In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I talked with a huge inspiration of mine, Jimmy Nelson. Jimmy is a British photographer renowned for his work capturing indigenous cultures around the world. Much of his work aims to document and preserve the unique traditions, rituals, and appearances of various indigenous tribes through striking and evocative portrait photography. His work has been celebrated for its artistry and his photographs are characterised by their meticulous composition, vivid colors, and deep engagement with the subjects' cultural contexts. All on a large format film camera.

So when we spoke it was fascinating to hear how his purpose, photographic voice and inner process has emanated and evolved over the years from deep childhood trauma. Imagine escaping a traumatic childhood only to find solace and redemption in the heart of remote, untouched landscapes.

We have the privilege of listening to Jimmy open up about everything - an important listening exercise for us to empathise and understand what makes a photographer an artist. Jimmy reveals the therapeutic power of creativity in fostering human connection and self-worth, emphasizing the importance of laughter, warmth, and inclusivity in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• How the therapeutic power of creativity fosters human connection and self-worth.
• What nature teaches us about enriching personal relationships.
• How indigenous communities provide wisdom on living harmoniously with the environment.
• What photography - and analog photography - reveals about capturing the raw essence of humanity.
• How to balance artistic integrity with commercial pressures through dedication and creative freedom.

Find Jimmy's incredible work here: https://www.jimmynelson.com/
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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.

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