places, objects, or even coastal landscapes at sunset—there’s always an opportunity to go deeper. This episode explores how to create photographs that feel alive. We’re talking about images that do more than just look good—they tell stories, reveal character, and resonate emotionally with the viewer.

Pretty pictures are fine. But soul? That’s something else entirely.

In The Soul of the Subject, I share stories from some of my most personal and creative photo sessions—collaborations with other artists like Geneva, Yuliya, and Jonny, and even sessions with legends like Jon Washington of the British pop band The Fortunes. These were moments where conversation, trust, and connection helped transform each shoot into something truly special.

I also talk about how you can apply this same soulful approach when photographing inanimate objects. Old cars, quiet rooms, forgotten places—they all carry a presence. A story. A feeling. You just have to slow down, quiet your mind, and tune in.

We’ll cover three powerful ways to bring more soul into your work:

Whether you’re a seasoned portrait photographer or someone just starting to explore the deeper emotional side of photography, this episode will inspire you to look—and feel—more intentionally.

Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

74 pages, published 2/3/2020

The post The Soul of the Subject appeared first on Photography Matters.

Shoot With Confidence: Why It Matters More Than Your Gear – When it comes to photography, there’s no shortage of conversations about gear—cameras, lenses, editing software, and the latest must-have accessories. But here’s the truth: none of it matters if you don’t have confidence behind the camera. In this episode of Photography Matters, we explore what it really means to shoot with confidence—and why it’s far more powerful than the gear in your bag.

Confidence is often the missing ingredient in a photographer’s journey. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been shooting for years, moments of doubt can creep in. “Am I good enough?” “Is this shot worth sharing?” “What will people think?” These questions can quietly hold you back—not just from pressing the shutter, but from fully expressing your creative voice.

In this 30-minute episode, I talk about how confidence impacts everything—from how you see the world to how you interact with the people you photograph. I’ll share some personal stories from my own journey as a photographer, and we’ll dig into the difference between confidence and cockiness, why trusting your eye is critical, and how even the most seasoned creatives struggle with imposter syndrome.

We’ll also cover practical tips on how to build your confidence as a photographer, including small, intentional habits you can start today. Because the truth is, confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you develop, frame by frame, shoot by shoot.

If you’ve ever hesitated before taking a photo, second-guessed your composition, or avoided sharing your work because it didn’t feel “good enough,” this episode is for you. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence. And learning to trust yourself more than your gear.

So grab your favorite camera, a cup of coffee, and tune in. This might just be the encouragement you’ve been needing to shoot with confidence.

Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

84 pages, published 3/3/2020

The post Shoot With Confidence: Why It Matters More Than Your Gear appeared first on Photography Matters.

The Wisdom Behind the Lens: 5 Quotes That Redefine Photography – In this episode, we dive deep into five powerful quotes from some of the most iconic photographers in history—Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Robert Capa, and Alfred Eisenstaedt.

These aren’t just clever soundbites; they’re guiding philosophies that have shaped how generations of photographers see, think, and create. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone who just loves to pick up a camera, this episode will challenge you to look beyond the technical side of photography and embrace its emotional, human, and artistic core.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to make a photograph or how to connect more deeply with your subjects, this one’s for you. Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

74 pages, published 2/3/2020

The post The Wisdom Behind the Lens: 5 Quotes That Redefine Photography appeared first on Photography Matters.

Vision • Passion • Inspration – As photographers, we often find ourselves searching. Searching for better light, better gear, better opportunities. But sometimes, the most powerful things we’re searching for are internal — our vision, our passion, and the inspiration to keep going. That’s what today’s episode is all about.

This podcast — Vision • Passion • Inspiration — is an honest conversation about why your work matters. It’s for the creatives who are trying to find their voice. It’s for those who feel stuck. It’s for anyone who’s ever wondered if their photography really makes a difference.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve spent a lot of time alone — both in life and in my work. But it’s in that solitude that I’ve often found my clearest creative direction. On the coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, with my camera in hand, I’ve felt more connected than I ever have in a crowd. These moments of stillness have shown me that Photography isn’t just a craft — it’s a partner. A living, breathing force that speaks to us if we’re willing to listen.

In this episode, I also share a personal story about a mentor named Jim Garrott — an older cat from Vegas who helped me get started in photography. One day, after I showed him some model work I was proud of, he told me something I’ll never forget:
“You clearly know how to photograph skin. But can you photograph with heart?”
That one question changed the way I create. It reminded me that real photography is about more than composition and lighting — it’s about soul.

So whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been at this for decades, this episode is your reminder that your vision, your passion, and your inspiration are what truly make your work worth sharing.

Listen in — and let’s explore what it means to create work that comes from the heart.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

48 pages, published 5/11/2022

The post Vision • Passion • Inspration appeared first on Photography Matters.

Gordon Parks: The Renaissance Behind the Lens – If you’ve ever wondered what it means to rise above your circumstances, to carve beauty from hardship, or to tell truth with nothing but a camera in your hands… then today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss. We’re about to spend some time with the story of a man named Gordon Parks — a name that belongs not just to a man, but to a movement.

Gordon Parks was more than a photographer. He was a poet, a filmmaker, a novelist, and a composer. A true Renaissance man in every sense of the word. Born in 1912 in Fort Scott, Kansas, he was the youngest of 15 children — born dead, in fact, and brought back to life by a country doctor. Life didn’t make things easy for him, but Gordon Parks never asked for easy. He asked for meaning.

This episode takes you through the life and legacy of Gordon Parks, the man whose lens captured both elegance and injustice. From playing piano in brothels to photographing Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, Parks walked through many worlds — and he made each one his own. His work for LIFE Magazine changed the face of American photojournalism, and his direction of Shaft in 1971 broke new ground in Hollywood.

But Gordon Parks wasn’t interested in fame for its own sake. He used every tool at his disposal — the pen, the piano, the camera, and the moving image — to speak truth, to honor beauty, and to connect with people on the deepest level. He showed us that photography is more than a technical skill. It’s a form of listening.

So settle in. You’re about to hear the remarkable story of Gordon Parks — how he made art out of adversity, how he saw the world, and how the world saw itself through him.

Because once you see life through the eyes of Gordon Parks, you don’t just see different…
You see deeper.

Enjoy.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

84 pages, published 3/3/2020

The post Gordon Parks: The Renaissance Behind the Lens appeared first on Photography Matters.

Is Black & White photography still relevant? That question has echoed through my mind more than once. And I know I’m not alone. In this week’s podcast episode, we take a slow, thoughtful walk through that very question — one that touches every artist’s soul at some point in their journey.

As a photographer deeply rooted in feel — in mood, in soul, in the quiet stories shadows can tell — I found myself looking at my black and white film images and wondering… do these still matter in a world of algorithms and perfection?

This episode isn’t just about answers. It’s about reflection. It’s about stripping away the noise and asking yourself what your work is really saying — and who it’s saying it to.

Because photography, when done with intention, has the power to pause time. And when your images come from a place of truth, they’re never out of date. They’re eternal.

We talk about embracing imperfection, telling deeper stories, and finding new ways to share our vision — not for likes, but for connection. And most importantly, we explore why black and white photography — soulful, imperfect, and deeply human — is not only still relevant in 2025… it may just be more important than ever.

So if you’ve ever looked at your work and quietly asked, “Is my photography relevant?” — this episode is for you.

By Ted Vieira in Film Photography Projects

74 pages, published 2/3/2020

The post Is Black & White Photography Still Relevant? appeared first on Photography Matters.