"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

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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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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.

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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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"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 storytelling
• How travel fuels creativity and self-awareness
• Building a brand that attracts the right kind of work for you
• Why consistency on social media beats virality
• Dealing with burnout and staying grounded 
• Balancing personal expression with commercial work
• How to emotionally move people with photography and film
• The rising role of AI in the creative space—and how to stay human
• Advice for aspiring creators: gear, growth, and getting out there

Find Cam's work on his channels:
Website: www.camstables.com
Instagram: @cam_snaps
You Tube: @cam_snaps

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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.

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“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 important
• A life-changing moment with a young girl in Uganda
• Why the context around the frame matters as much as the frame itself
• How to shoot with deeper intention and connection
• A powerful challenge to rekindle your photographic voice

Take 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.

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“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 roots
• Why returning to shooting “just for fun” can reignite your passion
• The impact of over-tourism and construction on local culture 
• The power of community and storytelling in healing and rediscovery
• Finding your unique voice by following what interests you outside of photography
• Why it’s okay to step away from social media—and how to grow without it
• Letting go of perfection: why raw moments trump curated shots
• The importance of staying true to your art and ignoring the noise

Find Cam's work on his IG channel:
Instagram: @camvaughne

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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.

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Is photography education today more about selling than actually teaching? 

Are we losing the art of problem-solving in the pursuit of easy answers?

Joe Edelman, an award-winning photographer, educator, and mentor, has spent over six decades shaping the industry. From his early days as a newspaper photojournalist to pioneering creative fashion and portrait photography, Joe’s passion lies in helping photographers master not just the technical, but the artistic and emotional depths of photography.

What we discussed:

• The biggest lie in photography education today
• Why photographers should focus on the why before the how
• How social media has fueled a “banger mentality” that kills creativity
• The real difference between amateur and professional photographers
• Why AI and technology won’t replace great photographers—but bad ones
• The truth about photography rules (and why most should be ignored)
• How to develop a photography career in today’s saturated market
• Why “Don’t be afraid to suck” is the best advice for any photographer
• The role of mentorship and why great photographers don’t always make great teachers
• What Joe would do if he were starting his career today

Find Joe's work on his channels:
Website: www.joeedelman.com
Instagram: @joeedelman
You Tube: @theJoeEdelman

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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.

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Richard Corman has spent over four decades photographing some of the most iconic figures in history, from Madonna and Nelson Mandela to Philip Seymour Hoffman and Muhammad Ali. Trained under the legendary Richard Avedon, his portraits are known for their raw emotion, authenticity, and storytelling depth. In this episode, we learn about Richard's extraordinary journey, exploring how he connects with his subjects and captures moments that stand the test of time.

What we discussed:

• The importance of curiosity and human connection in portrait photography.
• Richard’s early career and how photography ‘found’ him.
• Lessons from apprenticing with Richard Avedon.
• The evolution of photography from analog to digital and its impact on creativity
• Behind-the-scenes stories of photographing Madonna, Basquiat, Muhammad Ali, and more.
• The difference between ‘good’ and ‘great’ photography.
• The experience of capturing Nelson Mandela in his prison cell.
• Transitioning from commerical photography to the fine art world. 
• Why mentorship and apprenticeship are crucial in today’s photography industry.
• Advice for aspiring photographers on developing a unique style and career longevity.
• His ongoing documentary project on transgender individuals in the military. 

Find Richard Cormon's work on his channels:
Website: www.richardcorman.com
Instagram: @richardcorman

_____________________________________________________

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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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"Life leaves marks etched within us" - how do we turn those marks into purpose? 

Indi Casa is a filmmaker and photographer whose work bridges the gap between visual storytelling and commercial videography. His upcoming documentary, Indyquay, is an unfiltered exploration of his personal journey—retracing his past, seeking his roots, and capturing the raw essence of human connection. Through stunning cinematography and immersive storytelling, Indy documents his search for family, identity, and meaning.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Indi's transition from commercial filmmaking to a documentary storytelling.
• Challenges in documentary filming. 
• Navigating the ethical responsibilities of filmmaking.
• The challenges of telling deeply personal stories in extreme environments.
• Insights into editing and structure of a documentary 
• How to approach storytelling in commercial work versus documentaries.
• Thoughts on the importance of sharing one’s story.

Find Indi Casa's work on his channels:
Website: www.indi-casa.com
Instagram: @indi_casa
You Tube: @indicasa9502

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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.

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When you witness war up close, do you still believe in humanity?

Natalie Keyssar is a Brooklyn-based documentary photographer whose work delves into the personal impact of political turmoil, conflict, and migration.

With a background in painting and illustration, her perspective has led her to cover some of the most pressing global issues, from Venezuela to Ukraine. Her award-winning photography has been published in The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, and TIME.  The conversation focuses on the ethical responsibilities of photographers, the nuances of storytelling, and the balance between aesthetics and ethics. 

In this conversation:

• Examination of empathy as a core principle in photography.
•  Importance of ethical responsibilities in photojournalism.
• Why photojournalists aren't neutral observers and the importance of accountability.
• How mainstream media and capitalism shape what stories get told.
• Insight into her unique approach to capturing human experiences. 
• The balance between aesthetics and ethics in storytelling.
• Her latest project with the UFC and the intersection of sport, politics, and masculinity.
• The transition from photography to filmmaking.

Find Natalie Keyssar's work on her channels:
Website: www.nataliekeyssar.com
Instagram: @nataliekeyssar
____________________________________________________

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.

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What does it take to capture the most important images of the biggest day of peoples lives?

Gigi de Manio is an acclaimed wedding photographer renowned for her ability to capture raw, emotional, and timeless moments. With a background in psychology, she brings a deep understanding of human connection to her work, ensuring every image tells a meaningful story. The discussion highlights the emotional complexities of wedding photography, the significance of pre-production, and the empowering nature of community support among creatives. Over her 25-year career, Gigi has established herself in the luxury wedding market, working with high-profile clients and event planners worldwide. She is also the author of Silver: Moments into Memories, a retrospective of her career in wedding photography.

What we discussed:

• The journey from psychology to photography. 
• Emphasis on emotional connection with subjects. 
• Importance of pre-production and understanding clients. 
• Challenges in the age of social media. 
• Community support and networking among photographers. 
• Continuous learning and evolving as an artist. 
• Future aspirations and desire for meaningful storytelling.

Find Gigi de Manio's work on her channels:
Website: www.demaniophotography.com
Instagram: @gigidemanio
__________________________________________________

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.

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