"My photographs don't grow up dreaming of being pixels."

What does it mean to make timeless work in a digital world obsessed with speed, algorithms, and saturation? 

In this episode, we explore the philosophy and craft behind one of the most respected names in interior and architectural photography.

Stephen Karlisch is a master of interior photography whose refined eye has helped shape the way we experience some of the world’s most beautifully designed spaces. With work featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda, and beyond, Stephen has spent the past two decades translating architectural form into imagery that feels sculptural, soulful, and enduring. Beyond his photography, he’s also an educator and community builder, helping the next generation of photographers grow through craft, connection, and clarity.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The differences between architectural, real estate, and interior photography
• Why stylists are often the unsung heroes of publishable imagery
• The evolution of the interior photography industry from pre-internet to AI
• What it takes to consistently get published in major design magazines
• Building emotional mood through light, space, and timing
• How to work collaboratively with designers and stylists on set
• Why Stephen prioritizes timelessness over trends in his editing style
• The value of printing your work—and why most photographers skip it
• His definition of creative success after 25 years in the business

Find Stephen's work on his platforms:

Website: www.stephenkarlisch.com
Instagram: @stephen_karlisch_photo

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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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Learn with me
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That familiar question we all dread - "So, what do you do?" - is more than small talk. It's a sorting mechanism that triggers our instinct to perform rather than connect. We scramble to sound impressive, to land in the 'interesting' pile, polishing our titles and subtly flexing our achievements. But this performance comes at a cost: the more we perform, the more we forget our authentic voice.

Childhood creativity gives way to adult performance so gradually we barely notice it happening. One day you're drawing in your sketch book; the next you're color-coding spreadsheets and wondering when you last created something not measured by metrics. Creativity gets replaced by correctness, expression by efficiency, and authenticity by applause-seeking. Yet this creativity - this ability to make, imagine, and see possibilities - isn't just for artists. It's a birthright we all possess, not something we achieve, but something we remember.

What if the secret to finding your voice isn't adding more credentials, techniques, or polish? What if it's about stripping away the performance, the masks, the need to impress? When we create from truth instead of performance, something profound shifts. People respond differently - not because we're technically perfect, but because we're genuinely present. In a world drowning in information but starving for imagination, creativity isn't indulgent - it's revolutionary. Because when people reconnect with their creative voice, they don't just make better work, they live more honest lives. They challenge broken systems, speak truth when silence is expected, and imagine possibilities beyond current paradigms. Your creativity isn't lost; it's just buried under expectations and fear. Stop asking what others want to hear and start asking what you actually want to say. The world doesn't need more performance. It needs more of you.

Happy Shooting.

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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.

YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay

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

My Newsletter
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Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
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"I was one of those kids who really struggled at school... creativity was my saviour."

Jake Paul White is a British painter whose earthy, soulful work explores the space between the natural world and the emotional self. Using handmade pigments, natural materials, and a deep inner process, his paintings feel more like memories than objects. In this conversation, Jake opens up about his winding path from design and yoga to full-time artist—reflecting on purpose, perfectionism, healing, and the tension between artistic purity and playing the game of success.

Whether you’re a creative trying to find your voice or someone yearning for deeper meaning in your work, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to slow down and reconnect with what’s real.

What we covered:

• How school systems disconnect us from creativity (and how to unlearn that)
• The emotional truth behind working with natural pigments
• The obsession with originality—and why “unique” doesn’t have to be forced
• Creating from intuition vs. creating for success
• The sacred role of boredom, slowness, and space in making art
• How to hold purity and professionalism in one hand
• The difference between making art that’s true and art that performs
• Why voice isn’t found—it’s remembered

Find Jake's work on his platforms:

Website: www.jakepaulwhite.com
Instagram: @jake_paul_white

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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.

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:
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Welcome back to another episode of Moments of Mood, and this week I break down how I would actually learn photography if I were starting over today. Not from theory — from experience. I reflect on my own path, critique the broken systems of education, and offer a mindset-first, meaning-driven approach to building your photography from the ground up.

You won’t find a checklist of gear. You’ll find an invitation to slow down, tune in, and start making images that reflect something honest.

***Want to watch the 6-hour FREE photography course video that follows this episode? Yes, that's right, I have given away the first 6 hours of my photography course FREE for you to watch on YouTube!***

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/PZ-ePEf26vA

Some things I touch upon:

• Why traditional education fails most creatives
• How to build your artistic identity, not just technical skill
• The importance of books, long-form learning, and mentorship
• What to ignore (gear hype, comparison, validation traps)
• What to lean into (honesty, curiosity, community)

If this resonates, I guide photographers through this process every day. Not with a blueprint, a practice. Not a course, a path. If you want to find more, click on the link below under 'Learn With Me' to find out more about my highly tailored and individualized mentorship program.

__________________________________________________________

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

"If you're not waking up excited about your path, it might be time to ask different questions."

Ryan Moresby-White explores how unresolved childhood wounds shape our creative expression and why healing our nervous system unlocks artistic freedom. His powerful insights reveal why many creatives unconsciously create from a place of protection rather than truth. Whether you’re an artist, a photographer, or someone stuck between your potential and your pain — this episode will speak to the parts of you that long for change.

What we discussed:

• The hidden childhood wounds blocking creative expression
• Why nervous system regulation is essential for doing meaningful work
• The cost of avoiding vulnerability — and how to face it
• Reframing masculinity, purpose, and emotional strength for artists today

Find Ryan's work on his platforms:

Instagram: @ryanmoresbywhite
LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/ryan-moresby-white

__________________________________________________________

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

In this special episode of Moments of Mood, I’m sharing my keynote speech from the Global Possibilities Summit, where I spoke on a topic close to my heart: How to Find Your Voice as an Artist. 

This is the story of how cancer, depression, and a camera led me to rediscover myself — and how intentionality, presence, and rebellion can turn your art into something truly meaningful. 

Whether you’re a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or simply someone searching for purpose, this story will resonate with you. 

Let me know your thoughts, and how you might be reclaiming your authentic story, and voice! 

Thank you for listening.

____________________________

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:
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"Sometimes the photo is the excuse - the real gift is the connection."

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Mitchell  Kanashkevich  is a travel and documentary photographer best known for his emotive portraits, vibrant visual storytelling, and deeply immersive work documenting disappearing cultures and sacred traditions. With a career spanning two decades, his images have been featured in top international publications and exhibitions — but it’s his humble, human-first approach to image-making that truly sets him apart. In this conversation, we explore not just where he goes, but how he sees, and why he photographs in the first place.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The trip that changed everything 
• What shaped his early career
• Why naïveté can be an asset when photographing people
• His evolution from hobbyist to full-time photographer 
• Navigating commercial needs vs. personal passion 
• What it means to give back ethically 
• How to build trust and connection 
• The role of storytelling, aesthetic depth, and emotional resonance in strong portfolios
• Why originality is a myth

Find Mitchell's work on his platforms:

Website: www.mitchellk-photos.com
Education: www.photographic-process.com
Instagram: @mitchellkphotos
Substack: www.mitchellkphotos.substack.com

________________________________________________________

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:
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This is the story of how I walked away from a life that looked perfect on paper to create something that actually felt like mine. It’s not a highlight reel or a 5-step formula — it’s the real journey of becoming a full-time creative from scratch.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who the world expects you to be…If you’ve ever picked up a camera hoping to express something real…If you’re trying to find your voice in a sea of noise…

This episode is for you.

What I share:

• The quiet breakdown behind a “dream” career in aviation
• How a cancer diagnosis in my 20s changed everything
• The real reason I started photography (and why it didn’t work at first)
• The trip that shifted everything
• Building a creative life from scratch — without a plan
• Why photography is about presence, not perfection
• The moment I stopped performing and started creating

Whether you’re a hobbyist who’s feeling stuck or a pro still searching for your voice — this isn’t just about photography or any specific artform. It’s about choosing to live a life that feels like yours.

__________________________________________________

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

"If you don't find your voice, you're probably not contributing to the evolution of humanity in the way you want."

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Jaymin Patel is a global speaker, spiritual mentor, and high-performance coach who blends energetic mastery with deep mindset work. He’s spoken at Harvard, Stanford, and TEDx, and coached hundreds of creative entrepreneurs to overcome fear, find their authentic voice, and live fully expressed lives. In this episode, Jaymin and I unpack what it really means to live, create, and lead with purpose.

What we discussed:

• Why creativity is a spiritual journey
• How to find your voice when you feel like no one’s listening
• The cost of inaction—and how to overcome it
• Rewiring fear and imposter syndrome
• Why your “level 5” can inspire someone at level 1
• How networking changes everything when done with presence
• The 4 stages of real connection (Jaymin’s Relationship Hierarchy)
• Why your emotions are the real bottleneck
• Practical steps to shift your identity and start creating from truth

Find Jaymin's work on his platforms:

Website: https://jayminspeaks.com
Instagram: @iamjayminjpatel

__________________________________________

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

“The most powerful images you’ll ever create won’t come from pressing the shutter. They’ll come from learning how to see — clearly, intentionally, and fully.”
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In this episode of Moments of Mood, I share the story of a photography workshop (back in the day) that quietly reshaped everything for me — not just as a photographer, but as an artist and human. What started as a curious endeavour turned into a complete shift in how I see light, connect with people, and approach the creative process.

In this episode, I cover:

• The exact moment I learned how to shape light with feeling, not just exposure
• Why I stopped picking up the camera before earning trust
• The silent power of presence — and how it transforms your photos
• The truth about creative ego and photographing with respect
• 5 practical tips to become more intentional with your craft
• Why slowing down has made my work feel more alive

You can also watch this video on my YouTube channel here.

Happy Shooting,

______________________

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