Ed Sykes has lived many chapters through photography — from the chaos of war zones and the rush of front-page news to the polished world of fashion editorials.

Yet, recognition and success didn’t bring the fulfillment he was searching for.

In this conversation, Ed explains how he moved away from chasing approval and found a practice rooted in landscapes, climate, and experimental processes.

Today, his work goes beyond capturing images.

He scorches film with blowtorches, dissolves prints in water, and even uses seaweed in the darkroom, allowing the natural world to shape the art itself.

This episode is about reinvention, resilience, and creating work that feels truly authentic.

If you’re struggling to find your voice as an artist, this one’s for you.


Follow Ed Sykes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsykes/
Website: https://www.edsykes.co.uk/

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(00:00) Introduction
(02:20) Finding Your “Voice” As A Photographer
(10:41) Why Ed Chose Journalistic Photography
(17:22) The Business Side of Photography
(20:07) The Importance of Discipline
(22:59) Life at ‘The Independent’
(25:55) Ed’s Journey as a Global Photojournalist
(33:28) Ed’s Pursuit of Finding Purpose
(39:04) Transitioning to Fashion and Editorials
(46:41) Why Ed Chose to Leave Fashion
(51:04) Exploring Environmental Consciousness
(53:41) Finding Stability as a Photographer
(59:07) How to Earn a Living as a Photographer
(01:08:07) Ed’s ‘Voice’ as a Photographer
(01:12:19) Ed Sykes’ Most Exciting Projects
(01:14:40) The Creatives Dilemma
(01:25:46) The Next Era of  Photography

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

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Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
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I’m answering your questions about photography, creativity, and what keeps me motivated in this AMA. 

We dive into the real stuff. What inspires me, the struggles I’ve faced, and how I’ve grown as both a photographer and a person. 

No filters, just honest thoughts and insights. 
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(00:00) Intro
(01:42) Favorite genres of music or video games?
(03:46) Favorite Tiramisu Recipe?
(04:47) How do you stay connected to your purpose when no one's watching?
(09:57) How did you first get into photography?
(11:46) How did you first take interest in art?
(13:27) Do you believe artists are born or made?
(16:34) What inspires you?
(20:40) What are your travel plans?
(22:45) What does success mean to you these days?
(26:36) What's one belief you've outgrown that shaped you creatively?
(30:36) Are you rich?
(35:02) What do you think about humanity? 
(37:57) How’s your adventure going?
(41:38) Do you ever get into an editing slump?

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

She’s built a photography business that spans decades, continents, and platforms — but behind the portfolio is a deeper story.

In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I sit down in person with Vanessa Joy — award-winning wedding photographer, educator, speaker, and creative entrepreneur — for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build a career that blends art, business, mentorship, and meaning.

We unpack how her relationship with control, creativity, and leadership has evolved — from the early days of flash photography and client chaos to building an ecosystem of retreats, masterminds, and passive income that supports both her family and her students. We talk about the emotional weight of capturing life’s most fragile moments, the quiet value of print in a digital world, and why she’s leaning harder into legacy than ever before.

This is a conversation for the creatives who want to last — not just go viral. For the artists learning to sell without selling out. For the ones building something that still feels like them.

Watch, reflect, and share it with someone building something that matters.


Follow Vanessa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/vanessajoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoy/
Website: https://vanessajoy.com/

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(00:00) Intro
(01:59) Recent Photography Retreats
(04:53) The Role of Photography in Vanessa's Life
(06:21) Managing Client Expectations as a Photographer
(09:52) Photo Insiders vs. Mastermind: What’s the Difference?  
(12:18) How a $20K Coaching Investment Changed Her Business  
(13:24) How Podcast Interviews Boosted Vanessa’s Brand  
(17:42) Overcoming Burnout by Restructuring the Business  
(19:28) What Success Looks Like After 20+ Years in Business  
(22:16) Staying Visible in the Age of Social Media  
(23:10) How to Be Authentic Online 
(25:15) The Power of AI and the Authenticity Crisis  
(32:47) The Pressure of Photographing Timeless Moments  
(35:29) Staying Relevant as a Photographer in The Digital Age
(41:13) Vanessa Approach to Storytelling  
(43:17) Why Artists Need to Choose Passion Over Profit  
(46:48) Why YouTube and Content Still Matter in 2025  
(50:32) Why Vanessa Shares Everything…
(53:48) How to Build a Brand as a Creative

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 building something and wondering how to do it without losing yourself, or if you're a creative caught between vision and survival, this one is for you.

Joining me today on The MOOD Podcast is Shane Vitaly, the rebellious designer and founder behind Clocks and Colours, Vitaly, and Etah Love. His jewelry brands have built a cult following by rejecting the polished and embracing the raw.

We go back to where it all started—a few dollars left on a student credit line, a solo trip to Bali, and a handful of handmade rings. Shane shares how that moment turned into a creative empire, and why success often comes at the cost of your nervous system.

This conversation digs into what most people never see. 

The anxiety of being a CEO. 
The risk of turning passion into a product. 
The struggle to stay authentic when the business starts demanding more than you can give. 

Shane opens up about stepping away from the top seat, reclaiming his creative voice, and why every great brand starts with a clear archetype.

Follow Shane
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanevitaly/
Website: https://www.clocksandcolours.com/

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(00:00) Intro
(02:58) How Shane Got Into Jewelery Design
(05:52) Shane’s Biggest Inspirations
(09:07) Was Formal Education Worth It?
(14:10) Pivoting to Entrepreneurship
(20:14) The Reality of Scaling a Business
(24:44) Shane’s Most Valuable Learning Lessons
(29:18) The Real Impact of AI
(33:47) Managing The Creative Side of Business
(42:36) Finding Purpose in Chaos
(46:48) Balancing Creativity and Business
(51:47) Exploring The Creative Dilemma
(56:33) Shane’s Vision for The Future
(59:49) The Mistakes I Won’t Repeat…
(01:04:51) Dealing with Anxiety

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

"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.

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

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
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter

Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

"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:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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.

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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:
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

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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:
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:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay