Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the power of an authentic story, one that reverberates through your very core and changes your perspective? My latest episode features the passionate documentary filmmaker Jakub Chlouba, who takes us on an intimate voyage behind his lens, revealing how his personal curiosity about the world informs the impactful narratives he captures. As we traverse the landscape of storytelling, Jakub unpacks the delicate equilibrium between pursuing one's artistic passions and the practicality of making a living, providing a nuanced look at the life of a creator straddling these two worlds.

Navigating the influence of social media on the arts, we dissect whether platforms like YouTube and Instagram serve as liberators or jailers of creativity. Jakub offers a candid critique of the push and pull between crafting content for algorithms and remaining true to artistic vision, igniting a discussion on the importance of intentionality in an era where visibility often trumps authenticity. Through this exploration, we confront the yearning for creators with unique voices to rise above the digital noise and claim their space in the crowded realm of visual storytelling.

Finally, we contemplate the profound essence of living with purpose. Jakub shares insights into his personal evolution and how defining one's intentions can shape not only the work we do but also the legacy we leave behind. In pondering the future of filmmaking and society at large, we engage with the hopeful possibility of global consciousness shifts, anticipating a time when leadership and community values align, nurturing a more harmonious coexistence with our planet. Join us for this soul-stirring conversation that might just spark a rethink of your own purpose and the mark you wish to imprint on the world.

Jakub's platforms:
Instagram: @jakub.chlouba
Website: www.jakubchlouba.com
YouTube:   @JakubChlouba
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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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Step into the shadowy dance of chemicals and light with Prague-born Stephan Kotas, as he unveils the transformative art of Wet Plate (Collodion) Photography amidst Indonesia's tropical landscape. Stephan draws us into his world, where the pursuit of travel photography morphed into a dedication to a craft that is as enchanting as it is exacting. His transition from the immediacy of digital to the deliberation of Wet Plate is not just a tale of artistic evolution but a homage to a medium that insists on intentionality with each frame.

Within the studio walls of our latest episode, we break down the process and intricacies of the entire Wet Plate process and its photographic cultural preservation, the rich tapestry of Indonesian heritage as its background. His large-format silver plates are not mere images; they are timeless narratives etched in silver, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the authenticity of momentary capture. Stephan's commitment to eco-consciousness ties the past to the present, crafting a dialogue on how traditional methods can influence our digital dominion.

As we close this chapter, we extend our deepest appreciation to Stephan for sharing his passion and expertise. His venture into the rare art form of Wet Plate Photography challenges us to ponder the essence of time and the permanence of the images we hold dear. With a heart full of inspiration, I eagerly anticipate a personal glimpse into Stephan's studio, where the alchemy of wet plate photography comes alive, capturing history through the lens of the present.

Find Stephan's work on his platforms below:

Website: www.stephankotas.com
Instagram: @stephankotas_studio / @stephankotas
In Bali Stephan's work can be seen at Nyaman Gallery in Seminyak: www.nyamangallery.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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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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Demas Rusli is a photographer and designer whose architectural roots have deeply influenced his eye-catching approach to urban and aerial photography. From the hustle of cityscapes to the serene expanse of the skies, Demas details his seamless transition from architecture to content creation, and the role his education has played in shaping his distinctive visual narratives.

I sat down to chat with him about his journey, and lessons that he has learned along the way. We dissect his strategies that led to a massive following on TikTok and Instagram, and the confidence that magnetized global brands like Adidas to his doorstep, all without sending a single pitch email. We delve into the philosophical debates surrounding photo editing and confront the purists who question its legitimacy. Demas offers his perspective on the infusion of AI into photography, and we also unravel the practicalities of a photographer's life, managing freelance gigs, and navigating the burgeoning world of NFTs. Listeners will gain an inside look at the life of a Lightroom Ambassador and the avenues for monetizing one's passion in today's digital landscape.

Photography is an art that constantly evolves, and Demas is at the forefront, challenging the status quo. But, his life as a creative is not without its trials. We candidly discuss how Demas and contemporaries maneuver through the minefield of negative feedback and gatekeeping within online communities. Find out how engaging in sports acts as a catalyst for Demas's creative thinking, offering a necessary respite to rejuvenate his artistic spirit. His journey is a blueprint for maintaining authenticity in one's work, the impact of genuine engagement on social media, and the pursuit of success on one's own terms.

Demas is an extremely humble and pleasant man to talk with, and I truly appreciate his sincerity and authenticity he brings to the conversation. Please follow his work at the below links....

Instagram: @demas
Website: https://www.demasrusli.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.

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From the unforgiving streets of near homelessness to the lush landscapes of Bali, Laura BC's saga is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of photography. Her lens is a gateway to a story of grit, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that both novice and seasoned photographers can draw wisdom from. Join me on another MOOD Podcast episode as Laura uncovers the turbulent beginnings of her creative journey, the strategic prowess behind her flourishing photography business, and her bold leap into the world of YouTube, where she bares her soul to help others navigate the choppy waters of a creative career.

Our conversation took many turns, from her time on the the streets of London and into the personal studios of musicians, to hearing how she honed her craft, network, audience and business skills to get her to where she is today - a flourishing, self-made and selective artist.

Whether you're an aspiring photographer or simply seeking inspiration to follow your passion, this episode is a rich canvas painted with the colors of hope, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of happiness. Furthermore, I strongly recommend you stay updated with her endeavours on the following platforms: 

Website: https://laurabc.com
Instagram: @laurabccom
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraBC
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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's crossroads can be perplexing, especially when pitted against the allure of quick success, burnout and creative blocks, versus lasting impact. 

A disclaimer right from the start; this isn’t a photography-specific conversation. But I do hope it is inspiring and educational - it’s certainly a discussion that I think can be applied to almost every human on the planet, whether you’re a creative or not.

Mikele Kuhar is a men's clarity coach and business mentor, and I have worked one-on-one with him for a while.  During this conversation, we embark on a profound exploration as we unravel the threads of personal growth and resilience in the face of burnout and other challenges we all face in the work and personal life arenas. We talked about a few 'turning points' that reshaped Mikele's understanding of purpose and success beyond the glare of financial metrics, as well as the intricate dance of managing expectations, balancing career ambitions with personal life, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the curated reality of social media. 

We also traverse Mikele's own transformative journey from an aspiring entrepreneur to a beacon of guidance for men navigating the often stormy seas of life and work. We discuss how his coaching venture, 'The Broject,' evolved from a men's accessories line into a vital platform for authentic conversations about self-care, community support, and the quest for happiness.

Finally, we strip away the layers of societal norms to examine the deeper aspects of emotional wellbeing. From the power of language in shaping our emotional experiences to the art of mindful photography, we touch upon various facets of living a life aligned with one's true desires. Whether you find yourself in the hustle of city life or the serene backdrop of Bali, this episode is an invitation to redefine success.

For this episode, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas - that you so much for listening and supporting The MOOD Podcast. It is such a privilege to make these episodes and if even a small piece of them resonate just with 1% of your soul, I am the luckiest man alive.

For all of you out there who might be having a tough Christmas, a lonely time, or just a difficult few days and weeks, I want to say I send you my heartfelt wishes - I’ve had my own share of difficult festive periods and my heart goes out to you. I sincerely hope this episode might bring you some comfort in those difficult times.

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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Pandhu Waskitha, aka 'Backpacker Tampan', is an Indonesian travel photographer with a heart for storytelling, and he shared with me his remarkable evolution from a backpacker sharing tales on 'ASKfm' to a social media sensation. He doesn't like to just snap photos—he weaves vibrant narratives that celebrate the spirit of adventure and the soul of places far and wide. My conversation with him peeled back the layers of Pandhu's artistry, revealing his battle for creative authenticity in an ever-changing digital landscape that's often more about the viral hit than the story behind it.

Navigating the tides of social media, he talked about the seismic shift from still images to the dizzying world of Instagram reels and TikTok's bite-sized content. Even as the ground shifts beneath our feet, he tries to stand firm, marrying his vision with the demands of new platforms without sacrificing the integrity of his work. Together, we uncover the delicate balance between embracing market trends and staying true to the craft, and how Pandhu's keen eye has captured more than just images, but the ethos of the communities and cultures he's encountered.

The episode culminates with a peek into Pandhu's philanthropic dreams and a touching reflection on travel's profound impact on personal growth. His stories are a mosaic of humanity, from the market vendor in Bali whose hope was kindled during tough times to the ambitious goal of building a school on Sumba Island. It's not just a conversation about photography; it's about the power to 'give back', the transformative lessons learned from each project, and a gratitude for the ability to inspire and be inspired.  Join me for this thought-provoking episode that's as much about capturing the perfect shot as it is about cherishing the journey itself.

If you want to see more of Pandhu's work please visit his profiles below:
Instagram: @backpackertampan, YouTube: @BackpackerTampan,
TikTok: @backpackertampan
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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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I'm excited to release this special episode celebrating the launch of my new brand 'Yoreh'. Together with my business partner, and this episode's guest, Fin Matson, we introduce the new label and invite you to join our discussion on the art of intention and embracing imperfection in art generally. With yoreh, you'll discover the intriguing connection between art, specialty coffee, jewellery and community, all under our roof of the innovative 'House of Yoreh'. 

We of course did talk a lot about photography and Fin's journey throughout 2023 since we last spoke earlier in the year. He sheds light on his experience in the monochromatic realm and how it impacts his work. We also discussed the stress of balancing personal and commercial projects and the challenges of capturing the perfect shot under difficult lighting conditions, and working with friends on professional shoots. We've got first-hand experiences to share!

We wrapped up with a critical look at the current photography styles and standards in the digital age. We discuss some thought-provoking insights on the influence of social media and AI on the industry as well as Fin's recent transition from photography to entrepreneurship. Discover his experiences and learnings as he shares his journey of establishing our own jewellery brand, Yoreh.

Check out the links and description below for Yoreh and a discount code for your first purchase(s) with the label.

Enjoy!

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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Could you imagine turning a business failure into an unexpected career in photography? That's the incredible story of our guest, Anest Putra, a Jakarta-based portrait photographer whose journey into the realm of photography started as a way to settle a troubled business investment. Anest isn’t just passionate about the art of photography but also values deeply the human connection it brings, often spending significant time with his subjects, understanding them before capturing their essence.

Navigating the professional sphere of photography in Jakarta, Anest's strategy for booking studio sessions, balancing a robust social media presence while honing his craft, and the pressure to constantly churn out quality content makes for a fascinating exploration into the life of a professional photographer in Indonesia. We discuss the fine line between being an artist and photographer, the struggle of balancing art and commercial work, and the importance of delegation in achieving business success. In the latter part of this episode, we also dive into the concept of success, happiness, and inspiration.

Thank you to Anest for digging deep and braving the world of English-speaking podcasts, it was a pleasure to have him on.

Find his digital platforms with the links below:
Instagram: @bejanawaktu
Website: https://campsite.bio/bejanawaktu
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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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This episode explores Alex Strohl's captivating narrative of entering the photography world, his subsequent filmmaking transition, and his passion for capturing nature's raw beauty and the nuances of human interactions. He drills into the importance of leveraging your strengths and adopting the path of least resistance to carve out a successful career, thereby offering a novel lens through which to view the world, a lens that melds scenic landscapes and global travel experiences.

We further explore the influence of social media on society, particularly its impact on budding photographers and teenagers. We have an interesting discussion on the pros and cons of social media and the necessity to strike a healthy balance between virtual and real-world interactions. We address the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome and the societal pressure to present an immaculate image on social media platforms. We also talk about the fascinating realm of travel photography and the promotion of off-season travel, spanning the planning and execution of a travel project and the significance of networking in the industry to have such freedoms when on a job.

This was an inspiring conversation with one of the best out there, covering insightful advice to beginners on utilizing social media to expand their photography business, underlining ambition and relentless hard work's indispensable role.

Thanks greatly to Alex for his participation and patience during the recording, his time is extremely appreciated, and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

You can find Alex and his work on his platforms below:
Website: https://www.alexstrohl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexstrohl
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexstrohl

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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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